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

After all, I was the outsider in this

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

to leave when Matthew asked,

late?”

fresh

Matthew called out

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

home that night, I noticed two bruises on Ava’s thigh as I

+15 BONUS

you get these bruises,

avoiding my touch. Her big, teary eyes

you tell Mommy?” I prompted,

come back. I called her a bad woman,

not to tell you,

was outraged and yelled, “Mathew Murphy!”

my sobbing

sister even have a heart?! Forget your lies. How can you

to lie as well?!”

guiltily. He took Ava from

I didn’t want to tell you because I

be upset about?! Is your sister more important