“I didn’t do anything to that funny-looking-ass girl. She got mad because I was speaking the truth about your ass and attacked me. I handled my own, though.”
Noble didn’t believe Daysha. Irish wasn’t violent. She was mild-tempered and rarely showed signs of anger. Daysha, on the other hand, loved to provoke people. She had done it on many occasions to Noble. She’d go as far as to put her hands on him, which only happened once, since Noble checked her about it.
“Daysha, I really need you to move on with your life,” he said in all seriousness. “You don't need to be concerned about who is a part of my life and you don't need to be fighting on my behalf. We’ve been divorced for three years. You should’ve been moved on by now.”
“Who says I didn’t?” she retorted. “I got a man.”
“Then, why the fuck you been blowing me up trying to get in my business, then? You think your man would appreciate you asking me who I’m fucking?”
“Oop.” Kaliste covered her mouth as she continued to eavesdrop.
“I just find it funny that you stopped being a husband to play side nigga to another bitch.”
Noble snorted while shaking his head. Daysha couldn’t move on because she was too engrained in his business.
“I find it funny that you got your ass whooped and now you calling me,” he retorted. “Stay out my business and have a good day.”
Noble ended the call and passed the phone back to Nuke. “Don't answer her calls no more.”
“My goodness, when will she move on? You must've done a number on her ass, Noble. This girl is still worried about who you fucking after all this time. I never wanna be hooked on a man that bad.”
Although he had been at ease during the phone call, he wondered what made Daysha and Irish come to blows. Noble would’ve called Irish to check on her but the stubborn part of him decided not to. She wasn’t his anymore and he had to move accordingly.
Weeks later…
Cali sat, feeling so angsty that her hands shook uncontrollably. She looked around the conference room, wishing this wasn’t a part of her story. A soft hand touched her forearm, immediately bringing her attention to her right.
“Are you okay?” her attorney, Candace, asked.
Cali bobbed her head, knowing it was all a lie. Rio had served her papers. He was adamant about ending theirmarriage, not that she blamed him. However, receiving the divorce papers made their ending real. Living in the land of delusion had done Cali no good. Her imagination prompted her to think that she could fix this. If she begged enough, then maybe Rio could’ve mustered up an ounce of forgiveness, and they could journey on a quest of reconciliation.
But reality was set in a different setting. Her imagination didn’t play a role between these walls. With her attorney sitting on the side of her and Rio’s attorney across from her, it became apparent that Cali had no more chances. The door swung open and she turned around. Her lips parted in sheer shock at how good Rio looked. He always looked great but today, there was something about the way his navy-blue suit hugged his tall frame. His mahogany skin looked refreshed and moisturized while his lining was sharp. His wicks hung loosely but were neat as if he’d just got them done. Rio sat next to his attorney, filling the room with his Mont Blanc cologne.
Cali waited on bated breath for him to acknowledge her. She didn’t expect a greeting, but she wished to have eye contact with him. That way he could witness how she desperately wanted to save their marriage. Instead of looking at Cali, Rio whispered something to his attorney then sat back in his seat.
“Now that my client is present, we can start,” his attorney said.
They were bypassing court proceedings since they shared no children and Cali didn’t want alimony.
“Okay,” Candace said. “My client isn’t asking for any assets.”
“Great because my client was unwilling to give spousal support or alimony. Since they share no children and yourclient isn’t pregnant at the moment, this should be an easy dissolution.”
“Well, there is one thing that my client wants,” Candace announced.
Cali nervously looked at Rio, who still had yet to acknowledge her.
“What’s that?” his attorney quizzed.
“She wants your blessing to keep her last name as Campbell.”
“Fuck no!” Rio finally stated. “Your client can go back to being a Harvey. She don't need to keep my last name. She didn’t know how to handle it when she had it, so no.”
Cali couldn’t explain why she didn’t want to part ways with her last name. It symbolized something that she didn’t want to let go of. Going back to Harvey signified the end for her. Cali needed a piece of Rio. She couldn’t bear to separate without taking a souvenir from their marriage. It was a crazy request, but she didn’t want to give up his last name.
“Relax,” his attorney advised him in a whisper. “Can I ask why she wants to keep the last name?”
Candace smiled. “Because it holds sentimental value.”
