I. The Bride's Wedding day

On their wedding day, a handsome groom and his beautiful bride said, "I Do." Their hearts were fluttering with pure joy! They had married the love of their life!  

Is this what I experience? No, this is not that story. Here is the other version, Tameka Morton's version. You see, love didn't become apparent until after my divorce. I can't wait to tell you from beginning to end how it all transpired.  

The day I said "I do," I thought I would be floating on cloud nine, right? But, instead, my heart fluttered, not with pure joy but with fear! Because my rose color glasses had been removed and I saw the man, I had made my vows to love and deeply respect in a different light. He was my one true love. But I found out he didn't feel the same about me on our wedding day. 

Okay, to be perfectly honest with you and me. I knew he wasn't head over heels in love with me. But ladies, you know what I thought. I thought he would eventually fall in love with me because I'm sweet and love this man so much. Only if he gave our marriage a chance could we live blissfully ever after. But I had no idea how much he didn't love me and didn't want to marry me. So to envision him falling in love with me, from what I experienced at our wedding and in our marriage, it appeared it would never happen.  

Despite all that, we are married. So did love ever emerge to the surface? If it did make its appearance, was it during the marriage or when we were going through the divorce proceedings? It made its appearance after three years of a sexless and loveless marriage. How?

  

I have been married to a man name Copeland Morton Junior. You see, Copeland wasn't just any good-looking man. No, he was voted by a well-known business magazine the sexiest man alive in the southern region! Also, Copeland was about to be appointed CEO of his family business. A man like Copeland Morton could offer me the world on a silver platter. He sounds like the perfect catch. Well, he would have been if I was the girl he had in mind to marry.  

On our wedding day, boy, was Copeland disgruntled. He accused me of interfering with his plans to marry someone else. I was young, desperate, and coerced by our parents, who felt we were a good match.  

  

I thought if I could improve my appearance and look like a sophisticated bride. Then maybe Copeland would find me appealing. So I imitated suggestions from every bridal magazine I could find, but my makeover was a disaster! With braces still on my teeth, too much makeup, and a weird hairdo, I looked like a circus clown.  

The second I walked down the aisle, Copeland looked away. But I pushed his reaction aside and focused. My concern was everyone else's happiness but my own.  

  

  

But it was hard to ignore that glare in Copeland's eyes when we exchanged our vows. It felt dangerous, almost forbidden. And when the minister said those magical words.  

  

"You may kiss the bride."  

  

My heart squeezed, and I closed my eyes. I didn't know what to expect. But then I heard coughing and hacking. I opened my eyes, and between coughs, Copeland finally said. "Minister, I have a cold." The audience gasped. I knew I had to be the first bride not to be kissed at their wedding ceremony!  

  

But that's when reality came crashing in on me! I had embarked on a loveless arrangement. Living under the same roof with someone who acted like I didn't even exist wasn't easy. So, I focused on my career. I got hired at Brandon's Design Company. In six months, I got a promotion with perks. My boss asked me if I would be willing to move to Paris. Naturally, I jumped at the opportunity.  

  

Living in Paris was captivating as it was strange. It was high-pressure, fast-paced, and stressful. Yet, at the end of my work day, all I had the energy to do was come home, kick off my stilettos, and plop down on my comfy sofa. I took my job very seriously. When my boss hired me, I told him I was ready for any challenge.   

  

I fought tooth and nail against every competitor to move Brandon's Design up the ranks in Paris. In my short time here, I'd opened two successful stores within two years. But lately, I have been craving home. My boss must know I deserve a vacation. After all, I think I've earned one.  

  

But I hesitated to put in my vacation request because going home wasn't simple. I'm still married to Copeland, even though we have been apart for the better part of our marriage. I wonder if he's happy with Elizabeth Hubbard? I hope they're happy. But, on second thought, no, I don't. From now on, this is about my happiness, not there's.  

  

I emailed my request. Then I hung up my clothes. Then my phone rang, making me jump. I peeked at my caller ID and gasped when I saw someone calling me.  

  

Clearing my throat, I tried not to sound too excited, even though deep down inside, I was a little glad.  

  

  

"Hello, Copeland,"  

  

"Hi Tameka, how are you doing?"  

  

"Fine, and you?"  

  

"I'm good. I need you to come back home this weekend. Is that possible?  

  

I wanted to tell him about my plans to take a vacation. But before I could explain, he continued. "Hopefully, you can because we need to sit down and talk about this marriage sham."  

