Beyond the Divorce by Third Blossom

Chapter 55 Someone to Entertain

I wandered and found myself by the river again. I had brought some wine and arranged for my mother–in- law to pick Ava up. Then, I settled by the river to pour myself a drink.

I realized the company had become an empty shell, its sole purpose to fill the Murphys‘ wallet. Meanwhile, I was empty–handed. No wonder Melanie could taunt me so confidently. Although I married

into the family, I wasn’t part of their world.

Even now, Melanie and Matthew didn’t spare my meager possessions. They would invade my space and commit vile acts on my bed whenever I was away. I thought I was strong–willed at the Murphys‘ residence last night.

However, my repayment was a car for Melanie. When I asked him to send my parents some money, he lashed out at Erica. The more I thought about it, the more my heart ached. It was like a stabbing pain suffocating my chest.

My phone kept ringing, and I didn’t know what I said when I answered. I was starting to feel a little tipsy. I saw the buildings across the river light up as night fell, but none shined for me. I had nothing left.

I raised the wine bottle toward the lights, only to have someone swipe it away. A low voice followed,

Chloe Hartz.”

I turned to look in a daze and saw the man who had witnessed my consistent misfortunes. I shook my head and chuckled, saying, “How’d you know I was here? Did I leave something behind?”

“Weren’t you in pain yesterday? Have you forgotten your doctor’s orders already?” Atlas scolded.

“Forget about doctor’s orders. You’re a buzzkill.” I looked at him and tugged at his sleeve. “Come on, join

a drink.”

playful, likely from him interrupting my loneliness. It was either that or my inner teenage girl was excited. Atlas stood there for some time, just watching me. I shook his

onto the riverbank and sat beside me. He opened two cans of beer, handed

to

“Thank you for being here

me, why are you drinking?” he

reason to drink?” I took another sip. “Is being happy a good enough reason?” Like a fool, I stared at the lights on the other side of the river.

+15 BONUS

man I thought was my soulmate had slung a web for me, and I walked right into it,

the money’s gone. Oh, I have a daughter, so it’s not a complete loss. I lost everything, but I still have

do you plan to do?” Atlas asked without looking at me. Instead, he stared at the lights

river.

divorce to ruin him completely!” I gritted my

to look at me. “Is getting wasted and making a scene your

you to be this foolish.”

was a bit annoyed at how pessimistic

Can’t do anything but get drunk here and call it a night, huh? Didn’t you just see

move everything away, drive a new car, and go to Operose for the weekend? Meanwhile, you’re just

can you do? Yell at them as

my weakest point, and I felt

the right to say that to me? I’m the one embarrassed,