Beyond the Divorce

Chapter 4 The Truth Hurts

I hurried back to the bedroom and answered the call to complain, “You’re something else, huh? You left me hanging!”

“Something came up at work, so I was in a rush.” Ivanna sounded tired. “I just finished settling it. That’s why I’m calling you now. Why are you complaining? Do you think my life is as easy as yours?”

I hesitated to reply but couldn’t hold back and asked her, “Um, you mentioned seeing Matthew two days ago. Where was he? What time was it?”

This question had been bugging me all day.

Ivanna paused on the other end before she answered calmly, “Honestly, I forgot the exact location. It was just a fleeting glimpse while I was driving.”

“Oh.” For some reason, her answer left me a bit disappointed. Although my heart dropped, I unclenched my fists and realized my palms were cold and sweaty. I chuckled and wondered whether or not I wanted to prove Matthew was having an affair.

he was my everything,

I mention Matthew. Can’t

you’re becoming a fool. You seem completely disconnected

awkwardly and

whatever he says goes. Will you jump off a cliff if he says so? Will you count the money for him if he sells you off?” Ivanna didn’t hold back.

jinx! Matthew will never sell

right. Your beloved Matthew will never sell you, but I will!” Ivanna sneered disdainfully. “The truth hurts sometimes, but you must have values. Your life shouldn’t revolve around being a housewife and doing chores. That’s not love. That’s being

do is stay home and do chores? Let me ask you something. Besides your child and husband, do you even know who you are

had no time to refute.

my silence and softened her tone. “Chloe, I want to see your confident and radiant self again. You used to be a

the back after slapping me. I don’t know who

when I said that.

today felt different. I didn’t know why I felt flustered and wondered if Ivanna was trying to imply

then, Matthew knocked on the door and walked in with a gentle smile. “Honey,

she lowered her voice and advised, “Consider what I said. Take my words to heart,