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.

the kind of person who doted

from the past. Since my divorce from Matthew, Ava had lost that fatherly love and hadn't seen Matthew for a

He had always been by Ava's side, giving

with Jenny, he treated her equally. What Ava had, Jenny

and said, "You had something 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 did have something to

going to bed too. Your mommy has some things

pouted. "Why do you always have so many things to do? Am I

I exchanged a glance, and he softly imitated her tone. "Exactly. Isn't Ava the most important thing for

always find excuses."

to pick her up again. "Okay, no more excuses! Today, nothing is as important as Ava. Let's go

Jenny. "Well then, I'll sleep with

hint of a smile on her