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𝘼𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙡𝙤
The house was quiet at midnight. The majority were snuggled underneath blankets and fast asleep, anticipating waking to gifts underneath the tree. Angelo sat in front of it with his heart so heavy that he couldn't fall asleep. His mind wouldn't allow him to rest. Flipping from Nashea to his father's infidelity, Angelo was tormented by his own brain and heart. He longed for Nashea, but another relative yearned for her, too. Choosing her would put a strain on his relationship with his own brother. Parris was desirable, but he didn't feel the connection within his heart. His parents' marriage had hit a wall and was suffering. He couldn't help but wonder what his own would be like. Whoever Angelo chose, he would have to be married to her for five whole years.
"Merry Christmas, baby" Angelo was immersed in his thoughts for hours, he didn't notice the sun had risen until Naomi sauntered into the living room. She was dressed in red silk pajamas. "Merry Christmas, mama" Gelo replied groggily and with his eyes half open. "You sound like you haven't slept much all night" She rubbed the back of his head gently. "You want-"
Cashmir came sliding through the living room on the hardwood floors, dressed over-the-top in a Grinch onesie, 2024 novelty glasses, and a light up Santa hat. He was blasting This Christmas by Chris Brown from his smartphone. Anything for a viral moment. "Boy, if you don't turn that down and come sit" Naomi chuckled at his antics that were being recorded by members of his crew.
Cash sparked an influx of people crowding the living room. All of his exes who somehow managed to get to Aspen were staring at him. He avoided their gazes as Rasheed stepped up to hand out gifts. Already fully aware of the reason, his heart rate sped up. It was now or never.
"First off, Merry Christmas everyone" The crowd repeated it back to him. "We're going to start the gift opening process with one very special gift from Angelo to Parris" All eyes bore into him, Angelo's own was fixed on the bright lights on the tree. Now was the perfect time for Gladys' superstition to have some truth in it. Render him blind so he couldn't see what was about to happen.
Parris sat on the other side of him with a large smile plastered on her face. He handed the small velvet box with a single red bow on it to her. "Parris, will you marry me?" Angelo blurted out prematurely from the anxiety pulsing through him. The words didn't come out with affection and confidence. They were forced and quick. Much like the wedding that would come after. This marriage was loveless already.
His gaze met hers and softened at the shock look displayed on her visage. Sliding the box out of her hand, Angelo swallowed hard, then bent down on one knee and repeated the words. "Parris, will you marry me?" He opened the box to show off the diamond ring inside. Her eyes lit up at the sight. Cash recorded the entire proposal for his YouTube. Mercedes was smiling from ear to ear while Naomi and Bryson had different reactions. Naomi mirrored Mercedes' smile. Bryson looked worried. His own marriage was failing after thirty years, and he was a saint compared to his playboy spawn. Angelo certainly wasn't marriage material in his eyes.
