Beyond the Divorce

I picked up the little one and kissed him on his cheek. This kid, raised by Myra, had fair skin, and there was a soft baby smell about him that I just loved. Whenever I teased him, he giggled, lifting everyone's spirits.

Honestly, I felt a special connection with this child. He seemed to remember me, his eyes following me and touching my face as he babbled away.

Lauren looked at the little one and commented, "You're so kind, Chlo. You like every child you meet."

"You don't like his charming little antics?" I quipped back, and Lauren rolled her eyes.

I turned to Myra. "Did Johnson ask Matthew about the child's future?"

Myra nodded. "Yes, he did, but Matthew hasn't made a decision. It seems like he's having a hard time letting go. After all, he called him his son for several months. It's not easy to be so heartless." Lauren immediately retorted, "Does he have a heart at all? He's only that way because this little one has a dangly bit between his legs!"

Myra and I stared at Lauren. In truth, her words were straightforward and not entirely wrong.

Noticing our gaze, she defended herself. "What are you staring at me for? I said nothing wrong."

Myra and I laughed.

"Think, how does Matthew treat Ava? He raised her for a few years, yet he left her without even looking back. He was heartless then, so why is he suddenly so reluctant with this little one? It's because this one's a boy," Lauren bluntly stated.

"You're right. Everyone knows that the Murphys favor boys over girls," I said as Myra and I burst into laughter again.

Lauren disdainfully said, "Anyway, I have no good feelings toward Matthew. His fate isn't worth pitying. In my opinion, let the child acknowledge his roots. I'm sure Matthew won't be as kind as the mom in raising this child."

"That's hard to say. Matthew takes after his dad. Didn't Abby fool him? She played him like a fiddle, and even after he ran away, she still made him raise her child," I said as an example.

"That may be true, but look at Melanie. She's the best example we have. Look at what happened in the end. She ended up beating and kicking the woman who raised her.

"Isn't Matthew's imprisonment all thanks to Melanie? If Matthew doesn't learn his lesson, he's hopeless! Damn it!" Lauren replied a little heatedly.

Myra added, "He fell in love with a beautiful snake, and that incident made the whole Murphy family go bankrupt. I say Matthew's current situation is the result of his father's sins. It left a disaster in its wake."

I played with the little one and said, "But I don't have any say in how Matthew raises a child, though. I can't stop him."

Myra looked at me and said,

"Actually, Chlo, everyone can see

on whether you

interfere or not. Matthew is no fool.

He's not short of cleverness."

"He is! He's short of it! If he weren't short of cleverness, he wouldn't be so lacking in morality!" Lauren fiercely declared.

We all laughed, turning this into a comedy roast.Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

"I'm afraid that he'll blame me one day. I'm too overbearing, making decisions for him without consulting him. If Johnson takes care of it, he might be grateful. So, I want him to be thankful to Johnson. He needs to learn gratitude," I said as I looked at Myra. "During this time, you've taken care of the child, and he's not even your relative."

Myra sighed. "Chlo, you're really thoughtful, but I wonder if he'll ever understand your intentions."

"I hope he doesn't. I've only done as my conscience dictated. I'll be at peace with myself," I replied.

As we talked, my phone rang. Lauren took the child from me.

I glanced at the screen. It was Ryan calling. It looked like their discussion was over.

"Are you not in the office?" Ryan asked as soon as I picked up.

"I came to see the little one. Is the meeting over? How did it go?" I inquired.

"We'll talk about it when you get back."

"Okay, I'll be there soon."