  

"Yes, I know," I said, rolling my eyes at how reckless he could be when he opened his mouth.  

  

"I'm not going to get into it over the phone. It is a conversation that is best had in person."  

  

"I agree. I'll take a flight out Saturday and meet you at the house that evening."  

  

"What time do you think your flight will arrive?"  

  

"Um-hmm, I guess around six thirty."  

  

"Okay, I'll see you soon. Have a safe trip, Tameka."  

  

"Copeland, thank you, and thanks for calling me."  

  

I hope I didn't have any passion in my voice, but this call did give me hope. Maybe he has changed his heart and is ready to fix our marriage. I can't wait to see what happens. I wonder if he and Lizzy broke up? Maybe that's why he's calling me now.  

~~~~~~  

  

When I left the baggage claim area, I immediately spotted him. "Oh my, what is he doing here?" I stated, beaming. I should be used to his good looks by now. But here he was with this new debonaire haircut and that sexy five o'clock shadow. It left me mesmerized.  

  

He glanced in my direction, but he didn't recognize me. Would Copeland find me attractive? I hated to think I'd put him off.  

Back then, I was such a late bloomer. But now, I look different from the girl he married.  

  

My hair is flowing with healthy curls. I now have a slender body with womanly curves. In addition, I've developed poise that had been sadly lacking three years ago.  

  

Copeland's dark eyebrows gathered slightly in the center. It finally clicked in his brain who I was. At first, he looked shocked, but as he approached me, his face relaxed with a pleasant expression.  

  

"Wow! I didn't recognize you. Tameka, you look different with your hair like that."  

  

Was he complimenting me? Is this a dream?  

  

"Copeland, thank you, and thank you for coming to pick me up."  

  

"Oh, I'm not here to pick you up. I came to get this conversation over. But, hey, let's walk to that café over there."  

  

I sighed. I had to bite my tongue. Copeland hasn't changed.  

  

~~~~~~  

  

"Look, I'm not going to waste your time, nor mine." Then, like bullets, his lethal words came blasting from his mouth.  

  

"But can I have a cup of coffee first?" I asked, hoping to slow his pace.  

  

  

"Can it wait? This is important. Tameka, I want a Divorce. It's been three years. I'm tired of this sexless and loveless marriage. But more importantly than that, Lizzy is very ill, and her only wish is to be married before she leaves this earth."  

  

I was floored. This isn't how I imagined it.  

  

"Copeland, I don't know what to say. You are catching me so off guard."  

  

"Lizzy doesn't want to come in between us, and I don't want her to worry, considering her health. So, tomorrow I need you to convince Lizzy that you're ready for a divorce too."  

  

"Copeland! You are asking a bit much." I stated, frowning.  

  

"For heaven's sake, Tameka! Lizzy is very ill! Have a heart!"  

  

"Alright, alright. I'll do it." I replied agitatedly.  

  

"Well, I got to go. I have a meeting to attend." He left and didn't offer to get me a taxi.  

  

Copeland blew me away! A divorce is exactly what I need! Once I calmed down, I flagged a taxi and headed to our wedding home.  

  

When I arrived at the house, it was lifeless. I turned on the light in the kitchen and took a seat. I was still angry. I rolled my suitcases into the master bedroom.  

  

After some time had passed, my phone rang. It was my best friend, Lynette.  

  

"Girl, have you made it home yet?"  

  

"Yes, I'm home."  

  

"Well, I know you're not having a heart-to-heart with Copeland because that jerk is too busy wining and dining and grinning up in Lizzy's face at Drago's."  

  

"What! How do you know that? He said he was going to a meeting."  

"He's a Liar! What did he tell you?"  

  

"Are you sure he was with Lizzy at Drago's? She's supposed to be severely ill."  

  

"Lizzy's ill, alright. What she is, is an evil homewrecker!"  

  

"Lynette, I need to hang up. I got to go."  

  

I wanted to cry. It hurt. Copeland didn't care a shred about me! But I had my pride. So, I ran a warm bubble bath. I sank into the tub of warm water, immediately getting relief.  

  

My pride and anger simmered. 'How should I deal with these two? Set him free or make them sweat? I like the second option. Ah, this water feels so good.  

  

A few minutes later, I heard the doorbell, then knocking. A frown furrowed my forehead. 'It's probably Lynette worried.' I quickly got out of the tub, dripping wet. I threw on my robe, calling out as I approached the door.  

  

"Who is it?"  

  

"Tameka, it's me, Copeland."