Sweet Divorce

As the two were in the heat of the moment, the phone rang out again.

And the caller was none other than her father Noah.

Rita stared at the screen for several seconds, then finally picked up the phone, saying with a sweet “hello”, “Early for you to be calling, Dad, what is it?”

As she spoke, she leant her soft body back against the man’s embrace, letting him support her entire being.

Liam hugged the woman in his arms to him lightly, willingly acting as her pillow.

“It’s your mother’s birthday, Rita. If you’re free, why don’t you come over for a meal to celebrate?”

Hearing her father’s cautious question over the line, Rita’s heart sank. A bad feeling started roiling in her gut.

Ever since she’d been old enough to know things, her mother had been at odds with Amelia. Add to that the fact that her father was too much of a good son to disobey her grandmother, her mother Zoe hadn’t really celebrated her birthday every year.

So what was it with this year?

Rita’s brow knotted, and her voice cooled. “It’s Grandma’s idea to celebrate Mom’s birthday, right?”

“…” On the other end of the line, Noah lapsed into silence.

Even though he hadn’t answered, Rita understood that she’d guessed things correctly.

Seems like Amelia still wasn’t giving up over Charlotte.

Considering that she might refuse to meet, the old woman was probably thinking of using her mother’s birthday as an excuse to lure her up.

She had to say that Amelia’s plan was clever.

But because of the lengths Amelia was going to for Charlotte, Rita felt a chill run down her spine, and the sense that maybe it really was as Michael said – she wasn’t part of the Brown bloodline.

Otherwise, why would two granddaughters be treated so differently?

“If you’re not free tonight, Rita, then don’t come over. I’ll deal with your grandmother.” Noah smiled and took on all the responsibility himself, wanting to save Rita the trouble.

“I’m free.”

Unexpectedly, Rita agreed readily.

Noah blinked, confused.

Rita agreed?!

everything that Charlotte had done in the past, he’d expected Rita to outright

But she’d agreed.

the only one shocked. Even Liam’s black pupils registered surprise. His gaze swept over the woman in his arms. Was there some reason she

froze for a few seconds before recovering his wits, overjoyed. “Since… since you’re free, I’ll have the kitchens make

“Sure.”

mood plummeted, and the smile

stood behind

Rita forgot he was at her

turned around and rammed headfirst

in

so why… why is Grandma still so protective

else, but

tears at her cheeks drop by drop, then wrapped her in his arms, his voice slow and firm. “None of that. My Rita is great, perfect, perfect all

if a soothing current had washed past. Her bitterness, arising from the favoritism Amelia displayed towards Charlotte,

man standing above her, her teary eyes turning

person had said the soppy lines he wasn’t

was raw and honest, but all

tonight.” Seeing her mood improve, Liam loosened his hug and went back

wasn’t the

“No.”

and Rita jolted

just there to support my wife.” And to

my own, it’s peanuts. No need for you to

out of the goodness of his

her refusal, Liam followed her to the Brown household all the

Outside the Brown mansion.

elbow, meaning for her to take

man’s arm and licked her