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.

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

never before.

me with displeasure. She finally couldn’t hold back and said, “Chloe, weren’t you

brother always caters to you, right?” I smiled

scrutinized

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

likes a certain dish doesn’t mean I have

Matthew. “You better attend to your sister. I’ve

this afternoon, and the doctor warned me about my

frowning, and he stopped his utensils midway to look at

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

and purposely asked, “Really? What’s there to fear in

+15 BONUS

Melanie wasn’t willing to take my leftovers but

found it hilarious when she said she wouldn’t eat

and wits,

anyone. I never planned

spoke with confidence.

when she spoke with such conviction. I wondered

knew about the relationship between her two children.