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frown clouded Tree’s face. “Such as?” he asked, not liking the formal tone in Malik’s voice.
    Malik pushed his hands into his trouser pockets and bowed his head. “I had some arrangements to make.”
    Slowly, Tree stood behind his desk. “I guess you heard from your doctor?”
    Malik nodded. “It’s confirmed.”
    Silence fell over the room for several minutes. Tree bowed his head and massaged the bridge of his nose, before closing the distance between him and Malik. The two friends hugged tightly, sharing a quiet moment.
    â€œLook, I need you to do something for me.” Malik said as he stepped away.
    â€œSpill it,” Tree urged.
    Malik sighed and ran one hand through his dreads. “I’ll tell Zaki about the cancer, but I can’t die in front of her. I can’t let her see me that way.” He paused and took a deep breath. “I’ve decided to admit myself to a cancer treatment center out of the state. I’ve already booked myself there and taken care of my financial needs, as well.”
    The look on Trekel’s face was murderous. “Man, are you out of your mind? I can’t believe you came up with something this stupid!”
    Malik winced, but his mind remained unchanged. “I know this whole thing sounds cold, but I refuse to let my wife see me crumble before her eyes. That’d kill me faster than this cancer.”
    â€œSo you’re just gonna go away to die and not let her be with you at all?” Tree asked, still not believing Malik could go through with the coolly developed, intricate plan.
    â€œI just can’t stay here, man.”
    â€œYou can’t stay or you won’t? What about Zakira? You’re not even thinkin’ about her!”
    â€œThat’s all I been doing!” Malik snapped, spreading his hands as he glared at Tree. “It would kill her to see me waste away like that.”
    Tree shook his head. “I think you’re worried about how it’ll affect your pride.”
    A humorless smirk crossed Malik’s mouth. “I understand how you feel, but I made my decision. You can back me up or I can find somebody who will.”
    Tree sent Malik a sour look before shaking his head. Then he shrugged to give his consent.

Chapter 4
    A fter leaving Tree’s office, Zakira went home and changed into a comfortable fleece jogging suit. Then she left for the restaurant, figuring some time in the kitchen would do her good.
    â€œSo what’s on your menu?” Brian Deangles, one of the chefs, asked, watching Zakira gather mixing bowls and spatulas.
    â€œWell, I was thinking about a recipe for linguine, with a different type of sauce. To spice it up.”
    â€œWhat have you got in mind?”
    Zakira glanced over her shoulder pretending to be secretive. “You’ve had mushroom gravy?” she asked, watching Brian nod. “Well, this is a sauce, a much creamier texture, but the taste has a very spicy flavor.”
    â€œStop,” he ordered, raising his hand. “I just had dinner and you’re making me hungry all over again.”
    She laughed. “Well, I’ll make sure to call you when it’s ready.”
    â€œYou better,” Brian warned, leaving her to her work.
    Shaking her head, Zakira began to prepare her sauce.

    It was already growing dark outside when Malik returned to his office. The vicious frown etched on his handsome face put Chanel on edge the minute she saw him.
    â€œGet Zakira on the phone,” Malik ordered before his secretary could say anything.
    Chanel stood and followed Malik into his office where he was shrugging out of his heavy jacket. “Zakira’s already here.”
    â€œWhere?”
    Chanel pointed behind her. “Down in the kitchen. She—”
    Malik didn’t wait to hear anything more. He was already headed downstairs.
    â€œAll right guys, don’t try being nice to me. I want your honest