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.

trip. You must be tired.” I forced a smile

playfully nudged him with my elbow.

whenever he held me. When I finished cooking, I smiled and asked, “Do you want a drink? It’s been a

questioningly. “Why do

still going out?” I asked as I turned to get the wine. “Since I made so many dishes, we need to celebrate.”

my 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.

to be in high spirits as I reminisced about our college days, starting the

poured himself another glass of wine while reminding me not to drink too much. Ultimately, he drank more than he

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

through his pockets and bag but found nothing

him, trying to grab his hand, but he suddenly turned and caught me, staring at me with unfocused eyes.

he slurred at me.

it to him. Then he collapsed back onto the bed, fast asleep. I unlocked and looked through his phone but found no suspicious names in the call history. I recognized most of them, and it seemed like very