Beyond the Divorce

A Shocking Thought

Before I could answer, Matthew explained, “She’s not feeling well.”

He touched my shoulder gently and said, “Don’t worry, honey. The doctor said it wasn’t serious. We can go home once Ava’s passed the observation period.” ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Home?! That word was a trigger for me. I got up and pushed Matthew away before running out of the ward, sobbing. The cracks in this family were already showing, and I knew it might shatter at any moment.

Now, Ava’s future stepmother was here, flaunting around me.

Ivanna followed me as I rushed out, and Ava started crying again.

“Coco, what’s wrong with you? Don’t scare Ava like that.” Ivanna grabbed my arm, trying to console me. “Hold it in for a while. The kid is more important.”

“Hold it in? How can I?!” I roared and glared at Ivanna.

I realized I had lost control and tried to collect myself, but I was trembling. My mouth twitched as I said, “You should go back! We’re fine. Since you’re so busy, you don’t have to delay your work for us!”

Afterward, I brushed past her and returned to the ward, wiping my tears. As soon as I entered, I saw Matthew comforting Ava. I went over and pulled him away with tears streaming down my face.

Matthew looked at me dumbfoundedly and said, “Don’t be too worried, okay? You scared Ava.”

Then Ivanna finally entered the room, not knowing what to do. She smacked her lips a few times, and the atmosphere became awkward.

“Chloe, I’ll leave. Don’t get too worked up over it. Call if you need me,” Ivanna said awkwardly before turning to my daughter. “Ava, I’m leaving now. Get well soon. Then I’ll buy you some yummy food!”

I wiped my tears and turned to look at Matthew. “Didn’t you say you haven’t seen Ivanna in a long time? Go send her off.”

Matthew’s eyes narrowed for a moment. Then he grinned. “Sure. Don’t cry anymore, okay?”

He escorted Ivanna out of the ward, and I overheard Ivanna saying, “No need to walk me out. Go and take care of Ava. I’ll drop by again if I have time.”

I heard her footsteps fading as Matthew returned to my side, asking, “Honey, what’s wrong?”

“Do you not know what’s wrong?” I looked at him with reddened eyes, and Ava started crying again. I quickly leaned down and kissed her cheek, saying, “Be good. Don’t cry. Mommy’s here!”

Then I started crying too. Mommy would always be here, forever. But what about Daddy? If we got divorced, what would happen to you, Ava? I was shocked that such thoughts even crossed my mind.

I was restless the whole afternoon as people from the kindergarten visited. Even the boy’s parents came and went. It kept going until late at night, and I felt overwhelmed.

Ava finally fell asleep, and I stayed beside her. The doctor said she shouldn’t make any sudden movements.

Matthew was in the corridor making phone calls while I sat silently by the bedside, looking at my sleeping daughter. My heart was in turmoil, and Matthew knew something was wrong, so he stayed with me as a precaution. He didn’t leave the hospital that night, and I didn’t intend to let him either.

I felt a rush of conflicting emotions as I looked at him lying on the side of the bed. I would have urged him to go home and rest if I hadn’t discovered he was cheating on me. After all, he still had to work.

However, my thoughts had changed. Matthew was responsible for Ava and had to take care of her. If he no longer loved me, he had to love our daughter.

After staying in the hospital for three days, the doctor finally discharged Ava. Matthew said we should let Ava rest for a few more days when we returned home. Since he had taken a few days off, he had to return to the company immediately.

As I watched Matthew leave, I suspected he would rush to his lover. After all, he was trapped with me for a few days and was finally free. I felt relieved when that sly fox left. I wondered what else he could do behind my back since he could lie effortlessly to my face.

Ivanna called again a few days later to ask about Ava, and I responded indifferently. I shuddered whenever I remembered her lying to me while being with Matthew. I was disappointed that they would betray me so easily.

I wanted to confirm if she was the “Mrs. Murphy” the receptionist told me about. What if it was her? What would I do? I considered divorce for the first time. Ultimately, I gritted my teeth and told myself to make Matthew pay and force him to leave with nothing.