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?!

had done in the past, he’d

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 was

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

“Sure.”

call, Rita’s mood plummeted, and the smile on her

Sensibly, Liam stood behind her without a

passed, and Rita forgot he was at her

gathered her wits and turned around and rammed headfirst into

the heartache and worry in his

“Charlotte broke my legs, almost got Dad and Grandma killed in a car accident, so why… why is Grandma still so protective of her, going so far as to beg me on her knees to let it go? Am I just too bad of a person,

wanted to say something else, but the man’s mouth sealed her

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 around! Whoever

being, Rita’s heart warmed, as if a soothing current had washed

standing above her, her teary

a cold person had said the soppy lines

raw and honest, but all the more

with you tonight.” Seeing her mood improve, Liam loosened his hug

She wasn’t the soft target from before. They’d see who got pinched

“No.”

man denied, and Rita jolted

And to clear off the scales

on my own, it’s peanuts. No need

it out of the goodness of his heart,

despite her refusal, Liam followed her to

Outside the Brown mansion.

go.” Liam bent his elbow, meaning

arm and licked her lips. “Are you really