Beyond the Divorce

I hadn't seen Matthew since Grace's passing. He appeared ashen, evidently worn out and not well-rested. He seemed defeated and didn't mince his words, "Let Melanie go. My family and I have laid my mom to rest.

"Melanie didn't attend the funeral as you wished. It's been a week now, so you should let your anger go." I could tell Matthew was emotional, but I scoffed, wondering what he meant by "as you wished." Still, I glanced at him indifferently and refused to retort. I hadn't felt the need to engage with Matthew since his mom's passing.

When he noticed my indifference, his tone turned colder, "We have a child together, so how could you watch a son cry his mom daily? What gave you the right to denounceso bitterly?" Matthew's expression was righteous as he struggled to contain his emotions. I calmly looked at him and spoke distantly, "You cto the wrong place. You shouldn't be here if you want your wife to return. Go to the cops instead. Melanie's release isn't up to me." Matthew could no longer suppress his frustration as he shouted, "Chloe!" I remained composed and continued to observe him. Finally, he lost his gentlemanly act and approached my desk. He slammed it and roared, "You've gone too far! Do you think you have nothing to do with my mom's death?!" His words startledand madelose my composure. I sharpened my gaze and said earnestly, "Of course I am. I've been reflecting on myself since then." Matthew's lips twitch, seemingly finding srelief.

"I blamed myself during my self-reflection. If I hadn't taken charge of Grace, I wouldn't have to face your accusations now. Still, I want to know why you think your mom's passing is my fault?" et He detected my underlying meaning, and his anger intensified. He said, "Don't pretend to be superior just because you cared for my mom for a few days. Mel may have been arrogant and willful, but she's much stronger than you. You're the malicious one, not her." My heart ached, causingto break out in a cold sweat. I couldn't believe what I heard and couldn't find the strength to retort. After ssilence, I muttered, "I'm worse than someone who killed herown mom?" Matthew continued, "Since our divorce, you've taken away all my property and tried to sow discord in my new family." The pain in my heart madegasp.

"How dare you say you didn't influence my mom? Why would she choose to live with you otherwise? How did you manipulate her to no longer acknowledgeas her son?” Matthew's expression showed agony as he spoke.

I sarcastically asked, "Is that your reasoning after carefully considering things for so many days? It seems I overestimated you." "My mom died for you, Chloe! I'm not stupid. She wouldn't have crashed intoif she didn't see you get hurt." Matthew's eyes revealed trace of pain. "My mom's better off dead. Now, no one can manipulate her anymore. "I advise you to revoke your false accusations against Mel. Otherwise, you can't blme for retaliating," he leaned towardand added, "We will sever all ties from now on. I hope we never cross paths again.” Matthew gritted his teeth, showing intense resentment. © 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.