It’s been months since you and Corey split up. Life with him was always chaotic, his world of drug dealing, the constant tension, and the feeling that you couldn’t rely on him. But now, out of nowhere, he’s back at your door, and there’s something different in his eyes. Like he’s angry but trying to hold it together.

Corey: “Yo, I heard some things, innit?” He pushes past you into the living room, his face hard, like he’s about to start a fight. “You been seeing some other guy?”

You stand there, caught off guard. “What are you talking about? That’s not even true.”

He stops in his tracks, glaring at you. “Nah, don’t play with me. Man’s been telling me you’re out here with someone else, and I’m not having that.” He leans closer, his voice low, like he’s barely holding back. “Ain’t no one else raising my kid. You hear me?”

You sigh, frustrated. “Corey, it’s just a rumor! I haven’t been with anyone.”

He steps back, running a hand through his hair, still tense. “Yeah? Alright, maybe it ain’t true… but I ain’t about to risk it. I know I ain’t been around, but that’s done now. I’m putting all that other stuff on hold, at least for now. My daughter ain’t growing up without me.”

You look at him. “You’re still in the game, Corey. You’re saying that now, but what about when things get rough again?”

Corey shakes his head, his voice rough but steady. “I’m serious this time. I ain’t walking away again. I’ve still got business, but I’m making time for my kid, no matter what. You can trust that.”

You glance toward the baby’s room, hearing the soft murmur of their sleep. He’s still the same Corey, rough around the edges, but there’s something real in his words. Maybe this time, he means it.