Beyond the Divorce by Third Blossom

Chapter 52 The Murphy Family Dinner

I exited the car without waiting for him, holding Ava’s hand as we headed inside. Meanwhile, Matthew followed us with a smile. Usually, he would have let me go in alone, especially in times like these.

I knew he wanted to see if I was lying.

I glanced at the shoes on display when we entered the shop. Matthew was watching me closely, waiting for me to embarrass myself. Surprisingly, the sales associate recognized me, saying, “Mrs. Hartz, are you

here to pick up the shoes?”

I smiled. “Yes.”

“All right, let me get them for you!” She hurried into the storeroom and soon handed me a shoebox. “Size

8, brown!”

I took the box, opened it to look inside, and handed it to Matthew. I thanked the sales associate as well.

Matthew blinked in slight surprise as he took the box. He hugged me and thanked the sales associate.

On the way back, he seemed unusually energetic, chatting nonstop. I simply responded with a few words.

Firstly, the afternoon’s gallstone pain had me avoiding greasy foods. Secondly, sitting near Melanie ruined my appetite. Sitting with this family

never before.

said, “Chloe, weren’t

always caters to you,

as she scrutinized me. “What do you…mean?”

food Matthew had served me to her. “Nothing.

a certain dish doesn’t mean I have to like it,

“You better attend to your sister. I’ve

to the hospital this afternoon, and the doctor warned me

he stopped his utensils

plate away, muttering,

there to fear in leftover food? It’s not from

+15 BONUS

take my leftovers but was more

she said she wouldn’t eat

and said, “With your temper and wits, who’d be able to tolerate you

I won’t find anyone. I never planned on leaving this house. Is that a problem?” Melanie

spoke with confidence.

such conviction. I wondered what Grace would think

about the relationship between her two