𝙇𝙞𝙗𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 • Central Cee

ＹＯＵ ＨＵＭＩＬＡＴＥＤ ＭＥ

Amara Kardashian West slumped in the passenger seat of her car, trying to escape the throbbing pain in her head. "Jenna, you drive. My head is pounding." she said, pressing her hand against her forehead.

Jenna took the wheel without a word, and JD and Caleb climbed into the backseat. As the car roared to life, Caleb leaned forward, giving Jenna directions. Amara, ignoring Caleb's concerned glance, started rolling a joint.

"Weed on top of liquor? Seriously, Amara?" Caleb asked, his tone a mix of exasperation and concern. "Have you not had enough?"

Amara shot him a sharp look. "Caleb, were you not almost just pissy drunk along with me? Don't kill my high." She rolled her eyes and continued with her task.

Jenna caught JD's eye through the rearview mirror, a silent communication passing between them as they drove through the streets of California. The tension in the car was palpable, but Amara was determined to drown it out. She lit the joint, took a deep hit, and passed it to Jenna. Jenna hesitated for a moment but then took a hit herself.

As they drove on, the sound of pounding music grew louder. It reverberated through the car, a bass-heavy beat that signaled they were close to their destination. Ethan's house loomed into view—a massive estate with a sprawling pool, a long driveway, and an expansive backyard. The place was packed, lights flashing and people milling about everywhere.

"Oh my god, is that Drake?!" JD exclaimed from the backseat, craning his neck to get a better look.

Amara ducked instinctively, not wanting to be seen by Drake. He was like an uncle to her, and if he caught sight of her, there was no doubt he'd drag her back home by her locs. "Don't let Amara out of your sight." Caleb whispered urgently to Jenna as they parked the car. But Amara, determined to enjoy the night, had already opened her door and was pulling Jenna along.

As they walked up to the house, Amara could barely hear herself think over the booming music. "Who's performing?" she asked Jenna, shouting to be heard.

"I hope it's not Drake." Jenna replied.

"Still my uncle, Jenna." Amara muttered, rolling her eyes.

They made their way to the backyard just as Ethan grabbed the mic. The crowd fell silent in anticipation. "As y'all know, I normally get someone to perform to get the night going. He flaked. Chris Brown, fuck you bro!" Ethan yelled, and the massive crowd booed in disappointment. "But someone checked in last minute to help me. Give it up for Central Cee!"

Amara's smile immediately vanished. She exchanged a horrified glance with Jenna. Oakley, the very person she had flown halfway across the world to escape, stood on the stage, his eyes scanning the crowd until they found her.

The tatted rapper took a deep breath, visibly nervous. "Before I start performing, I just want to apologize to someone in the crowd that I really care about. I'm an idiot and I fucked up. Amara, I'm sorry."

The crowd murmured in surprise, all eyes turning to Amara. She felt exposed, the spotlight of everyone's attention making her squirm. Jenna squeezed her hand in silent support.

Amara stood frozen, her mind racing. She had come here to get away from all the drama, but now, standing at the center of it, she felt a surge of conflicting emotions. Part of her wanted to forgive him, to rush to the stage and accept his apology. But another part, the part that had been hurt and betrayed, wanted to turn around and leave.

Ethan, sensing the tension, tried to lighten the mood. "Well, this got real heavy real quick. Let's give him a chance." he said, his voice carrying over the murmurs.

Oakley began his performance, his eyes never leaving Amara's. Each word felt like it was directed at her, a plea for forgiveness wrapped in rhythm and rhyme. Amara felt a tear slip down her cheek, but she wiped it away quickly, refusing to let him see her cry.

"Jenna..." Amara started, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and vulnerability.

"I got you, Mari." Jenna said firmly, gripping Amara's hand and dragging her away from the stage. Oakley finished his set and practically ran off the stage, weaving through the crowd to follow her.

When he finally caught up, he was breathless. "Amara, can you please just hear me out?" Oakley pleaded, desperation evident in his eyes.

Jenna stepped between them, practically shielding Amara with her body. "I don't think she can handle this tonight." she said, pushing Amara through the crowd.

But Amara softly shoved Jenna to the side, her face set with determination. "No, Jen. Let's hear him out. He came all this way so let's listen to his bullshit excuse. He embarrassed me." She turned to Oakley, her voice rising with each word. "You embarrassed me in front of the whole entire world. I trusted you with my safety, with my music, and I was beginning to trust you with my heart. The world already humiliates me every. fucking. day with their think pieces about me and my family. So what can you possibly say to me right now to fix this?"

Amara's voice cracked, and tears streamed down her face. She shoved him, her anger and hurt pouring out. "You humiliated me!" she sobbed.

Oakley, looking stricken, pulled her into his arms. "Amara." he murmured, holding her tightly. His scent, familiar and calming, began to soothe her, and she slowly stopped sobbing.

"Words cannot even describe how sorry I am." Oakley said, his voice low and earnest so only she could hear him. "I had to. Madeline had this contract drafted with me since the beginning of our relationship. Mari, I'm so sorry." He rested his chin on top of her head, his embrace warm and secure.

JD and Caleb ran up to them, having noticed the commotion. Jenna quickly filled them in, her voice a hushed whisper as she explained the situation.

Amara pulled back slightly, looking up at Oakley, her eyes red and swollen. "A contract?" she asked, her voice hoarse. "What are you talking about?"

He sighed deeply, his expression one of regret and frustration. "Madeline had this legal contract that bound me to certain obligations, appearances, and statements. It was all a game to her, a way to control me and, by extension, you. I didn't realize how deep her manipulation went until it was too late. I was trying to protect you, Amara, but I ended up hurting you instead."

Amara's mind raced as she processed his words. The betrayal still stung, but she could see the sincerity in his eyes. "Why didn't you tell me?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I thought I could handle it on my own, that I could shield you from it. I didn't want you to be dragged into her mess." he said, his voice breaking. "I was wrong. I should have been honest with you from the start."

The crowd around them seemed to fade away as Amara weighed his words. She wanted to believe him, to forgive him, but the pain was still fresh. "You should have trusted me." she said finally, her voice firm.

"I know." Oakley replied, his grip tightening around her. "And I'm here now, asking for your forgiveness. I'll do whatever it takes to make this right."

Amara took a deep breath, her heart aching but her resolve slowly returning. "We'll see." she said, stepping back from his embrace. "This isn't something that can be fixed overnight."

"I understand." he said, nodding. "I'm not going anywhere, Amara. I'll be here."

JD and Caleb stepped forward, flanking Amara protectively. Jenna placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Let's get you home." JD said gently.

Amara nodded, giving Oakley one last look before turning away. As they walked back to the car, she couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope amid the confusion and pain. The road to forgiveness would be long and hard, but maybe, just maybe, they could find their way back to each other.