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

more important than me to Matthew. After all, I was the outsider in this household.

focused on urging Melanie to get a boyfriend. I typically cared for Ava on the sidelines and did not interfere with their conversations.

leave when Matthew asked, “Where are you going

late?”

have your wife and child, but I can’t go out for some fresh air? I’m off to

Matthew called out after

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

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

+15 BONUS

“How’d you get these

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

tell Mommy?” I prompted, and

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

told me not to

was outraged and

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

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

your child to lie as well?!”

at Ava’s bruises guiltily. He took Ava from me and said,

didn’t want to tell you

it something I shouldn’t be upset about?! Is your sister more important