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

Melanie tidied up and prepared to leave when Matthew asked, “Where

late?”

some fresh air? I’m off to find a boyfriend,

called out after

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

two bruises on Ava’s thigh as I bathed her. Since her

+15 BONUS

“How’d you get these bruises, Ava?”

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

prompted, and she burst into

said you got lost and wouldn’t come back. I called her a bad woman, but she

told me not to tell you, Mommy!”

and

I picked up my sobbing daughter to show

you don’t know about these! Does your sister even have a heart?! Forget

child to

glanced at Ava’s bruises guiltily. He took Ava from

I didn’t want to tell you because I knew

upset about?!

about Melanie? Have I wronged your sister in

Ava like that?!”