Beyond the Divorce

Chapter 2 A Substantial Amount of Information

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 rich brat.

Melanie was in her twenties but never took anything seriously. She didn’t even go to school and only traveled, ate, and had fun.

“You’re trying to scam your mother for money? Where do you think her money comes from?” I snapped.

Matthew smiled, bent down, and lifted me in his arms. Then he nibbled on my earlobe as he approached the bathroom. “Yeah, yeah, it’s all your money. That’s what happens when I marry an amazing and understanding woman like you.”

I appreciated his words.

Throughout the years, I had never been stingy regarding his family because I believed a harmonious family led to success in all endeavors. I also believed in treating others with the same kindness I received.

Our second round in the shower washed away my doubts and grievances. It made me happy and content as I lay in Matthew’s arms.

That night, I brought up buying a house in a good school district again, which had become a pressing matter for me. We had lived in this small 500-square-foot apartment since we got married. The size didn’t bother me, but I didn’t want Ava to have a disadvantaged start.

She was about to start school, but the neighborhood had no good ones nearby. Although we had saved money for a new house over the years, Matthew always said there was no rush.

He wanted to find the best location in the fast-developing city so we wouldn’t need to keep moving.

This time, he didn’t argue when I brought it up again. Instead, he patted my shoulder, kissed my forehead, and said, “Okay, I’ll look for a suitable place for you to see, and then you can decide.”

His response pleased me, and I fell asleep sweetly, daydreaming about a beautiful big house.

Just after dropping Ava off at the kindergarten the following day, I received a call from my best friend, Irvanna, saying she wanted to meet at our usual spot.

Of course, I immediately responded and took a cab to the location.

Ivanna and I were close, just like sisters. We could talk about anything, but it was rare for her to call me. After all, she was a busy woman who worked as a talent manager in a media company.

When I entered our favorite dessert shop, I saw her sitting in the corner, typing away on her laptop. The morning sun cast a peaceful glow on her, making her look even more beautiful.

She waved at me as I approached, and I sat down before playfully asking, “Why are you so free today? You even had time to ask me out so early in the morning.”

Ivanna rolled her eyes at me and replied, "Can't I be concerned about you?"

"Haha, sure you can!" I sat down and sipped the coffee she had ordered for me. "But aren't you always busy while I'm always free?"

"Ha! Aren’t you ashamed of that? Now, all I see is Matthew spoiling you. Don't say I didn't warn you, but don't get too comfortable. It's easy to become a fool!" Ivanna said, looking at me intently.

For some reason, her words made my heart pound. I looked at her and casually asked, "What do you mean? There's more to your words, isn't there?"

She lowered her gaze, looking at the computer screen, seemingly trying to hide something. "Oh, nothing! I'm just teasing you a little."

After some thought, she looked at me and said, "I saw Matthew the day before yesterday."