Beyond the Divorce

I was about to pick up the phone to see who the sender was when Matthew hurried into the room and took the phone. He glanced at it hastily, then looked back at me."It's Mel!""What's the matter? Are you afraid that I'll find something?" I looked at him suspiciously and felt uneasy as if something was wrong.The message had only four words. "Did she find out?"It was enough for me because it implied the other person feared I’d find out about something. The message also showed a hint of ambiguity, so I scrutinized Matthew. My gut feeling surged as my premonition grew heavier.Matthew chuckled casually and threw the phone back on the bedside table. Then he pulled me into his arms and kissed my lips, saying, “You’re overthinking! It’s not about you, but my sister, Mel. She’s using me as a cover to scam Mom for money.”Mel was Matthew’s younger sister, Melanie Murphy. She had been weak and sickly since childhood, so her family always pampered and spoiled her. She also behaved like a

I hurried back to the bedroom and answered the call to complain, "You're something else, huh? You left me hanging!""Something came up at work, so I was in a rush." Ivanna sounded tired. "I just finished settling it. That's why I'm calling you now. Why are you complaining? Do you think my life is as easy as yours?"I hesitated to reply but couldn't hold back and asked her, "Um, you mentioned seeing Matthew two days ago. Where was he? What time was it?"This question had been bugging me all day.Ivanna paused on the other end before she answered calmly, "Honestly, I forgot the exact location. It was just a fleeting glimpse while I was driving.""Oh." For some reason, her answer left me a bit disappointed. Although my heart dropped, I unclenched my fists and realized my palms were cold and sweaty. I chuckled and wondered whether or not I wanted to prove Matthew was having an affair.I must admit he was my everything, and I feared losing him."I realize how obsessed you are with yo

I had only visited Tanum Corporation once when they first relocated to Galar Tower. Matthew took me there, and we rented an entire floor, which gave me a sense of accomplishment.That day, he held me as we stood by the floor-to-ceiling window in his office and said affectionately, "Thank you for helping me and changing my life. Believe me, my love. It won't be long before I give this building to you."I chuckled at his words. Now, he was about to tear it all apart.When I entered the building, the young and attractive receptionist asked me which floor I was going to and who I was looking for. When I mentioned Matthew's name, she gave me a quick once-over and said with a smile, "I'm sorry, madam. Mr. Murphy is not in. He went out with his wife."My head buzzed when I heard that. Although I had mentally prepared myself for it, her answer still shocked me. I tightened my grip around my handbag, but my voice turned somewhat sharp despite my efforts to control my emotions. "What did you

I forced myself out of bed the following day. The dark circles around my eyes were horrible, and Matthew noticed them. He asked in surprise, “The following day, I forced myself out of bed. My dark circles were horrible. Matthew saw my haggard face and asked in surprise, "Are you sick, Coco? Why do you look so pale?""You kept me up all night," I retorted, not in the mood for pleasantries.He was stunned but hugged me with a shy grin. "No more drinking for you. Exercise is better instead since it helps with sleep."I didn't know why, but my stomach churned when I heard his words. I rushed to the bathroom, vomiting and crying.Matthew rushed in behind me and patted my back. "What's wrong with you? Maybe I should take you to the hospital."I pushed him away and lied, "It's nothing. I just didn't sleep well. You should take Ava to kindergarten. I'll be fine once I rest a bit more."He lifted and laid me back on the bed, pulling the blanket over me. "Then get some sleep while I se

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."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 brush