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.

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

Melanie tidied up and prepared to leave when Matthew

late?”

for some fresh

left, Matthew called out after her,

glanced at Matthew, inwardly criticizing him. As Melanie’s brother,

went home that night, I noticed two bruises on Ava’s thigh as I bathed her.

+15 BONUS

asked, “How’d you

Her big, teary

you tell Mommy?” I prompted, and she burst into tears.

lost and wouldn’t come back. I called

me not to tell you, Mommy!”

was outraged and yelled,

into the bathroom, and I picked up my

your sister even have a

to lie as

Ava from me and said, “I’ve already scolded Mel.

want to tell you because I knew

shouldn’t be upset about?! Is

Have I wronged your sister in any way? How

Ava like that?!”