"Look at Julie. Doesn't our friend look happy?" I asked. I couldn't help but smile.
"You know who looks happy? Julie's groom! Look at that silly grin on his face!" Candance says, rolling her eyes.
"I guess he's thrilled to death! Julie is almost 15 years younger than him!" Charmaine states.
"Kita, I can't believe you are next."
Kita avoids her friends questioning her. "Look at this place! It's beautiful! I hope my wedding will be as romantic. I'm so happy we were here for Julie as her bridesmaids on her wedding day. Julie is one of the sweetest girls you could ever meet. Her parents are so proud of her.
"I'm exhausted after enduring the ceremony and posing for all those pictures!" Candance states, holding onto Charmaine's arm.
"Oh hurry, ladies, a group of guys just got up from that table!" Charmaine says quickly, walking over to the table and dropping into the cushioned chairs.
Candance took a seat, kicked off her high heels, and groaned, stating.
"I tell you, I prefer to be a bridesmaid any day than a bride if I got to marry some man I don't even know or am attracted to."
Charmaine looks over at her friend. "So, Kita, what are you going to do? Have you talked to your father about how you feel about getting married to a stranger?"
"Come on, girls, you know how all our dads feel; this is tradition. Besides, everything has been planned already." Don't worry, I know I'll be happy. At least the guy my dad has selected for me is young and handsome. And we talk on the telephone almost every day. He's sweet and kind. I know I will fall in love with him in no time."
"Kita, you are a hopeless romantic. You've never met this man in person. You've only seen pictures of him and gotten to know him over telephone calls and text messaging. Why is that? I think you love the idea of being in love."
"Maybe," I said, looking over my shoulder and smiling at the newlywed couple.
"The way I see it, another one of our friends has bitten the dust, and you're next in line! Suppose this man doesn't try to see you before the wedding. Kita, do you know what that means?"
"No," I replied. "I'm sure you are going to tell me."
"It means he's seeing someone else!" Charmaine emphatically blurted out.
Candance replied, hanging her head down, "I agree, it's true. If they aren't trying to get some goodies from you, they're getting it from someone else, Kita. You said he was coming tonight. Look around. Where is he? This Kenneth Cole character seems like bad news. He has promised to show up on several occasions; where is he? Maybe he doesn't look like those pictures you showed us."
"Yeah, where is he, Kita? The man is never around!" Charmaine said, frustrated for her friend Kita.
"Well, Charmaine and Candance, for your information. I told you he's busy! The man is involved in several businesses. And my dad says the pictures of him are for real. Besides, my father wouldn't just select any man for me; I trust my dad. You'll see he's for real! Wait until you see him standing next to me at the wedding!" Kita says, all upbeat.
"I know you girls will miss me, but please try to be happy for me."
"Kita, I am going to miss hanging out with you. Once you get married, we won't be able to do that anymore." Charmaine says, holding Kita's hand.
"Hey, I got an idea! Since the reception is almost over. How about we all go out tonight one last time before you jump the broom and say I do!"
"I guess that'll be cool. But let me call Kenneth and tell him not to bother to come to the reception."
The girls looked at one another, gathering their purses and shaking their heads. At the same time, I think I'm hopeless. I ignored them and called my fiancé and soon-to-be hubby.
"Hey, what did he say? Kita, you better get home now! You're not single anymore! You're going to be my wife!" Candance deepens her voice and mimics what Kenneth might have said as they all laugh.
"Girl, he's not old or controlling! He's one of the youngest CEOs and has nothing but swag. He would never be distrusting like that. Besides, he'll be working late tonight at the office."
+++++
After arriving at the club about ten or fifteen minutes later, I was sipping on my glass of Zinfandel, about to relax and enjoy myself with my friends. And who did I notice walking through the doors? 'Oh, God, it was my fiancé, Kenneth!' My stomach fluttered as I watched this guy with all that swagger and those deep-seated dark eyes. I was so happy! He's gorgeous! "Hey, Charmaine and Candance, Kenneth just walked through the doors."
