Beyond the Divorce

As soon as the words left my mouth, I regretted them. I shouldn't have rubbed salt in Anya's wounds like that.

Arton had already opened two coconuts, handing one to Hana and another to Anya.

"I'm sorry," I said sincerely.

Anya shook her head. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she said, "It's not your fault, Mrs. Chloe."

Then she continued, and Hana continued to translate for me.

"It's because, one day, the person who robbed that crate of goods appeared before Navi and recognized my father.

"My father also recognized him, but he couldn't speak by then. He was mute, pointing at that person and trying to explain to Navi, gesturing and making noises. He wanted to tell Navi that the person was the one who robbed us and that he was innocent. "At first, that person was nervous, but when he saw my father's condition, he became brazen. He accused my father of embezzling his money right in front of him."

I shook my head helplessly, knowing the likely outcome.

holes. "Even though they had stolen that crate, he accused my

a gun and shot my father. My mother lunged at that man, wanting to fight him, but Navi shot her

held the

and we watched helplessly as our parents died in front of us. My brother wanted to fight that man, too, but an old woman grabbed

saved us both. Afterward, my

turning pale, and

person framed my father. But Navi to intimidate that person, killed my parents in front of him just so the man would continue

deceitful man," Hana

I knew of the situation, it

years, his influence was extensive. Killing Anya's parents wasn't just to intimidate that person but to silence

Unless we completely got

want to say anything. The best comfort for her fragile heart would be

Atlas and Arnold were no longer in confrontation. They were leaning against the railing

was just how they were.