Beyond the Divorce

Chapter 27 The Bruises on the Child’s Body

I chuckled as I wondered what the good news could be. Ivanna didn’t specify the news due to time constraints, and I didn’t pry. Instead, we agreed to meet tomorrow.

Meanwhile, everyone waited at my in–laws‘ place for me to return for dinner. Surprisingly, Melanie was there.

When Grace saw me, she quickly laid out the dishes, saying, “Dinner’s ready! Chlo, it’s been a while since you last joined us for a meal.”

I smiled while washing my hands and helped with the dishes. The atmosphere was heartwarming with the whole family together. Henry asked Matthew about the project in Operose during the meal, but Matthew brushed it off.

Without much thought, Grace asked Melanie, “What were you doing with your brother?”

Immediately after, I noticed Melanie pausing and glancing at Matthew. He questioned, “You went to Operose too?”

Melanie froze, seemingly off guard, as she hesitated before saying. “Uh…I went there with my friends!”

However, Grace persisted, “Then why did you tell me you were with your brother?”

Melanie became irritated and retorted, “If I told you I was going there with my friends, would you have let

me go? You’re always scrutinizing me.”

I felt a bizarre sensation when I heard their exchange, but I couldn’t pinpoint it. Suddenly, I realized

more important than me to Matthew. After all, I was the outsider in

in–laws, they always focused on urging Melanie to get a

to leave when Matthew

late?”

I can’t go out for some fresh air? I’m off to find a boyfriend, all right?”

called out after

Matthew, inwardly criticizing him. As Melanie’s brother, he made

two bruises on Ava’s thigh as I bathed her. Since her skin was

+15 BONUS

bruises, I asked, “How’d you get these bruises, Ava?”

shrank back, avoiding my touch. Her big, teary

tell Mommy?” I prompted, and she burst into

I called

to tell you, Mommy!”

outraged and yelled, “Mathew

into the bathroom, and I picked up my sobbing daughter to

Does your sister even have

your child to

at Ava’s bruises guiltily. He took Ava from me and said, “I’ve already scolded Mel. Don’t

I didn’t want to tell you because I knew it’d upset

be upset about?! Is your sister