"What! How do you know? You've never seen him in person. Did you tell him you were coming here tonight?"
"No, he told me he would be working late, so I didn't bother. But I'm certain it's him. Kenneth looks just like his pictures. No, even better!"
"Well, what is he doing here? Stalking you?" Candance says.
"No, girl! I'm going to go and get him. Grab another chair so he can join us. Excuse me, ladies, I'll be right back."
This group of guys called club members were heading to greet Kenneth. He must be very popular here. I made it through the crowds. But I got the shock of my life!
I know he didn't see me. But he was all hugged and whispering in some other woman's ear. I stood there in shock! I watched him come in the direction I was standing in, but I couldn't move. My demeanor went from shock! To hurt! Then full blown-up anger! My emotions were everywhere! I realized my breathing was nonexistent. It was as though Kenneth had sucked all the air out of the room! For maybe a second, I felt a spurt of panic!
When the two came into my clear vision. It got even worse! The girl he was with was a stunning, curvy woman who hugged his arm. My eyes popped open even wider! Seeing him with this girl, my heart just about imploded tonight! Not only was Kenneth heading in my direction, but his eyes connected with mine; he recognized me! I looked away. I was so hurt and embarrassed and yet angry! So hurt and furious!"
I took a liberal sip of my Zinfandel that I was still holding in my hand as my brain scrambled to figure out what to do. Seeing him in person, his demeanor was bold and daring. It didn't matter that he looked like I was seeing him with someone else! I had believed his lies, and now I see he's disloyal! Not to mention an arrogant cheater! A man who feels entitled to do whatever!
Anger overtook me. I moved toward them through the crowd as fast as my five-inch heels would take me to confront him.
"Kenneth Cole!" I called out his name. I glared at the girl he had on his arm.
"Hey babe, we need to talk," he immediately says casually, like this was nothing to him or me!
"Oh, there is nothing for us to talk about. I have eyes! I can see what's going on!"
"Woe! Slow your role. It isn't what you think."
I rolled my eyes, stating, "Yeah, right, nothing serious. I know. I've heard that statement more than I care to." Instead of trying to prove anything to the girl he was with, I ignored her as if she didn't exist. I focused my attention solely on his face. Directly glaring at him." He smiled. The smile on his face was so fake that it hurt. Kenneth didn't look happy. The girl with him snaked her arm around his arm, stroking up and down his bicep. That only made the tension even more apparent. She wanted some of my attention, so I gave it to her.
I asked her loudly as his crowd of friends circled us. "So, how long have you been sleeping with my fiancé?"
The girl looked shocked and dumbfounded that I had brought her into the spotlight! I smirked, shaking my head sarcastically, stating for everyone to hear, "Sweetheart, don't waste your time trying to answer that! You can keep him, and I wish you the best! Because you are going to need it! Once a cheater, always a cheater! And you can take that to the bank! You two deserve one another!"
She rolled her eyes. "Humph! Don't worry about me; I know how to care for my man! Unlike some people!" she said, rolling her eyes.
"You tramp! You mean someone else's man!" And before I knew it. My glass of Zinfandel went flying into her face and his!
When I turned to walk away, who did I feel grabbing hold of my elbow and pulling me toward him?
"Get your hands off of me!" I yelled out loud. That's when the DJ stops playing music. My words must have been deafening because a wall of men came and stood behind me before I knew it. They must have been his security who worked at the nightclub.
I snatched away from him, making Kenneth release my arm. All the chaos drew the attention of most of the people in the nightclub. My friends came running to my side.
"Hey! What's going on?" Charmaine, my good friend, asked.
"I got to go!"
My friends finally got to see Kenneth. His eyes turn almost a fireball red! Then he narrows them into slits glaring at me. He thinks I'm challenging his manhood. He stood there with the girl by his side, wiping the wine from her face with his handkerchief. I could see they both were seething.
"Let's go! Before I do something I might regret tonight!" I yelled.
