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46. Heart Exposed
Last Updated:
2025-01-15 07:30:19
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When Regret Isn't Enough 47. Think About Forgiving
"Hi, Deja." The masculine voice said with a hint of reservedness."Hey Collin, how are you?" “I’m okay.” “Thanks for inviting me out to dinner. I know this must be about Olivia, right?” She says, still staring at him strangely."Deja?" Collin calls her name.“Uhm, yes,” “What’s wrong? Why are you staring at me?”“O,h nothing."Ah, where are my manners?" Collin says, quickly standing to pull out a chair."Here, have a seat."Amanza takes a seat, still staring at him. She didn't know if Collin wanted to talk about anything serious with her or if he was just looking for a good time with his friend. But he wouldn't get anything from her that went on between her and Holland if that’s why he asked her for dinner."I ordered you a glass of red wine. Would you prefer white or something else?" "No red is fine. It's usually what I drink," Amanza says, still staring as she raises the glass to her lips. Collin sips his tequila, smiling nervously and showing a hint of curiosity about her behav
Last Updated : 2025-01-15When Regret Isn't Enough 48. He Will Disappointed You
"I don't know about us getting back together...but I did not know how I felt about him and was angry. All I can say is we talked and covered a lot like two grown-ups, and I know how I feel about him...""I'm still not following," he said quietly. "Even though our relationship is in question, I knew I loved him at one time, and he loved me. We've been married for three years, and after being divorced for six months. In two nights, we still found an attraction between us and chemistry. That’s all I’m going to say, do you understand?" Collin nodded his head slowly, thinking about him and Olivia. "So, you're keeping your options open but not hoping you two get back together. Right?” "Exactly. I’m keeping my options open. If he’s not the right guy. I'll move on." He stared at the table for a moment. "Have you ever considered the possibility that you're just emotional right now after going through the storm and so much this year? And since Holland happened to be there, it’s not mistaken
Last Updated : 2025-01-16When Regret Isn't Enough 49. Don't Do Go Back
“Oh…Collin, my father had no right to ask you that.”“I never had the chance to tell you how I feel, but I should let you know now that I got angry about your meeting with Holland.”“Collin,” Amanza took a deep breath and considered her following words carefully. "Collin, you're a great guy, and I care about you. However, I don't see this developing into a relationship if that's what you're looking for from me."He stared at her blankly like he hadn't heard her. Did he hear what she said? "You don't see it going anywhere?" he asked quietly. "No, I don't, I'm sorry." If he were hurt, he wouldn't have shown it. There was no anger or pain in his eyes. “Have you forgotten? I was there for you to pick up the pieces last time.”Amanza rolled her eyes. “This is not about Olivia but me?” “Yes, I don’t want to see you hurt again, Deja.” Placing her hand gently on Collin’s masculine hand in a reassuring manner. “Look, I’m a big girl and can care for myself. I’ve learned a lot, and I don’t
Last Updated : 2025-01-16When Regret Isn't Enough 50. What Should I Do
Tonight, Deja's heart broke as tears came to her eyes. She couldn’t face him or answer his question, so she turned her back to him. “Collin, don't ask me that.” “Please, Deja,” He said, taking hold of her shoulders from behind. “I’m trying all I can to appeal to your sense of reasoning. She hung her head, shaking it, saying no.Collin Halston had been a longtime friend of the Wright family since Deja entered college. They had met and become close. Over time, Having Collin in her life made her rethink a few things. Deja wasn’t sure how she felt about him associating with her dad. Clinton and her father took a liking to Collin almost immediately. As time passed, he became a mentor and took Collin under his wing. Occasionally, during her college days, her father asked her that question. If I loved Collin, it made me highly defensive.Deja thought, ‘Why did I get so defensive when I asked that question.’“Deja, why are you crying? Who are you worried about? If you want to give us a chanc
Last Updated : 2025-01-17When Regret Isn't Enough 51. What Could Have Been
