Beyond the Divorce

Chapter 2 A Substantial Amount of Information

I was about to pick up the phone to see who the sender was when Matthew hurried into the room and took the phone. He glanced at it hastily, then looked back at me.

“It’s Mel!”

“What’s the matter? Are you afraid that I’ll find something?” I looked at him suspiciously and felt uneasy as if something was wrong.

The message had only four words. “Did she find out?”

It was enough for me because it implied the other person feared I’d find out about something. The message also showed a hint of ambiguity, so I scrutinized Matthew. My gut feeling surged as my premonition grew heavier.

Matthew chuckled casually and threw the phone back on the bedside table. Then he pulled me into his arms and kissed my lips, saying, “You’re overthinking! It’s not about you, but my sister, Mel. She’s using me as a cover to scam Mom for money.”

Mel was Matthew’s younger sister, Melanie Murphy. She had been weak and sickly since childhood, so her family always pampered and spoiled her. She also behaved like a rich brat.

in her twenties but never took anything seriously. She didn’t even go to school and only traveled,

mother for money? Where

approached the bathroom. “Yeah, yeah, it’s all your money. That’s what happens when I marry an

I appreciated his words.

his family because I believed a harmonious family led to

my doubts and grievances. It made me happy and content

school district again, which had become a pressing matter for me. We had lived in this small 500-square-foot apartment since

we had saved money for a new house over the years, Matthew always

location in the fast-developing city so

Instead, he patted my shoulder, kissed my forehead, and said, “Okay, I’ll look for a suitable place

I fell asleep sweetly, daydreaming about

I received a call from my best friend, Irvanna, saying she wanted to meet at our usual

I immediately responded and took a

like sisters. We could talk about anything, but it was rare for her to call me. After

our favorite dessert shop, I saw her sitting in the corner, typing away on her laptop. The morning sun cast a peaceful glow on her, making her look even