"Wait! Wait! Kita, we need to talk. It isn't over!" He yelled as I walked away. Then I stopped and looked at him over my shoulder.
"Don't bother, Kenneth; your charade will be over once I tell my father about this!" I said, walking away. I am so done with his arrogance, pompousness, and selfishness! But as I turned my back to him, I could feel a fiery heat from his demeanor.
I'm going home, girls; I'll talk to you two tomorrow."
"Oh no, we are leaving too. That good-looking jerk ruined everything!" Charmaine shouted angrily.
"I know you ladies are upset, but don't leave on my account. I'll call an Uber, and we'll talk tomorrow."
"Okay, are you sure?"
"Yes, right now, I just want to be alone."
"Alright, I'm so sorry, Kita. Be safe getting home, and we will talk to you tomorrow." My friends hugged me.
"Will do, thanks."
On my way home, I kept seeing that look Kenneth held in his eyes. I didn't know exactly what it meant. But I didn't feel at ease. "Maybe I should have had one of the girls come home with me. I certainly don't trust him. I'm calling the engagement off! My dad will agree once he hears what happened tonight." But will Kenneth Cole agree?
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The anger I felt swirled inside me like molted hot lava! "The nerve of him to Strutt in that nightclub with another girl on his arm! I'm so disgusted and hurt! How often have I asked him to come out to be with me? And every time, he's given me some flimsy excuse about him working late! How could I have been so naive to think he was sincere? I refused to accept a man lying to me! This could never be a happy marriage! What made me think things would be different for me! Kenneth Cole has sadly fooled my parents and me! This is so unfair! I had feelings for him. I was so silly to think he would be different!" Once I got home, my eyes were filled with tears as I unlocked the door and closed it behind me. I leaned against it. I felt too weak to move or breathe. "That Kenneth Cole is so heartless! I never imagined tonight would be my first time seeing him face-to-face in a predicament like this! His eyes looked like he wanted to put my lights out when I told him I would tell my father! I w
I can't worry about that now; I'll think about it in the morning. I stayed in bed the rest of the weekend until my parents returned home and my mother entered my room. "Honey, are awake! We made it back. Kita! I saw so many beautiful gowns for the wedding." I didn't respond to her enthusiastic disposition. "Is everything okay? How are you feeling?" "I'm okay." I lied. I felt sick to my stomach. I wish I could just throw up and be done with this feeling. "Kita, what do you think about this dress?" "Oh, Mom, I have a horrendous headache this morning." I didn't even get out of bed to do my morning exercise. I didn't feel like it. For the first time in two days, I walked around my room to try and strengthen my weak body. I picked up the bottle of ibuprofen and down three tablets. The headaches, sore shoulder, and general feeling of fatigue still existed. I was still trying to recover more from my horrific experience. Every time I think about it, my heart twists tight in my chest. "Mom
The day I left my parents' house and moved in with my friend Candance's family for a month, I knew I couldn't stay there for long because her family was much like mine. No sooner than I returned from job hunting. Candance's mother was waiting for me to enter the door. "Hey, Kita, can you come and take a seat." "Good evening, Mrs. Lyons.' "What are your plans? Are you going back home to your parents?" "Well, no. I plan on getting my place." "Why would you do something like that? Your parents care greatly about you and only want the best for you, young lady. I'm going to have to ask you to go back home. This town is too small to keep you here when I disagree with this rebellious behavior. I can barely look at your poor mother's face. She is so broken-hearted over you doing this to them. I hope you understand. I don't want Candance to think this rebellion is the proper way to behave toward your parents." "I understand. I'll pack my things, Mrs. Lyon's, and I'll be gone by morning."
