Beyond the Divorce

Chapter 216 Silly Attempt at Finding Comfort

I gazed at the kitchen and dining area I had cleaned before washing my face. However, I didn’t return to my room. Instead, I went to Ava’s room and lay beside her. Surprisingly, I fell asleep almost immediately.

Ava had already been awake and playing with her dolls when I woke up. After some thought, I told her, Let’s change our clothes. I’ll take you out for breakfast and then to the office. If there’s nothing urgent, we can visit Grandma and Grandpa, okay?”

Ava cheered and asked if she could bring her doll with her.

Meanwhile, I called Ryan and told him I’d come by later. I helped Ava prepare, found her winter clothes, and packed them in a small suitcase. I also packed my belongings before we left.

We went to the office after breakfast. Although it was Ava’s first time here, she quickly became the office princess. Carol brought her around while I dealt with a few matters with Ryan. I also told him I wanted to return to my hometown today to fetch my parents.

Ryan looked me up and down, then nodded. “All right, go ahead. Don’t worry about the company. Carol and I have everything under control. I’ll call you if there are any emergencies. Just spend time with your parents. Call me before you return, and I’ll pick you up at the airport.”

Soon after, Carol booked the plane tickets.

On the way to the airport, Ryan looked at me through the rearview mirror. I said nothing because I wasn’t feeling it today. I had dark circles under my eyes, which he noticed. Still, he didn’t ask about them or

make me feel uncomfortable.

and Ava to the security checkpoint. He repeatedly reminded me to take good care of my daughter,

snowy north. I took a deep breath and felt more awake in days. Once out of the airport, we

little tour guide. I only turned on my phone when we reached my

from Atlas. He didn’t call me during my few days in my hometown. I felt empty, cold, and hurt. It seemed I was a mere substitute

his lover.

parents for two weeks, sorting out everything in the house.

my dad’s

-1/2-

relative of one of my dad’s colleagues. I knew they were

to look

boarding the flight, I called Ryan and gave him the flight information. My family and I finally

lingering worry. Regardless of everything, we were together, and my

went to the office the following day. This period was typically the

one.

tried to keep busy because I feared thinking of Atlas in moments of silence. My

these moments.

I didn’t know what it was. It was evident he had been

another company dinner after the New Year’s Eve celebration. Grayson sat beside me this time. More people were here than at the first company dinner, making