The Colonial Heart ✓ (Editing)

Chapter 15

A M A

I collapsed into my mother's embrace, overcome with sorrow. "Oh, Mama!" I sobbed, my tears flowing like a river.

"He was a good man," she whispered, her voice a gentle balm as she stroked my back. "But he was always so vigilant...how could this have happened?" I wailed, my heart heavy with grief.

Chief Akan had been a pillar of kindness and generosity, and his sudden passing left a gaping void. I couldn't bear the thought of a world without him.

"Ama, hush," my mother soothed, her voice soft and calming. "Mistakes happen, and we must learn to accept them. We'll honor his memory tomorrow at the burial. Get some rest, my child, for it will be a long and difficult day."

As she kissed my forehead and turned to leave, I grasped her arm. "Wait, Mama...will Akwasi become the new chief?"

My mother's expression was uncertain. "He's one of the chief's eldest sons, so it's likely. But for now, sleep, Ama. We'll face tomorrow together."

With that, she left me to my thoughts, the silence echoing with the weight of my sorrow.

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The scent of incense enveloped me, intensifying my sorrow. The mournful drums resonated through my being, making it harder to escape my pain. Akwasi, the chief's eldest son, conducted the ceremony with solemn dignity.

The atmosphere was somber, a poignant reminder why I'd always dreaded funerals. As songs and eulogies filled the air, my heart grew heavier with grief.

Why did his life have to end so tragically?

I gently wiped away a tear, unwilling to succumb to emotion in front of the gathering.

"Ama," Akwasi said, approaching me with a plate of food. I declined, and he sat beside me.

"I long to see you smile again. Your sorrow pains me." His words, though insincere, sparked a fake smile. "When I ascend to chieftaincy, you'll be my sole wife, I promise."

He twirled a strand of my hair, but the gesture lacked the tenderness William's touch had once brought.

"I won't discuss this now," I snapped, slapping his hand away.

"Ama, please, don't create a scene." Akwasi's eyes pleaded, but I saw through his facade. "I despise you, Akwasi! Your empty promises won't deceive me. You're a snake, a hypocrite !" My words ended with a sharp slap, and I felt a stinging pain. Akwasi's face darkened, his eyes blazing.

"You dare speak to me thus?" he hissed, grasping my wrist. I slapped him back, my anger unfettered. "You're nothing more than a pig, Akwasi! Treating me like dirt, yet expecting me to be your obedient sweet darling wife"

My mother's stern voice intervened, "Ama, know your place!" A second slap followed, and I saw my mother's disapproving gaze.

"Apologize to Akwasi, now!" she commanded. Akwasi's response only fueled my anger. "Spare me your hypocrisy,"

I said, turning to leave. I fled to the one place where I knew I'd find solace, away from the suffocating sorrow and deceit.

As I approached our tree, William's familiar silhouette beckoned me closer. I rushed into his embrace, tears of sorrow and frustration mingling as I whispered,

"Oh, William." His gentle arms enveloped me, a soothing balm for my battered heart.

With a deep breath, I recounted the events that had left my cheek stinging and my spirit wounded.

William's expression darkened, his eyes flashing with indignation, but I calmed him with a gentle touch. "Leave it be, William. I want to forget."

As we settled under the tree, William's hands cradled mine, his fingers intertwining with a tender possessiveness. "I'm sorry for your loss," he whispered, his voice a soft caress. I smiled, a fragile, reassuring smile, but William's eyes saw through the façade.

Then, his gaze sparkled with mischief as he revealed a basket of sweet treasures. "I brought these to tempt your taste buds and lift your spirits." H
e presented me with a milk tart, its golden crust and creamy filling enticing. "Not poison, I promise," he teased, his eyes twinkling.
I rolled my eyes playfully at his jest

I took a hesitant bite, and the tart's subtle flavors melted on my palate, a delightful surprise.

"Exquisite!"

I exclaimed, savoring another bite as William chuckled, pleased. In that serene moment, surrounded by the gentle rustle of leaves and the warmth of William's presence, I felt my heart stir with a deep affection, a sense of belonging.

In that moment I knew that I would lay my very life down for the man who sat beside me.

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A sad , dramatic yet cheesy chapter oh how I hope it is not too much but I hope you enjoyed this chapter..