Beyond the Divorce

I was devastated when I heard the automated message telling me Matt's phone was turned off. I couldn't believe it.

"He must have taken her away since he's turned off his phone!" My emotions were spiralling out of control as I looked at Atlas. He checked his wristwatch.

I glanced at my phone screen too, and realized there were still 5 minutes to nine.

At that moment, I heard a faint shout, "... Mom!"

Startled, I turned to see the tall figure of Matt at the end of the pavement, walking briskly toward us. He was holding Ava.

With just one glance, my heart settled back into place.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

I quickly walked toward them, and Ava joyfully called out, "Mommy!"

She was dressed in a gorgeous new green dress, and her laughter was endearing.

"Why are you only her here now?" Even though I had finally seen Ava, I was still a little angry.

Relieved, I extended my hand to grab Ava and give her a firm embrace and kiss.

"Don't be mad at Daddy, Mommy! Daddy doesn't have a car anymore, so we took the bus! And there was traffic!" Ava explained in her sweet voice, fearing I might blame her father.

Then she shouted at Atlas, "Daddy! Daddy! Why are you both at kindergarten? Did you miss me?"

Atlas approached Ava, giving her a little pinch on her nose while grinning. "Mommy was worried you wouldn't sleep well. Were you a good girl? That's why we came here to check on you." She reached out to Atlas, saying, "Daddy, did you miss me?"

"Of course! I'm not used to you not being at home!" Atlas responded, just as she expected.

Matt looked at me, his mouth twitching. "Sorry I was late!"

Then he handed me a big bag of things, saying, "These are some things I bought for her yesterday. Take them."

Ava quickly said, "Take them home for me, Mommy. Daddy said the cute kitty should always be with me when I sleep!"

I was speechless. I had bought her many things, but she didn't treasure any of them like this.

"I want Daddy to take me inside and tell the teacher I'm late!" She said, looking at Atlas.

Atlas nodded quickly, turned, and took her inside like a devoted parent.

Ava turned to wave at Matt. She exclaimed, "Daddy! You need to keep your promise!"

Matt nodded, "I will! Definitely!"

I didn't know what secrets they had between them.

Matt looked uneasy as he glanced at me and at Atlas carrying Ava inside.

He lowered his gaze to his toes and said, "Um... please take care of Ava. I might leave Foswood soon. I promised Ava last night that I'd visit her when I'm back." "Where are you going?" I couldn't help but ask.

"When the company's affairs are settled, I'll leave Foswood. I haven't decided where I'm going yet." His eyes were fixed on Atlas carrying Ava inside.

"Oh, by the way, I asked John to help with Ava's household registration." Matt said. "I have nothing left, so it doesn't matter anymore. Wherever I go will be home."

"Even if you don't care, you won't be

е

able to see her again if you just leave like this. She'll still miss you. Isn't it better to stumble and get up where

you fall?" I said, looking

him.

Matt had lost a lot of weight. He seemed less like the previous self-assured Matt of the past. He was quieter and calmer than before.

"I told her that I'll be back to see her

when I'm ready," Matt said. "I... she's my only daughter. I won't stay away.

worry. Besides, I'm never going

t married again."

I couldn't help but scoff when I heard his words. He seemed to have a deeply ingrained habit of complaining. Or maybe he just always complained in front of me.

Any question of his marriage had nothing to do with me. I had no say over his marriage. Anyway, I couldn't control what he did. When he betrayed me, he had lost all connection with me.

I just regretted the winding path my

life had taken. If I hadn't been

separated from Atlas, hadn't been handed over to my

childhood memories, Parents

hadn't been deprived of my

hadn't met

Matt and married him, if...