Beyond the Divorce

consciousness.

An Emergency When I awoke, I found myself lying in an emergency room.

Everything seemed normal, and the excruciating pain vanished, leaving me numb.

Atlas was beside me, looking concerned.

It appeared he had brought me to the emergency room.

My sudden condition must’ve startled him, and I felt apologetic “Did I scare you? I’m sorry,” I chuckled awkwardly, “You always seem to catch me at my worst.

Thank you! for saving me again.” “Do you feel better now?” Atlas scrutinized my expression with a hint of worry in his eyes.

“I have gallstones, an old problem,” I replied.

He called the doctor, and I underwent another examination. Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

The doctor gave me a detailed report of my condition and provided some instructions before informing Atlass that I could leave after finishing the IV drip.

When the doctor left, I reassured Atlas, “Don’t worry, it’s how this condition is.

The pain is terrifying, but I feel nothing afterward.” He nodded and asked, “Should I inform your family?” I shook my head and thought the only family I had around was too young.

Besides Ava, I had no family nearby.

It seemed no one genuinely cared about me anymore, so why bother pretending? I didn’t even know when or how I had ended up in this situation.

I wondered what I did wrong to deserve such betrayal from Matthew.

The most heartbreaking thing was having someone you trusted most deceive you.

Atlas noticed my silence and added, “If you need anything, let me know.” After the IV drip, he insisted on driving me home, so I reluctantly let him take me to Ava’s preschool.

He didn’t ask much during the drive, and when we arrived, I kindly asked him to leave first.

He only drove away after confirming I was okay.

When I picked Ava up, I was surprised to see Matthew’s car there.

Ava happily jumped into his arms, and he held her close.

Ava’s excited laughter echoed through the air, attracting many parents‘ attention.

Matthew told me his mother had invited us to have dinner at their place.

Initially, I felt reluctant since I had to face Melanie.

However, I saw Ava’s excitement about visiting her grandmother and didn’t want to disappoint her.

After all, they were her relatives, too.

I wondered how much longer this situation could continue.

+15 BONUS Johnson called me when I entered the car.

I glanced at Matthew, who was driving, and answered the call.

Johnson told me that the woman who came to the company building to find Matthew was Lauren Burton, a confidante of a CEO.

“Got it, thanks!” I cut Johnson off, not wanting him to say more.

Matthew was perceptive.

As soon as I hung up, he asked who was calling.

[“I was looking for a pair of shoes for your mother.

They didn’t have her size then, but now they do,” I said offhandedly.

“Should we go pick them up? It’s on the way to my mom’s!” He stared at me in the rearview mirror.

I looked back at him and said, “Maybe another time.

It’s not convenient right now.” “Where is it? It’s just a short drive.” He seemed genuinely interested in verifying my claims.

“Hobbits Shop of Shoes on Shebster Street,” I replied.

He studied my face momentarily, then exited the next intersection.

I clenched my fist tightly, silently cursing.

Damn it! What a jerk! The car sped along, and we soon arrived at the shoe store.

He parked the car and looked at me.

“I’li follow you in.” I scoffed softly, realizing he didn’t believe me and wanted to