Tonight, Deja's heart broke as tears came to her eyes. She couldn’t face him or answer his question, so she turned her back to him. “Collin, don't ask me that.” “Please, Deja,” He said, taking hold of her shoulders from behind. “I’m trying all I can to appeal to your sense of reasoning. She hung her head, shaking it, saying no.Collin Halston had been a longtime friend of the Wright family since Deja entered college. They had met and became close. Having Collin in her life over time made her rethink a few things. Deja wasn’t sure how she felt about him associating with her dad. Clinton and her father took a liking to Collin almost immediately. As time passed, he became a mentor and took Collin under his wing. Occasionally, her father would ask her that question during her college days. If I loved Collin, it would have made me highly defensive.Deja thought, ‘Why did I get so defensive when I asked that question.’“Deja, why are you crying? Who are you worried about? If you want to g
Last Updated : 2025-01-17When Regret Isn't Enough 52. End Of A Dream
“And, if I can have a second chance to capture love again, I think it will all be worth it.” “I wish things would have turned out differently. It would make my life so much easier if it were.""It's okay, Collin. Love can be a complicated thing. But it doesn't have to be if you find the right person for you. I’m not the right girl for you. Love can't be explained or quantified; it is something you must experience, and when you do, you will know. I promise you will know." Collin nodded, “Okay…I get it; it doesn't have to be me. I’ll accept that; I will be your friend. But do I have to be your brother-in-law? Yuk!”“Don’t make me laugh.” “No, I'm serious. I don’t get why it has to be Holland. He’s been a jerk all my life.” “No matter how I try to explain it, I know you, Collin. You will never understand. So don’t wreck your brain trying to figure me out. You probably will never get it because you have never been in love or married.”“So, I’m not on your level.” “That’s right…I have
Last Updated : 2025-01-18When Regret Isn't Enough 53. No More Pain
Collin’s PerspectiveA week had passed. Collin knew he needed time to purge himself emotionally from his firm and close connection to Deja Amanza Wright. He filed away all the memories of wishing, thinking, and dreaming about the girl he had wanted for so long but would never have by his side. Collin sadly mumbled. "It's done."He flexed his hands open, then closed them tight against his knees, trying to push back the tidal wave of tears he felt. Logically, he knew that this was what he had to do. The pain coursed through his body to his broken heart. He couldn't keep hoping that he had an opportunity when there was none. So now it’s time to do and see things differently. If I stay in the same place emotionally, I fear I will be stuck and never move past my devastating loss. And as much as he wanted to hold on to these memories, never to let a single one of them fade. He prayed out loud. “Oh! God forbid let these memories disappear completely before they drown me.”Each day at work
Last Updated : 2025-01-18When Regret Isn't Enough 54. Getting Over It
Collin needed a drink! He couldn't believe Olivia hadn’t contacted him! You see, the night of the storm, he failed to get her phone number from her a month ago. She's the only other girl that made him feel something besides Deja. He’d thought long and hard about it, and Collin knew she was the one he could see himself starting a family with. That’s right. He wanted to have his own family to love and cherish. He knew it sounded strange, but that had been his secret thoughts. He’s headed to the club to meet his friend Tony Jones. "I called Tony and a few other guys. Tony said he couldn't wait to see me!"Tony Jones is the guy Collin made good friends with when he worked at Wright’s Jewelry. Collin was looking forward to seeing Tony. "Hey, baby, can we get some drinks over here?" he called out to the waitress, looking forward to a cold one. The rest of the guys arrived shortly after he had downed his first beer. Everyone was having a good time laughing and talking about the sights in
Last Updated : 2025-01-19
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When Regret Isn't Enough 94. The Phone Call
"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
When Regret Isn't Enough 93. Please Give Me A Chance
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.
When Regret Isn't Enough 92. Pretending Not To Be Married
“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
When Regret Isn't Enough 91. Let's Talk Son
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
When Regret Isn't Enough 90. Who Is This Man
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
When Regret Isn't Enough 89. Meeting Olivia's Family
“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
When Regret Isn't Enough 88. Why Collin?
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
When Regret Isn't Enough 87. You Have A Right To Fight
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
When Regret Isn't Enough 86. Shock and Awe
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