But I couldn't tell her what was in my head or my heart. I didn't want to disappoint her. So I ignored that expression and shared with her what I thought she wanted and needed to hear me say. "Girl, I feel so accomplished. I feel so comfortable now in my skin. That's how I would describe my life and this journey for the past two months. Charmaine, I need to think about where I will live and the career I want to start. Would you agree?" "Yes, but what about your intimate life? You were one of the most romantic people I know." "Right now, I'm interested in doing things I haven't done before. I want to travel and see other parts of this island and the world I haven't seen yet. And Charmaine, you wouldn't believe this: for the first time in a long time, I won't have to worry about the man my dad will pick for me to marry! That's a big relief! Now, I'll do whatever I desire and be with who I want and choose. Doesn't that sound like fun?" "Well, a little. It seems scary, too. Kita, I've
IT WAS MONDAY MORNING. AN UNNERVING AND OVERWHELMING feeling hit the pit of my stomach! I walked into the cold building clad in all marble. It looks as menacing on the inside as it does on the outside! I was met with alarming glaring eyes and stares from people. I had known these people all my life, as I grew up in this tiny Town. Wow! They honestly do believe firmly in the sanctity of arranged marriages. I hadn't anticipated that many people would miss work to be present. Or had they given the townspeople the day off from work so they could see me be made out of an example? I could feel their every emotion, too! Their anger, disappointment, disgust, and especially disdain! I could tell in the people's eyes I had already been judged and condemned! The mothers and fathers from my hometown were determined to make an example out of me! So that none of the other citizens' daughters could ever think of doing what I had done! But what had I done that deserved this kind of venom? I, Kita Ari
Five minutes into the drive, the car was filled with silence. There was a heavy silence. Jeff, Mr. Cole's driver, asked timidly. "Sir, would you like to hear some music?" Their eyes met in the rearview mirror. Jeff quickly averted his eyes; he knew his boss's temper was pitch-fire high! He got no response, just a glare he hadn't seen or experienced from Mr. Cole before since he'd been working for him for the past five years! "Pull over and get out of the car, Jeff!" "But, but Sir, this is the freeway. "Pull over now and get out!" He said in a deeper voice than usual. "Yes, sir." Jeff quickly pulls over onto the narrow shoulders of the highway as cars zoom by! Most are going seventy miles or more per hour! "Get out! I want to drive myself." "Yes, sir." Jeff cautiously opens the driver-side door but then feels a firm jerk as it opens wide with Mr. Cole standing there. Jeff hurries and gets out, bracing himself nervously against the car with his eyes bulging as an eighteen-whee
I woke up hearing voices. I barely open my eyes. I see this man insisting that he talk to me. He is well-dressed and looks trustworthy. "Doctor, you can let him in the room to see me." "Do you know who he is?" "No, but he looks trustworthy." "Mr. Cole! Oh my God! What happened to your face?! Is it you, Sir?" "What do you mean?" "You look different." "Oh, I was told I was in a back accident." "Yes, you were very upset that day." "Why?" "Why? You don't remember, Sir?" "Not yet. But I would like to know." "First, how are you doing, sir?" "How am I doing? I'm great! I have a new face, and I'm alive! That's something to be thankful for, don't you think?" "Sir, are you joking?" "I don't know. I guess I am?" "But sir, you don't joke?" "I guess I do now. Why don't I joke?" I asked curiously. "I can't say exactly. But I assume it must have something to do with your childhood. You've lived a highly stressful life." "What do I do?" "You are a famous person in t
Baha Mar Resort The young, beautiful, and intelligent but very impressionable Kita Arie landed her first real job after leaving her small hometown some two years ago. Now, for the past six months, she's been promoted to a manager's position over the front desk clerks at a lovely hotel/resort. Mr. Klein thought Kita's image was perfect for his new resort here in Baha Mar Nassau! He had become very fond of Kita during her first year at the resort as a clerk. She was incredibly professional and friendly when handling customers, but he also liked her no-no-nonsense attitude. Her poise and professionalism landed her the next promotion that came up as head clerk! Kita had excelled far above the other women in Mr. Klein's eyes who had been there for the last five years when his resort opened! Despite the gossip and nasty rumors that flew around, Kita kept focused. That level of maturity got her that promotion! She worked hard and did whatever she could for the continued success of the new