Beyond the Divorce

The Spoiled Sister–in–law

“What’s wrong?” Matthew looked at me with concern. “Are you tired? Maybe you should take a nap. I

won’t leave. I’ll stay and play with Ava instead.”

I suppressed my emotions and nodded. “Yeah, I’m tired. You can entertain Ava while I rest.” Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

Afterward, I placed the plate of fruits on the coffee table and said, “Give her something to eat. There’s

more in the kitchen if those aren’t enough.”

“Sure thing. You go rest. I’ll take you both out for a meal once you’re up,” Matthew said, picking up a fork

to feed Ava.

When I went to the bedroom to lie down, I felt suffocated as tears welled in my eyes. It seemed those

two keys were an issue as Matthew rushed home just to take them back. I knew he wasn’t worried about

Ava.

Most knew a person’s conscience would be thrown out the window once they cheated. Also, I suspected

those keys might have belonged to another woman’s house, so I instinctively thought of Ivanna.

She had been doing well these past two years and no longer had to share a place with others. She even

rented a spacious apartment for herself but never mentioned where or invited me over. The setup

seemed convenient for bringing men home, I thought.

However, the more I considered it, the angrier it made me. People were hard to read, and I felt incredibly deceived and disgusted–no wonder she had questioned Matthew’s loyalty to me. It was a blatant

provocation!

Even if she wasn’t the fake Mrs. Murphy, she certainly wasn’t innocent. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have lied

to me. In addition, that foolish Melanie got herself caught in the middle, unwittingly making the situation

more complicated.

Ultimately, Ivanna and Matthew lied about being together. I knew it wasn’t a good sign because they hid a shared secret together. Soon, I reflected on how Matthew had been on guard against me for a while now.

It was no wonder I couldn’t find any clues. I wondered when Matthew became so wary of me.

With these thoughts in mind, I clenched my pillow and felt a heavy weight on my chest. The father- daughter duo played outside happily while my heart tore apart inside the bedroom. I knew I should

prepare myself for the worst.

Matthew insisted on taking us out to eat that evening, and I didn’t object. Ava held my and Matthew’s hands as we walked to the car, forming a heartwarming sight for the envious on–lookers.

However, I self–mockingly thought Matthew and I could become actors since we paraded around like a

happy family.

Melanie appeared with her bag as we were about to leave. When she saw us getting ready, she looked at

Matthew and asked, “Where are you going?”

“Daddy’s taking us to a restaurant to eat!” Ava shouted before Matthew could answer.

Melanie didn’t hesitate and walked to the front passenger seat.1

Her presumptuous attitude was getting on my nerves, and I wondered when she started coming to our

place to freeload.

Matthew didn’t say much. Instead, he started the car and drove off when everyone got in. I hadn’t spoken

all this while, despising Matthew’s attitude in silence. I hated how he always looked the other way, no

matter what Melanie did.

I guessed he probably didn’t blame her for the incident at Galar Tower either. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be

tagging along so confidently.

Simultaneously, I had enough with my in–laws. Why didn’t they ask or care about what their daughter did?

Matthew chose Aviary, a well–known restaurant, for dinner. Since the place was crowded, he told us to

get out of the car while he looked for a parking spot. [1

We rarely ate out, so Ava’s excited chattering filled the air.

Melanie got impatient and scolded Ava, “Why are you so noisy? Why are you talking so much just because

we are eating out?!”

Her words ignited my anger. “What’s wrong with that? You’re much older than her, yet you can’t act like at

decent aunt to her?”

“You’ve spoiled that brat!” Melanie retorted disdainfully and muttered, “She hasn’t been out much, has

she?”

“What did you say?! Although you’ve traveled much, you’ve never considered how you got to do that,” I

held Ava and glared at Melanie, saying, “Why are you arguing with a child? Can’t you be a mature adult?”

Once Matthew parked the car and came over, he saw me yelling at Melanie. He patted my back to try and

take Ava from me, saying, “It’s okay.” 1

“Aunt Mel is evil!” Ava complained to Matthew when she saw him coming over.

Melanie glanced at her brother and put up a front, asking Ava smilingly, “What did I do, sweetie?”

I loathed Melanie because she always put up a front whenever Matthew was around. I avoided his

attempt to take Ava from me and entered the restaurant. Then I heard Matthew behind me, “Can you

calm down?”

1- Melanie started. 2

“Shut up. Haven’t you had enough?” Although Matthew’s voice was low, I could still hear it. It was rare for

him to talk to his sister like that.

Finally, I felt a little relieved.

Matthew should have stood up to Melanie long ago to keep her in check.

As we entered the restaurant, we bumped into Johnson unexpectedly.