Beyond the Divorce

Chapter 7 Looking for Evidence

I had almost finished preparing the food when Matthew returned with our daughter. Ava ran in, exclaiming in her sweet and childish voice, “Mommy, I’m back! Daddy picked me up!”

Her adorable voice brought tears to my eyes, but I suppressed my emotions. “I got you some pineapples. They’re your favorite, right?”

“Oh! Mommy, you’re the best! I can’t wait to eat them” She ran out and headed to Matthew, saying, “Daddy, I want to eat pineapples!”

“You can have a small piece for now. You can have more after dinner, okay?” Matthew washed his hands and took a small piece to hand to our eager little girl. Then he squeezed into the tiny kitchen and hugged me from behind. “Why did you make so much food?”

I felt terrible because this once-happy family of three was now on the verge of collapsing.

just came back from a business trip. You must be tired.” I forced a smile and asked, “Were you

and my heart immediately sank. I playfully nudged him

he held me. When I finished cooking, I

at me questioningly. “Why do you suddenly want to drink?”

I asked as I turned to get the wine. “Since I

alcohol well, so I poured him a little to avoid arousing

we started drinking, we became excited and talkative. I pretended to be in high spirits as I reminisced about our college days, starting the

wine while reminding me not to drink too much. Ultimately, he drank more than he could handle. He was drunk

pounding as it was my first time looking through his things in so many

his pockets and bag but found nothing valuable.

approached him, trying to grab his hand, but he suddenly turned and caught me, staring at me with unfocused eyes. My heart was about to jump out of

water,” he slurred

he collapsed back onto the bed, fast asleep. I unlocked and looked through his phone but found