Chapter 2

Lady Mary approached the little crowd in full grace and luxury. Each step she took, a testament of her power and position in the family.

As she alighted the stairs in her purple gown, a bunch of expectant eyes fell on her. Liam was wondering what was going on in the mind of the old lady. Would she be standing up for him this time?

From the corner of his eyes, Laim saw his wife casting him a puzzled look. She had seen him bring out his suit he intended to put on for the occasion. Unfortunately, she had to hurriedly leave before her husband and was stunned to see him in a casual outfit which was already worn out.

“Why do you always bring shame to this family?” Lady Mary finally spoke in a voice devoid of any emotion. 

“Hahaha.” Piper and Allison let out a dry chuckle from where they were seated.

“It's such a shame that our beloved cousin, Miranda, has refused to part ways with such a disgrace.” Piper mocked.

“I'd rather remain unmarried than get entangled with such a good for nothing man. The worst part is that he's even ugly.” Allison added, her voice laced with disgust but Miranda ignored them and marched towards her husband.

“What happened to the clothes you wanted to put on for the occasion?” She whispered to him. However, the others overheard her.

“Yes, answer her question.” Kimberly added.

“Well, it's never been my intention to bring any shame to this family. Unfortunately, I accidentally burnt the only nice suit I…”

“Shouldn't you have gone to a store and bought another one?” Lady Mary cut into his words, rendering him speechless.

When she noticed the anxious look on the faces of all the guests, she quickly turned to address them.

“Oh, I forgot to acknowledge everyone on you, my bad. It was all because of…” Lady Mary cast one last disgusting look on Liam and his wife before waving them off.

“Sorry about my negligence. You should also understand that I had to deal with such situations as the head of the Weston family. So it's my pleasure to welcome you to the one month remembrance of my dear brother, the late Ryan Weston.”

“We all know him well and what a great person he was. His presence always commanded so much respect, unlike some people who only carry shame and disgrace as a badge on their clothes.”

While lady Mary continued to throw shades at Liam and Miranda, the couple quietly walked out of the place.

They knew the old lady as someone with a big mouth and wouldn't want to stand there and listen to her indirect insults.

“Why did you not call me to get you another pair of clothes for the occasion?” Miranda scolded her husband as soon as they were alone in the kitchen.

With a deep sigh, Liam replied in all honesty. “I didn't want to be a burden to you. You've done your best to help as my wife, even though you don't love me.”

Liam lifted his tilted head to look deeply at his wife's concerned face. It was true that she never had feelings for him, she never joined the rest of the family to disrespect Liam.

Her late grandfather had joined them together in marriage and she respected the old man's wish. Miranda even went as far as employing him in her little diner after he lost his job and his facial beauty. 

Liam used to be a manager in a cosmetic company, earning a reasonable amount of salary. Unfortunately, he had an accident and lost everything, including his job and all the money he saved. He started working as a waiter in his wife's diner but had to quit when he saw that her customers were fleeing because of the scar on his face.

Miranda scrutinized her husband one last time before replying. “You should have still called me. You know it is an occasion and a lot of people would avail themselves. Lady Mary is a woman of class who would frown at such a situation.”

Liam remained silent as his wife scolded him. No matter what, he knew that his wife was still on his side.

After a moment of silence, Miranda continued. “Well, I think you should just stay away from the public to avoid everyone raising eyebrows at you. I don't like seeing them throwing shades at you.”

Miranda didn't wait for her husband to say anything before walking away from there. She needed to help the others attend to the guests and wanted Liam to stay out of the people's sight.

“Well, well, well. Miranda must be ashamed of you. Who wouldn't be when you show up at an occasion dressed like that.”

Again, Kimberly showed up before him to throw more insults at him.

Enraged, Liam decided to reply to her this time. “Why won't you mind your business?”

Stunned at the response of the man, Kimberly gaped at him and asked seriously. “Are you talking to me?”

“No, I'm talking to the oven over. Dummy, who else is here with me.”

Liam walked closer to the still stunned lady and tilted himself to whisper something at her. “A little advice for you. Stop sticking your nose to where it doesn't belong and mind the business that pays you, which is your handbag.”

Liam lifted his head and scanned the kitchen before he continued. “By the way, you should always keep your eyes on your handbag else some deserving lady snatches him away from you.” 

Liam was referring to her husband. With a wicked glint on his eyes, he chuckled dryly and left the fuming young lady to eat up herself.

“Arrgh. How dare he say those words to me.” Kimberly was so angry at that moment. She quickly reached for the glass of wine nearby. Without minding who kept it there, she gulped down all the content.

While Liam was not an arrogant person, he had to give his sister in-law a taste of her own medicine. Ever since he lost his job, Kimberly was always poisoning his parents in-laws to get him and get Miranda to divorce and throw him out of the house.

After the verbal altercation with Kimberly, Liam made his way to the restroom so as to be on his own and think. He wasn't going to hide himself because of his dressing. Maybe it was best for him to leave, since his presence was not needed at the occasion.

Making up his mind to go with the latter decision, Liam had just stood up to leave the place when his phone began to ring. It was an unknown number.

Liam stood at a spot and stared at the number on his screen. He was anxious and curious but could not get himself to pick up the call. He was a nobody so who could be calling him and what does the person want.

Well, there was only one way to find out. He had already seen hell, what worse thing could happen to him.

Tapping on the green button on his screen, Liam heard a familiar happy voice on the other end. “Liam, your father is back.”