Insulted and belittled

Liam’s eyes widened in shock as he recognized the person’s voice. He stood frozen, unable to move or speak. His mind raced, trying to make sense of what he heard. It couldn't be real, it had to be a mistake. But as he turned back and looked into the person's eyes, he knew it was no mistake.

The person in front of him was real, and the presence was like a punch to the gut. His heart pounded in his chest, his palms grew sweaty. He felt like he was falling, spiraling out of control.

“I guess you’ve lost your way, because you wouldn’t be given a job here as a cleaner, talk more of a waiter,” The voice said again, it was no other than his ex wife, Ella.

Liam heaved a heavy sigh and turned away from the woman who had caused him such pain. He took a few steps, but his feet felt heavy, weighted down by all the emotions churning inside him.

He couldn't bring himself to leave, no matter how hard he tried. He kept looking back over his shoulder, unable to resist pulling her into his arms, but he knew better than doing any of that.

Liam was filled with sadness and regret. He knew he’d wasted years pleasing an ungrateful woman who didn’t care nor loved him a little.

He gathered enough courage and he walked away, but just as he was about to walk out the door, he felt a hand on his shoulder. The touch was gentle but firm, pulling him back.

Liam turned around to see the woman he'd been trying to escape, his heart sank as he realized he couldn't just walk away. He had to face Ella, no matter how much it hurt. He steeled himself for what was to come, knowing that he couldn't run anymore.

“Hey loser, just because we’re divorced doesn’t mean I have no right to lecture you. Stop stalking me!” Ella yelled.

Liam realized she got it all wrong and he immediately tried to explain.

“I’m not stalking you. I know I’m head over heels for you, but I’ll respect every one of your decisions, I won’t stoop so low…”

“How dare you!” Ella interrupted and she slammed her hands down on the table, sending everything on it flying in all directions.

She was furious, her face flushed with rage. She glared at Liam standing across from her, her eyes burning with anger.

“You worthless penniless man!” She spat, her voice shaking with venom.

Liam’s mouth fell open in shock as Ella’s words hit him like a physical blow. He'd never seen her so angry before, and he was at a loss for what to do or say. He stood there, stunned, as she continued to berate him.

“I don’t…”

“Shut the hell up!” She slammed her fist down on the table again, a vein throbbing in her temple. Liam stood there, frozen in place, even though they were different thoughts in his head, he was unable to speak.

Ella’s words echoed through the hotel lobby, drawing the attention of everyone within earshot. Guests and staff alike stopped what they were doing to watch the scene unfold, their faces a mix of shock and curiosity.

They watched, transfixed, as Ella’s anger and Liam's silence played out before them. It was like a scene from a movie, too dramatic to be real. But it was happening right in front of their eyes.

The staff exchanged glances as they whispered to each other, their eyes never leaving the scene before them. But Liam heard everything they said.

“Men are scum, he deserved everything she’s doing to him. I can’t believe he thinks he has a chance with a sophisticated woman like her,”

“He’s indeed a spineless man,”

Liam’s cheeks flushed red as he realized that everyone in the hotel was now aware of how he was looked down on. He felt like a child, even though he was a grown man. He wanted to sink into the floor and disappear, but he knew he had to face the music.

He steeled himself and looked Ella in the eye, his hands trembling with his face red with anger.

“I hope this day and every other day you and your mother hurt me is registered in your memory, because I’ll return it all in a thousand folds,” Liam swore, his eyes which once sparked with love towards Ella were now filled with hatred and disgust.

“I’ll be waiting, loser!” Ella scoffed and she walked past him, making sure she bumped into him as she left.

Liam slowly wiped away the little droplets of tears from his eyes and he stared around, watching the disgust look everyone had on their face towards him.

Deciding on what to do, Liam fumbled in his pocket, trying to find his phone. His hands were shaking as he finally found it and pulled it out. He punched in a number from the card he was given, then he held the phone to his ear, his heart pounding in his chest.

He wasn't sure if Mr Smith would pick up his phone because he was asked to visit the company, but now he needed help. He just hoped that whoever answered would be able to make sense of this mess.

Just when Liam thought he might lose his mind, he heard the sound of the phone being picked up. A voice on the other end said, "Hello?" Liam felt a wave of relief wash over him, like a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. He almost sobbed as he said, "Hi. It's Liam, I need help."

The voice on the other end was kind and reassuring. "Of course. I'm here for you, young master. What's going on?" Liam took a deep breath and he swallowed hard, gathering his courage.

"Is there any chance we could meet up?” There was a moment of silence, and then Mr Smith said from the other end, "Of course. I'll be there as soon as I can?" Liam nodded, even though he couldn't see him.

“Where are you?”

“I’m still at the hotel you left me,” Liam managed to say in desperation.

"Okay. I'll be there soon. Don’t be angry, I'll try to be fast as I can." Liam felt a surge of gratitude, like he'd been given a lifeline.