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"A LOST woman is a curious woman on a journey of finding herself and her true meaning and purpose of living,"

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          "We're gonna miss you so much," Amelia's boss Hailey cooed as she hugged her tightly rocking back and forth.

As a surprise after the diner closed they threw Amelia a goodbye party. She honestly didn't expect them to care about her leaving but it did touch her heart that they took the time to throw this together for her in such little time.

"I'm gonna miss you guys too,"

Pulling away she held her hands, "We hope you both find whatever success you guys want and need in California. Don't forget about us either,"

"How could I? You were the first person to hire me in this horrible city .."

They all laughed and made small talk about her move and asking how she felt about the move. "If it were up to me I'd stay here but Jay made some good points .. since we moved here nothing good has happened for us so its really just the smarter move."

"Understandable, we hope you at least enjoy the life up there and wish for nothing but luck and good fortune for you and Jay."

"Thanks guys, but please don't make me cry."

Cooing they all did a group hug, "Let those tears out, we all know you're scared. We remember how scared you were when you stumbled up in here." A guy named Hanes spoke up.

Pulling away, she laughed at the memory. "New York wasn't what I expected, the people were rude and I was lost and no one was tryna help me and you guys looked friendly." She laughed hopping on one of the tables while eating some cake.

"Well we're glad you ran into our diner, now we have a lifetime friend and you better not ever hesitate to hit one of us up if you ever need anything alright?"

"I promise I won't, but let me get going. I have to finish packing and getting everything ready for our flight tomorrow afternoon."

All pouting they watched as she hopped down off the table and went in for hugs, hugging them all individually.

Even though she tried her best not to cry, the moment she went for the door to leave reality kicked in that she was really leaving and was probably never returning.

"Bye you guys, love you all so much."

"We love you too, have a safe trip and send us lots of pictures."

Finally leaving out of the diner, she walked the sidewalks with her hands stuffed in her pockets with a lot on her mind and the move she was making being the main thing.

Pulling out her phone and headphones, she put on the song Focus by H.E.R and continued her journey to the subway station so she could get home and finish preparing for the move.

Taping up the last box of her things, Amelia sighed looking around their now empty apartment. So many things have happened in this apartment. Many arguments and disagreements, nights of crying, laughs and good times, sex and making love and the more she thought about everything the more she realized she wasn't quit ready to go but she knew her and Jay had to move on with their lives and continue to grow together and if growing meant moving then so be it.

She quit her job and even though she hated the job half the time the moment was a bittersweet moment. She was gonna miss the frequent everyday customers she has grown to know but success and more money calls so she had to hop on that train of fate.

Pushing the box near the door, she stood in the center where their couch still sat since they weren't taking any big items yet and just examined the place some more feeling herself get emotional.

Rubbing her hand on the wall, she let a tear slip out her eye but quickly wiped it when she heard Jay's contagious deep laughter.

Feeling an arm snake around her waist she looked back to see Jay already staring at her with a sympathetic look on his face.. "You alright?"

"No, I don't want to leave to be honest, but I know this is the better move for us. I'm just going through the emotions of us actually leaving our apartment." She chuckled.

Pulling her into a hug his tall frame towered over her as she pressed her face against his chest and wrapped her arms around him. "You just a big baby, we gon' be good love. You don't have faith in this?"

She shrugged grabbing his hand and walking towards the far side of their apartment and sat down with her back against the wall. "I'm mostly scared that we'll make this move and shit ends up just like it is here .."

"It's not trust me, when we get settled I'm gonna help you apply to schools and help you get going and life is just gonna go on and we're gonna be happy. So stop whining and let's enjoy our last moments in our apartment for a second before we fly to the other side of the world."

Sighing she nodded as he locked their fingers together. "You know how I am, I overthink every little thing."

"Yeah you did the same exact thing when we were preparing to move here."

