Beyond the Divorce

She seemed convinced that I would understand what she meant.

"Maybe the little guy has a connection with me," I remarked casually, though truth be told, I wasn't entirely sure.

Carol gave Georgina a displeased look and said, "You're overthinking it, Mrs. Georgina. Chloe saved the child's life when he was only two months old, and she even broke her arm in the process." When Arton heard this, his eyes turned to me, filled with skepticism.

Carol looked at him and told him how I had saved the child.

Then she asked him, "What do you think about Melanie, Arton? You must know the terrible things she's done. Were you also involved in the incident at Midnight Bar?"

Carol's relentless questioning made Arton gulp nervously. When he looked at me again, there was no more hostility in his eyes; all that remained was regret.

Carol continued, "Considering your age and the unnecessary things you've gotten yourself involved in, we're worried you won't be able to take good care of the little boy. Once your son comes back, I hope you'll reflect on yourself. Don't cause any trouble and set a good example for him. Don't let him follow in your footsteps and be a good-for-nothing man."

As I listened to Carol's straightforward and critical words, I silently gave her a thumbs-up. That was precisely what I had wanted to say, but it wasn't easy for me to express those sentiments directly. She had taken the words right out of my mouth.

"I'm telling you, Chloe has been deeply concerned about this. She's thought about every detail, so there are some things I need to say upfront."

It was Arton who spoke this

continued without reservation. "The child is timid, so be careful at home in

a thumbs-up again. I loved

while. It might have a big impact on him. The environment shapes the child, so think about this carefully. If you want him to take after you, you

won't." He asserted

already. Don't let the child inherit

as Donovan finished changing, he came out, saying, "The young lady is right. We'll

and said, "There's no need to thank me. If you take good care of the child, that will be thanks enough. Children aren't born bad;

members of the Reese family wanted to come with me. I didn't stop

had

Myra's arms. He held a milk

saw

with wide eyes. Finally, his eyes settled on my face. Grinning, he tossed the milk bottle aside, burbling and saying, "Mama" as