Beyond the Divorce by Third Blossom

Chapter 7 Looking for Evidence

I had almost finished preparing the food when Matthew returned with our daughter. Ava ran in, exclaiming in her sweet and childish voice, “Mommy, I’m back! Daddy picked me up!”

Her adorable voice brought tears to my eyes, but I suppressed my emotions. “I got you some pineapples. They’re your favorite, right?”

“Oh! Mommy, you’re the best! I can’t wait to eat them” She ran out and headed to Matthew, saying, “Daddy, I want to eat pineapples!”

“You can have a small piece for now. You can have more after dinner, okay?” Matthew washed his hands and took a small piece to hand to our eager little girl. Then he squeezed into the tiny kitchen and hugged me from behind. “Why did you make so much food?”

I felt terrible because this once-happy family of three was now on the verge of collapsing.

tired.” I forced a

a reply, and my heart immediately sank. I playfully nudged him with

I wondered if he thought of the other woman whenever he held me. When I finished cooking, I smiled and asked, “Do you want a drink? It’s been a while, and

do

as I turned to get the wine. “Since I made so many dishes,

I spoke. I knew Matthew couldn’t handle alcohol well, so I poured him a little to avoid arousing suspicion. Then I poured myself half a

became excited and talkative. I pretended to be in high spirits as I reminisced about our college days, starting the business, and our

cheerful I was and poured himself another glass of wine while reminding me not to drink too much. Ultimately, he drank more than he could handle. He was drunk when I helped him

washed up and put Ava to bed before beginning my mission. My heart was pounding as it was my first

and bag but found nothing

a fingerprint lock. I quietly approached him, trying to grab his hand, but he suddenly turned

need water,” he slurred at me.

fast asleep. I unlocked and looked through his phone but

people. I opened the conversation of