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.

to get a boyfriend.

Melanie tidied up and prepared to leave

late?”

for some fresh air? I’m off to find a boyfriend, all right?” She grumpily replied, putting on her shoes and heading out.

Matthew called out

at Matthew, inwardly criticizing him. As Melanie’s brother, he made too much

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

+15 BONUS

I asked, “How’d you get these bruises,

avoiding my touch. Her big, teary eyes stared at me, but she didn’t

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

wouldn’t come back. I called her

me not to tell

outraged and yelled, “Mathew

the bathroom, and I picked up my sobbing daughter to show him her bruises. “Don’t

your sister even have a

child to

took Ava from me and said, “I’ve

want to tell you because I knew it’d

it something I shouldn’t be upset about?! Is your

you care so much about Melanie? Have I wronged your sister

Ava like that?!”