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I glared at Susie, snatching my arm from her grasp, then pushing her so hard she bumped into Holland. “If you ever put your hands on me again, you will live to regret it!” Then with narrow slits in my eyes, I shook my head at Holland. “Pathetic!” I uttered, rolling my eyes and walking away.Holland stood there shocked, with a confused expression, stating. “Amanza?Susie shouts. “Are you going to let her get away with that?”“What do you want me to do? I can’t believe that was Amanza!” He stood there watching Amanza walk away. “Come on, let's go inside. Wait! Amanza!” He called out. “Holland! Why are you calling her? Wait for me!” Susie said, trying to keep up with his long strides.******Meanwhile, my plan to shock Holland is working out. But there is so much more shocking for you, Holland. Follow me inside. The woman who I was before marrying him, he has never met until tonight. I looked like a woman of wealth, but he’s about to learn my real identity as a power player in this city
The stage curtain opens, and the sign blinks and beams, “Diamonds Are Forever!" The glimmering and sparkling sign caught everyone's attention. Then, a strikingly handsome man walks out on stage, surprising the Halston family. “Oh, my lord! Is that Collin?” His father says in disbelief. He hadn’t seen his son in years since he resigned from the family business.“I thought he moved to Europe? What is that troublemaker doing back here?” His stepmother said, rolling her eyes.“Holland, is that your brother?” Susie asked curiously, her interest piqued. She batted her lashes with a hint of a smile. “Half brother?”“You Halston men have it going on, I see...” Susie says, swooning.Collin walked out on stage wearing a Charcoal grey and silver tailored Hugo Boss tuxedo. You could tell it was made specifically for his athletic build. It accentuated his broad shoulders and tight waistline, perfectly displaying his muscular tone and long legs. He looked devastatingly charismatic, charming, cool
The party resumed, and excitement filled the air after all those wonderful announcements about the number-one Jewelry business in the world. The guests continued to mingle and have a good time. “Honey, I will look for more jewelry with your mom and dad. Don’t worry. I wouldn’t dare buy another piece now that I know Amanza has something to do with the Wright family. I don't know how she swindled Mr. Wright to claim her as his daughter! But I guess it’s possible. She tricked you into marrying her.” “Susie, please. Aren’t you supposed to be going with my parents?” “Yes, do you want us to meet Mr. Wright?” “No, I’ll meet him later.”“Okay, I’ll be right back.”Holland's eyes were busy on the move. He scanned the crowd, watching and observing the flow of people entering the room through the French doors that led back into the main ballroom. His attention was drawn back to the French doors, to be more precise, to the woman walking into the room. She was beautiful from head to toe, and h
When Holland turned and saw me dancing with his half-brother Collin. No doubt I knew it would make his blood boil over! But as I scanned the balcony, it was like he disappeared. I didn't see him any longer. I snickered and continued to enjoy my night with Collin. I knew our interactions with one another would make Holland question what kind of relationship I have with Collin. Indeed, now that he has seen how close we were to one another. Holland is so angry that he has snatched Susie up and left the Gala furious. “Boy, she’s going to have a miserable night.” That thought made me snicker joyfully.“What has you so tickled pink? I hope it’s my company.” Collin says curiously, smiling at me.“Collin, you have been wonderful tonight. I mean that from the bottom of my heart.”We continue to swirl around on the balcony, dancing and laughing with one another.Even when I married Holland, he never paid me any attention. But whenever other men showed me a hint that they could be attracted to m
Susie is so angry and embarrassed that she bursts into tears. There was no way she could go back inside the Gala. She refused to return to the ballroom and face Amanza without Holland. So, Susie walked around outside. She had no idea where she was going but hoped to see a taxi. When she turned the corner, she flagged down the one taxi cab going by. He stopped, and she got inside the taxi, giving him her address so he could take her home. Susie sighed in relief, removing her shoes from her swollen feet. But still very frustrated, her eyes filled with tears; she was so angry that she sat in the back seat, complaining vocally. "Where to miss?" The taxi driver asked. “This has been the most horrible night ever! How could she be Deja Wright? I can't believe she was who I was admiring all this time! How could this happen to me and that stupid Holland? How could he walk off and leave a pregnant woman behind?” “Why aren’t you driving?” She shouted at the taxi driver.“You never told me wh
