Beyond the Divorce

The Appointment Before Grace could reply, Melanie sat on the sofa’s armrest and put an arm around her.

“My dad is visiting his younger brother, so we decided to stay with you.” What? Did she just say that they were also moving in? Melanie gave me a smug look.

“You see, we don’t get to spend much time with Chloe.” I restrained my rage and acted aloof.

“Gee, that’s so thoughtful of you.” My dad stared at my face silently.

My mother seemed to sense that the mood was off.

She tried to lighten it up, saying, “Mel, you’re looking prettier by the day.

Are you seeing anyone?” Melanie announced shamelessly, “Yes, and we’re finally getting married after many years.” I wanted to rip her tongue out.

“That’s wonderful news! Don’t forget to invite us to your wedding.” My mom smiled warmly.

“You’ll be the first on my list! Melanie looked at me as she chuckled tauntingly.

Gritting my teeth, I silently swore at the bitch.

“We would’ve married sooner if my boyfriend’s ex–wife hadn’t been such a pain,” Melanie added.

“I’ve known him since we were kids, and we were in love.

But she kept seducing him and wouldn’t leave him alone.

She even swindled all his money..

My mom looked uneasy.

“Mel, come give me a hand,” Matthew said, as he emerged from the kitchen.

Melanie tilted her head and shot me a smile.

“I’m coming, Matt.” I knew Matthew was trying to defuse the situation.

Still, what was he thinking? Did he expect me to put up with Mel the way Grace had tolerated Henry’s affairs? What a messed–up family! My phone rang, and I quickly glanced at it.

Atlas was calling me.

glanced toward the kitchen and slipped outside to answer.

Atlas’s displeased voice asked, “Where are you? “I’m at home.” Why was he calling when he was supposed to be in Astronia? Before I could ask him where he was, he said, “Meet me at our usual spot.

You’ve got 20 minutes!” I gripped my phone, taken aback by the short notice. This is property © of NôvelDrama.Org.

20 minutes? Did he expect me to teleport there? Then I realized that Atlas must have returned to Foswood.

the wish My heart raced.

I checked the time and called Ivanna to ask if I needed her car since getting a cab outside the gated community would take over 20 minutes.

Fortunately, Ivanna had just arrived home.

I got her to send her car over and hurried upstairs to change.

As I headed out, Melanie said, “We’re having dinner soon.

Where are you going? Do you have to go now?” It was clear she was insinuating something.

Without sparing her a glance, I said, ‘Dad, Mom, I might be back late.

Ivanna will come over and keep you company.

My mom looked at me, then at Grace, concerned.

“Do you have to go now?” “Yeah, I have an appointment,” I said flatly as I put on my shoes, just in time for Ivanna to arrive.

I let Ivanna in and asked her to join them for dinner.

With her around, the Murphys wouldn’t say whatever they pleased.

When I arrived, I was five minutes late.

Atlas had reserved a private room on the second floor.

Before I could sit down, he asked grimly, “What’s the meaning of this?”