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

might be more important than me to Matthew. After all, I

focused on urging Melanie to get a boyfriend. I typically cared for Ava on

prepared to leave when Matthew asked, “Where are you going

late?”

you care? You’re allowed to have your wife and child, but I can’t go out for some fresh air? I’m off to find a boyfriend, all right?” She grumpily

she left, Matthew called out after her,

As Melanie’s brother, he made too much of

I noticed two bruises on

+15 BONUS

I asked, “How’d you

avoiding my touch. Her big, teary eyes stared at me, but

I prompted, and she burst

you got lost and wouldn’t come back. I called her a bad woman, but she pinched me!

not to tell you, Mommy!”

and

my sobbing daughter to show him her bruises.

you don’t know about these! Does your sister even have a heart?!

your child to lie as well?!”

at Ava’s bruises guiltily. He took Ava from

want to tell you

be upset about?! Is your sister more important