THE morning light seeped through the curtains, casting a soft glow over Amelia’s room. She lay in bed, her eyes red and puffy from the tears she had shed through the night. She had returned from Jeremy’s like an hour ago, she left the minute the clock struck 6.
The events of the previous evening played over in her mind like a relentless, tormenting loop. Jeremy’s harsh words and cold demeanor had pierced her heart, leaving her feeling unwanted and unloved.
She couldn’t stay in her room any longer. With a heavy sigh, Amelia got up, dressed, and headed downstairs. She needed to speak with Mr. Redford, the one person who had always been her pillar of strength.
Mr. Redford was in his study, as usual, surrounded by stacks of papers and books. His glasses perched on the tip of his nose, he looked up as Amelia entered. The concern in his eyes was immediate.
“Amelia, my dear, what is troubling you? When did you get back?” He asked, setting aside his papers and giving her his full attention.
Tears welled up in Amelia’s eyes again as she recounted the previous night’s events, then she told him about Jeremy’s cruel treatment, his harsh words, and the overwhelming sadness she felt.
“Dad, he is at it again,” was all she could say through her tears.
“Jeremy? What did he do this time?”
“He was so cold to me yesterday, he didn’t even let me spend the night in the room with him, he asked me to go to the guest room,” she cried.
Mr. Redford listened intently, his expression growing more serious with each passing moment.
“Really? Why is he two edged?” He rhetorically asked.
“Dad I don’t know, I don’t know I’m confused,” and she sank into a seat.
When she finished, he stood up, a determined look on his face.
“This is unacceptable. Jeremy has no right to treat you this way, and I will not stand by and let it continue.”
Mr. Redford’s protective nature kicked in, and without wasting any time, he began to formulate a plan. He knew that taking immediate action was crucial. Amelia needed to be reassured of her worth and Jeremy needed to understand the gravity of his actions.
“Amelia, trust me on this. I will handle it,” Mr. Redford said, giving her a reassuring pat on the shoulder.
“You don’t deserve to be treated like this, and I will make sure Jeremy understands that.”
“Go to your mom, let me kick off,” he said and helped her get to her feet, together they walked out of the study.
Leaving Amelia in the capable hands of Mrs. Redford, who had begun to comfort her, Mr. Redford headed straight for his office.
He knew that a public statement would carry weight, making it clear to everyone, including Jeremy, that Amelia was valued and respected.
He decided to arrange the engagement party for Amelia and Jeremy, ensuring it would be a grand affair that no one could ignore.
He made several calls, contacting prominent figures in the society and arranging for the event to be held at the prestigious Redford Estate.
Invitations were promised to be sent out officially to selected dignitaries, ensuring the attendance of influential families and friends.
The news of the upcoming engagement party spread like wildfire in the harmattan, becoming the talk of the town within hours. Why not? It was the engagement of the children of the most influential business moguls in Philadelphia.
It was after everything had been done that Mr. Redford contacted Jeremy’s parents. He informed them of the engagement party, making it clear that it was a decision he had made for the well-being of both families.
Jeremy’s parents, taken aback by the sudden announcement, agreed to support Mr. Redford’s decision. They trusted his judgment and hoped that the engagement party would mend the rift between Amelia and Jeremy, although Mr. Petersons had his doubts.
***
Jasira sat in her cozy bedroom, a cup of coffee growing cold in her hands. The muted sounds of morning traffic filtered through the open window, but she barely noticed. Her mind was elsewhere, still swirling with thoughts of her past with Jeremy.
She reached for her phone, absentmindedly scrolling through social media, when a headline caught her eye: ***Amelia and Jeremy’s Grand Engagement Party Announced!***
Her heart sank, and she felt a sharp pang of sadness. She clicked on the article, her hands trembling slightly. The news article was filled with details about the upcoming engagement party, describing the event as a grand affair to be held at the Redford Estate.
There were even pictures of Amelia and Jeremy, smiling and looking very much in love. Jasira felt as if the world around her had suddenly grown cold and distant.
In a daze, Jasira got up and grabbed her coat. She needed to clear her head, to get away from the suffocating feelings that threatened to overwhelm her.
She left the house and wandered aimlessly through the streets, hoping that the fresh air would help her make sense of her emotions.
She later found herself at her boutique. The familiar surroundings brought her a slight sense of comfort. As she stepped inside, the cheerful jingle of the bell above the door greeted her, she quickly looked around, all her employees were busy with work. Perfect!
Then she looked away from them and walked among the racks of clothes, as if on a window shopping or rather an inspection, trying to focus on the patterns and colors, anything to distract her from the hurt she was feeling.
Then she noticed two women standing nearby, chatting animatedly. Jasira couldn’t help but overhear their conversation.
“Can you believe it?” one of them gushed. “Amelia and Jeremy’s engagement party is going to be the event of the year! I had to get a new dress just for the occasion.”
“I know!” the other woman replied, holding up a sparkling gown.
“I heard it is going to be at the Redford Estate. It is going to be so glamorous. I can’t wait to see what Amelia will wear.”
Jasira’s heart tightened at the mention of Amelia’s name. She tried to busy herself with a rack of dresses, but the conversation continued to seep into her consciousness.
“I heard they make such a perfect couple,” one of the women said. “They are both so beautiful and successful. It is like a fairy tale.”
The other woman laughed.
“Sure they are, it is a perfect match. First born children of one of the most influential business moguls in the city.”
Unable to bear any more, Jasira turned and scurried into her office. She walked briskly, the cool air of the air-conditioning stinging her cheeks, but it did little to numb the pain inside her. By the time she settled on her seat, her mind was a whirlwind of emotions.
Jasira’s office was a small space above a quiet cafe, filled with books, sketches, and fabrics. Normally, it was her sanctuary, a place where she could immerse herself in her work and forget her troubles, but today, it felt suffocating.
She sank into her chair, staring blankly at the designs spread across her desk. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she buried her face in her hands, unable to hold back the sobs any longer.
The pain of seeing Jeremy move on so publicly, so joyously, was more than she could bear.
Jasira let herself cry, the tears streaming down her cheeks. She cried for the love she had lost, for the dreams that would never come true, and for the painful reminder that life had moved on without her. The tears were cathartic, a release of all the pent-up emotions she had been carrying.
***
In her bedroom standing in front of her mirror and admiring herself was Amelia, she had seen the handiwork of her dad and have been once again, over the moon. Happiness was an understatement as to what she was feeling, she was so elated, excited and
Her phones had been ringing non stop, series of congratulatary text messages lined up her inbox. The internet wasn’t left out, it was buzzing and bubbling, it was Jeremy and her that made all headlines and filled all timelines.
Wow! It was so good a feeling, was this how being with Jeremy felt like? Jeez!
Her phone rang again and laughing, she turned and looked into the phone, it was Zoey. She chuckled. Late caller.
“Is it now you are calling your bestie?” She questioned immediately.
“Ohh please, latest bride to be, I am just seeing the news. Oh my! How did you do it?” She asked.
Amelia laughed.
“Zoey, I can’t even say. I feel so over the moon,” she squealed.
“Wow! Unbelievable! Have you seen how the internet is buzzing? My God! You and Jeremy’s pictures are all over the internet. Ame!” She squealed.
“You can say that again.”
“You know what? I am coming over right now, like now. Stay put and don’t move an inch.”
Amelia laughed.
“Please do, we need to celebrate,” and then she hung up.