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?"

widened her eyes.

ever lie

"Jenny, hurry up and eat!

out with

Aunt Lauren's place!" Ava, acting like a

go." Jenny

with Atlas holding Ava and me leading Jenny. We cheerfully walked out of

accompanied us until we reached Lauren's building. Watching us go upstairs, he left only after ensuring we were inside. His car

took the kids upstairs. Lauren was overjoyed to see Ava

goodness, two little angels

ran over. "Yeah, my mom feels sorry that she hasn't taken us out for so long. So, she brought

"Haha... Feels sorry? Is

there's a mistake,

So today, I scolded them, and they said sorry. Uncle Atlas brought us here," Ava explained

Kids these days were

ruffled her hair. "Go and

teasing her, "Then you can