Trespassed (Trespassed Against Me Series - Book 1)

Acknowledgements

God, you are Amazing, Magnificent, Marvelous, Wonderful, the Great I Am, Almighty One! You have humbled me with this project. This is your story, the one you downloaded in my heart. I pray it brings you glory, and that you are pleased that I pressed to cross the finish line. Completion!

To my husband, the man God used to cover and deliver me, I honor you. I love being the cream to your coffee; we’re good together. It is a blessing to have my true love leading and by my side. You have never wavered in supporting me on my journey. I love the music we flow to. I am TruU because of you.

Tony Visor Jr., God handpicked you to help me with this project. You. Bless. Me. Everyday. Thank you for being what I needed to get the job done. Iron sharpens iron. Can’t wait to see what God does with all of that good stuff all up inside you! LOL.

I am so thankful to have a dad like, Henry Lamar Brown, who’s gone on to glory. Dad instilled what loving unconditionally looks like at a young age, may we continue in his legacy. I miss you so much. To my mother, by the grace of God, you had a ‘knowing’ for my life and executed it well by blocking. I didn’t like it at the time, but um, it worked out. LOL. Whether it’s the latest book or purchasing a ticket to my plays, you and Daddy insisted on paying—supporting your daughter’s projects. You both are forever the best—heaven—selected for my life.

There’s nobody in the world like my sisters Regina and Cheryl, (diet buddies, praise team, fasting, keep it real, 24-7 sisters etc.)! LOL. We have a harmony in seasons where most would drift apart. It was an honor to serve Daddy by being his nurses on the night shift, with the two of you. And you allowing me to write during the quiet times on our shift. I’m glad we know how to clap for one another. Thank you for being you and teaching me how to say no with no apology. It’s past time.

To my prayer partner, Roshena who uttered the names Nadine and Zane to me after a prayer session. Wow. This has been some ride. I knew nothing about these people when God interrupted Tory’s story! But God…thank you for hearing. You are my sister from another mother. Thank you for building TruU with me.

This shout out goes out to my friend, Mary Granger, the first beta reader for this story. Thank you for allowing me to see the reader’s reaction in living color. LOL. I appreciate your time and help. And selecting, Trespassed, for your new book club read!

I will never forget the words, ‘You’re a good writer’ spoken to me from Victoria Christopher Murray (who caused me to cry in her Saturday VCM Bootcamp) and ReShonda Tate Billingsley’s BGB publisher letter is forever framed!

To my sister scribes who are shaking up the industry with your powerful pens, keep moving in your flow. I have too many literary honorable mentions to name, and because of how seasons change, I’d forget someone. But the accountability from all of my Sister Scribes is a treasure.

To my editor and great author, Felicia Murrell! Thank you for not silencing the voices of the characters. And allowing me to be me, in God. I appreciate you fitting me onto your overflowing plate and the nuggets you’ve offered. A blessing, indeed.

I asked God who should create the book cover, and graphic designer Rebecca Pau was dropped before me. Thank you for allowing the vision to manifest. You did it!

I’m super excited to be teamed up with my publicist Cyrus Webb, Conversations Live Radio Host (and much more). Your consistency to operate in excellence is major. You’ve taken off! I pray God’s continued best for you.

My church family, NCC, you are so appreciated for your unfailing support of love. If I forgot to mention anyone, please charge it to my head and not my heart.

To you, the reader, God bless you for taking your money and time to buy, read and review this book. It is my prayer that you will enjoy and embrace the story as you digest the pages of Trespassed.

TruU Unapologetically,

Sonya

Chapter One

Two dollars and seventy-five cents.

The price to wash off the scent of Zane Willibe. Out of my clothes. And out of my life, for good.

Laundry soap and bleach trapped in the air hit my nostrils as I entered the new twenty-four-hour laundromat for the second time with my duffle bag. First time I entered, I had to play detective and scan the facility. At six o’clock in the morning, there was one woman leaning against the black dryer.

I couldn’t gamble on anyone from Zane’s family calling my name. His mother and sister would want to know why I wasn’t at the hospital sitting—drifting—gazing with them as we waited for the outcome of Zane’s procedure.

Zane. The man everyone swore was made for me.

To think my cup of Tide and Clorox bleach would rid me of him was psychological, but I had to grab the motivation while I had the muscle to get it. It had taken me a year to even contemplate an exit strategy. Now, I was in full motion.

