"Who could be calling me so early?" Liam complained as his phone wouldn't stop ringing, after ignoring it twice he decided to pick it up without looking at the caller's ID
"Why take so long to pick up the call, are you that lazy?" Riley scolded him loudly, it was obvious she was angry.
He shook his head finding it hard to comprehend what just happened, he never knew she could do something like that, moreover, they haven't had a conversation for the past two days. "Speak to me" her voice blasted again, she was impatient for him to answer.
"She really needs something from me, but why come to me instead of her boyfriend?" He thought.
"What do you want from me? And you don't have any right to call me anytime you want, command me like I am your employee." Liam bursted out angrily, he slept late the previous night because he was trying to sort out the problem the family company had, it was more complex than he thought.
She chuckled..."Are you exchanging words with me?" She asked out of surprise.
"It is a warning, it is either you state the reason why you called me or I end it, I have better things to do" he stated in a calm voice as he climbed down the bed, walking towards the table to grab his laptop.
"You..." She closed her eyes trying so hard not to press further which might make him end the call as he had said.
"I want you to be present at my grandmother's birthday which will be coming up today by 5 : 00 pm."
"Is that a command or request?." He questioned sternly.
"Don't tease me please, you know how important it is for you to be there. Don't come in your scooter, I will send you some money to get new clothes, gifts and a ride" she stated desperately, he laughed out.
"You wanted the divorce and hated me so badly that you didn't care to know where I went after leaving the house two days ago...I won't come and there is nothing you can do about it." He yelled at her over the phone, he was hurt by her actions.
"I'm sorry, I will make amends. Please be there, you know how important it is for you to be there, please." Riley pleaded, there was nothing she could do at that moment than to plead.
"I will think about it," he replied, ending the call afterwards.
"What should I do?" She asked rhetorically, pacing to and fro of her room with a worried look on her face. She had tried calling him but no response.
Evelyn walked into the room and saw how worried she was.
"What's the problem? Do you have issues with work?" She asked her out of concern.
"No Mum, Liam refused to show up at the birthday celebration, I took in insults and pleaded with him, but he was adamant" she explained to her. "Don't get yourself worked up over that fool, he has no choice than to come" she gave her hope. "I really hope so." She muttered and walked out of the room.
Liam smiled on seeing Riley looking so restless from a car parked at a corner.
"What's the time now?" He asked the driver. "It is 6 : 00pm" he replied, Liam nodded, brought out his phone and switched it on, just then her call came through.
"Please come, I don't want to be ridiculed in front of everybody. I promise to stop the processing of the divorce and we will sort this out amicably, please I beg of you" she pleaded desperately.
"I will be there in two minutes" he assured before hanging up. "Wait till I get back" he instructed, took his fashioned glass, opened the door and stepped out of the car.
"I made it here in less than two minutes, let's go in" Riley was taken aback for a second as it took her unaware, but she was happy he came.
They walked into the beautifully decorated hall, prominent personalities attended just to collaborate with Riley since they now know she handles the family's company as well.
"Thank you everybody for honouring my birthday celebration, thanks for the heartfelt gifts, I appreciate them all." Grandmother appreciated everyone with a wide smile, she didn't know Riley could attract so much crowd.
"Oh, the live-in-son-in-law is here." Nick announced, all eyes fell on Liam. Everybody bursted into laughter.
"He had no money to get gifts for grandmother then he came late, he should be ashamed of himself" the manager of a five star hotel mocked, they laughed again.
"He couldn't afford a gift because Riley refused to give him money, such a waste." Nick mocked, causing them to laugh more.
Grandmother walked towards Liam and slapped him hard. "How dare you come late on my birthday, we all know you are useless, you should have made yourself useful by helping out with chores." She scolded him, he gave out a small smile.
"Hello"... Riley spoke into the microphone, all attention were on her as she stood confidently on the podium with a captivating smile, the red glittering gown hugged her body which revealed her figure eight shape.
"I have great news everybody, it is what we have been expecting for a very long time and it will happen today" she announced, on raising her hand the divorce papers were given to her.
"I, Riley Williams, is ready to divorce Huxley Gage as my husband right here, right now." Smiles filled the room, happiness filled the atmosphere instantly. Liam was the only one with a shock expression on his face.
"I'm so proud of you." Grandmother complimented.
"Wow, did she just trick me here to make this happen in front of everybody? She keeps surprising me everyday. What should I do now?."
"You refused to sign it privately, you don't have any other choice than to sign it here, and we will part ways forever." Riley thought and smirked at him, their eyes met, she smirked even more.