Beyond the Divorce

An Unpleasant Inquiry I looked at him baffled.

“Wasn’t the divorce trial scheduled for today? Why wasn’t there a hearing today? Why’d you cancel it?” He stared at me impassively, but his tone showed displeasure.

Had he gone to the courthouse? No one knew we had postponed the trial.

The only logical explanation.

was that he had been there.

“Something came up, so I had to reschedule it at the last minute,” I explained.

“Are you having second thoughts again?” His face grew stern.

“How could you even consider it after what he’s done?” I was much calmer than he was.

I took a few sips of my glass of lemonade and said, “I might not be able o get a divorce anytime soon.” to He fixed his eyes on my face.

“Why not?” “There’s nothing I can do.

Matthew is using my parents to blackmail me,” I said helplessly.

“I didn’t expect him to stoop so low.” “Do you plan to let him manipulate you forever?” “My hands are tied, okay? My father just had a stroke.

I’d rather be humiliated than risk upsetting him.” We fell silent for a moment.

The thought of the Murphys in my house infuriated me.

After a long pause, I looked at him and asked, “When did you get back?” “Last night,” he said bluntly.

Then he gave me a long, unnerving look.

Atlas had ordered some hot tea for me, which the server brought.

He pushed it toward me and asked, Would you like to resolve the situation?” “As long as my parents are safe, yes.” Their safety was my top priority.

Since he brought it up, I sensed he must have a plan.

Somehow, I trusted him.

“Let me make some arrangements,” he said.

“I’ll let you know when I’m done.

All you’ll have to do is play along.” “Thank you!” It was dark outside when I left the cafe. Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Atlas gave me some brief instructions at the door, and we got I didn’t head home immediately.

With the Murphys there, I felt suffocated.

I needed to figure out how to handle the situation.

They were like a ticking time bomb, and the constant anxiety was eating at me.

To ease my anxiety, I took a detour through the bustling streets.

However, I knew I had to return home eventually.

My loved ones were there, and I couldn’t let the Murphys do as they pleased.

The following day, Atlas called me.

He instructed me to bring my parents and Ava to Snow World, where I was to take part in a lucky draw.

I understood that this was part of his arrangement.

I discreetly offered to take my parents out after breakfast.

They were hesitant, but when I told them Ava had always wanted to go to Snow World, they happily agreed to join us.

Matthew offered to drive us there, claiming it was a fantastic idea.

Clearly, he didn’t want us to have any alone time, I didn’t object, as I didn’t want to leave them alone in my house.

Ivanna had left her car for me to use.

After Melanie led my parents and Grace to Matthew’s car, she smilingly hopped into mine.