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?!

in the past, he’d

But she’d agreed.

woman in his arms. Was there some reason she was showing up knowing full

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

“Sure.”

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

stood behind her without a making

forgot

gathered her wits and turned around

and worry in his eyes almost spilling out.

resentment she’d been keeping down for so long. “Charlotte broke my legs, almost got Dad and Grandma killed in a car accident, so why… why is Grandma

else, but the man’s mouth

wrapped her in his arms, his voice slow and firm. “None of that. My Rita is great, perfect, perfect all around! Whoever doesn’t like

how protective and suave he was being, Rita’s heart warmed, as if a soothing current had washed past. Her bitterness, arising from the favoritism Amelia displayed towards Charlotte, faded by a

her head at the man standing above her, her

the soppy lines he wasn’t much good at

was raw and honest, but

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

I’ll get bullied?” She wasn’t the soft target from before. They’d see

“No.”

denied, and Rita jolted again.

And to clear off the scales from Amelia’s

it’s peanuts. No need for you

knew he meant it out of the goodness of his heart, Rita still refused,

despite her refusal, Liam followed her to the Brown household

Outside the Brown mansion.

bent his elbow, meaning for

and licked her lips. “Are you really coming in