Beyond the Divorce

That day, Ava told Grace to stop bullying me. I knew Grace wouldn't have forgotten it. Indeed, she paled and gluped.

I continued, “Also, stop saying this house belongs to your family. Do you know where your family would be without me and my company?! I was kind enough not to take away your current house.

“You can still be Ava’s grandmother if you behave. However, I'll shut you off from her if you insist on harassing me.” I looked at her sternly and understood something. I pitied her misfortune but resented her unwillingness to compromise.

Grace stared at me with misty eyes and remained silent for a while. Finally, she cleared her throat and asked, “Then why did you send Ava to Celestis Island? Why do you always seem to send her away whenever I visit?”

I replied, “It has nothing to do with you. Ava and I have other things happening, so you should understand that our lives have nothing to do with your family. Can't we arrange our own lives and schedules? Me sending Ava to Celestis Island was a coincidence.”

Grace retracted her aggressive stance and asked with a hint of uncertainty, “When will she get home?”

“She'll return when she’s happy again. I told you that I'll call you when she gets home.” I glanced at Grace. “Just keep your phone on.”

I don’t have one,” Grace mumbled

puzzled, wondering how she

took it from me.” I sighed and approached the drawer beside the liquor cabinet, finding an old phone I had replaced. I turned it on, deleted my information, and handed it to Grace. “Here, there are many pictures of Ava inside. You

at me in shock. "You're giving it

went. “Now, will you stop being so forceful toward

arrogant? You should focus on venting your frustrations on Abby instead of me." I couldn't

lost a lot of weight and looked like a different person. With a heavy heart, I said, “You can tell me if you need anything. Since you cared so much for Ava, I'll still

Murphys. However, I would adhere to my words since I had said them. I wouldn't be at odds

still let me

you couldn't see her. Again, I'll tell you when she returns, and