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, and I

obsessed you are with your husband. You seem to light up whenever I mention Matthew. Can’t

for the rest of your life. I think you’re becoming a fool. You seem completely disconnected from the outside world because Matthew

smiled awkwardly and sighed. “Matthew said…”

him? Your life revolves around him, and whatever he says goes. Will you jump off

a jinx! Matthew will never

disdainfully. “The truth hurts sometimes, but you must have values. Your life shouldn’t revolve around being a housewife and doing chores.

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

I 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 top

pat on the back after slapping me. I don’t know who got on your nerves, but you’ve decided to vent it

when I said

spoke her mind. Although she had mentioned similar things before, hearing them again today felt different. I didn’t know why I felt flustered and wondered if Ivanna was trying to imply something.

then, Matthew knocked on the door and walked in with a gentle smile. “Honey, it’s time to

from the other end of the call and said, “All right, go have your dinner.” Then she lowered her voice and