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Novel Catalog
Chapter_10
A Shocking Thought
Before I could respond, Matthew quickly interjected, “She’s not feeling well.”
He gently touched my shoulder, trying to reassure me. “Don’t worry, honey. The doctor said it wasn’t serious. We can go home once Ava’s observation period is over.”
Home. The word hit me like a punch to the gut. I stood up abruptly, pushing Matthew away before running out of the ward, sobbing uncontrollably. The cracks in our family were already becoming painfully clear, and I knew it could all shatter at any moment.
Now, here was Ava’s future stepmother, Ivanna, appearing so casually in front of me, flaunting herself.
Ivanna followed me as I rushed out, and Ava started crying again.
“Coco, what’s wrong with you? Don’t scare Ava like that,” Ivanna said, grabbing my arm in an attempt to console me. “Hold it together for now. The kid is more important.”
“Hold it together? How can I?!” I roared, glaring at her, my anger flaring uncontrollably.
I realized I had lost control and tried to calm myself, but my body trembled. My voice quivered as I added, “You should go. We’re fine. Since you’re so busy, you don’t need to delay your work for us.”
I pushed past her, wiping away my tears, and returned to the ward. As soon as I stepped inside, I saw Matthew comforting Ava. Overcome with emotion, I went to him and pulled him away, tears streaming down my face.
Matthew looked at me in confusion. “Don’t be so worried, okay? You scared Ava.”
Just then, Ivanna entered the room, unsure of what to do. She hesitated, her lips smacking in awkwardness, and the atmosphere became tense.
“I’ll leave now, Chloe,” Ivanna said, her voice stiff. “Don’t get too worked up. Call if you need me.”
She turned to Ava, gently saying, “Ava, I’m leaving now. Get well soon, and I’ll buy you some yummy food!”
I wiped my tears and looked at Matthew. “Didn’t you say you hadn’t seen Ivanna in a while? Go send her off.”
Matthew narrowed his eyes for a moment before smiling faintly. “Sure. Don’t cry anymore, okay?”
He escorted Ivanna out of the ward, and I overheard her saying, “No need to walk me out. Go take care of Ava. I’ll drop by again if I have time.”
I heard their footsteps fade, and when Matthew returned, he asked softly, “Honey, what’s wrong?”
“Don’t you know what’s wrong?” I looked at him with red-rimmed eyes, and Ava began to cry again. I quickly leaned down to kiss her cheek, whispering, “Be good. Don’t cry. Mommy’s here.”
Then I started crying too. Mommy would always be here, forever. But what about Daddy? If we got divorced, what would happen to you, Ava? The thought startled me, but it crossed my mind all the same.
The rest of the afternoon passed in a blur as visitors from the kindergarten came and went, even the boy’s parents stopped by. It dragged on into the night, leaving me feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.
Finally, Ava fell asleep, and I stayed beside her. The doctor had advised us to keep her still and avoid any sudden movements.
Meanwhile, Matthew was in the corridor, making phone calls. I sat silently by Ava’s bed, watching her sleep as my heart churned with conflicting emotions. Matthew seemed to sense that something was wrong, so he stayed with me as a precaution. He didn’t leave the hospital that night, and I didn’t want him to.
I was torn. A part of me wanted to urge him to go home and rest, but another part felt like he had to stay with Ava, to take care of her. If he no longer loved me, at least he had to love our daughter.
After three days, the doctor finally discharged Ava. Matthew suggested we let her rest a bit longer when we got home, but since he had taken time off, he had to return to the company immediately.
As I watched Matthew leave, a nagging suspicion lingered in my mind. He was finally free—free from being trapped at the hospital with me. I couldn’t shake the thought that he would rush off to be with his lover. It brought a strange sense of relief to see him go, but also a sinking feeling. What else had he been hiding? He could lie so easily to my face.
A few days later, Ivanna called again to ask about Ava. My response was curt and indifferent. I couldn’t forget how she had lied to me while being with Matthew. It disappointed me deeply, realizing how easily they could betray me.
I needed answers. I wanted to confirm if Ivanna was the “Mrs. Murphy” the receptionist had mentioned. What if she was? What would I do then? For the first time, divorce seemed like a real possibility. My hands trembled as I thought about it, but I gritted my teeth, making a vow: I would make Matthew pay. I would force him to leave with nothing.