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.”

either that or my inner teenage girl was excited. Atlas stood there for some time, just watching me. I shook his arm, urging

leaped onto the riverbank and sat beside me. He opened two cans of

toasted to me.

for being here with

why are you drinking?” he asked.

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

+15 BONUS

that I’ve seen it all now. I have nothing left. The man I thought was my soulmate

a daughter, so it’s not a complete loss. I lost everything, but I still have my daughter.”

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

river.

him completely!” I gritted my

turned to look at me. “Is getting wasted and making

to be this

you trying to discourage me?” I was a bit

I discouraging you? 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

you do? Yell at them as revenge?”

words struck my weakest point, and I felt ashamed. My low self–esteem

the right to say that to me? I’m