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.

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

never before.

finally couldn’t hold back and said, “Chloe,

you, right?”

she scrutinized me. “What

of food Matthew had served me to her. “Nothing. I didn’t touch the food. You can have

I have to like it, too. His taste is

“You better attend to your sister. I’ve been having gallbladder issues and

nauseous. I went to the hospital this afternoon, and

he stopped his utensils midway to look at me

glanced at Matthew and pushed the plate away, muttering, I’m not picking up

purposely asked, “Really? What’s there to fear in leftover food? It’s not from

+15 BONUS

Melanie wasn’t willing to take my leftovers but was more than

when she said she wouldn’t eat

said, “With your temper and wits, who’d be able to tolerate you in the future?”

if no one can, I won’t find anyone. I never planned

spoke with confidence.

burst into laughter when she spoke with such

knew about the relationship between her