The Colonial Heart

Chapter 20

A M A

As I sat beneath the ancient tree's embracing branches, the gentle breeze whispered secrets through my curls, carrying the sweet scent of blooming wildflowers.

The warm sunlight filtering through the leaves above cast dappled shadows on the grass, creating a natural tapestry.

The familiar voice broke the serenity,

"Good afternoon, Ama."

His smile illuminated his chiseled features, and his piercing blue eyes sparkled with warmth. I rolled my eyes, feigning annoyance, while my heart fluttered with anticipation.

"Bastard."

I hissed silently but just loud enough for him to hear and I felt satisfied when I heard a soft wince escaping him.

He proceeded to sit next to me and I was about to tell him off but he spoke before me.
"She was not my lover," he began, his voice laced with sincerity. I raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

"Is that so?"

I replied, my tone measured.

He hesitated, collecting his thoughts. "I want to be honest with you, Ama. I fear losing you if I reveal the truth." His voice trembled, revealing vulnerability beneath his polished exterior.

"I will leave if you don't,"

I countered, my resolve firm. He nodded, a resolute expression settling on his face. "She is my betrothed," he confessed, the words hanging in the air like a challenge.

My heart skipped a beat, the admission stinging. Yet, he continued, "But I do not love her, Ama. Alliance and duty bind me, not affection." The pieces of my heart began to mend, and I understood his predicament.

We sat in a constable silence, the tension dissipating. I thought of my own betrothal, the weight of duty and expectation. But with William, I felt alive, but alas I have to be wise and think of his future wife.
"Even so we must not continue to meet."I said and I stood up but he gently grabbed my hand and gave me a pleading look.

"Please no I beg of you, I made sure she will leaving tomorrow, she will not be of a bother but please do not leave me."he said and I felt my heart soften at his scared gaze.

I sat down once more feeling defeated. Perhaps I won't think of anyone for just this once?

William's voice broke the stillness, "Ama, I was hoping..." He hesitated, his eyes darting with hope. "I thought a leisurely boat ride might be enjoyable...if you'd like, of course." I smiled, charmed by his uncertainty.

"I've never been on a boat," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
"Mainly because I hate the disgusting stench of fish."

I said while curling my nose making him chuckle, his eyes sparkling. "No fishing, I assure you. Just a carefree excursion." I stood, and he looked up, his face aglow with anticipation.

"Sure, but this doesn't mean we've made amends,"

I teased, my voice playful. He beamed, offering his arm. "Of course, my lady. Shall I lead the way?" Our arms intertwined, and I felt a nervous thrill.

As we strolled towards the boat, I felt the weight of our secrets, a gentle burden shared between us.

The boat's elegance mesmerized me - delicate carvings and curves of flowers surrounded its exterior, with steps leading up to the entrance, where lush curtains and vines bloomed.

This was far more stunning than just the mere fishing boats I see daily, how was this even placed in the same category as a boat?

William offered his hand, and I took it, smiling, as he helped me aboard.

Inside, a beautifully set table beckoned, with a tablecloth featuring an exotic pattern. Two men stood at the edges, paddles in hand, ready to propel us forward. I felt grateful for William's thoughtful gesture.

As we sat, William's eyes sparkled with excitement.

"I have one more thing I wish to give you before we begin,"

he said, his voice filled with anticipation. He produced a velvet rectangular box from his pocket and opened it, revealing a stunning necklace that took my breath away.

The gold chain glimmered in the soft light, and the beautiful alexandrite ruby at its center seemed to pulse with an inner radiance.

I gasped, my eyes wide with wonder. "It's...I must not,"

I stammered, feeling as though I didn't deserve such a magnificent gift.

William's face fell, and he reached out to touch his hair, a gesture of frustration and anxiousness.

"I saw it and I thought you might have liked it. I am terribly sorry - is it jade you prefer? Or perhaps pearls? I should have gotten you the pearls."

I giggled at his antics, my heart touched by his thoughtfulness. "It's stunning, William. Truly, it's beyond stunning. But it seems so expensive - is alexandrite not a precious stone?" I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me.

William's face lit up with a smile. "It was , but I would buy the whole world for you if you asked," he said, his voice filled with sincerity. He gently lifted the necklace from the box and fastened it around my neck, his fingers brushing against my skin. I felt a shiver run down my spine as he stepped back to admire his handiwork.

"I have a ring like this,"

he said, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

"I wanted us to be matching - it's a silly thought, I know." He held out his hand, and I saw that he wore a beautiful alexandrite ring on his finger, its stone glowing with the same inner light as the necklace.

"Thank you, William," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. He smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners, and I knew that he was proud of himself for making me happy.

With a nod, he signaled the men to begin paddling, and our leisurely journey commenced. The soft lapping of the water against the boat's hull and the sweet scent of blooming flowers enveloped us, creating a serene atmosphere.

Though this moment was beginning I silently prayed that it would never end.

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I wanted to make William and Ama have a little argument but I was in no mood for drama but a soft gentle sweet moment shared between the pair. I hope you enjoyed reading it!