Chapter 3 Out of His League
680 Words
Within half an hour, social media went into a frenzy.
His friend, Harold Pearson, called him in surprise. "You and Merissa are getting a divorce?!"
"What?" Richard was baffled.
"Check the group chat!" Harold urged.
Checking his social media messages, Richard saw that Merissa had posted the divorce agreement and specifically highlighted the cause of divorce in their group chat.
The group was buzzing with jokes about him, while Merissa, the person behind this, had quit the group after her post.
Still reeling, Richard choked on his coffee when he read the messages, spitting it out in a coughing fit.
That damned woman! He had just asked her to change the divorce reason, but then she posted it verbatim in their friends' group chat!
Now everyone was aware of his supposed inadequacies!
Oh no, that wasn't right; he was perfectly capable!
Fine, if Merissa was so eager for a divorce, he'd give it to her! Richard was curious to see how Merissa'd manage without him!
As a result, Merissa's antics turned Richard into the butt of jokes when he arrived at the restaurant.
Harold chuckled, "I had no idea you had issues in bed." Harold and Richard, whose families had been friends for generations, had always ribbed each other.
"If you keep this up, I might just cut out your tongue," Richard retorted, frowning.
"Seriously, are you and Merissa actually splitting?" Harold asked.
"It's probably another one of her games," Richard responded, clearly impatient. He didn't have much patience for Merissa.
Harold went on, "Indeed, Merissa doesn’t quite stand out. She’s as plain as water; not well-dressed and a bit provincial. Plus, she came from a bankrupt family, so her mediocre social standing can hardly be a match for Maddie, who at least has a certain celebrity appeal."
Richard scowled but said nothing in defense. To him, Merissa was indeed that kind of woman.
Another friend piped up, "Yet no matter how plain she seems, she has kicked up quite a storm. She's not as docile as she appears, more like a ticking time bomb."
"That's pretty intriguing. Fiery looks and a fiery personality, I kind of like that." Harold shrugged.
"What's everyone talking about?" A sweet girly voice interrupted. With her wavy brown hair, Maddie seemed charming and sweet.
"We were just discussing Merissa, but let's change the subject now that you're here." Harold replied.
A fleeting look of malice crossed Maddie's face at the mention of Merissa. She was envious of Merissa's natural beauty and her long-standing connection with Richard.
Whenever she was around, Maddie always felt outshined by her.
However, Maddie kept her composure in front of everyone else, confident because of her background. "Indeed... I think Merissa’s out of his league. Her family background is poor, so she had no other resources but Richard to rely on. Plus she isn’t too keen on dressing up, so it’s impossible to take her to any formal events or parties."
"Moreover..." Maddie paused, smiling charmingly while taking Richard's hand. "I've already returned. Richard, you must be thrilled."
Richard took a sip of his tequila and replied softly, "Yeah."
Even now, Richard was certain Merissa wouldn't really go through with the divorce.
He believed he should have the final say in their marriage!
*****
Just then, their conversation was interrupted by a stir around the restaurant entrance.
"Oh! That's Cartland! He's the new shining star! I'm co-starring with him in my next movie!" Maddie exclaimed excitedly.
Cartland, dressed in a sharp suit, looked every bit the dashing gentleman. His attractive, azure eyes sparkled like stars.
His face alone was a beacon of charisma.
On closer inspection, Cartland was accompanied by a strikingly attractive woman with a sexy figure. Anyone who noticed her found it hard to look away.
Richard, however, seemed to be bewitched by the pair. The woman's slender waist and elegant shoulders reminded him of someone.
Somehow, Merissa's name came into his mind.
Just then, Harold spoke up, "Richard... Don't you think that woman with Cartland looks familiar?"
"What?"
Harold knew he wasn't mistaken.
"She looks like... Merissa?"
- Writer
