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.”

managers and looked surprised. He asked, “What’s wrong,

then hugged me. “Calm down and tell me

and she’s asking me to return

did not realize how much I needed a shoulder

go ahead while I handle

safe. I wish I

told his secretary, Jack, to book

he reassured me again, “I’ll take you home now. Bring a few more clothes and necessities If you

to stay longer. Stop

needed to head home and pack. I wiped away my tears, grabbed my bag, and left

hurricane. My unease

Matthew drove me to the airport. His phone kept

have an appointment to

be fine.” I assured Matthew. I

insisted, holding me close. “I want to go with you, but I have to

first. Take care of yourself, and make sure