Beyond the Divorce

Chapter 25 A Business Trip in Operose

I redialed Matthew’s number, but a mechanical voice informed me that the call couldn’t connect. I squatted in frustration, but the thought of my daughter’s fever struck me. Then I gritted my teeth, forced myself to stand, and returned to the lobby.

I tried calling Ivanna when I arrived, but her phone was off too. I paced around in panic and wondered where those two could’ve gone. At that moment, I felt like my pleas were falling on deaf ears.

Ultimately, I reluctantly called my in–laws. Although it was past one in the morning, and I didn’t want to disturb them, I had no other option. Sure enough, my mother–in–law answered and sounded alarmed, ” Chlo? What’s wrong? It’s so late. Is something wrong?”

I had trouble answering her question but soon apologized and told her about Ava’s high fever and that I had no cash. My in–laws said they would rush to the hospital and quickly hung up. When they arrived, the doctor had already put Ava on an IV drip and diagnosed her with acute pneumonia.

I felt quilt

that my in–laws had to rush to the hospital in the middle of the night. “Why’d you come? You could’ve told Melanie to bring me the money since it’s so late.”

“She said she went to the Operose with her brother for business. She wasn’t home,” my mother–in–law explained, then hurried to Ava’s bedside. “How did it get this severe? What’s her temperature?”

“It’s already 39.5 degrees. Ava has acute pneumonia. Can you watch over her while I pay the bill?” I asked my in–laws before rushing to the counter, cursing Melanie inwardly.

She was just a burden at this point. What business could she possibly have with her brother? The least. she could do was not cause any trouble.

on making us some food before leaving. Afterward, I watched my daughter’s face gradually regain its

the account had disappeared, and I felt uneasy. Various possibilities raced

on? Why’d you call me in the middle of the night? My phone died

to the hospital so late at night, and I didn’t have any money,” I explained as tears rolled down

+15 BONUS

at? Wait for me there!”

Hospital.” I sniffed.

than half an hour. When she entered the ward, she felt

she getting better?”

nodded. “The fever’s

you crying?!” Ivanna exclaimed, looking at

tears and told Ivanna about the missing money.

my suspicions. Once I finished explaining the situation,

We’re a step behind that

felt helpless…

my face and suppressed my cries, fearing

her. She was still so young, and I didn’t want her

shoulders and squeezed them, attempting

a while, I looked up with clenched fists and stared at Ivanna with