Beyond the Divorce by Third Blossom

Chapter 27 The Bruises on the Child’s Body

I chuckled as I wondered what the good news could be. Ivanna didn’t specify the news due to time constraints, and I didn’t pry. Instead, we agreed to meet tomorrow.

Meanwhile, everyone waited at my in–laws‘ place for me to return for dinner. Surprisingly, Melanie was there.

When Grace saw me, she quickly laid out the dishes, saying, “Dinner’s ready! Chlo, it’s been a while since you last joined us for a meal.”

I smiled while washing my hands and helped with the dishes. The atmosphere was heartwarming with the whole family together. Henry asked Matthew about the project in Operose during the meal, but Matthew brushed it off.

Without much thought, Grace asked Melanie, “What were you doing with your brother?”

Immediately after, I noticed Melanie pausing and glancing at Matthew. He questioned, “You went to Operose too?”

Melanie froze, seemingly off guard, as she hesitated before saying. “Uh…I went there with my friends!”

However, Grace persisted, “Then why did you tell me you were with your brother?”

Melanie became irritated and retorted, “If I told you I was going there with my friends, would you have let

me go? You’re always scrutinizing me.”

I felt a bizarre sensation when I heard their exchange, but I couldn’t pinpoint it. Suddenly, I realized

Melanie might be more important than me to Matthew. After all, I was the outsider in this household.

my in–laws, they always focused on urging Melanie to get a boyfriend. I

and prepared to leave when Matthew asked, “Where are

late?”

you care? You’re allowed to have your wife and child, but I can’t go out for some fresh air? I’m off to find a boyfriend, all right?” She grumpily replied, putting

she left, Matthew called out after her, “Come home early!”

As Melanie’s

went home that night, I noticed two bruises on

+15 BONUS

I asked, “How’d you get

my touch. Her big, teary eyes stared at me, but she

tell Mommy?” I prompted, and she

got lost and wouldn’t come back. I called

told me not to tell you,

and yelled,

up my sobbing

even have a heart?! Forget your lies. How

child to lie as well?!”

Ava from me and said,

didn’t want to tell you because I knew it’d upset

it something I shouldn’t be upset about?! Is your sister more important than

much about Melanie? Have I wronged your sister in any way? How could she

Ava like that?!”