Beyond the Divorce

Chapter 168

Chapter 168 Happy Birthday

I smirked, knowing dealing with Melanie was a piece of cake. However, I decided to keep a low profileafter signing the contract as it would make anyone envious. It wouldn’t be wise to stir the pot at this

sensitive time.

As for using Melanie, I would have to wait for the right moment.

Although Tuesday was my birthday, I might have forgotten it if my mother hadn’t prepared a specialbreakfast. Ava woke up early and sang a birthday song with her childlike voice. Her voice was soheartwarming that I felt an indescribable mix of emotions.

Matthew was supposed to be away on a business trip on this day last year. However, he returned in theevening with a necklace, a complete set of makeup items, and his wishes. We even went to Al Dente, awell–known restaurant, for dinner with the whole family.

Looking back now, I wondered if he had been on a business trip or if he had been spending time with

Melanie.

I chuckled bitterly, feeling a lump in my throat. I lowered my head and bit into a waffle, saying, “Mom, Iknow it’s my birthday today, but you’ve sacrificed so much to raise me. Let’s go out for dinner later.”

My father chuckled and raised his hand in agreement. But my mother hesitated, asking, “Why don’t we

cook at home?”

My father laughed and pointed at my mother, saying, “Chlo says it’s your ‘suffering‘ day, and you stillwant to cook at home? You’re indeed a good wife who likes staying at home. Getting you to relax is

impossible.

“Yeah, Mom! Please don’t cook today. You’ve worked hard enough. I’ll reserve a table and inviteIvanna, Ryan, and a new friend to join us. Let’s have a good time and relax.”

Ava clung to my arm and blinked her innocent eyes. She asked earnestly, “Mommy, are we going to a

restaurant?”

“Yes, sweetheart, do you want to go?” I looked at my beautiful daughter and was touched. I kissed her

chubby cheek and said, “My baby loves going to the restaurant, doesn’t she?”

“Great! Let’s go to the restaurant!” Ava clapped and jumped a couple of times. Then she paused, “Butwill

Daddy.

She stopped herself from saying more, and my heart skipped a beat. I knew she wanted to ask if herdad

would be there.

+15 BONUS

“Daddy won’t be there. From now on, I’ll take you to restaurants. You can order whatever you want toeat.” I hugged her and spoke earnestly. I didn’t want to fabricate lies and deceive her like divorceeswho made their children wait indefinitely.

I knew there were times I couldn’t shield Ava from these things, and she had to learn to face them.

“Daddy is bad. He kissed Aunt Melanie and not Mommy. Bad Daddy! I don’t want to eat with himanymore!

She looked at me and said thoughtfully, “I saw it!”

Her words shocked me. I never knew she saw such a thing. Still, I couldn’t tell Ava he wasn’t bad orencourage hatred to grow in her heart. Hatred was dangerous and difficult to remove once it took rootin

one’s heart.

My parents and I exchanged helpless glances. Then, my father comforted me, “Hey, don’t think aboutsuch unpleasant things. Today’s a day to be happy. You’ll meet someone who truly cares and lovesyou. You have nothing to regret. There’s no need to compromise, either!”

“I don’t want Daddy too! I want a good daddy, not a bad one!“.

“Ava, listen to Mommy. He’s not bad, he’s just-”novelbin

“He’s bad! He even hits you and screams at you, Mommy! He made you cry, too! Bad Daddy!” Avalooked at me, her little face contorted with anger. She said with determination, “I don’t want him!”

I held Ava tightly. Daughters typically cared for their mothers more; my daughter was no exception.

My heart still felt heavy when I reached my office the following day. I didn’t want Ava to harbor suchhatred at a young age. Still, I could do nothing to defend Matthew.”

At that moment, I started to miss Atlas even more. It had been days since I last saw him, even though Iknew he was busy after reclaiming his company. He probably had many things to manage. Moreover, Ifelt

he didn’t come from a simple family.

I held my phone for a long time. Finally, I could no longer hold back from calling Atlas. It took some timebefore he answered my call, and I heard his low voice, “Yeah?“