"Hell I was scared about the move to New York but I knew long as I had you by myside I was good and I know I've been tripping lately but I know when we move to Cali it'll be the same way. I just never thought I'd be leaving this place, yes we've had some pretty rough times here but it gave me a better life than the one I used to have and I don't know deep down I still feel New York is where I need to be but I don't want to be without you or make you lose out on an opportunity you were blessed with in Cali." She expressed letting her true feelings about everything that was happening.

For the past few days things around the apartment have been hetic with Jay trying to mentally prepare himself for this new job and making sure they packed everything they could for their flight so they barely had anytime to just talk and Amelia at least wanted to voice her thoughts on this.

When they moved to New York they were both scared kids thinking they were ready for what life had for them and very quickly life showed them exactly what they had instore and they soon realized they weren't ready at all but New York kinda forced them to.

They grew up and matured a little faster and got on their grown woman and grown man shit and handled each obstacle the best they could. But throughout the struggle they remained strong and stuck together and Amelia hoped that things remained the same in California as well.

"I'll always have your back no matter what, I promised your dad that and I would never break that promise." He expressed kissing the back of her hand. "We're in this together and I love you and the moment I get the money .. I'm marrying you. We been through so much these past few years. You watched me lose job after job and not once did you bail on me, you stuck through the hardtimes and continued to love me and be there for me and I'll forever be thankful for that so the minute we move to Cali and that money starts rolling in I'm blessing you with everything you deserve."

Staring at him long and hard, she just smiled. "You don't have to spend money on me Jay, you know I've always been simple to please .. hell just being with you is a blessing so trust me I'm good and we're gonna be even better in California."

"I know, but I want too."

Not wanting to be a prick and argue him down, she decided to just let him do whatever he wanted to do. "You remember when we first moved in? We were so young and dumb," She laughed. "We really thought we was gonna be on top of the world in this city. But New York slapped our country asses right in the face quickly with the realness."

"Damn' sho' did, but every moment I spent here with you even the high and the lows I always felt like I was on top of the world."

Blushing like a school girl, she leaned over and kissed him on the lips then laid her head on his shoulder as they both sat up against the wall staring around their empty apartment as the memories they have made there flooded their mind.

"Promise me things won't change in Cali please, just promise me that no matter what we'll be in this together."

Looking down at her, he sighed. "I can't promise and say things won't change because I'm more than positive that it will but I do promise that no matter what we're in this together forever."

Kissing him on the sleeps, she pulled away and just stared at him with nothing but love in her eyes. But the longer she sat there and stared at him the more she wanted to do this one last thing before they left. "How much time do we have until the drivers come and get us?"

Checking his phone, he went to the email they sent to find the time. "We got like thirty to forty-five minutes. Why?"

Standing to her feet she smiled grabbing his hand making him do the same. Leading him to their bedroom he immediately caught onto what she wanted to do and was all for it as he watched her take off her shirt.

Spending our last moments here like this works too. He thought to himself.

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"A SUCCESSFUL man continues to look for work even after he has found success,"

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Fixing his bow tie, Lamar stood in front of his full body mirror admiring his suit he just purchased a few hours ago for his charity fundraiser tonight.

The fundraiser was something he held every year to help gain money and sponsers for the multiple charities he ran but the two important charities he was mainly focusing on tonight were charities for single mothers and fathers.

He wanted each of his employees to either recommend a friend, a family or even a stranger they have seen handle the tasks as a single parent and out of all the people he picked two single moms and two single dads and tonight with the money he will raise for both charities he was going to split it two ways and give the money to them to help advance their life and for their kids future.

Reaching over to his dresser he grabbed his custom made Rolex he got for his birthday last year placing it on. Taking one last look in the mirror before leaving out of his bedroom he made sure to shut off all the light, grab his wallet and keys then headed down the stairs where his fiancé Chasity stood waiting for him.

"Took you long enough and I thought I got dressed slow," She mumbled heading out the door not bothering to wait for him.

