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 said.
Grey kept mute, as though she were talking to a ghost, not even lifting his eyes and looking at her.
“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 was losing patience with the serene environment.
“You would have allowed me to party with friends rather than with this attitude you're giving me now.”
“Enough of the talk already, Lila!” Grey yelled at her, dropping his spoon on the table.
“In fact, I'm done! I'm done with you. You and I know that there's no chemistry between us.” Standing up, he ducked his hands into his pocket, brought out a piece of paper, 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.” With his face devoid of any remorse, he gently moved closer, giving her a kiss on the forehead. 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? Handling 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.
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 was astonished. Eucharia was her childhood friend, born with a silver spoon, with whom they did primary and secondary education together. As the only daughter of her family, her wealthy dad sent her to study abroad; hence, they lost contact for over ten years.
She ignored the call because, from the tune of her voice, even a deaf man can deduce that she's miserable. She needs to save herself from being mocked.
Her phone rang consistently, and she finally picked up the call.
“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.
“I'm sorry, dear; I didn't plan for any celebrations.” Lila said.
“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 was bothered because that doesn't sound like her friend.
Lila texted her the address, and Eucharia headed straight to the location.
“Baby girl, I'm here.” Eucharia shouted with joy as she went and 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 kept talking without taking a keen look at Lila's face.
“Thank you for coming, my dear. I'm happy to see you again,” Lila responded.
“Oh my God, Lila! Are you crying? Why are your eyes red and bulky? Besides, today is your birthday; 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 has a million and one questions she needs answers to.
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.
“Oh, my gosh! This is unbelievable. You mean your husband served you with a divorce on your birthday? This is heartless!”
“I'm sorry, my dear. Let's get going. You need to rest,” Charia suggested.
“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 reacted, feeling bad for her friend.