Beyond the Divorce by Third Blossom

After our banter, I told Lauren about Liora, leaving her astonished. "Looks like Liora really is pushing her luck. She's reckless; do you think she might have hidden Melanie somewhere, or has she silenced her for good?"

"It's not that extreme. Atlas says it's not time to deal with Melanie yet. Anyway, I'm sure she feels like she's in prison, no matter where she is. Even if she is outside, she wouldn't dare show up anywhere." Lauren sighed. "She's made her own bed, and now she has to lie in it. Melanie's definitely not a good person. She's just as bad as Liora."

Talking about Liora reminded me of Stella. I told Lauren about Stella's situation, whispering, "I think Jared isn't with Trinity. But I can't figure out how Trinity got involved with Stella."

I was willing to confide in Lauren about certain things, especially since she had considerable influence in Foswood. Knowing some insiders would help me greatly.

Lauren looked at me and speculated, "I suspect there must be a business deal between her and Stella."

I nodded. "I agree."

At that moment, Ava ran in and asked, "When can we eat? I'm starving!"

We shared a smile, and Lauren remarked, "That little girl's a clever one."

the two little ones, ate,

as she laughed with her hand resting on her belly. I assumed that Ivanna was thinking about her future baby. Her absent-minded smile hinted at her daydreams. Lauren and I exchanged glances, silently sharing a sense

call to my mom, telling her we'd sleep here tonight and I'd take the kids to kindergarten

we were about to leave, there was an urgent

guessing your man is here to pick you

confidently. "No. Atlas wouldn't knock like that." Lauren and I looked at Ivanna.

open the door, and to our surprise, there

for. He looked weary. His crisp shirt was wrinkled,

into the room. Atlas stood behind Jared, smiling and

but

in the flesh, which was exactly what I had wished for. That was

even been 10 hours.

he played too loose with his plans. Despite seeing Jared right

stepped aside, allowing Jared to walk in. He quickly approached Ivanna, who was sitting