She was still a little upset with him earlier about an argument they had about the wedding but he wasn't about to let her ruin his special night. The argument was solely over how the planning was taking too long, invitations haven't been sent even though they knew the date, he was just tryna see where her head was at with this wedding and she took his concern thinking he was rushing her when really he wasn't he was just tryna see what is the hold up.

Leaving out the door he locked it up behind him then jogged to his car where his driver was waiting. "You clean up nice sir," He complimented.

Smirking, he posed a little acting as if someone was snapping pics. "Preciate the love man, I could say the same about you though James, lookin' mighty sharp brother."

Doing a small turn, he looked down at his suit then laughed, "Oh this here is Givenchi, I've had it a few years now .. one of my favorite suits that my boss ever got me."

"I got that? Damn, I'm jealous, should have gotten it for myself," He joked.

Lamar and James shared a dope bond, he wasn't only Lamar's driver but he was also his family. Lamar looked at everybody who worked for him as family mainly because half the things he has accomplished would not have been possible without them so he always did alot of things for them to let them know that he did appreciate their work and them being here.

But out of everybody James was his closest friend, and the bond sorta just came naturally with James just being an all around cool guy and Lamar being open for new friendships.

He felt the best friendships to come about are the friendships that come unexpectantly and you really have no clue as to how you and someone became friends. He felt those bonds were magical and that really described him and James relationship.

"Hey, you know I always gotta make sure my main mans is well taken care of."

"Well I do appreciate it sir,"

Getting tired of waiting, she peeked her head out the car, letting out a loud sigh to catch their attention. "Can we go? You two can talk later."

Rolling his eyes at her attitude he got in the car, pushing her over. Soon as the car cranked up and they were driving he turned to Chasity who was looking out the window with a mug on her face.

"What is your problem Chaz? I mean like really out of all days to be upset you choose this one. You gotta make every fucking thing about you."

Snapping her neck in his direction, she flared her nostrils. "I make everything about me? Really Lamar? Please, cut the bullshit. You can't even spend a whole day with me, its always something coming up and you have to go. You care more about everybody around you and give them more of your attention than your own Fiancé. I have been having to plan this whole wedding by myself because you're always too busy or too tired to help so yes of course you can't expect much to be done when its only one person trying to make a day that's so special and meaningful happen."

Staring at her, he couldn't help but chuckle at her attempt to play the victim role. "Chasity, I try to make time for us the best I can but you're the one that flakes or cancels last minute. So don't sit here and try to beat me up because you keep falling short on your end. I've been doing everything to keep you happy, you wanted a house I got the house, you wanted a car I got that, you want my love and attention .. I give you all of that and then some. I'm loyal, I'm honest to you about everything, I come to you about business deals wanting your input, I make sure I involve you in everything so you don't ever feel neglected. I'm even ready to marry you and the one thing I ask you to do you act like its the hardest thing ever to be done. I gave you a million dollar budget for our wedding and you act like you can't get shit done and its been three years! We have no invitations, no venue, a set color, like come on baby, do you want to get married or not?"

"Of course I want to get married," She yelled back.

"Well then act like it, you wanted me to put the wedding in your hands and I did that willingly. You don't work, you don't have to do much around the house since I have a cleaner who comes once a week so really your only job is to plan a wedding and that's it, what is so hard about that baby? And you had three years to do so."

Chasity sighed knowing he was right, but she couldn't tell him the real reason as to why nothing was getting done. She wasn't sure how she'd be able to tell him that she spent the whole budget for the wedding on Chanel bags, shoes and other unneccessary things.

The rest of the ride was silent and Lamar used that time to text people back and check in on his mother.

When they arrived to the venue, Chasity went to get up but he stopped her and told James to hold on a second.

