Chapter 42

An Unforgivable Sin This would be my promise to live on and embrace a new version of myself.

Ivanna saw my determination and shook her head. She advised, “Have something to eat.”

I nodded, and she strode out to prepare some food. Meanwhile, I gathered my emotions and fixed my appearance before leaving the room. After the meal, I told Ivanna, “I’m going to pick up my daughter.”

“Are you sure? Why don’t you stay with me for a few days and calm down before doing that?”

I knew she was worried, so I looked at her and said firmly, “I won’t give up so easily. I’ll take back everything that belongs to me!”

“Then how will you explain not leaving to see your parents?” Ivanna was still worried.

I remained calm and replied, “I have an explanation.”

Immediately after, I changed into my own clothes, picked up my bag, and checked my phone. Before leaving. I instructed Ivanna, “Please get that coat cleaned for me.”

“I’ll send you there.” Ivanna grabbed her bag, put on her shoes, and took the coat. On the way, she asked me about my next steps I shook my head and said, I haven’t decided yet, but I won’t spare them.”

As I unlocked my phone, a flood of notifications greeted me. I called my mother back and learned that my father’s condition had improved. I could hear the joy in my mother’s voice, and I sighed in relief.

Finally, luck was on my side.

I told my mother I would return after the hurricane and then hung up to recheck my phone, I saw several missed calls from Matthew but didn’t dare to return his call. Instead, I called my mother–in–law.

I informed her I hadn’t left, so she didn’t have to pick Ava up today.

Everything seemed normal when I reached home with Ava. Matthew saw us, and his face lit up.

“Honey, Ava, you’re home! I made some food for you two. Wash your hands. Dinner’s almost ready.”

It was apparent he knew I didn’t’leave yesterday. He approached and took the things from my hands.

Afterward, he said, “I got home late after last night’s gathering, and my phone died. After charging it, I forgot to turn it back on, so I missed your call.

“I thought you were calling to let me know you landed safely.” There was a hint of probing in his tone, called my mom early this morning and learned that you didn’t leave. Are you mad at me? I’ve been trying ויי Matthew tried to embrace me, but I avoided him and took Ava to the bathroom to wash her hands.

Matthew followed and said, “Honey, don’t be upset. Do you know how worried I was when I couldn’t reach you? Where have you been all this time? Did Ivanna pick you up?”

Although he spoke, my mind was full of sickening images of him and Melanie. I felt queasy and gently pushed Ava out of the bathroom before shutting the door. I suppressed my disgust and reminded myself to endure it.

I couldn’t ruin all my efforts and had to hold on for my daughter’s sake. After washing my face, I opened the door and left the bathroom, saying, “Ava, let’s eat.”

Matthew was overjoyed. “That’s right, honey. Let’s eat!”

He approached me, and his hand accidentally grazed the bandage on my arm. I winced in pain, startling him. Only then did he notice the bandage. “Honey, what happened? Why are you injured? Let me see!”

I didn’t expect the man I had lived with for many years to be so skilled at feigning concern. I thought it was a waste that he didn’t enter the entertainment industry. He could’ve won many awards.

“Tell me, how did this happen?” He even raised his voice.

“What’s there to ask? Would this have happened if you had picked me up last night?” I stood my ground, giving an equal performance.

Matthew’s eyes darkened, “What happened? I’m sorry, honey. Please tell me how you got injured.”

“Eat your meal. I don’t want to talk about it.” I softened my attitude a bit, worried about scaring Ava. I carried her to her seat and grabbed a bowl to feed her.

Matthew paused, then reluctantly sat beside me. He tended to our meal, showing his caring and considerate side. Deep down, I knew Matthew wasn’t concerned about my injury. Instead, he was worried about where I was and getting exposed.