I stuffed the triple load washer with my colored clothes and got the machine started like I was trying to beat a stopwatch buzzer. Maybe I should get to the hospital prior to the nurse wheeling Zane back. But I knew I had to execute the first part of my plan—wash and pack. I had empty suitcases in my trunk ready for my clean laundry.

The unease of guilt churning in the pit of my stomach caused me to check my phone again for the third time. There was a magnetic pull on me to get to the hospital. But, why would I go after what Zane did to me?

"Is that you, Nadine Parker?"

No. I held my breath like that would make me invisible. Who could be calling my name this early and in this neighborhood? The voice sounded familiar, but I couldn’t bring myself to turn around from the humming triple loader.

Homecoming Queen, 2010. Piercing laughter bellowed over the washing machines, there was no denying it. Being from Wisconsin, only a few people here in Atlanta knew my high school history.

My, my, my, I said, turning around to face —Jezzica Christine Willibe. Zane’s sister. Jezzica hated being named after her mother whose name was identical. Her mother went by Christine, but I called her mother, Ms. Bea, the shortened version of Willibe. Ms. Bea had a Z thing and somehow managed to put the letter Z into all her children’s legal names.

Girl, what are you doing at the local laundromat this early? Jezzica peered over my shoulder like she was trying to connect me to somebody. "And today of all days."

Unprepared, I felt myself shrink back in the presence of the woman who introduced me to her brother. She was so boisterous, and I didn’t thrive in loudness. It made me more likely to comply with their desire to make them simmer down.

Did you hear me? Why are you here?

I blinked. The same reason you are.

"No, I stopped by to drop off my dry cleaning. Jezzica gave me the side eye as she fisted a thumb toward the exit. And then I’m headed over to the hospital."

I knew what was coming, but I didn’t know what my public answer would be. Jezzica reminded me of her mother, sneaky like a boss. They both ruled without the person knowing they had been handled.

"Well, Homecoming Queen, are you going up there?"

You cut your business trip short, avoiding her gaze, I zoomed in on the washer whistling as it whisked my clothes around on the spin cycle. Before she got back on me again I asked, When did you get back into town?

Yes, I cut it short, Jezzica’s voice tapered off. I got in this morning. The items I packed needed to be freshened up.

Oh, okay. Oh. Okay. I wasn’t prepared for questions, that’s why I came to wash clothes early. But I had better get myself straightened out with retorts before I exposed myself.

"You’re still with Zane, right? You didn’t break up overnight, did you?" Jezzica drew closer.

Why do you ask?

You’re his woman and you’re over here washing clothes when he’s having a medical procedure, one would wonder. Especially when these people have a twenty-four-hour drop off service for your convenience. Jezzica woke my nerves with her scolding.

I didn’t think about it. There was no thinking. There was more to the plan than having two rolls of quarters, and I’d better figure it out—fast.

Uh, no, you didn’t think. Jezzica sucked her teeth. You have to get there and help him.

Help him with what?

Who was helping me while my legs dangled from the tree to jump? I needed help as well. But as the norm, I would comply. Feeling chastised as if I were eight instead of thirty-four-years-old, I put my head down. Why didn’t I drop this stuff off?

You can ride with me if you want, Jezzica suggested. I have a taxi waiting outside.

"I’m in the middle of doing my clothes. Besides, my car is here. I was glad to dodge the chokehold. I’ll be there. I have enough time."

It was time to level up with the fragmented details for moments like this. She stood there, giving me a blank stare. An expression was unfolding.

"Go on… I fanned her toward the door, don’t let me hold you up." Jezzica was an inch taller and a few pounds wider than my borderline petite frame, and she was not budging.

She was adamant. "We’re going to the same place, it’s ridiculous. I’ll ride with you."

If I didn’t go with her, I’d be summoned by her mother once she heard I was here. Jezzica studied me. I wasn’t a good liar. I redirected my eyes to miss her scan before her attorney instincts kicked in and raised a flagpole in my yard. It was imperative to keep the element of surprise or I’d be talked into staying with Zane.

Hold on… Jezzica marched out the sliding automatic doors, I guess to pay her taxi driver. I took a few deep breaths to stave off an anxiety attack. Too late. Like a bridge’s gate folding down, my throat closed in. It wouldn’t be long before beads of perspiration danced on my forehead. Breathe, Nadine. Breathe.