"Look Chas, I love you and I want to spend forever with you. But baby if you want the samething you gotta get it together." Turning sideways so he could face her, he grabbed her hand. "I didn't ask you to marry me because it sounded nice, I asked you because I'm in love with you and I feel as a couple we're perfect for each other. I don't like arguing with you and I hate being mad at you so please know me complaining about these wedding plans isn't me being dick, I'm just ready to marry you and I want it to be perfect."

Grabbing his hand she kissed the back of it, "I'm sorry, I'll get it together I promise."

Using his hand to lift her face by her chin, he kissed her lips. "We're good, but if this isn't what you want or you're having second thoughts.. just let me know."

"This is what I want,"

Looking her in the eyes, he saw the love in them which made him smile. But sadly the love he saw in her eyes wasn't love pushed towards him, it was pushed towards what he had that benefitted her.

Lamar was beyond attractive and the sex was amazing but that didn't make her love him, hell she wasn't even sure if she really did love him since she was so blinded by the millions of dollars he had.

Tapping the car window letting James know he was ready, he stepped out then grabbed her hand helping her out and making sure she didn't mess up her dress.

Walking up the stairs hand and hand, they both smiled and waved at the photographers snapping pics and the guest entering the building as well.

"Hello Mr. and Mrs. Hughes, you two look lovely this evening," The door greeter greeted politely.

Shaking his hand and thanking him, they entered the building and instantly a smile appeared on his face from the amount of people that showed up for the fundraiser.

The venue was set up just the way he invisioned it in his head. The place was lowly lit but the lights they did have reflected off the big glass chandliers hanging from the ceiling through the building giving it a more elegant look.

He scanned the building with his eyes looking at all of the different booths for the charities smiling that so far his nice was a success.

Seeing his two best friends near the bar, he turned to Chasity. "I'm about to go and speak with the boys and talk to a few potential sponsers, I'll see you later alright?"

Nodding her head, she kissed his lips then they both went their separate ways.

Fixing his bow tie, he grabbed a glass of champange from one of the waiters then made his way over. "Sup fellas, you guys already tryna get drunk when the night just started?" He called out immediately catching their attention.

Turning to face him they both smiled and dapped each other up, and giving each other hugs.

"What's up with it man? And you already know if its some Hennessy in the building you know my black ass gotta have at least three glasses," His friend Brandon spoke up showing him his glass of Hennessey.

His friend Ravi shook his head, "You know this nigga lowkey an alcohol .. he just ain't admitting to the shit yet. But what's good witcha Lamar?"

"Trust me I know, but uh life is good everyday I'm gaining new sponsers, the money I've been donating to the schools is really helping improve the class rooms shit is great. How have you two been? It's been a long ass time since we last chilled."

"I would say good but Yanna and I our getting a divorce. I filed for one last month," Ravi announced sadly.

"Damn man, for what? I thought you two were doing good."

Shrugging his shoulders, he took a sip of his drink. "She cheated, she was only in it for the money .. she loved the money not me."

Ravi and his wife Yanna met the year he was graduating college. The moment he saw her he wanted her, but time after time she never gave him a chance and told him how she always had a boyfriend which was true but at the same time she felt he wasn't her type.

He of course understood and backed off, but at his graduation ceremony his dad was one of the speakers and once she saw who Ravi's dad was which is a multi-millionaire who owns half of the businesses in San Fransico, she knew she had to get on with that.

So she approached him after the ceremony lying saying her and her boyfriend broke up, and feeding him nothing but lies telling him everything that he wanted to hear and she got him. He fell for her and he fell in love while she fell in love with the money.

During the course of their marriage his wife never stopped messing with her boyfriend in college in fact she was taking money from Ravi and giving it to him and when Ravi found out he was crushed and felt stupid and mad at the fact that he didn't notice the signs.

He was also thankful she never got pregnant so he was able to walk away baggage free from her. She's also thinking she's going to at least get half of everything but she Ravi knows she will walk away with completely nothing and he'll stay rich.

"Damn man, I'm sorry to hear that. How you feeling?"

