Matthew’s scream echoed through the room. Before I could turn, a tall figure blocked my path and kneeled before me with a loud thud. “Chloe, please don’t leave! I was a fool for doing all those things.”Matthew grabbed my hand and looked at me guiltily. “Honey, please forgive me!”He slapped himself and added, “I-I’ll change! I won’t repeat those stupid mistakes. Let’s start over!” Melanie rushed over and pulled his arm, saying, “Matt, what are you saying? You promised you’d divorce her once we secure ATL Empire’s project. You told me you never loved her, right? You only married her for our family’s future. Since she knows everything, there’s nothing to fear.”I glared at Melanie and asked Matthew, “Is that what you said?”“Don’t listen to her nonsense! I won’t leave you. We still have Ava,” Matthew desperately pleaded, “You and Ava are my family. Let’s start over!”"Matt, what are you afraid of?" Melanie asked while looking at him. "Can you honestly say you don't want me anymor
Meanwhile, Lauren, who had remained silent since the scandal broke out, began her counterattack. First, she exposed the fake financial verification certificate Matthew made. Then, she revealed Melanie’s secrets and exposed her questionable actions and my messy private life.Matthew desperately tried to cover up the truth. With only two days remaining before the contract signing with ATL Empire, he had no intention of fulfilling my demands.On Monday, he received an email from ATL Empire postponing the contract signing. He was shocked and anxious when he realized the lucrative deal was slipping away. He was absent-minded when he visited me at the hospital.I told him to arrange my discharge because I wanted to go home. I didn’t want Ava to spend all day with the Murphys, either. I couldn’t forget Melanie telling me that the Murphys only cared about sons compared to daughters. I would only feel at ease with Ava beside me.Before Matthew completed my discharge paperwork, Johnson arriv
When Grace dropped Ava off, she also brought a heap of groceries. There was wine, fresh seafood, and many other things. She had put a lot of thought into the gesture, but I thought little it. After all, it was my money being spent, so I was not feeling particularly grateful. Even now, eighty percent of Tanum Corporation's customers were the ones I had pulled in the early days. It wasn't an exaggeration. I suspected that there was going to be a celebration here tonight.As soon as Ava returned, she rushed into the room and chattered away. She told me how much she missed her grandma. I knew she was trying to cheer me up.My mother-in-law was busy outside, and Henry had been here since the afternoon. I haven't had a good impression of my father-in-law since that day.Today, Matthew got off work early, but Melanie was nowhere to be seen.At the dinner table, Matthew smiled and said our anniversary banquet would be on Friday at the Feusaka Hotel. However, I kept silent and allowed t
To my surprise, I saw that tall figure standing out in the crowd. My heart raced, yet I wanted to avoid him. I felt too embarrassed to face him in such a setting.Matthew spotted Atlas as he entered. He rushed to greet him since today's event was to impress Atlas. I had not seen Nick, but I knew Matthew was anticipating Atlas’s attendance more.They exchanged a handshake. Despite Matthew's courteous words, Atlas maintained his composure. One of Atlas's attendants handed me a gift, but he didn’t pretend to offer congratulatory remarks.Honestly, it made me quite comfortable.Everything was transparent with Atlas. I imagined it would be awkward to put on an act with him. Matthew and Atlas exchanged polite pleasantries while I stood on the sidelines. Someone gently linked their arm with mine. A tender voice inquired, "Chlo, who is this gentleman?"I was taken aback, turning to find Melanie's smiling face. I had never seen such a shameless smile before.Seeing me unresponsive, Matt
He pressed me against the closing door with a resounding thud. A fresh scent filled my nose.I looked up in alarm, and his perfect face was inches from mine. "Let me see where you're hurt.""What do you think you're doing? You're putting me in an awkward position!" "Where are you hurt?" He insisted, completely disregarding what I had just said.I reluctantly brushed the hair from my forehead, revealing the wound. He frowned, and then his eyes turned ominously cold. I had never seen him like this before.I quickly let my hair fall back to cover the wound and feebly said, "It's nothing!"His tone turned icy as he said, "Are you out of your mind? You’re saying a wound this size is nothing? Are you a masochist?"I shot him an incredulous glare but felt an unfathomable sorrow in me.Atlas narrowed his eyes, his voice softening slightly. "Why didn't you call me?"I turned my face slightly away, a touch petulant. "I'm a married woman. What would it mean if I kept calling you? I didn
I discreetly opened the door, slipping out of that private room and back into the main hall.Then I carried on as if nothing had happened, warmly greeting the guests and old clients. The long-time clients had become like family to us, supporting the entire Murphy family over the years.Everyone in the Murphy family was beaming with pride, especially Matthew. He proudly introduced our daughter to the guests, and I shook my head in disbelief.He thought that dressing Ava up like a little lady made her one. I was sure many people were watching the recent social media buzz. However, I hadn't caught a glimpse of Melanie.As Ava sat on her grandmother's lap, people were admiring her. My daughter's angelic beauty captivated everyone. Every time I saw her, my heart melted. If only she could remain this happy forever.Twenty minutes later, my phone rang, and I saw it was Atlas calling. I suddenly felt a mixture of nerves and apprehension. What was this man up to? Why insist on meeting me i
I heard screams and curses from the room across the hall. Flashes from cameras flickered relentlessly. People were still squeezing in.I panicked and lifted my dress as I was swept into the room with the crowd. It was chaotic inside. Two naked bodies curled up, the woman's head buried behind the man, screaming nonstop.The man shielded the naked woman while pointing at the people taking pictures. "All of you get out!"A defiant Lauren stepped on the large blanket that should have been on the bed. Two others were at her side, standing on a pile of clothes.I stood there, dumbfounded, staring at the scene before me. The man was none other than Matthew, who was celebrating our anniversary with me. He was looking great in a sharp suit just moments ago. Now, he was exposed to everyone.The woman was none other than my sister-in-law, Melanie. She was dressed elegantly today, but she was utterly repulsive now.Lauren stood smugly with her arms crossed, directing the chaos. "Keep shootin
My reaction caught Atlas off guard while Ivanna ran over to pick up my crying daughter. She glanced at Atlas and then pulled me away.I was still trembling and vomiting when we reached Ivanna’s place. Since I had nothing to eat before, I could only vomit bile, leaving a bitter taste in my mouth.Ava stayed beside me with widened eyes, concerned as she pleaded, “Mommy, go find Daddy!”I held and reassured her, “Be a good girl, okay? Mommy will always be by your side.”I couldn’t bear to tell her she might not have a father anymore. Once I calmed down, I called Adrian and asked him a few questions. Then, I asked Ivanna to help me with some tasks. She was the only one I could trust at that moment.She carried my bag the whole time. When I checked it, I noticed she had taken all my necessities. Afterward, I told her I wanted to go home, which startled her. “Why would you want to do that?”“I meant my home here,” I clarified.When we left Ivanna’s apartment, I was surprised to see At