After shooing her driver away, Jezzica sashayed over to the clerk sitting on the stool behind the window. "Excuse me. Are you able to service machine #66 for us to pick up later today? She turned to me. Grab your things, she’s making you a ticket."

The clerk proceeded to punch in an order ticket, and for the ten thousandth time, someone else orchestrated my life while I stood there astonished at myself for permitting it to happen. I screamed an inward no. I wished I had someone to smack me in the back, forcing me to cough up the no lodged in the corner of my voice box. Because I couldn’t get it out on my own.

It was the devil working to entrap me, the yellow ticket I received for triple loader sixty-six should have another number six added behind it. I mumbled, Thank you, uncertain if she heard me over the noise of the machines cycling through behind her.

You know my brother doesn’t care if anybody is there but you.

So, why are you here? I wanted to ask.

She rattled on, I’m glad I ran into you. It must have been the Lord leading me or you would have missed seeing Zane rolled out before the happy night-night juice hit his veins. The entire family will be there.

Why would the entire family come for an upper GI endoscopy and CT scan?

And. All eyes on me. For a man who was never mine. Just thinking about seeing Zane made me entertain purchasing a portable oxygen tank. I don’t know how I functioned for a decade, smothered—without being lovers.

That alone should have sent me racing away from him instead of trying to find my place in his arms. For years, we operated on couple autopilot mode in public, playing the part.

I left home as a senior in high school, ignoring the pleas of my family. Don’t go. You’re making a mistake. He’s not the one.

My mother would have gotten down on both knees if she thought it would have made me stay home until it was time for college.

But I chose him. I gulped down shame. Home. The one place Zane wouldn’t come hunting for me. My family agitated him. He was only able to swallow them in small doses. Why didn’t I think of going home before?

Let’s go. Jezzica smiled. The energy behind her words made me hasten my pace. The car ride would be a battle of earsplitting conversation and music on high to drown her out. It wasn’t cake and ice cream to be around his sister, or his mother either, but I did what was expected of me.

I hoped the knock-out drugs had already been administered. If not, it would require an Oscar worthy performance to be on point and not sound the alarm. Knowing Zane, he’d reach for my hand with endearment, and it would take a miracle for me not to snatch it away. He’d soon know, my acting days were retired.

The spell of ‘what could be’ held me close to him. The reality of what would never be was the final curtain call. It was time for me to tell Zane Willibe it’s over.

Chapter Two

Trailing behind Jezzica, I watched her barge into the hospital waiting room like she wore an I’m here badge to announce her arrival. The family gathered around to smooch on her before she could utter one word.

I took advantage of the distraction and ducked into the ladies’ room. Alone. After the car ride, I needed a few minutes before I entered Zane’s room. History would repeat itself. The second my tippy-toes crossed the threshold of his room, my life could change.

Breathe in, Breathe out. I crept toward the door wishing I could take the nearest empty seat, but there would be no wishing upon the star for me. Zane was a celebrity to his family. They were proud of his success. Because of his save the world attitude when it came to helping others, he had a record turnout. The room was filled.

The family had huddled around Zane’s bed. What kind of procedure was this? It had to be more than I understood it to be. I often skipped out mentally into my fantasy, what-if world during Zane’s endless discussions. Maybe he told me and I missed it.

The chitter-chatter halted as I was detected. Their eyes scaled me. Why did they have to do that everytime? What were they gawking for? It felt like I was being scrutinized. They stared so hard, I wanted to glance at myself when I knew everything was fine.

Hello, everyone. I was in my role, chipper. Some people reached in for a hug as if we were best friends. Others waved at me.

Zane said my approval rating was high because I was kind to his family, I’m sure I was. All my life, I’d been told I was too nice. And I admit, being nice had cost me. I enrolled myself into the take-advantage-of-me club.

The people around the bed parted the circle to make room for me, their eyes still locked on me. When people stared too long, I found myself shrinking back. Like Jezzica eyeing my latest handbag, so I slid it from my shoulder into my hand. Why did I do this?

I did whatever it took to deflect the Is that new? or any other side comments that would draw attention to myself. Shiny things were only a big deal to the people who went out of their way to mention them to me. New shoes and new purses didn’t make me feel better. If that were the case, I would be leaping for joy. But none of it filled the void in my heart.

Zane, you’ll be alright now, one of the older cousins chuckled, your better half is here.

Zane didn’t respond.

His family didn’t get it. What they missed behind the polish of the latest fashion and a lightly made up face was the misery pouring from my heart. But how could they see me when they couldn’t see Zane struggling?

