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.

but never took anything seriously. She didn’t even go to school

mother for money? Where do

my earlobe as he approached the bathroom. “Yeah, yeah, it’s

I appreciated his words.

family led to success in all endeavors. I also believed in treating

second round in the shower washed away my doubts and grievances. It

matter for me. We had lived in this small 500-square-foot apartment since we got married. The size didn’t bother me, but

about to start school, but the neighborhood had no good ones nearby. Although we had saved money for a

find the best location in the fast-developing city so we wouldn’t need to

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

response pleased me, and I fell asleep

the kindergarten the following day, I received a call from my best friend,

I immediately responded and took a cab to

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

away on her