"Better than I was before, but I'm good. Finna become a straight bachelor though. Fuck this love shit, females now days don't want love or a relationship. They all just sugar daddies and a nigga to pay their way through life. This a generation full of sorry ass women." He spat harshly mainly speaking from a hurt place.

Touching his shoulder, both Brandon and Lamar stared at their friend weirdly. "Clearly you aren't good but that is okay. You'll get through it but don't let Yanna change your outlook on women, all women aren't the same. Some women don't want a man to pay their way but having someone to help is what they would like to have. It's some good women out here but we all know these ladies in California are high maintence as hell so majority of them are gold diggers. Whatchu need is a country down south girl," Lamar said.

Lamar loved southern black women, each one he has ever met always had such a down to earth but sassy personality. He was raised in California is whole life and dealing with and constantly seeing those high maintence females got tiring and when he visited southern states it was like a cultural shock in a way and the natural beauty most of em had spoke volumes, he loved a natural woman.

But that didn't mean he doesn't like a woman who isn't..

Chasity was far from being natural but he loved her passed that knowing a lot of the reasons why she wore the make-up, weave and got her breast done was out of insecurities and he tried his best to make her feel like the most beautiful woman in the world.

"I hear you, but for now a woman and a relationship is the furthest thing on my mind. I know this world may act like men can't be heartbroken but my heart is seriously broke and sometimes I just cry thinking about how bad she played me for some bum ass nigga." He sniffled chugging down another glass of patron.

"Fuck society, if you wanna cry then cry. If a person doesn't cry when they get their heartbroke by someone they gave their body, mind, love, and time too then they more than likely didn't love that person." Brandon spoke up, taking away Ravi's new glass of patron knowing if he kept drinking he would be drunk off his ass.

"Plus I been telling you that you needed to drop her and become a playa like myself. When females see me they see money, and when I see them I see pussy and that's all. I get what I want and they get a little bit of what they want and its no strings attached meaning no heart breaks." He explained.

Ravi shook his head, "Brandon, you're a walking STD. I'll pass on the playa life, I really just be talking. I don't have it in me to sleep with multiple women. But enough about me and my problems. I wasn't tryna shift the mood. This is Lamar's day and I personally want to say I'm proud of you man. You're the male version of Oprah with the way you constantly give back and make sure others are good. This fundraiser turned out lovely and I will be sure to leave a hefty donation to each of them and lastly may your father rest in peace but I know he would be truly proud of you." Holding up his empty glass they all toasted.

After making small talk with them, Lamar soon excused himself and talked with a lot of other people explaining his charities and how if they donated the benefits that would come with it.

The night was a true success, everything he invisioned for this night happened and he couldn't have been more proud of himself and his team for putting it all together.

Talking to an elderly couple known as the Richmonds, Lamar offered them drinks then escorted them to a small booth to discuss business. "The Hughes Art and Science program is a program solely based on the arts and the many forms of arts along with the many forma of science. I've came across many talented children in those electives and I wanted to create a summer and after school program for children starting in primary school up to high school. I have noticed in my years of traveling to different schools that school curriculmns do not focus on the arts that alot of children have embedded in them to actually pursue a career in. We live in a society where they try to mold children into something they are not and I created the Hughes Art and Science Institute directly for those children who believe that the beauty of art or science can get them far in life."

"Now what makes my institute different and successful is that each teacher and educator I higher actually takes the time to get to know the children, they talk to the children and listen to their opinions and ideas. We focus on all of the different learning styles to target each student and we have gained such a success from that alone. More than half of the children that do attend this program has an IQ score over 125, and their ACT and SAT scores are higher than an average kid and these are including kids from lower-income families, and single-parent home students."

"Now my goal is to make this institution a world wide thing, and after seeing the outcome in the students around California I would like to see this change around the world as well but I know this can't be done alone, a progect and vision like this involves a team and Mr. and Mrs. Richmond I want you guys on my team. I feel this can go so far and help kids in the future." He explained laying his plan out on the table in hopes that they at least would consider donating and joining the programs committee.

