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.

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

and my heart immediately sank. I playfully nudged him

intimate attempts made me sick. I wondered if he thought of the other woman whenever he held me. When I finished cooking, I smiled and asked, “Do you want a drink? It’s been a while, and I want a glass of

do you suddenly want to drink?”

I asked as I turned to get the wine.

heart shattering into a million pieces as I spoke. I knew Matthew couldn’t handle alcohol well, so I poured him a little to avoid arousing suspicion. Then I poured myself half a glass and toasted

we started drinking, we became excited and talkative. I pretended to be in high spirits as I reminisced

himself another glass of wine while reminding me not to drink too much. Ultimately, he drank more than he could handle. He was drunk when I helped him

pounding as it was my first time looking through his things in so many years. I finally realized how

pockets and

hand, but he suddenly turned and caught me, staring at me with unfocused eyes. My

need water,” he slurred

fast asleep. I unlocked and looked through his phone but found no suspicious names in the call history.