Beyond the Divorce

The Voice on the Phone

I paused before snapping back to reality and realized she was right. I couldn’t lose everything without a fight or reclaiming what was rightfully mine. Even if I fought and lost, I wouldn’t regret it. At that point, my phone had stopped ringing.

I stared into Ivanna’s calm eyes and gradually regained my composure. My thoughts began to clear, and I wiped my face, saying, “I get it now! I’m grateful to have a clear–headed person like you by my side. You constantly remind me of my priorities.”

When the phone rang again, I had already sorted my emotions. Ivanna passed me the phone and nodded. “You’ve got this

I took a deep breath and swiped the screen to answer the call, “Hey, honey. It’s about time you called. I need to ask you, where’s the money in our account? Ava had pneumonia, and I had to rush her to the hospital in the middle of the night.

“Nothing was left when I tried to withdraw money from the card. What’s going on?”

Ivanna smacked her forehead when she heard my words. However, I knew Matthew well and phrased it to fit my personality, especially since he would be on guard if I didn’t bring it up.

“Hi, honey. I used the money, but don’t worry. I’ll explain when I get home,” sure enough, Matthew

comforted me, “How’s Ava now?”

“She’s still on the IV, and her fever was 39.5 degrees. It’s quite serious. When are you coming back? Can’t

you hurry?” I pretended to sound anxious, “I’m scared and had to wake your parents in the middle of the

night.

“Can’t you tell me when you’re using the money? Don’t you know we might have emergencies like these

when you’re not around?”

Such conversations were mundane last time, but maintaining this calm tone took so much effort n

couldn’t help but laugh at myself, I realized I also had a knack for acting.

“I know. I’ll be back as soon as possible. I’ll try to finish my work in the morning and come home,”

Matthew tried to reassure me, “Take care of our daughter and make sure you rest too. You’ve been

through a lot, honey.”

I forced a bittersweet smile at his comfort and advice. Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

“Okay, then, I’m heading out for work!”

now. I

As I was about to hang up, I heard a coquettish voice in the background. I felt all my strength draining the

carried my sick daughter to the hospital?

I dared not continue those thoughts as I plopped on the hospital bed with the phone falling to the ground.

Ivanna was alarmed at my reaction and squatted before me. She held my hand and asked with concern,”

Chlo, what’s wrong? Hm?”

I looked at Ivanna in a daze as that coquettish voice echoed in my ears. Ivanna shook my arm. “Can you

speak? What did he say?”

I said sobbingly, “Ivanna, find me a lawyer.”

She stood up, hugged me, and patted my back, “Okay! Don’t cry!”

I met Mr. Brown two days later. He was the lawyer Ivanna had found for me. I explained the situation in detail, and he told me that my description had no value yet. He said they were speculations without

substantial evidence, sliming my chances of winning. 1

“So, what can I do to maximize my chances? After all, I still have a four–year–old child,” I asked urgently,”

Besides, I was the one who started that company. I must defend my rights.”

After some thought, Mr. Brown advised, “For now, the best you can do is collect solid evidence. Based on your described situation, your husband isn’t explicitly aware that you’ve caught on to his affair.

“So, maintaining this state makes it easier to gather information. However, it’s also challenging to gather

evidence.”

I chuckled and said bitterly, “So I must continue enduring this?” 1

He nodded, giving me a clear answer, “Yes.”

When I left Mr. Brown’s office, I felt drained, as I had just discovered I didn’t have the upper hand. Although Matthew cheated, moved assets, and enjoyed my company’s success, I was disadvantaged.

I wondered why the world was so unfair as I sat by a river. I gazed at the flowing water, genuinely not knowing what to do next. I only regained my senses when Ava asked, “Mom, where’d you go? Did you get

lost?

I grinned when I heard those words. My daughter was right that I was indeed lost. I called Ivanna on the way back, but she excitedly told me she had good news to share before I could speak.