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

to Matthew. After all, I was the outsider in

with my in–laws, they always focused on urging Melanie to get a boyfriend. I typically cared for Ava on the sidelines and did not interfere

up and prepared to leave when

late?”

out for some fresh air? I’m off to find a boyfriend, all right?” She grumpily

out after her, “Come home

criticizing him. As Melanie’s brother, he made too much of a fuss.

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

+15 BONUS

bruises, I asked, “How’d you get these

Her big, teary eyes stared at me, but she didn’t speak.

tell Mommy?” I prompted, and she burst

Melanie said you got lost and wouldn’t come back. I

to

was outraged and yelled,

rushed into the bathroom, and I picked up my sobbing

your sister even have a heart?!

your child to lie

He took Ava from me

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

upset about?! Is your sister more important than