Beyond the Divorce

Atlas pulled me into his arms and hugged me. Feeling emotional, I asked, "Did she go with him?" My heart felt empty at this very time-hollow and aching. I even blamed Ava for wanting to go.

Atlas lifted my chin with his hand, looking into my eyes. "Don't worry. She belongs to us. If she's upset, she'll call us, and I'll bring her back!"

"Do you know where he lives?" I looked at Atlas with some doubt.

Atlas nodded seriously. "I do. Now, let's go home and wait. We need to give them some time!"

All I could do was embrace Jenny while we were driving. The two little ones would always be frolicking in my embrace, but now there was just one.

Ava clearly seemed to miss him still. In the past, Matt would pick her up from school more often.

Back at the villa, Arnold had already returned. Seeing that Ava was not with us, he was puzzled.

He asked, "Jenny, where's Ava?"

Jenny immediately responded, "Ava went with her other daddy!"

Arnold observed my emotional state and became concerned. He looked into my eyes seriously and asked, "Did you cry? It's normal for her dad to take her. Why are you crying? Did he force her to leave?" "No, it's just that I feel Ava was too heartless. She said she's leaving, and off she goes. I..." I was out of breath and couldn't speak anymore.

Grandma Rose walked out, noticed my red eyes, and said, "This is your fault! This is not how you should act. He is her father."Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

"Grandma!" I hugged the old lady and choked up.

Atlas walked over, patted my back, and said, "I haven't seen you like this before. Don't worry. Let's wait for news from her!"

Grandma Rose smiled and said, "This is good, and it will make her happy. Don't worry, she won't leave you. Besides, doesn't this show that Matthew has realized his mistakes? Knowing he was wrong, he will be more affectionate towards Ava."

Suddenly, I recalled something Matthew had said and looked at Atlas in panic. "Atlas, he said he wants to leave Foswood. Will he...?"

I didn't dare to continue.

"Nah! He wouldn't have the

opportunity, even if he had such thoughts. He won't be that stupid. If he has such thoughts, I will make sure he never sees Ava again! Don't worry, okay?"

Atlas had a solemn, unquestioning expression as I glanced at him.

Throughout the night, I was restless and agitated. Despite Arnold and Atlas trying to distract me, I couldn't muster any interest. I clutched my phone tightly the entire time.

Late at night, Ava finally video-called

ē

me. She was wearing new red pajamas and smiling like a little red flower in front of the camera. She widened her eyes and asked "Mommy, where's Daddy?"

Atlas immediately showed a cheerful face.

"Daddy, can I stay with my daddy tonight?" She asked.

Atlas nodded and said, "Sure! Be good!"

"Daddy, can you pick me up from school tomorrow?"

"Okay, I will pick you up from school, and we'll go home together!" Atlas assured her.

Ava finally felt at ease and said, "Mommy, we had burgers and ice cream. Daddy bought me new pajamas and a new dress, and also this!"

She presented a stuffed cat toy that was nearly as large as her. "Daddy said this will accompany me when I sleep from now on! Mommy, Daddy also said he was wrong, and he won't leave Ava behind again!"

I smiled and nodded, feeling a bit emotional.

We spoke for a while until she eventually hung up. Matthew was nowhere to be seen throughout the exchange.

Atlas pulled me into his arms. "Don't worry! Look, she's happy now!"

"She is so happy, but my heart is still heavy!" I pouted like a child. Even though I saw Ava was joyful, my heart was still burdened.