Ebony
I was lost breathing evenly to relax my mind and calm my nerves. I was panicked; we were going to have lunch with each other’s family and it annoyed me there was no sense of fear or anxiety on Konstantin’s face like he was sure his charm and charisma would never fail him.
“There’s no need to fret Miss Black, it’s just lunch.” Konstantin said as I glared at him.
“In my culture, meeting your partner’s parents is a major deal. Marriages don’t work if they are not pleased with your preferences.” I replied.
“So you’re a conservative? I can’t imagine what you’d do if you liked women.” Konstantin said as I glared at him.
“Different people react to different situations under different circumstances Mr. Azzaro.” I replied as he chuckled before he slowly decelerated the car.
“We’re here.” Konstantin said as I f
12“Ever since the divorce; Junior’s life has been a mess and we were always worried about him especially Katrina that she would leave important business to come visit and take care of him. I’m glad he met you because now we can say he is in safe hands. He may be strong, stubborn, cold with a lot of judgmental flaws, but he is far more sensitive and kinder than he likes to admit. Take care of his heart but guard yours as well while loving him.” Alphonso’s words sank deep in my mind as I sighed deeply. I honestly tried not to think about it but the way he locked at me and Konstantin the whole day explained he knew more than he let on.“Ebony? Are you okay?” Grace asked as I suddenly realized where and who I was with.“I’m sorry, just got occupied for a moment. You were saying?” I asked as Grace breathed out with a frown.“We were talking about what gown you liked better.&r
13 Konstantin A lot of things have bothered my mind but nothing bothered me more than the thought of Ebony. A highly unpredictable woman that didn’t fall under the normal category of women I associate with. The photo-shoot only proved to me how accurate I was. The kiss was least to be expected but nothing was more puzzling than the feeling when Ebony kissed me. I recognised that feeling, warm and gentle yet unsettling and problematic but I chose not to acknowledge it because it brought nothing but pain. “Konstantin Azzaro!” I jolted out of my thoughts at the voice of someone very familiar. I sighed when I saw him in a winter coat with boots and dark sunglasses on his head. He had a frown on his face as he marched up to me with a suitcase in his hand before he smiled. “Konstantin it’s been long.” Sergio said without an adulterated Russian accent like my mother.
EbonyI sat down in the restaurant waiting for a friend when my phone notification rang. I picked it up and saw a quick text from Grace.Don’t forget our date tomorrow.I smiled at how ridiculous she was. We were going to look at the venue with my mother for a pre-traditional marriage before the white wedding and my mom had already started inviting a few of the relatives back home.It was apparently my responsibility as the bride and eldest daughter to welcome them. It didn’t help that I was the only daughter.“Sorry I’m late, I had certain things to do for my father.” Gerald apologized as he sat tiredly across the table.It was strange we were talking. He called and requested that I set a date to see him and a part of me wanted to do so; to talk so I agreed and here we are. Lunch at one of my best fast food in town.“I took the stress of ordering. It’ll be here soon.
15 “We have gathered today brothers and sisters to witness the union between two lovely couples, Miss Ebony and Mr. Azzaro who have promised to love and support each other for as long as they live.” The priest said as Konstantin and I stared at each other and I shrugged. “Bless the lord and his covenant in honouring this union. Not to waste much of your time but with the power invested in me by the church and law; I now pronounce you man and wife… You may kiss the bride.” The priest said as I chuckled nervously for the expected. It's just a simple kiss Ebony… There’s no meaning into it. I stared into Konstantin’s eyes as I breathed softly before I chuckled nervously. Konstantin pulled up the veil and brought his face a little closer. “Close your eyes.” He whispered and I obeyed before I felt his lips against mine. It was light brush, gentle and respectful before he pulled away and the crowd cheered. We both faced the
KonstantinThe dinner party held between Lopaz Investors and their important business partners was where I first met her. She was beautiful, white pearly teeth that brightened with her dark skin, her confident brown eyes that held innocence yet sexualized it, brown braids that she tied into a large bun with two strands falling from her face. Her nose was pointed perfectly with beautiful red lips from the lipstick she had on and the scent that escaped her body was lavender.She was curvy, her shape exposed from the red dinner gown she had on and heels to support her height. She wasn’t incredibly tall, five foot ten impressive for a woman and the heels pushed her to a solid six. She smiled with a glass of wine in her hand as she sipped it slowly while her eyes focused on the CEO of the host.I watched how her smile changed from delight to fake satisfaction before her eyes slowly turned to where I stood and stopped. I said nothing and watched
EbonyI sighed as I stared at the last establishment that I had successful passed all the other tests leaving only the interview. It would be tough since I heard twenty seven people had passed and only three would be selected and who could blame the company for such policy.LK&A in Boston was the headquarter of the third highest paid company in America after Apples and just above Microsoft and the pay was high since it was difficult to qualify when they had other branches all over the world even a charity site.I have been unemployed for almost four months and my roommate urged me to quickly apply for a few jobs including the only company that I had never expected to certify for their simple examination.I’ve come so far and I wasn’t going to let anyone take my greatest accomplishment ever.“Miss Ebony On—”“Onyedika (Oh-e-yay-di-ka) but you can just call me Ebony.” I informed th
“I’m home.” I announced as I took off my shoes and put on my indoor flip-flops.“Welcome back Bony.” My roommate and best friend, Grace Johnson greeted and my nose quickly knew where she was as I headed to the kitchen.Grace was in only her pant and had a soft pink apron that wrote ‘Mama’ on it as she made lunch. I hugged Grace from behind and kissed her cheek before I leaned my head on her shoulder.“So how was the interview?” Grace asked as I sighed.“It went great; better than I expected just as you said.”“See I told you not to worry. They would be stupid not to worry you but…” She said as I raised a brow and she smiled. “You’ve got that look on your face when you want to tell me something but want me to ask you so I’m doing that.”“I saw him today.” I confessed.“Who? Gerald?” She
“You understand that once you sign this contract… There’s no going back Ebony.” Konstantin said as my breathing ragged and the pen in my hand quivered.This was my only escape; this was the only option to be free of my father’s shackles. This was the only way I could stay here until things changed.“I understand.” I replied before I signed the agreement papers.********************I won’t be home for dinner or at all. Cuddling with my man, kisses. I smiled weakly at the text message as I unlocked our apartment and stepped in.I sighed as I dropped everything on the couch before going to the kitchen, picking a glass of water and chugging it before I exhaled like I had tasted the fucking best liquor of my life.I walked to the living room and fell on the empty couch before I pulled out my phone to text my best friend.Gotcha. I’m already home and grab