Susie knew she had to do something. "This man loves to get stuck. I had him around my little finger before, and I can do it again. Susie looks in the mirror frustratedly, stating. "What happened to my figure? It's gone! This big belly is all in the way, and my hormones have me so off my game! If I don't feel sexy, I know Holland don't think I still have it going on! Shoot! I hate being pregnant! I used to be so seductive." She frowned at herself in the mirror. "But I can still be seductive. I have to. It's that or be pregnant and homeless!" Susie had prepared to distract Holland from tonight's events. The house was empty, and he wasn't there. Susie smacked her lips. "It was better than seeing him sitting at his desk sulking half the time or working."Her thoughts of being a seductress tonight made her skin tingle and tighten expectantly. That craving and greedy reverence for Holland's touch was returning."It's been so long since I desired this man. But I can't afford to be slipping
Holland slept alone for weeks despite Susie's persistent demands that he join her in bed. He refused, and his only focus was calling Amanza. It's been several days since Holland left messages for Amanza to contact him, but there have been no results. That's when that unique ringtone woke him up one morning. “Hey Amanza, thanks for calling me back. Is seeing you tonight okay? I need to talk to you. We need to talk.”“What do you want? I told you I was busy the last time you asked to see me. I've been swamped with work.”“It's vital that we have a discussion. We can't talk about this over the phone. I need to see you in person. I'm going crazy. I've tried to be patient and wait for you to make time for me, but patience is not my strong suit. I need to see you face to face as soon as possible.”Amanza sighs. "I'm surprised that something bothers you. I didn't think you had a conscience. Maybe you are human after all..." "Honestly, nothing usually doesn't bother me, except when it comes
Amanza busied herself mentally, physically, and emotionally preparing for this sit-down meeting/dinner with Holland Haltson. She had seen him face to face the night of the Gala, but that was on her turf. Tonight, they both agreed to leave their comfort zones and go to a neutral spot for this face-off. Her phone rang as she moved about, collecting her things. "Hi girl, what's up?"“Hey girl, guess where I am?”“Where?” Amanza paused what she was doing.“I’m in Albany, not too far from your office.”"What! Girl, you’re lying.” “Deja, would I lie to you? Girl, I’m here, and we are going out to party tonight. I'll be there shortly, you'll see. Bye.”“Livia! Wait!” She had hung up. "No, not more distractions."After talking to some of the staff members in the hallway, Collin quietly eased his way back into the conference room and sat on the corner of the table, watching this sensually beautiful woman. He’s had to use restraint for years and keep his passions dormant. But now that Deja i
"I...I...I, please get up from there, Mr. Halston." Mr. Reid said as he came from around his desk to help Collin stand up straight as he saw the tears in his eyes. "I still want to talk to your parents, and only then can I feel comfortable giving you my approval." Collin says humbly, "Yes sir... I'll call them now."Collin knew this plot he and Olivia had devised was thickening. But it was too late to turn back, so they kept up the charade so that Olivia's parents would accept him. But there was no way Collin could call his birth father, Mr. Halston, whom he doesn't even speak to and who doesn't acknowledge him as his son. Indeed, it would all blow up in their faces if he did that. In this desperate moment, he could only call one person: Amanza's father, Clinton, who has always treated him like a son. Collin prayed that Mr. Clinton wouldn't blow his cover by telling Olivia's parents he was not his biological father. After Mr. Reid helped Collin stand up from bowing before him, he w
Collin takes Olivia by the hands. "No! Never! What I'm saying, I was wrong. I've fallen in love with you.""I've fallen in love with you."Collin reached up, stroked a finger down her cheek, and lowered his head. He hovered close enough for their breath to mingle. Just as he was about to touch his mouth to hers, Evie and her husband walked up. "Olivia, sweetie, your big Sis. is about to leave for her honeymoon." Olivia and Collin quickly stood up, looking slightly embarrassed. "I think you two better put a hold on that. Marvin is still in the running for that hand in marriage." "Stop it, honey. Olivia, Daddy will straighten this out for you in the morning. And make sure to listen, okay? Listen with your heart, Olivia. Promise me." "I promise.""Don't rush into nothing. Marvin isn't perfect, but he understands you and your people.""Evie, I know that...but Collin understands more than you know." "Well, honey, I'm going.""Have a good time, you two." Olivia and Evie hug one another.
