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Chapter_42
An Unforgivable Sin
This vow to myself was all I needed to push forward and create a new version of me—one that wouldn’t be broken by betrayal. Ivanna, noticing my determination, shook her head in concern. “Have something to eat,” she suggested gently.
I nodded, trying to steady myself as I prepared to face the next step. Ivanna went to the kitchen to make something, and I took the time to collect my thoughts, making sure I looked composed before leaving the room. After the meal, I met her gaze and said firmly, “I’m going to pick up my daughter.”
Ivanna’s worry was evident. “Are you sure? Why don’t you stay here for a few days and calm down first?”
Her concern warmed me, but my resolve was unshakable. “I won’t give up so easily. I’ll take back everything that belongs to me,” I replied, my voice steady.
She hesitated before pressing on. “Then how will you explain not leaving to see your parents?”
I remained calm, offering her a reassuring smile. “I have an explanation.”
With that, I dressed quickly, grabbed my bag, and checked my phone. Before leaving, I turned to Ivanna. “Please get that coat cleaned for me.”
“I’ll send you there,” she replied, grabbing her bag and putting on her shoes. We left together, and she asked about my next steps.
I shook my head. “I haven’t decided yet, but I won’t spare them.”
As I unlocked my phone, a flood of notifications appeared. I called my mother back first, and her voice was filled with relief as she told me my father’s condition had improved. I sighed in relief, grateful for this small piece of good news in the middle of everything else.
After hanging up, I rechecked my phone. There were several missed calls from Matthew. I didn’t dare return them. Instead, I called my mother-in-law to inform her that I hadn’t left, so she didn’t have to pick up Ava today.
When I finally arrived home with Ava, everything seemed as it should on the surface. Matthew’s face lit up when he saw us. “Honey, Ava, you’re home! I made some food for you two. Wash your hands, dinner’s almost ready.”
He was acting as if nothing had happened, but I knew better. He knew I hadn’t left yesterday. He approached me and took the bags from my hands, his tone smooth. “I got home late after last night’s gathering, and my phone died. After charging it, I forgot to turn it back on. I missed your call. I thought you were calling to let me know you landed safely. I called your mom this morning and heard you didn’t leave. Are you mad at me?”
His words were loaded with subtle manipulation, but I stayed composed. When he tried to embrace me, I carefully stepped away. I couldn’t bring myself to be near him—especially with the sickening images of him and Melanie in my mind. Instead, I took Ava by the hand and led her to the bathroom to wash her hands. Matthew followed, still trying to make small talk.
“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?”
His voice was full of concern, but all I could feel was the disgust rising in my chest. I pushed Ava gently out of the bathroom and closed the door, suppressing the overwhelming need to scream.
I couldn’t let him see how much I was falling apart. Not yet. I had to stay strong—for Ava, for myself. After washing my face, I stepped out and said, “Ava, let’s eat.”
Matthew’s expression brightened at my words. “That’s right, honey. Let’s eat!” He approached me with a smile, but as he reached for the plates, his hand brushed against the bandage on my arm. I winced in pain, a sharp reminder of the night before.
His eyes darkened as he noticed the bandage. “Honey, what happened? Why are you injured? Let me see.”
I couldn’t believe how good he was at feigning concern. It almost made me sick. He could’ve had a career in acting if he wasn’t already so good at manipulating people.
“Tell me, how did this happen?” he asked, raising his voice slightly, but I wasn’t going to let him control me.
“What’s there to ask? Would this have happened if you had picked me up last night?” I matched his tone, giving him just as much performance as he gave me.
Matthew’s expression faltered for a second before he softened again. “What happened? I’m sorry, honey. Please tell me how you got injured.”
I couldn’t stand it. I forced a smile and said, “Eat your meal. I don’t want to talk about it.” I softened my voice, concerned about Ava overhearing, and gently carried her to her seat. I grabbed a bowl to feed her, trying to appear normal, even though everything inside me was screaming.
Matthew sat beside me, pretending to tend to our meal. His every gesture screamed insincerity, but I knew what was truly bothering him. It wasn’t my injury—it was where I had been, and the possibility that his lie was about to be exposed.