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 household.

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

Melanie tidied up and prepared to leave when

late?”

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

Matthew called out after her, “Come home early!”

inwardly criticizing him. As Melanie’s

bruises on Ava’s thigh as I bathed her. Since her skin

+15 BONUS

bruises, I asked, “How’d you get these

back, avoiding my touch. Her big, teary

I prompted, and she

got lost and wouldn’t come back. I called her a bad woman,

not to tell you, Mommy!”

and yelled, “Mathew

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

these! Does your sister even have a heart?! Forget your

your child to lie

took Ava from me and said, “I’ve already scolded Mel. Don’t

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

roared, is it something I shouldn’t be upset about?! Is your sister more important than your daughter?