CHAPTER ONE: The suprise divorce

CHAPTER ONE

Two sleek black sports cars pulled up in front of Pizzeria Da Laura. Two guards swiftly exited the first car, with one opening the door for a young, handsome man dressed in a black suit. His expression was unreadable, and he seems to be emitting a powerful aura.

The man is none other than Richard Roberts, the third offspring of the third wealthiest clan in California.

A charming, fair lady emerged from the other side of the car and rushed towards him, intertwining her hands with his and giving him a peck.

"Will you stop that? This is public, Ciara," the man said coldly.

"Whatever, I don't give a damn. Soon, I'll be yours, Richard," Ciara replied, her face reddening.

"Okay, let's just go. I have to end this, or else your father won't allow me to rest," Richard said, walking into the restaurant.

"Are you saying my father is a…" Ciara started but was cut off by a glare from Richard and they walked into the restaurant accompanied by four guards.

In room 105, a charming and adoring looking lady sat nervously, waiting for Richard's arrival. It was their one-year anniversary, and Richard had promised her a huge surprise. Her anxiety had caused her to arrive 15 minutes earlier than their scheduled time.

As soon as the door flipped open, her face lit up, and she sprang up from the bed, walking towards the door. However, her pace faltered when she saw the person standing behind him.

"What are you doing here?" Sheila asked angrily.

"Calm down, baby. I'm not here to see you. I'm here with my future husband," Ciara said with a grin which shocked and confused Sheila.

"And who's your future husband? Ciara, must you play jokes even on our wedding anniversary?" Sheila said, her voice already laced with anger.

"Enough, She came here with me, so you back off," Richard intervened, growing tired of the bickering between Sheila and Ciara.

"Oh, do you hear that, you loser and pest of a woman?" Ciara said throwing her tongue out in disgust.

"Pah!" Sheila slapped Ciara, unable to contain her her growing anger.

"Pah, pah!" Richard unexpectedly slapped Sheila twice, causing her to almost lose her balance.

Sheila opened her eyes wide, her cheeks hot from the slap and stared blankly unable to utter a word because, despite Richard's short temper, he had never slapped her since they got married.

"Do you just hit me because of this scumbag, Richard?" Sheila asked, in disbelief.

"I will hit you severely if you lay your filthy hands or insult her again. Should in case you don't know she means the world to me, while you're nothing but a lump in my throat," Richard said, dejectedly, standing between Sheila and Ciara and shielded Ciara from already pissed off Sheila.

"Are you really choosing that thing over your lawful wedded wife?" Sheila asked, disappointed at Richard's choice of side.

" So you aren't aware that I'm just passing time with you. You're not worthy to be near my class. I'm cutting all ties with you today because my heart only longs for her, " Richard replied, smiling.

"What?!" Sheila shouted the moment the words sank into her.

"Richard, even though I know our it was a contract marriage and had been loveless, but I've fallen helplessly in love with you," Sheila said, her voice shaking.

"I don't care about your feelings, I don't give a damn. Just know that I've spoken my mind so you won't be surprised when my lawyer arrives with the divorce papers in few minutes time."

"What are you trying to say, Richard? This is a joke right. Because it's not really funny, remember today is our one year wedding anniversary" Sheila said, struggling with her words.

"If you don't believe him, believe me then." Ciara chipped in.

Sheila eyes met Richard, with the hope that he will take back his words but he remain dumb.

"Honey, are you sure about this?" Sheila said almost in a whisper to Richard.

Richard's phone rang and he picked instantly. "Yes, it's ready. Come to the third floor room 105. See you soon."

He turned and announced that the lawyer had arrived and would be there in two minutes whick makes the place dead silence like a graveyard

"Is it true, Richard? Are you really filing for divorce?" Sheila asked, breaking the tense silence in the room.

"Do I look like a comedian to you? . Let me remind you, marrying you was the worst nightmare of my life," Richard blurted coldly.

Sheila's face fell instantly as soon as he uttered those words as she slowly sat on the bed.

"Can you please tell me one way in which I must have gone wrong that warrant this divorce from you and remember your mother...," Richard cut her off.

"If you are thinking my parents won't continue paying your mother's hospital bills, then I can give you enough money that can take care of he hospital bills"

Ciara who was watching the unfold drama couldn't help but keep smiling at Sheila's predicament.

"Remember, we used to be good friends, Ciara. You can talk sense into him since you are close to him and business partners. Remember I have always love and never disappoint you even though you did that to me countless times" Sheila turned to Ciara with a pleading Face.

"Friends my foot, that's in your wildest dreams Sheila. I have never like you" Ciara replied coldly.

"Enough! Of that drama. It's giving me headache" Richard thundered angrily.

Sheila trembled as Richard's sudden burst of anger caught her off guard, as she had never seen this side of him during their one year of marriage.

The doorbell rang and Ciara rushed to answer it. A tall slim man dressed in a well-tailored black suit quickly entered the room, holding a suitcase with a stern expression on his face.

Richard welcomed him and they exchanged a manly handshake before introducing him as Barrister Tom.

Without wasting any time, Barrister Tom opened his briefcase and brought out the divorce papers, turning to Richard and saying, "All is set, all that is needed from both of you is to sign."

Sheila stared at Richard with pleading eyes, but he didn't spare her a glance as he rushed and signed the papers first before he turned and gestured for her to come and sign too.

Reluctantly, Sheila took the pen and with a shaky hand, signed the divorce papers her face never leaving Richard who keeps throwing angry glances at her.

Richard then removed his cheque book and wrote a cheque of $100,000 and gave it to Sheila which rendered her speechless, but reluctantly she accepted the cheque since she desperately needed money for her mother's treatment.

Richard then turned to Sheila and said. "I will be leaving for the company but make sure you vacate from my mansion before nightfall as I don't want to set my eyes on you upon my return."

Sensing the unfavorable atmosphere, Barrister Tom took his lift first before Richard and Ciara interwined their hands as they exited the room, leaving Shiela stunned.

After they left, Shiela struggled to come to terms with the fact that she was now divorced. Overwhelmed with emotion, she collapsed to the floor and wept.

When Richard mentioned a big surprise for her on their one-year anniversary, she was overwhelmed with Joy and boom the suprise turnout to be the be dumping her.

Suddenly, her phone rang and it was Doctor Shem on the other end. Sheila's heart raced as she answered the call, fearing the worst.

"Your mother's condition is critical, and I'm worried. I need you to come to the hospital immediately," Doctor Shem said as he hung up in a haste without giving her a chance to replied back.

Sheila grabbed her bag and took the cheque and hurried to the elevator. As soon as she reached the ground floor, she hailed a taxi and headed straight her body still panting.