Beyond the Divorce

Chapter 37 An Urgent Call from Home

The call shook me to the core. I hadn’t visited my hometown in two years due to Ava’s age and Matthew’s packed schedule. He wasn’t comfortable with me traveling alone with Ava, which was why I hadn’t been back for so long.

I held the phone, feeling dazed. A wave of guilt washed over me.

Although I was the only daughter, I grew apart from my parents after college. I turned to them only in tough times, but I had neglected them in the past couple of years.

Assuming my parents were healthy, I cared for Matthew’s parents more than my own. However, the word stroke” changed everything.

I felt panic, realizing what a terrible daughter I had been. They raised me, but I had done nothing for them.

My parents had waited for me without complaint. How could I tell them that my marriage was crumbling

and that the family I had devoted myself to was falling apart?

There was no time to dwell. I rushed to Matthew’s office, almost in tears, and blurted out, “Honey, please

book me a flight. I need to go home.”

a meeting with a few other managers and looked surprised. He asked, “What’s wrong,

the others to leave and then hugged me. “Calm down and tell me

called. Dad’s sick, and she’s asking me

face. I did not realize how

make all the arrangements. You go ahead while I handle things at work before heading over. My parents

felt safe. I wish I could have a refuge like this forever.

Jack, to book

me again, “I’ll take you home now. Bring a few more clothes

to stay longer. Stop crying, all right?”

I wiped away my tears, grabbed my bag, and left the building

hurricane. My unease Increased as a storm seemed imminent.

sorted my luggage, Matthew drove me to the

have an appointment to meet

be fine.” I assured Matthew. I didn’t

“I want to go

at work. You should head there first. Take care of yourself, and