Beyond the Divorce

Chapter 14 The Spoiled Sister–in–law

“What’s wrong?” Matthew looked at me with concern. “Are you tired? Maybe you should take a nap. I

won’t leave. I’ll stay and play with Ava instead.”

I suppressed my emotions and nodded. “Yeah, I’m tired. You can entertain Ava while I rest.”

Afterward, I placed the plate of fruits on the coffee table and said, “Give her something to eat. There’s

more in the kitchen if those aren’t enough.”

“Sure thing. You go rest. I’ll take you both out for a meal once you’re up,” Matthew said, picking up a fork

to feed Ava.

When I went to the bedroom to lie down, I felt suffocated as tears welled in my eyes. It seemed those

two keys were an issue as Matthew rushed home just to take them back. I knew he wasn’t worried about

Ava.

Most knew a person’s conscience would be thrown out the window once they cheated. Also, I suspected

those keys might have belonged to another woman’s house, so I instinctively thought of Ivanna.

She had been doing well these past two years and no longer had to share a place with others. She even

rented a spacious apartment for herself but never mentioned where or invited me over. The setup

seemed convenient for bringing men home, I thought.

made me. People were hard to read, and I felt incredibly

provocation!

she certainly wasn’t innocent. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have lied

got herself caught in the middle, unwittingly

more complicated.

hid a shared secret together. Soon, I reflected on how Matthew had

couldn’t find any clues. I wondered when Matthew became so wary of me.

felt a heavy weight on my chest. The father- daughter duo played outside happily while my heart tore

for the worst.

on taking us out to eat that evening, and I didn’t object. Ava held my and Matthew’s hands as we walked to the car, forming

+15 BONUS

I self–mockingly thought Matthew and I could become actors since we paraded

happy family.

appeared with her bag as we were about to leave. When she saw

“Where

a restaurant to eat!” Ava

walked to

getting on my nerves, and I wondered when she started coming

place to freeload.

much. Instead, he started the car and drove off when everyone got in.

I hated how he always looked the other

Melanie

the incident at

along so

had enough with my in–laws. Why didn’t they ask or care about what

Aviary, a well–known restaurant, for dinner. Since

car while he looked

rarely ate out, so Ava’s excited

Ava, “Why are you so noisy?

are eating out?!”