Sitting her glass down Mrs. Richmond turned and looked at her husband as they talked with their eyes. Slowly turning to face him she smiled, "Lamar you're a very wise and intelligent man. Many things that you touch turns into gold. We have watched you change the lives of many people around you and for that we will be honored to help you make this program a world wide thing."

Smiling widely, he reached across the table shaking both of their hands. "Thank you guys so much, we can meet early Monday morning at my office and discuss future plans and contacts."

"Sounds like a plan, but first we'd like to make a donation as well," Mr. Richmond spoke pulling out his check book.

Writing a check for five-hundred-thousand, he smiled placing it in Lamar's hand. "This is my way of seeling the deal, looking forward to future business with you Lamar,"

Shaking their hands and thanking them one last time, he made his way around the venue talking and gaining more and more donations.

By the end of the event it was time to announce and give the money he earned for the single moms and dads charities to the people he chose and felt needed it the most.

Walking up to the stage everyone got quiet and found their seats at their assigned tables as the lights in the venue shut completely off leaving only a spotlight on him.

Clearing his throat he smiled, "I first want to start off by thank you to each and every one you for coming out and donating. It really means a lot that people actually see my vision and goals and help make them come true. After counting up the amount of money we have raised for each of the fifteen charities we have today we raised over one-billion dollars. Please give a round of appaluse for that." Clapping his hands along with everyone else, he couldn't stop smiling.

"I know some of you are probably wondering why I keep smiling but its the feeling of knowing that just in a few seconds that I am about to change four different lives. For my charities directed to single moms and fathers, we raised 1.5 million on both and today I am splitting each check by two and changing the lives of two mothers, and two fathers."

James, Brandon, Ravi and one of his guards each walked out onto the stage holding up big checks that read $750,000 on each in bold black numbers. "I need Patricia Wallace, Shayla Jackson, Keith Watson, and David Collins to please come up to this stage for me."

Having spot lights shine directly on the table where they all sat, everyone smiled at their shock facial expressions. Being escorted by waiters up to the stage they all couldn't contain the tears of joy that kept falling.

Hugging each of them, Lamar handed them each a check. "I had people recommend these group of wonderful people to me saying they all deserved a blessing."

Wrapping his arm around Patricia, he turned to face the crowd. "Patricia here lost her home and everything she owned in a fire back in 2015, she has lived in multiple homeless shelters and public bathrooms just so her and her three kids would never have to sleep on the streets. She made sure everyday her kids got to school on time, she would scrap up money just so they could eat even if that meant she went hungry. My assistant came across Ms. Patricia one day when she stumbled up to my homeless shelter and at the moment we were completely full and had no room left for anymore people. She watched her break down in tears as she walked away with her kids and my assistant said she just had to offer to buy her a hotel room for the night and that was when she learned how selfless of a woman Ms. Patricia truly was and has been for the past three years. So today Ms. Patricia for all of your hardwork and sacrifices you have made, I'm here to reward you with $750,000 dollars today."

Breaking down in tears, she dropped the check and hugged him tightly praising god for this unexpected blessing.

After explaining and telling everyone's story the whole crowd was in tears truly amazed at how strong those four individuals have been over the years.

By the end of the event everyone stood and appaluded Lamar and congratualating him for the money he earned and the success of his fundraiser.

As he hugged and thanked people for coming, he looked across the room to see Chasity talking with some guy and the look of lust in the man eyes pissed him off but he trusted that Chasity would never do him dirty like Ravi's wife did especially after all he has done for her.

Looking back over at her the guy was gone and she was now headed towards him. He looked to see if the guy was anywhere else in the building but it was like he disappeared and that alone made him sense something, he wasn't sure what it was but he felt something was up with that man and wanted Chasity to stay as far away as possible.

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Thanks for the love & support!
- Denise 💋