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7. The Charade Is Over
Last Updated:
2024-12-12 23:07:58
Uniquely YoursWelcome, dear readers. As the author of this book, I wanted to take the time to thank you for reading my story.^^ I'm a writer and a reader, and I know both sides of what it feels like to be a writer and a reader. From a writer's point of view, the act of reading is a partnership. The author builds the house, but the readers make it a home. So, I ask that you make this story home for you. ^^ Get as comfortable as you like by subscribing and commenting; I would love for you to share your thoughts, but if you choose not to, please support me with your gems, likes, etc. So now let's get started and welcome to my house. Come in and make yourself at home. ^^
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When Regret Isn't Enough 8. The Problem With me, Is You
“Man! It never fails. I always say the wrong thing when I'm with Amanza. How does she do it every time? She just brings out the darkest part of me.”I picked up the ring she had thrown on the lawn. See, I value my ring. In the heat of an argument, I didn't take off my wedding ring and throw it at her. I thought as I looked at my onyx and the gold wedding ring she gave me, which was still on my finger.I can’t believe that Collin was in that car with Amanza! Strange, how could that be? I know my eyes weren't playing tricks on me. It was him I saw through the half-open car window; I know I saw him. I wonder what he whispered in Amanza’s ear. Then he looked at me evilly as if he was angry. He glared at me, and I felt like he was threatening me! Some nerve! He's driving off with my wife and looking at me that way!For the first time, I felt aggression coming from him to me, as if he wanted to crush me. I had never seen that side of Collin, and he’s never acted that way toward me in the
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I was worried about how my family would receive me, and it made me concerned, for the first month I had returned, wondering what everyone thought now that I was back home. I wouldn’t blame my family for their reactions. Since her broken marriage, especially with her father, Clinton. He didn't take my idea of marrying Holland too well. He knew Holland’s family and what he knew he didn’t like. But finally, I returned to the home where I grew up. I had missed the eight-bedroom, six-bath house and the many people here I had known since I was a child. What I missed the most was those early morning hours I had with my father before he would leave to go to the office. It had been three years since I left, and I wondered how he would react or what he might say now that I was back home. She had been avoiding everyone by sleeping late. It felt familiar and good to be home, yet strange, so I avoided everyone by sleeping late most days. I didn't know where the time went, but when I emerged from
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“Hey baby girl,” My father greeted me, smoothing his paisley-print tie down before him.“Hi, Daddy,” I replied. “Are you busy? I need to talk to you.” “Come in and take a seat.” I am sitting at my desk with final designs and photos spread out all over my desk. I stopped working to give my father my undivided attention. I can tell by the look in my father’s eyes he was up to something. Sure, he was my father, and there was no other man on this planet I loved more, but his mere appearance in my office first thing in the morning meant he was about to ask me to consider doing something I would generally refuse. And from the way he pulled out the chair in front of my desk, with ever so slow movements before sitting as he stared at me with almost apologetic eyes, I knew my point of assessment was correct. “What is it, Daddy?” I was a little concerned.“You know I’m so proud of you. I know it was hard to get a divorce and come back home. But look at you now! I’m looking forward to your D
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Latest chapter
When 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
When 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
When 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
When 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 chan
When 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’
When 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 mistake
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
When Regret Isn't Enough 46. Heart Exposed
“Deja, I know me. I won’t tolerate no family being involved in my relationships. Girl, you know I’m outspoken. And if he’s anything like his brother, he could keep stepping. I won’t let anybody treat me like I’m less than them. No point intended.”“Trust me, I didn’t take it that way. And Holland was so different at the start of our marriage. But Collin doesn’t have the same issues that Holland has with the family. The family has disowned Collin, and Holland is the beloved older brother. I think they all mistreat Collin because of the dread of stepmother syndrome. I would put my head on a chopping block, and she’d be behind the wedge between Collin, his dad, and Holland. Holland still has his issues, but I think that can be improved with time.” “Wait a minute. Why do you feel that way? Have you been talking to Holland, missy?”Amanza smiles. “I know my ex. He is a made jerk, not a born one. I just have a hunch. Collin is a good guy, and he’s open-minded. Hey Olivia, he said for me to
When Regret Isn't Enough 45. I Want To Know
Naturally, I was curious about his dinner with Olivia. I wanted to know his story before he asked me about minds. “So, welcome back to work. I certainly hope you enjoyed your time off." Amanza smiles teasingly, thinking of her two friends. I can tell by how he strolled into my office and sat directly in front of my desk. Ever-so-slowly, his eyes canvas over my face. His eyes told me everything and what he was thinking, 'I know Collin will be curious about what I did this weekend. It would be silly to share what happened between Holland and me, especially since everything is still in the air. Besides, Collin would probably call me a loose hussy if he heard the details. 'Which I'm not. I was quite strong emotionally, and I’m proud of my actions with Holland. I know I'm not the kind of girl to have sex with any guy. I'm a woman with needs, and Holland has feelings for me far deeper than he even knows.’ "Good morning, Deja," Collin greeted her, smoothing his crimson-red silk tie."Mor
