Beyond the Divorce

Chapter 9 Misfortunes Come in Threes

I smiled bitterly, replied, “Okay,” and then hung up. Ivanna had become a conniving woman in my eyes. She had pretended to be sincere in advising me to reflect on my values, but now she mocked me in front of my husband.

I finally realized how unpredictable people could be. No wonder she tried to probe me by claiming to have seen Matthew. It became evident that it was because of her guilty conscience.

Matthew had said it had been long since he saw Ivanna. I felt heartbroken that he had deceived me like that. I invested myself in Ivanna and Matthew in this unfamiliar city, and they betrayed me. I didn’t know who to trust anymore.

I kept staring at the window before calling Matthew. As I suspected, his response matched Ivanna’s.

from the kindergarten teacher, saying that Ava had fallen off the slide and got sent to the hospital. The news

the way, I called Matthew to

doctor told us she had a minor concussion as she vomited

responsible for Ava was frightened and tearful as she stared at

asked the dean about Ava’s injuries. The dean said a

because I knew the slide was at

trust you with our children, yet this is

as he had never seen me so hysterical. Even Ava

procedures and arranged a hospital room for Ava. After the doctor had settled everything, Ivanna

I still told her that Ava had fallen and was hospitalized. Soon after, Ivanna rushed into the hospital and worriedly asked about

The two looked calm, though I could see a subtle exchange of glances between them. Matthew even seemed a little nervous.

Then I asked Ivanna, “You’re done with