There was more to behold with the eye than a label, but his mother approved. I’d know by her crinkled nose if she didn’t.

Hello, Ms. Bea. I was shocked she approved of the name I called her with her no nickname rule for her children.

Come on in. Zane’s mother extended her hand. I hesitated but gave in to the gesture and locked hands with her when I saw worry etched in her face.

Did she know more about Zane’s health? I was told it was an outpatient procedure, but she wouldn’t be worried about something simple. It had to be more going on, especially with his family showing up like this. Or maybe, her worry was about his affair. Had he told her?

I’ll wait, but Ms. Bea is going to tell me what’s going on.

No, Zane wouldn’t undo the privacy laws he wrote for his life. One was not allowed to ask him anything outside of the weather unless he invited one to do so. He didn’t have to say don’t ask me about life, it was his way.

To keep my approval rating, I made sure I acknowledged everyone in the room. But I avoided the one who beckoned me with his eyes. I could feel his yearning oozing from them. He needed my eye contact to convey a message and try to spin the facts in his favor. It’s how he worked, but I couldn’t risk it.

Let’s switch places. Ms. Bea shuffled us, repositioning me to be closest to Zane.

What else could I do as the bullseye? It felt as if a chokehold had been snapped on me like an owner leashing their puppy. Still looking past him, I cracked a tiny smile for show. Ms. Bea stood next to me and put my hand in his. Led to engage. This woman is something special—relentless.

She wouldn’t believe me if I told her I was unlocking the cage their words imprisoned me with. The constant campaign of how good I was for Zane. How we complimented one another and how we were such an attractive couple, so good together. And of course, how we should get married. It all sounded right, but it was all wrong. Zane and I had tried. Why didn’t his family see that?

Even lying down in a hospital bed, the man’s aura tranquilized me. It couldn’t be seen, only detected. It was a part of his spell.

It’s the only explanation for why I spent sixteen years immobilized under his presence while watching the world thrive.

Guess where I found your love? Jezzica grinned at Zane.

Don’t tell him. Please. Don’t do that.

Jezzica didn’t glance my way, This woman was at the laundromat. Can you believe it?

Zane’s response was slow. Oh… she was, huh?

His eyes must have shifted, I no longer felt the laser beam on me. It was my turn to tune into him. He lowered his head, probably no longer wanting eye contact. He knew. I won the round, thanks to the twenty-two-second video of him and his lover in his bed as I stood there horrified, unable to move.

He used to tell me my past suspicions were all in my mind. This time, there would be no way he could rewrite the script to spin a web of deceit. I. Saw. Them. Their tryst playing out on sheets I washed and folded for him last week.

Did he really think his lies would work? I felt like a foolish little girl tangled up in her own jump rope. The lies had worked before, but the scene nudged me awake from the deep sleep of delusion I had sunken into.

Okay, Mr. Willibe, it’s time. The nurse rattled off a few last-minute details. I should have listened to know how long I’d have to hang around, but I didn’t.

You go on now, Zane’s mother said, "The family will be right here when you come out."

Now why did she have to look at me?

I was ready to go. I redirected my eyes to not agree with her, but Zane squeezed my hand tight until I stopped. I knew as soon as our eyes locked something would be transmitted to cause me to break my inner resolve. I owed him… at least that’s what I was told. But I resisted the guilt swelling in my heart. Even though I felt burdened to repay the debt for my rescue years ago, the total on his invoice of what he owed me was tallying fast. The video I witnessed not only turned the table, it flipped it over with somersaults.

Ms. Bea’s eyes bounced back and forth between me and Zane as the room cleared. He wants to tell you something. I didn’t move, I hadn’t seen Zane do anything. His mom maneuvered me so I could bend down to hear her son’s empty words.

I put my ear to his lips, but I already knew what was coming.

"I’ll change… Please, don’t leave me. God—"

I jerked away. Nope, he would not push my button. He was talking like some of those preachers on the Christian television networks, and I was not going to listen to him throw God into this to get his way. He didn’t talk about God any other time.

Tears escaped before I could swipe them with clenched fists. I wanted to rant out loud, I’m gone. Nadine Out. This façade is over. It is no longer deal-or-no-deal. Time’s up.

But I didn’t want to complicate the procedure he was about to undergo with added stress, so I did my norm and choked the life out of my own words.

We’ll talk, I whispered. When I’m miles