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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
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
“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
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.
"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
Excitedly, I left the department store where I'd purchased a beautiful dress that I knew my husband, Holland, would love. It's our third anniversary, and he's taking me to our special place to celebrate tonight. When I returned home from shopping, exhausted, I plopped on the sofa and turned on the television. Whose face do I see? It's my husband Holland on the news! "What on earth is Holland during on the news!"The reporter congratulated him on acquiring a costly ruby necklace at a renowned auction. “Mr. Halston! One more question. Do you have anyone special in mind to whom you plan to gift this costly necklace?”I immediately sat up with keen interest! Holland looked handsome and clean-cut, with remarkable sharp, perfectly symmetrical features. High cheekbones blended into a lean jaw and strong chin. He flashed that million-dollar smile that made my heart swoon when he gazed directly into the camera and told the reporter. “I plan to give this necklace to someone very special to m
"What? Holland, you are so cruel! You devastated me tonight with your actions, and now you insult me! How can you stand there and say something so evil? For three long years, all I tried to be to you was a good wife! Holland looked at me with disdain and walked away.Angry and confused by the accusation hurled at me. I was shocked that after all this time, he thought I married him for his money. I couldn't believe those hurtful words came out of the mouth of the man I married. This was so unlike him. I stood there staring at him with a sad expression because the pain was so deep and hurt. “Don't look at me that way! Your tears are fake! And you are full of pretense!”“Don’t say that! It isn’t true. I love you, Holland.” I broke down and sobbed even more.“I know the game you are playing, and you've been busted, Amanza! You are no different from all the other women! They act all sweet in the beginning! Spewing lies about how they love you! When they are only after my money! And yo
The response to my text came back immediately. "I'll be there shortly." I still felt a mixture of sadness and anger, but primarily revengeful! I couldn't stop the fall of my tears as they leaked from under my closed lids. When I opened my eyes, they landed on the ripped-up check at my feet. "The nerve of him to offer me money! Like I'm some cheap prostitute!" This swirl of mixed emotions came in and out of my heart and mind as to how he cowardly abandoned me on our anniversary day for an ex-girlfriend, Susan Hubbard! I'm so furious right now!“How could he treat me this way! After I put up with his crappy family and all of his bull in this marriage!”My ride was on the way, so I hurried and went into the bathroom. I looked into the mirror, seeing the mascara running from my eyes down my cheek. I hop into the shower to clean up. I want to look my best for my night out in town. I patted myself dry, moisturized my skin, and found the sexiest dress. I brushed my hair and secured it wit
"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