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.

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

nudged him with my elbow. “Set the table and get ready for dinner.”

I wondered if he thought of the other woman whenever he held me. When I finished cooking, I

do you suddenly want

reason. Are you still going out?” I asked as I turned to get the

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

spirits as I reminisced about our college

of wine while reminding me not to drink too much. Ultimately,

I washed up and put Ava to bed before beginning my mission. My heart was pounding as it was my first time looking through his things in

searched through his pockets and bag but found nothing

hand, but he suddenly turned and caught me, staring at me with unfocused eyes. My heart was about to jump out

need water,” he slurred at

fed it to him. Then he collapsed back onto the bed, fast asleep. I unlocked and looked through his phone but found no