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.

the cafe, but my phone rang as I entered. I received a call from the kindergarten teacher, saying that Ava had fallen off the slide and got sent to the hospital. The news terrified me, and I quickly hailed a

called Matthew to

with a scrape on her forehead. The doctor told us she had a minor concussion as she vomited after the fall. They also suggested keeping her in the hospital after

for Ava was frightened and tearful as she stared at Matthew

about Ava’s injuries. The dean said a boy had pushed Ava off

horrified me because I knew the slide was at least

the children at your school?! As parents, we trust you with our children, yet this is what happens?!” I

seen me so hysterical. Even

comforted me while the dean guiltily handled the hospital administration procedures and arranged a hospital room for Ava. After the doctor had settled everything, Ivanna called me and asked where

had fallen and was hospitalized.

Matthew was also in the ward. The two looked calm, though I could see a subtle exchange of glances

myself from reacting and feigned ignorance. Then I asked