As I expected, Melanie approached Matthew like an enraged bear when she got out of the cab. She took a staggering step toward Ava.I cried out in alarm and rushed forward, embracing Ava tightly. Melanie viciously grabbed my hair and yanked my head backward.Ava was instantly frightened, crying loudly, "Mommy... Mommy..."The stunned onlookers let out a collective gasp. No one dared to intervene with the heavily pregnant woman."Matthew, have you gone mad? You dare sneak around behind my back to meet them? I'll finish off these two wretched women. Let's see if you'll still be cozying up to them!" She cursed vehemently while fiercely tugging at my hair. I was forced to tilt my head back, struggling to free myself from her grip. However, the space was too confined, and I feared accidentally bumping into her belly. After all, she was well into her pregnancy, and I worried I might cause harm.Our child cried out hoarsely, and I could hear Matthew shouting, "Melanie, what the he
With trembling hands, I called Johnson to pick up Matthew's car. I waited until Johnson arrived and gave him instructions before leaving with Ava. No matter what, Ava didn't want that toy that Matthew gave her. Back at home, Ava rushed into her grandmom's arms with a loud cry. My mom looked at me, puzzled, and I briefly explained what had happened. My parents let out a deep sigh. That night, I slept with Ava. She told me with a quiver in her voice that she never wanted to see her dad again.I was at a loss for words. Faced with such a dad, I couldn't even defend him. From today's events, I could see how miserable Matthew's days would be in the future.I comforted Ava and shared some simple wisdom with her, teaching her to be a responsible and good person. I wasn't sure how much she understood, but I didn't want her mind to be filled with darkness.Johnson finally called me late at night. He said, "Chlo, don't worry! She's okay.""What about the baby?" I asked worriedly."The
I was utterly floored, unsure how to answer her because I couldn't possibly make that decision.Ava looked at me with hopeful eyes as if my response held her greatest wish.I had no choice but to say, "I will try my best!"She smiled through her tears and said, "Ava will work hard with you, Mommy! Uncle Atlas would be the best Daddy!"Seeing her smile again as she ran into the classroom, I finally breathed a sigh of relief. I turned and headed back to the car, making my way to the office. I arrived early today. Some people hadn't even shown up yet. I sat back in my chair, unable to stop picking up that pen and clutching it tightly. What results could I possibly achieve by my efforts?However, I knew that Atlas was working hard, too, and I had to trust him.On Tuesday, Eleanor called. She told me she had made up her mind to leave.I instantly got excited. "That's great! When will you start?"She hesitated, saying it would take a few more days. I didn't quite understand, but
I glanced at Grayson and said, "It seems Stella has some issues. You know about Atlas's parents' plane crash, right?""Yes." "We should investigate Stella's father, Rory." My intuition told me there might be a connection there."That's exactly what I was thinking. I've already given the order, and they're investigating Rory!""Atlas mentioned that his parents' plane crash wasn't straightforward. I want to know why he believed that," I stated. "Let's focus on this aspect of the investigation. Having multiple angles can be beneficial."Grayson agreed, albeit with some hesitation.I paused and said, "Grayson, regardless of your previous relationship with Atlas, I hope you'll support me now. Even though there are feelings between Atlas and me, I don't want you to link us together. I have my own goals and inquiries."Grayson nodded solemnly, "Understood, Ms. Chloe!"I smiled. "You know, this affects my direction of development, and... my choices!""Yeah, got it!" He seemed to unde
“Hmph, who else would be a handful?” Ivanna growled, “I swear that woman’s digging her own grave.”“Calm down, Ivanna. We’ll talk when we meet later.” I interjected, trying to avoid a rant.I received another call as we talked. I glanced at my phone and saw Atlas’s name, so I told Ivanna, “Hang up. I have another call.”When she ended the call, I answered Atlas’s, “Hello.”"Who were you talking to?" he asked."Ivanna."“Oh. Come to Pleca Park after work tonight,” Atlas said firmly.“Sure!” I blushed but replied sweetly, “Aren’t you busy?”“What do you think?” He sounded flirtatious, “You can help me relax.”“Stop that!” I lost my breath, thinking of how shameless he was.He laughed, saying, “Do you know what you want to eat? I’ll prepare it for you.”“I’m meeting the girls for local food soon. I’d prefer something lighter in the evening,” I replied confidently.“That sounds doable. You can hang up now.”I imagined how he looked after ending the call. I leaned on my desk wh
I had never met Lauren’s date but was familiar with his appearance. Still, I wasn’t the only one. Most in Foswood should be familiar with him because he was always on TV. It was easy to search for someone online now, not to mention someone famous.Lauren continued as we entered my car, “He has been considerate toward me, and I’m content. People should be grateful for what they have. We distanced ourselves from each other after the incident with Matthew.“Soon after, we realized we couldn’t live without each other. Even though we get what we need, perhaps this is how our relationship is supposed to be.”I felt guilty when she mentioned her situation with Matthew. Her reputation would’ve remained intact if I didn’t meddle. Still, I never expected Lauren and I to be so close.“Indeed, it’s rare that he’s loyal to you, but…” I began.“It’s okay this way. If love were to last long, it wouldn’t be interesting. Haha! Plus, it’s better not to be together constantly. Otherwise, the relatio
Ivanna’s question surprised me. I looked at her in disbelief and asked, “What do you mean? Is she moving to Amethyst Apartments?”“Not only that—she’s also staying in the villa zone in your area! It should be pretty close to your place,” Ivanna said, frustrated, “The company has been too nice to her!”Hearing that made me uncomfortable. I had a strange feeling I might have conflicts with Harmony. Although she and I looked similar, I felt uneasy when I first saw her. I couldn’t help but wonder if Ivanna’s impression of her had influenced my feelings.Still, I knew others couldn’t influence me so easily. However, seeing Annalise’s photo gave me a sense of familiarity.Lauren interrupted Ivanna, saying, “I thought we came here for a relaxing meal. Can we change the subject? Talking about Harmony affects my appetite.”I obliged and said, “Hey, guess what? Melanie gave birth.”"What?!" Ivanna exclaimed. I succeeded in shifting her attention.“Is it time already?” she asked, wide-eyed
I glanced at Ivanna in puzzlement. After all, I had never interacted with Harmony before, yet she knew my name. I knew Ivanna was equally surprised."Yes, I am," I replied confidently.Harmony smiled faintly. "Someone kept telling me that someone looks similar to me. I didn't expect us to have a resemblance."I immediately realized what she was referring to. Something told me she had met someone inside the restaurant."Ms. Harmony, may I ask how old you are?" I calmly inquired.She hesitated momentarily. Her eyes turned cold as she asked in annoyance, “Why?”“Oh, don’t overthink it. I’m not interested in your private life. I just want to know who’s older between us,” I continued smilingly, “I assume you’re younger because of your beauty and charm.”"I think so, too," she replied firmly.“Then, it’s true that you look like me,” I contradicted her earlier statement, “I’m the original, after all.” I discreetly scoffed at the idea that I resembled her.Lauren returned from the res