The phone call was from Ava’s teacher, informing me that Ava’s father had picked her up. It threw me off. Why on earth would Matthew suddenly decide to pick up Ava?

I hurriedly dialed Matthew’s number. The once familiar digits now felt strange and cold. It rang for a long time before he answered, his voice filled with tenderness.

“Honey!”

I was furious. “Matthew, what are you doing? Who asked you to pick Ava up?”

“Honey, calm down. I just missed our little girl. It’s been so long since I’ve seen her, and I couldn’t wait any longer!” His words sent shivers down my spine. Although he talked sweetly, there was a hidden menace to it.

Could he really miss our daughter?

“I’ve told you, don’t call me that. It disgusts me. Where are you?” My eyes were red with anger, and I shouted into the phone.

“It’s out of habit. You’ll always be my wife. That won’t change in this lifetime!” His tone was gentle, and I was sure it was deliberate. He said, “Relax, I’m at Snow World.”

After hanging up