Beyond the Divorce

Melanie's behavior felt all too familiar to me.

She wasn't having it when she saw I was about to leave. Stubborn was her middle name.

She grabbed my arm and swung me back, causing me to collide with Matthew. Instinctively, he reached out and steadied me.

Melanie was even more relentless. "Chloe, what's your deal? You think you can just run when I show up? Have you no shame?"

"Yeah, I lost my shame a long time ago. Is it a problem if I walk away? Isn't it convenient for you? Since you showed up, I must leave. If you have an issue, take it up with him. You can take my place."

I tried to leave, exhausted and with a pounding headache. My thoughts were blurry. I just wanted to find a comfortable place to lie down.

However, Melanie grabbed onto me even tighter upon seeing my state.

Even Matthew thought Melanie was going too far. He sternly reprimanded her, "Melanie, have some sense. I'm discussing serious matters with Chloe."

"What serious matters require a trip to a club alone? Trying to relive old flames? Why is she like this? Did you two overexert yourselves in some workout?" Melanie spat out.

She continued to escalate, raising her hand to slap me. In my sluggish state, I had no energy to dodge her hand.

With a crisp sound, her slap landed firmly on my face. That sharp sting jolted me awake.

ignited when I saw Melanie's smug face. I retaliated with a slap of my own, using all the strength I

you doing?" Matthew

a sick animal, and

Matthew. "It looks like you're indulging her tantrums, huh? Fine, just wait. I'll show you both the cost of this slap. Otherwise, you'll never know where you

I turned

Melanie screamed hysterically,

would know

you tone down your temper a bit? Sooner or later, you'll ruin me. You are something that can't be seen

cursed, "You have no idea. I'll make you understand what I

was buzzing when I

club. took a

check

my bearings, and started

It was closer, and right

were surprised to see me at this hour. My mom was the first to

smiled wryly at