Beyond the Divorce

An Uninvited Guest I discreetly opened the door, slipping out of that private room and back into the main hall.

Then I carried on as if nothing had happened, warmly greeting the guests and old clients.

The long–time clients had become like family to us, supporting the entire Murphy family over the years.

Everyone in the Murphy family was beaming with pride, especially Matthew.

He proudly introduced our daughter to the guests, and I shook my head in disbelief.

He thought that dressing Ava up like a little lady made her one.

I was sure many people were watching.

the recent social media buzz.

However, I hadn’t caught a glimpse of Melanie.

As Ava sat on her grandmother’s lap, people were admiring her.

My daughter’s angelic beauty captivated forever.

everyone.

Every time I saw her, my heart melted.

If only she could remain this happy Twenty minutes later, my phone rang, and I saw it was Atlas calling.

I suddenly felt a mixture of nerves and apprehension.

What was this man up to? Why insist on meeting me in the guest room? I stepped aside from the crowd and answered the call.

He commanded from the other end, “Hurry upstairs.

Now!” Before I could say a word, he hung up.

I was frustrated.

How dare he boss me around like that? I breathed deeply while scanning the hall.

Curiosity drove me out of the grand hall and into the elevator to the eighth- floor guest rooms.

I found the right door by following the room number on the card.

However, before I could open it, he drew me into his embrace and made a silencing motion.

Not daring to make a sound, I nestled against him.

Although I listened closely to the sounds outside, the strong beat of his heart caught my attention.

We waited ten minutes before hearing voices in the corridor.

He pointed to the peephole, and I looked out. Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

Unexpected visitors had arrived, some of whom were carrying cameras.

I was baffled! Even more so when I saw the woman leading the group.

Incredulous, I turned to Atlas.

He quickly turned my head back and whispered, “Watch closely!” I pressed against the door, and he pressed against me.

It was an awkward position, but I was too engrossed in what was happening outside to notice.

He held my waist tightly, his head near mine, our breaths mingling What are they here for? I asked in a hushed tone.

I +15 BONUS “Shh,” Atlas said.

The woman I saw was Lauren, who had been injured a few days earlier in a fight with Matthew.

It seemed her injuries had almost healed.

She was directing the sizable group to the room across from ours.

Moreover, I noticed that among the later arrivals were our own guests.

A sense of unease washed over me.

Just then, Lauren signaled to one of the young men and pointed at the door, saying, “Open it!” My mind was a mess.

Was she trying to expose an affair? The young man unlocked the door with a room keywithout hesitation.

The crowd rushed in as soon as the door opened! I realized something and quickly left Atlas’s embrace.

I rushed out of the room, lifting my dress as I ran.

As soon as I left the room, I heard a woman scream from the other room, followed by a man yelling, “W- what do you think you’re doing? Who let you in? Get out!” My steps abruptly halted.

That voice was so familiar.