Beyond the Divorce

Chapter 23 Recruiting Allies

Ivanna shook her head, saying. “The surveillance footage I got was too blurry. Also, I couldn’t see the woman’s face because Matthew’s arms blocked her face.”

“Do you have the footage now?” I asked.

She quickly sent me the footage, and I saw many people on the street that night. Matthew’s figure in the video was fleeting. He wore the same overcoat I had ironed for him, making his tall figure stand out in the

crowd.

His left arm was around a woman in a pink top. His large frame obscured her figure, so I zoomed in on

the footage, but it made no difference. I still couldn’t make out the woman’s face. 1

“He’s quite the schemer,” I said as my tears clouded my vision.

Ivanna silently approached and sat beside me before putting her arm around my shoulder. I held the

phone, choking on my tears as I said, “That night, I saw his figure on a live stream on TikTok. I sent him the video link immediately.”

spoke again. “Matt found a restaurant, removed his jacket, and stood

how sly he

laughed maniacally as I poured myself another glass of wine and downed it. Ivanna didn’t stop me,

either.

lied to

was only giving him a piece of my mind and warning him not to break your heart. That’s why I didn’t want you to know that I met

her wine.

all my pent–up anxiety, fear, and helplessness erupted. I told Ivanna everything I knew, including what had happened after he let Ava fall last night and the continued lies.

do you plan to do?” Ivanna

Matthew bully me like this. He hurt me, so he must pay for what he did. Not just for me but for my

serious?” Ivanna asked again.

nodded as Ivanna analyzed all the possibilities with me. I felt stiffened with every word and understood the reasoning she presented. She feared I might lose everything I had if I

+15 BONUS

take action? The answer was clear to me. No! Thus, I nodded and said with determination, “I’ve made

before saying. “I’ll help you!”

when I left Ivanna’s place. Later, Matthew returned home and played with Ava in our cramped living

Since Ava w

him about how lovely Ivanna’s big house was. I feigned ignorance and pretended to be preoccupied with preparing dinner. However, I expressed how