Chapter o017

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Maia's POV:


"M-Maia?"

Jacquees stammered for a moment, his side-piece looked at him as he began to shift back and forth on the balls of his feet. Clearly, me being here took him by surprise, but by him being a corporate kiss ass I shocked he did not know. Reuben eyed him suspiciously then looked down at me with the same look as I stared daggers into this bastard.

"W-what a wonderful surprise," He managed to stammer out, this negro stared at me like a deer caught in headlights like for five minutes. I wanted to bust him dead in his face for cheating on Tierra, I cannot believe this fool right now.

Girl, please, you know Tierra ain't no saint—She's probably fucking someone else too. Yea and right—Jacquees has a prenup on her but, so her cheating makes absolutely no sense—She has EVERYTHING to lose. But, Tierra ain't never been smart. This is true.

"Jacquees."

I nodded my head to him, being as cordial as I can be at this point. Reuben screwed his lips up at the both of us, eyeing us back and forth once more.

"Know one another?" Ashley giggled nervously, asking the question before Reuben had a chance to do so.

Jacquees cleared his throat then looked over to his whore then back at me and Reuben.

"S-she's a f-friend..."

I giggled then looked to Reuben.

"Oh, baby—He's being modest... I was the maid of honor at his wedding about eight months ago."

Ashley spit her drink across the ball room, directly on the model's dress!

"OH, MY GAWD!"

She flailed her arms around as she whined. "Baby, my dress-" Looks to Ashley. "You are going to pay for this!"

"Chick, did you just miss the fact your fricking boyfriend is a married-ass man?!" Ashley was appalled as she looked from me to Reuben. "Am I the only one that heard Maia—Am I the only one shocked as shit?!"

"Ash!" Reuben hissed as he nudged her shoulder then looked to me. "Honey, let's not cause a scene..."

"Oh, I won't—It's not my place to get ignorant or to ask questions."

I patted Reuben's chest lightly, trying to reinsure him that I was going to show my ass then I pecked a kiss to his chin before throwing a look to Jacquees.

"Have a pleasant evening, Jaquees and friend."

Then I turned and walked off from him and from Reuben and Ashley—I was hot, I do not know why I was so pissed off. Maybe because I really wanted to believe deep down he would not do my friend dirty like this but then again... Tierra was always one to choose a mate for materialistic reasoning. Though I cannot be one to talk, I was about to marry this man to help become even richer than he already was...

Girl, please... you are nothing like Tierra. She's selfish and she's gold-digger. You've been working hard and taking care of yourself since you graduated from high school. Yes, but look at me now—I was a jobless, knock-off socialite because of who I was currently in the bed with. Stop selling yourself short, you and Reuben have a real chemistry. She and Jacquees were faker than Barbie and Ken.

I walked to a deserted part of the room so I could get my thoughts together; my head was all over the place at the moment. How large this gala was, I shocked I could find an empty corner to be alone.

Leaning my back against the wall, I closed my eyes for a moment then took a deep breath.

"Maia? Are you alright?"

My eyes jerked open, only to wish I had not.

Sheridan.

"You look upset; did you Reuben get in some sort of fight?"

A smile was actually itching at this bitch's lips; I could have slapped the ever-loving taste out of her mouth. She and his mother are going to make me act a fool. I swear for Lord. Jesus take this cup from me, I am not trying to go there with her.

Her dress was almost twin to Veronica's. A scarlet red with her breasts spilling from the top. Her platinum blonde hair was pinned into a high bun and she had on a feline inspired scarlet mask to match her dress.

"No," I managed to huff. "Reuben and I are peachy keen." I gave her a simple smile then sighed as I seen Reuben nearly jogging to us, with Ashley not too far behind him. Good, because if I had a few more seconds alone with this bitch then I'd been in someone's jail.

"Oh, that's wonderful—I was so nervous! Wouldn't want any problems with the both of you, especially since the two of you are engaged and all."

I see Veronica did not wait to tell her ass... Man, I can't deal with this right now.

"Honey," Reuben sighed as he approached me, quickly getting between Sheridan and myself. As if he was shielding me from her, he must not know... I can fuck her up.

Catch these hands and kiss these Converses. Shit, ask about me.

