Beyond the Divorce by Third Blossom

Dylan called right after dinner. Atlas answered with a few "yeahs" before hanging up.

Then he returned to the table, calmly finishing the meal with the family before saying, "I need to step out for a moment. I'll be back a little later."

I could tell by his demeanor that something important had come up.

I suggested, "Let's go together. I'll visit Lauren."

Ava wasn't too pleased and ran over to us, standing before us like a teacher. "You guys are always so busy. Can't you spend some time with me at home? You make me feel lonely!"

Aware of her loneliness, Atlas had already arranged for Jenny to keep her company. Yet, here she was, using loneliness to manipulate us.

We exchanged smiles, and Atlas bent down, picking up the little troublemaker.

In a gentle tone, he said, "I'm sorry. I know I'm wrong. I'll make sure to pay more attention to you next time."

"What about you, Mommy? Why aren't you sorry?" Ava looked at me solemnly, waiting for my response.

I quickly adopted a serious demeanor, telling her, "Alright, I'll be more mindful next time. Or...how about you and Jenny come with me for a little outing?"

her eyes.

I ever lie to

immediately shouted into the dining room, "Jenny, hurry up and eat!

with her mouth

like a little adult, asked, "Have

go." Jenny skipped toward

us went out together, with Atlas holding Ava and me

us go upstairs, he left only after ensuring we were inside. His car

kids upstairs. Lauren was overjoyed to see Ava

goodness, two little angels are

ran over. "Yeah, my mom feels sorry that she hasn't

"Haha... Feels sorry? Is this an

there's a mistake, it

corrected This is the worst thing Mommy and Uncle Atlas did recently. So today, I scolded them, and they said

these

ruffled her hair. "Go and play.

wasn't satisfied yet, teasing her, "Then you can come by