“Oh sure, have a seat.”Olivia was still somewhat shocked as he sat down next to her. He was precise, what she remembered, sincere looking and honest. Without all the arrogance, with that strikingly handsome face, so unlike many men, including Marvin Peck, who is attractive but overly confident and self-assured.They both went to try to speak at the same time. "You go first," Olivia says."In short, I want to apologize for the way I left things. That morning, when I left, I did intend to call you. But reality hit me, and I didn't know how to deal with everything." "What is everything? I asked you if you were in a serious relationship. And Collin, you told me no." "My parents and environment want me to follow all this culture and customs. It has us divided and confused about what we should and should not like and love. But I no longer want to be confused and caught up in those ideas and views. And I know, being with someone like you and you being with someone like me, it's not going
The MC announces it's time for the reception to get underway. The light in the green room is dimmed into a very romantic setting. Everything was beautifully done, and the weather was perfect for a traditional Jamaican garden reception! The large green room that held about 300 guests smelled of good Jamaican food that even floated to the outside driveway. Collin saw the lights low as the music blared so loudly that his whole body vibrated with the beat. He smiles, looks around, and stays seated, watching Olivia's family and friends interact."Wow! The Jamaicans really know how to throw a party. And I never knew there were so many beautiful black women. This is amazing!" Collin thinks, smiling. The dance floor quickly fills up with guests ready to dance! Collin patiently waits for Olivia to return, but before she does. This attractive lady with a beautiful figure for her age, wearing a teal green fitted dress and a hat, approaches him and sits. It's Olivia's mother, she been full of
The Reid household was in a cheerful mood this afternoon. Fresh flowers were ushered inside by several florist trucks that just pulled into the long driveway. Today was an amazing and eventful day! One of the Reid girls was getting married this afternoon. Miss Reid is married to a wealthy Jamaican man who has been a long-time friend of the Reid family. According to custom, the oldest daughter should be married first. Now that the Reids have accomplished that, Mr. Reid is so happy he's about to get his eldest daughter married today, and now he can focus his attention on his next beautiful daughter.That would be fine if this daughter were certain she wanted to follow the traditions of marrying a Jamaican even though her first experience with a foreign man left her hurt and feeling used. She forced herself to put being in love again far from her mind. She still wasn't sure if the traditional route was what she wanted to take. Even though Jamaican parents aren't sticklers for arranged m
“Where do I start? This is hard. I didn't know how or when to break this news to you.”“What is it, Collin?” Amanza asked.“Amanza, me and Oliva got married.” “Really! Oh, Collin, I'm so happy!” She said, getting up and hugging him. “Why didn’t you bring Olivia with you?”“She’s on a business trip, and I have to pick her up a couple of hours from the airport today. But I thought we should talk alone, and I wanted to apologize for going off at your wedding.” “Thank you for apologizing. But I’m so happy for you two.” “Well, from the first time I met Olivia, I have been crushing on her. Besides, I didn't want to get caught sneaking around. So I thought it was best I say something to you especially. But I can't help myself. I love Olivia so much, and I miss her right now. “Ah, I’m so very happy.” “But I feel bad about ruining your wedding. But I don’t trust my brother, and I don’t want to see you hurt.”“I’m going to be fine, and it doesn't matter to me, as long as you and Olivia an
Holland smiled at Amanza this evening, so happy that all that had happened was now behind them. “Baby, you sure are looking good this evening.” He stated, watching Amanza get dressed.Amanza POVI knew he had been standing there the whole time as I slipped my feet into my 5-inch pumps and fixed my pencil skirt and silk blouse before putting on my black fitted coat and matching hat. I smiled as Holland continued to eye me."Wow, you look beautiful, what's the occasion?" Holland's natural reaction was to hug me. But it wasn't just any kind of hug. Instead, I got a big bear hug that lifted me off my feet into his muscular arms."Where are you going? Should I let you go?""Yes...I'm going somewhere very important. I shall return, and then I will be all yours."I barely squeaked out the last few words before Holland set me down, planting a kiss on my lips that I had no time for but couldn't resist. That's when I heard a car horn honk outside. I looked up, shimming myself free from Holland
Amanza PovOnce I was home. I let the phone ring for a solid minute. Then, when I got no answer, I immediately sent a text.Holland, I know you will see this text since you refused to answer my calls.But you will ignore it because you think I will understand your care for the weak and naive Susie.Soon, you'll learn that you are mistaken. Amanza Ended the Text.I promised myself I wasn't going to cry. Tears didn't help. They had never helped in the past, and they sure weren't going to help now.Nothing would help but get justice. But, like serrated blades, the memories of what has happened in such a public way. He has sliced into me and tore at me. Had I been so naive that Holland would never return to Susie? And how very wrong I'd been.Weary and broken, I lay in my bed, reflecting on all the pain that has filled my heart."God didn't create fools. Fools are something you let others make of you."I have to free myself from all the games and free myself from all the pain. I'm so tired
Amanza smiled and said. "Yes, I'm ready even though this day has been like a dream, dad. I don't know how to describe it."Amanza's father smiled and said. "Holland seems to have come to his senses; your mother and I are happy for the both of you."They continue to walk. Amanza felt this overwhelming nervousness and excitement come over her. It was a good thing her father held her arm tightly. Amanza didn't know Holland would go this far to prove his devotion and love for her. It wasn't expected. It just keeps getting better and better.All eyes were on her again. "Dad, thank you for everything you've done for me. I love you and mom dearly. I'm so happy you got to be a part of my wedding this time."Her father smiled back and said. "We're always here for you. I will always be with you like I am today. Ready to support you if you need me to. But I'm confident Holland will take good care of you. Look, we both are getting emotional."Amanza's father opened the door. He stepped out first a