"Are you alright?" Ashley asked as she came to my side. I smiled at the both of them.

" I am fine," I reassured them both. Reuben leaned down and kissed my forehead then my nose.

"Ahem!"

The three of us gave a united sigh then parted to see Sheridan still standing there. I guess she didn't take the hint that anyone wanted her ass around.

"Well, good evening, Reuben."

She had a flirty smile on her face, ugh—this bitch makes me want to bust her ass.

"Good evening." He answered coolly but managed to plant a few kisses on my head, which made Sheridan give me a smug smile.

"I heard about your engagement from Veronica... She's ecstatic about it!"

Bitch is a lie.

"As well as I!" She pretended to squeal in delight. "And to think that we were almost engaged at one time."

Stomp this bitch out right now, please!

Reuben gave her annoyed look then shook his head and answered shortly:

"No, we were not."

Sheridan eyed him as her mouth dropped a bit then she quickly straightened.

"No, what I meant was... I used always think that I would be the lucky woman to be called 'Mrs. Reuben Michaelson'—" Then she looks to me. "Looks like the best woman won."

I gave her a straight face because I was beyond pissed and I was two seconds from flipping my shit and turning this whole party out. Who the fuck she thinks she playing with? His momma got the shit off because, of course, she's his mother—but this hoe right here is going to make me knock her out. Look at her just smiling like, 'I can take your man.'

Hoe, I double-dog-dare you to try.

"Well, I just came over to give to congrats and I hope I can possibly get an invite to the wedding."

Then she turns to and walks away for a few steps then turns and looks to me once again.

"And that dress is stunning on you, by the way." She smiles plastically. "Ashley." She greets as her as their eyes meet. Ashley looks as pissed as me with her arms folded against her chest and her eyebrows arched in disgust.

"Bye, Whore." She sniped causing Sheridan to chuckle angrily then storm off back in the direction in which she came. "Ugh, she's just... Dastardly!"

I still said nothing, those two uppity bitches are getting to me.

Girl, forget them... Look how our boo is not letting them win—Reuben is on fuck-you mode... You need to follow suit. Shit, I'm already there.

"Baby?"

"Huh?" I snapped back into reality as Reuben rubbed my face. He smiled small then asked again:

"I asked you if you were alright. We do not have to stay here; we can go back to the manor."

At this point, I was really over this party and his folks, but this was the life I had to grow accustomed to, I was going to be his wife.

Sooner than later.

The sad part was, I have still yet to tell my family about this engagement and how Veronica is being all loose lipped about then they might find out sooner than I want... I need to call my parents and be honest about all of this.

I just do not want to disappoint them.

"No," I patted rubbed his face. "I'm fine." He gave me a grace look. "Honest, Babe."

"Well, good—Because I want to spend more time with my future sister-in-law!" Ashley hugged me, tightly. "Why didn't you tell me you were engaged, Benny? And where is her fricking ring?!" She asks as she lifted my left hand... showing my naked ring finger.

Damn, I forgot I didn't have an engagement ring!

"It's still being made, I've been so thrown off by this trip that I have stupidly forgotten to get her a temporary one." He looked into my eyes. "I do apologize, my Love—but that finger won't be alone for long."

I giggled as I shook my head.

You know that ring is gonna be off the chain, right? It wouldn't be Reuben's style if it wasn't.

Three of us stood there chatting for a little longer when we saw everyone heading to their designated tables. Reuben ushered both Ashely and myself to a table towards the front, near the stage where the grand orchestra was played beautifully, I smiled at the site... My mama put in the orchestra in 4th grade... I didn't like it so my dad took me out—Pissed her off and now I wish I would have stuck with it. Mam's desire was for her daughters to have culture, to experience things her and daddy did not have the opportunity to do. Like Andrea was the captain of our school's chess team from her freshman to senior year and was the head tutor for the Mathematics and Science Club. Jada is our ballerina and speech & debate champ... I swear she's going to be a lawyer.

And then there's me... I tried to rebel so much but I still an art history junkie. I loved studying African arts in school, my dream was to run an African and African American based art exhibit... But dropping out of school messed that up for me. Now all I can look forward to is being Mrs. Reuben Edward Michaelson.

Though I loved this man beyond all me... I wanted more than that... I wanted to have my own legacy.

