Beyond the Divorce

Her tone conveyed a hint of sorrow.

"Mom, why would you go back to Bibury when I'm here?" I asserted without any doubt. "It's just me. Wherever I am, you should be, too."

I spoke a bit urgently.

"And look at Dad, he's adapting so well to the weather and environment here. See how happy he is every day. He's busy but enjoying it. I feel like he's quite familiar with this place.

"On the other hand, he wasn't accustomed to the climate back in Bibury. I remember he used to get sick every winter. But since you guys came here, has he been ill at all?"

It was just something I mentioned casually, but I noticed my mom's expression was quite unnatural. I couldn't help but have a guess. Could it be...

At that moment, Ava ran out, and she joyfully ran over. "Uncle Atlas, Mommy, you're back!"

She rushed for hugs and kisses, asking Atlas to lift and spin her around.

Atlas did just that, and suddenly, the entire second floor felt like it was buzzing with excitement. I was speechless.

Atlas was the kind of person who doted on

for Ava was no less than Matthew's from the past. Since my divorce from Matthew, Ava had lost that fatherly love and hadn't seen Matthew for

hadn't forgotten. He had always been by Ava's side, giving her the

equally. What Ava had,

to discuss with Atlas, right? Go ahead and talk, then get some sleep early. I saw you almost falling asleep just now." I nodded. I

going to bed too. Your mommy has some things to take care

things to do? Am I not important? You always have things to

he softly imitated her tone. "Exactly.

always find excuses."

excuses! Today, nothing is as important as Ava. Let's

to pull Jenny. "Well then,

finally showed a hint of a smile on