Chapter 1: Divorced on my birthday

Chapter 1

Divorced On My Birthday

“Honey, you've not said anything since we got here. You neither compliment my dress nor comment on my food,” Lila muttered, her eyes scanning Grey's unreadable expression, but Grey kept mute, as though she were talking to a ghost, not even lifting his eyes to give her a glance.

“I suppose today should be my happy day. You brought up the idea of us coming here to spend some time alone, and now you're staring at me without a word? Are we doing a retreat?” Lila murmured, her heart burning impatiently with the serene environment.

“If you'd just let me hang out with my friends from the start, instead of giving me this attitude, it would've been way better,”she muttered, pouting a little.

“Enough of the talk already, Lila!” Grey suddenly exploded, slamming his spoon onto the table. His voice was sharp, shattering the silence.

“What?” Lila froze.

“In fact, I'm done! I'm done with you, Lila! You and I know that there's no chemistry between us.” He barked and took a deep breath.

Standing up, he ducked his hands into his pocket, brought out a neat piece of envelope, and handed it over to her.

“Ensure you go through those papers and sign the divorce. If there's anything you don't understand, you can contact my lawyer.” He added, His face, now completely devoid of any remorse, was a mask of detachment. He leaned in, pressing a brief kiss to her forehead—a hollow gesture, as if the man before her was someone entirely different from the one who had been there just moments ago.

He whispered to her, "You should be grateful I endured you bearing the title ‘my wife.’ But now, I have to go for the person I love, someone more deserving.”

Lila was dumbfounded; everything sounded like an audio series of a video clip to her. Her silver jubilee turned into the worst day she could ever imagine.

“Is this really the man I married? Handing me a divorce on my birthday?” Lila questioned herself unstoppably. She tried to control her tears to maintain her make-up so that no one would notice something wrong with her, but she couldn't; the pain was unbearable.

Even though she had never known what it means to be happy and loved in marriage, she was always ready to be patient with Grey, keeping to her promise of “till death do us part” made at the altar, hoping for a better Grey with time. The meal she took four hours to prepare was not half eaten by her soon-to-be ex-husband.

The memories of her past flooded her head. Her tears became uncontrollable.

Lila was every man's dream back then, in high school. Over ten men were ready to marry her if only she said yes, but she made her choice of Grey, following the way he presented himself to her as one who could not hurt a fly.

Little did she know that all the humility was because of his poor financial condition, which she mistook for being nice.

She had never talked about her miserable marriage to anyone, not even her parents.

“Besides, I was never my parents' favorite; I would rather die with my pains than involve them.” She told herself.

She tried all she could to put on a smile whenever she had visitors.

Her hands became stiff as she held the papers, tears rolling down her succulent cheeks. She lost her appetite immediately.

“Why did he bring me here only to break me into pieces? What have I done to deserve this?” She asked questions, but no one was there to give an answer. She was still weeping when a call rang on her phone. She ducked her hands into her pause and brought out her phone; it was Eucharia calling.

“Oh, my God! Eucharia!” She exclaimed with a faint smile.

Eucharia. Her childhood friend. The girl who had it all—born with a silver spoon, always the picture of perfection. They had spent their school days together, but life had pulled them apart when her wealthy father sent her abroad to study. It had been more than ten years since they'd last spoken.

For a moment, she froze, her thumb hovering over the screen. The ringing persisted, but something about the tone of Eucharia’s voice— always sharp with distress, tinged with desperation—made her hesitate.

She should answer, shouldn’t she? But the thought of hearing that voice—sweet enough to pierce her heart—made her stomach churn.

Her phone rang relentlessly, each ring a reminder she couldn’t escape. With a heavy heart, she finally answered reluctantly.

“Hello, Charia, sorry I missed your calls.” She said it with an unfriendly tone, which doesn't sound nice for a person one has missed for over a decade.

“Yo girl, Happy birthday! I'm in town already, purposely to celebrate your birthday. Please, when and where are we hanging out?” Eucharia asked with so much joy, as she couldn't wait to set her eyes on her friend.

The conversation went silent from the other end, only the sound of Lila's deep breath echoing through the phone.

“I'm sorry, dear; I didn't plan for any celebrations.” She muttered.

“Lila, I know it has been long since we heard each other's voices, but this doesn't sound like you on an ordinary day, not to talk of a special day like this. Don't you miss me at all?” Eucharia asked, feeling uneasy at Lila's tone.

“I'll send you an address now. I'll be expecting you.” Lila retorted calmly.

“Baby girl, I'm here.” Eucharia screamed with joy as she exchanged hugs with her friend.

“Oh, my dear, I'm sorry I missed your wedding. That's why I just have to try my best to surprise you on your twenty-fifth birthday.” Charia continued without taking a keen look at Lila's face.

“Thank you for coming, my dear. I'm happy to see you again,” Lila responded, her eyes fixed on the spoon she's holding.

“Oh my God, Lila! Are you crying? Why are your eyes red and bulky? Besides, today is your birthday; right? So, where is your husband? I mean, why are you all alone here putting on a moody face, but I'm seeing two plates here?” Eucharia demanded.

Lila didn't say a word because she didn't know which of the questions to answer. She quietly handed over the papers to Eucharia.

“I think this can provide all the answers you need.” Her eyes were full of tears, and she carried her white handkerchief and wiped her face off.

Charia had just read the bold title of the paper before she exploded into a scream.

“Oh, my gosh! This is unbelievable. You mean your husband served you with a divorce on your birthday?” She squeezed her eyes shut, hoping that all this was a dream. But it was reality.

“This is heartless!***” Charia ranted.

“I'm sorry, my dear. Let's get going. You need to rest,” She suggested, locking her palms into Lila's while she helped her up.

“Sorry to say, but that husband of yours must be an ingrate! Lila, all our colleagues in school can attest to the fact that you were the best-behaved girl in our clique.

And now this? That man must surely regret it. I hope you're not planning to just sign this divorce and let go of everything?” Charia’s tone shifted subtly as she spoke the last sentence, her words slowing and softening.