Beyond the Divorce by Third Blossom novel Chapter 5

Chapter 5 Strong Evidence

Melanie didn’t stay long after dinner. She pouted at Matthew and asked, “Matt, can you give me a ride?”

I rolled my eyes at her and glanced her way, but she feigned ignorance as she clung to Matthew’s arm, acting like a spoiled brat.

Matthew looked at me with a helpless smile, but since I didn’t respond, he awkwardly said, “Wait a while. I’ll help Chloe with the dishes and then take you out.”

I was honestly sick of Melanie’s behavior and didn’t want to see her for another minute, so I waved Matthew away. “You go ahead and take her where she wants to go. I can handle the dishes myself.”

“Daddy, where are you going? I want to go too!” Ava called out, standing up from her chair as she extended her little hands for Matthew to pick her up.

Matthew lifted Ava and pecked her cheek, saying, “Daddy will be home soon! Be good and play with Mommy, okay?”

“What’s the point of you coming along, kid?” Melanie questioned. She had no patience for Ava.

I took Ava from Matthew. “Sweetheart, Daddy is sending your aunt off and will be home soon. Can you stay here with Mommy?”

Ava looked at me with her big, watery eyes before nodding. Then she hugged my neck and turned to look at Matthew. “Okay! Come home quickly, Daddy!”

Matthew leaned in to kiss Ava again and nodded. “Okay!”