We walked further into the seating area, I cringed when I see his mother and her date sitting at the exact same table he was leading us to.

God, why hast thou forsaken me?!

But thankfully Sheridan's bitch ass was across the room... Flirting it up with a bunch of rich older men. I was at least thankful for that because I can't deal with both right now.

"Ashley, dear!"

Veronica stood from her seat, adjusting the front of her dress, causing my cleavage to spill out. God, I could have thrown up, her old ass just nasty. Ashley looked repulsed then tried to turn her head so she couldn't make eye contact.

"Ashley Meredith Michaelson!" Veronica yodeled loudly in an impatient tone, once Ashley showed her mother attention she began waving her over, Veronica was now making a scene because all the people in the tables around begin to turn their heads and murmur back and forth. Ashley sighed then looked to me then Reuben.

"Please, save me." She begged causing me to snicker then reached over and rubbed her shoulder.

I could only imagine how Veronica was as a mother.

"Go speak with her, I'll save you a seat." He chuckled as he let her go and she just sighed again then walked over to her mother, Veronica hugged her daughter loosely then I could be the look on her face and by her body language that she was going off on her for ignoring her. I just shook my head then followed Reuben.

My mother was everything to me, I could only imagine having one who would publicly berate you at a social event. As we got to our seats, Reuben started to pull out my chair when I saw Ashley throw her hands in Veronica's face.

"Oh my God, Mom—Shut up!"

Then she stormed off towards the exit of the ballroom, leaving her mother standing there fuming. Now the majority of everyone in our section were whispering and watching the scene. Reuben's face was now beet red from embarrassment. He cleared his throat then helped me get settled into my seat.

"My love, if you will excuse me for just a moment..."

I looked up to him as he started to leave the table and then did a casual jog towards the main floor then out the room, in behind Ashley. No wonder he didn't want to come... He knew his family, especially his mother, would embarrass the shit out of him. Sitting there a little longer, more and more couples began to gather at the table, I greeted everyone accordingly but still manage to keep my focus all the way across the room to the grand doorway.

Still no sign of Reuben... or Ashley.

I tried to pretend to be listening or engaged in one of the numerous conversations swirling about me but I felt so out of fucking place. I knew no one but Reuben here and he's left me... Fixing whatever bullshit his mother got started.

"Oh, Maia!"

Speak of the she-devil. I put on a fake smile and glance in her direction. She sat a seat across from me and one chair down. Her date was no longer sitting beside her, he was gone dancing with some young brunette on the dance floor.

"Yes, Veronica?"

"I was telling Mrs. Sinclair about your engagement to Reuben; she and I are dying to see your engagement ring!" My eyes kind of bulged, she knew I didn't have any fucking ring on!

She's trying to embarrass you and you know it.

"Yes, my dear... Reuben is connected some of the most exclusive jewelers in the world, so I know your ring is fabulous."

I grew lost for words.

"Maia Galisa-Lynn Jones?"

I heard my name being called over the sounds system, I looked towards the stage and there stood Reuben; Ashley, Nick, his father, two young men who look just like Reuben, and a beautiful black woman that was holding on to Reuben's father's arm. All of them had a look of excitement on their face. I gave them a confused smile then looked back to his mother who looked just as confused as me.

"My precious Honey..." Reuben walked across the large stage as the orchestra played softly, now he was heading down the steps. "You are the greatest thing that has ever happened to me, you have changed my outlook on women, love, monogamy... You make me want to be a better man..."

Girl, he's doing it... He's doing it now!

My heart rate increased as he grew closer to me, the entire room had their eyes on us. The ones furthest away were now standing and smiling at the sight. Tears were streaming down my face as he stood in front of me.

"I love you more than words can express... Damned the naysayers or the 'haters' as you would say." He said with a humored smirk, making me giggle. "I want to do nothing more but to spend the rest of my life with you, and only you."

With that, he got down on one knee, causing a collective gasp from everyone in the room.

"That's right, Big bro—Show them what's yours!" One of the young men cheered him on.

"Claim her, Son!" Dick chuckled as he pulled the ebony beauty closer to him.

Reuben chuckled lightly as he grabbed my left hand with his right then reached into his pocket with his other.

