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

Matthew. After all, I was the outsider in this

always focused on urging Melanie to get a boyfriend. I typically

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

late?”

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

called out after her, “Come home

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

that night, I noticed two bruises on Ava’s thigh as I bathed her. Since

+15 BONUS

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

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

prompted, and she

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

not to tell you, Mommy!”

outraged and yelled, “Mathew Murphy!”

the bathroom, and I picked up my sobbing daughter to show him her

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

your child to lie as well?!”

took Ava from me and said, “I’ve already

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

shouldn’t be upset about?! Is