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Chapter_26
The Voice on the Phone
I paused, feeling the weight of Ivanna’s words sink in. She was right. I couldn’t just sit back and lose everything without a fight. I had to reclaim what was mine, even if I had to fight tooth and nail. At that moment, the ringing stopped, and the silence was deafening.
I took a deep breath, wiped my face, and glanced at Ivanna. Her calm eyes helped me regain my composure. “Thank you, Ivanna,” I said quietly. “You’re right. I needed someone to ground me. I’m grateful for you.”
As soon as the phone rang again, Ivanna nodded and handed it to me. “You’ve got this,” she said softly, her encouragement like a lifeline.
I swiped the screen and answered the call, taking another deep breath. “Hey, honey. It’s about time you called. I need to ask you something—where’s the money in our account? Ava had pneumonia, and I had to rush her to the hospital in the middle of the night. Nothing was left when I tried to withdraw. What’s going on?”
Ivanna winced at my words, but I knew Matthew well. I phrased it carefully to ensure he wouldn’t become suspicious. He was always on guard, but I had to remain calm, especially now.
“Hi, honey,” Matthew’s voice came through, soothing yet distant. “I used the money, but don’t worry. I’ll explain when I get home. How’s Ava now?”
I swallowed my frustration and feigned anxiety. “She’s still on the IV. Her fever reached 39.5 degrees—it’s serious. When are you coming back? Can’t you hurry?” I paused, making my voice tremble just the right amount. “I’m scared. I had to wake your parents up in the middle of the night… Can’t you tell me when you’re using the money? Don’t you know emergencies like this might happen when you’re not around?”
The conversation was mundane, almost routine, but the effort it took to keep my voice steady made me realize I had a talent for acting. It was almost like I was living a different life—one where everything was normal, and the chaos was just under the surface.
“I know,” Matthew said, his tone now slightly more hurried. “I’ll be back as soon as possible. I’ll try to wrap things up in the morning and come home. Take care of our daughter, and make sure you get some rest too. You’ve been through a lot, honey.”
I forced a smile as his words registered. His advice—so comforting, so hollow. “Okay, then. I’m heading out for work now.”
Just as I was about to hang up, I heard a coquettish voice in the background. My blood ran cold. All the strength drained from my body, and for a moment, I couldn’t move. I had carried our sick daughter to the hospital in the middle of the night… and this was what he was doing?
I felt the phone slip from my hand as I collapsed onto the hospital bed, my mind reeling.
Ivanna rushed to me, her face full of concern. She knelt beside me, taking my hand gently. “Chlo, what’s wrong? What did he say?”
I looked at her, dazed. The voice—his voice—still echoed in my head. I could barely form words as I whispered, “Ivanna, find me a lawyer.”
She didn’t hesitate. Standing up, she hugged me tightly, offering comfort and support. “Okay! Don’t cry.”
Two days later, I met Mr. Brown, the lawyer Ivanna had found for me. I explained the situation in detail, feeling both vulnerable and desperate for answers. Mr. Brown listened carefully and then delivered the harsh truth. “Your description is valid, but it’s not enough. These are just speculations. Without solid evidence, your chances of winning are slim.”
I was taken aback. “So, what can I do to improve my chances? I have a four-year-old child. Besides, I started that company. I have to defend my rights.”
Mr. Brown thought for a moment before replying. “The best course of action for now is to gather solid evidence. Based on what you’ve described, it seems like your husband isn’t aware that you know about the affair. Staying in this state for now makes it easier to gather information, but it will be challenging to collect concrete evidence.”
I chuckled bitterly. “So, I just have to keep enduring this?”
He nodded, his expression sympathetic but firm. “Yes, for now, that’s your best option.”
As I left his office, a feeling of exhaustion settled over me. I was already at a disadvantage. Matthew had cheated, moved assets, and reaped the rewards of my hard work and success. But here I was—trying to hold on to whatever scraps I could.
I sat by a river, staring at the flowing water, my mind consumed with frustration. Why was the world so unfair? I didn’t have the answers, and I wasn’t sure where to turn next.
It was Ava’s voice that pulled me back to reality. “Mom, where’d you go? Did you get lost?”
Her innocent words brought a smile to my face. My daughter was right—I was lost. I hadn’t known where to go, but somehow, I had to find my way.
I called Ivanna on the way home, and before I could speak, she burst out excitedly. “Chlo, I have good news!”