"My love..." He pulled the black small box out of his pocket then opened it revealing the most beautiful ring I ever have lain my eyes on. "Will you, please, be mine... Forever..." Then leaned in and kissed my hand. "Will you marry me, please, Honey?"

Tears just poured down my face, I know my makeup was blown and I did not care.

Bitch, answer our man!

I nodded my head quickly as I grabbed his face.

"Yes, baby, yes—I'll marry you!"

Reuben smiled victoriously as the room erupted in applause and cheering, I could Veronica out the side of my eye giving us the most hateful stare as she clapped her hands slowly... She was so damn heated I could feel the fumes off her Mrs. Potato looking ass...

Fuck her! Our boo just made his love known for us in front of all them hating hoes and I love it!

Reuben slid the ring on finger then leaned in and kissed me on my lips over and over his dozens of people came and surrounded us.

"Congratulations!"

Was being said over and over and it sounds like birds chirping because all I could do was focus on my fiancé.

"Thank you, all." He announces as he stood to his feet, pulling me up with him. Ashley bombarded us with hugs.

"Oh em gee, that was so fricking awesome—He just filled us in on what was going to do... Hearing put me in the best of moods." She beamed.

"I'm still in shock—" I confessed as I looked down at the huge rock on my hand. "Babe..." I said looking to him.

"I couldn't wait any longer... I was going to do it the last day here... but I had to do it now, broadcast you to the world as the queen of my heart."

Oh shit... You're crying, ain't you? Yasssssssssss!!!!!

Reuben leaned in to kiss me once more as Veronica came over.

"Well, well, well... looks like a congratulation is in order..."

"Would you like to see my ring now, Veronica?" I asked with a wicked smile. She threw me a quick evil glance then smiled sweetly to Reuben.

"Oh, I would!" Mrs. Sinclair came from around the table and examined it. "Oh, this is a quite a beauty... It has to be worth nearly $500,000—" Reuben snatched my hand away from her.

"Damned vulture." I heard him mutter, causing Ashely to cackle.

But the mass of people separated as the remainder of the family came over.

"Well, Maia," Nicholas said with a grin. "Why did you never tell my brother was so smitten with you?" I giggled then shrugged.

"News to me, too." I joked causing them all to laugh.

"Welcome to the family, daughter." Reuben's father, Dick, chuckled as he hugged me tightly.

"I've always wanted a sister," Ashley exclaimed as she hugged the both of us.

"Ash, stop being so damn weird—" One of the young men fussed then turned his attention to me and gave me a flirty smile. "I'm Nate... Reuben's younger and sexier brother."

"Nathaniel." Reuben gave him a stern look.

"Damn, dude—I can't kid around with me new... amazingly beautiful sister?" He chuckled as he grabbed my hand and kissed.

"Reuben's going to kick you ass if you don't stop that." The last brother started laughing. "I'm Ethan, and congratulations, Sister." He hugged me, I hugged him back. They were all so different than the other, but warm... not cold like their mother at all.

The aging, ebony beauty by Dick's side just smiled and looked on.

"Oh, I almost forgot..." Dick drew her closer. "This is my lovely girlfriend and life partner, Evelyn."

"Nice to meet you." I smiled.

She smiled as just wiped some flowing tears from her eyes.

"Oh, Evie, don't cry." Nate teased.

"You know I'm an emotional creature!" She giggled. "I'm just so happy for Reuben... Well, for the both of you!" She smiled. "I was so scared he would never find a great woman and settle down—"

"Evie, don't be a mom right now." Nicholas joked. "You thought the same about me and I settled down."

"I know," She nodded her head. "It's just—" She looked at me and smiled. "Welcome to the family, my dear."

I could tell she wanted to say more but stopped herself... I looked at how Reuben and his siblings responded towards her that they had an amazing bond with her. Once the excitement of the engagement died down, the actual even began to play out. After the welcome speech by Jacque Beauchamp, then there was dinner and a silent auction. And of course, Reuben give me the list and tells me to bid on whatever I wanted... Oh, my goodness, a trip to Cape Town in Africa!

"I see that look in your eyes, Honey," Reuben said as before he took a sip of his wine.

"Baby, a trip to Cape Town!" I said with a smile. "Man, Mama, and Daddy would love to

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