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

important than me to Matthew. After all, I was

get a boyfriend. I typically cared for Ava on the sidelines and

tidied up and prepared to leave when Matthew asked, “Where

late?”

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

left, Matthew called out after her, “Come

at Matthew, inwardly criticizing him. As Melanie’s

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

+15 BONUS

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

teary eyes stared at me, but

Mommy?” I prompted,

I called her a bad woman, but she

told me not to tell you, Mommy!”

outraged and

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

know about these! Does your sister even have a

to lie as well?!”

Ava from me and said, “I’ve already

you because

be upset about?! Is your sister more important than your daughter?