Beyond the Divorce

Taking Advantage

I looked around from my car, trying to spot anything unusual, but everything appeared normal. However, that strange feeling persisted.

With that nagging thought, I pressed on the gas pedal and drove home.

My parents were still in the living room, watching TV. I knew they had been waiting for me.

“Did you drop him off?” my mother asked.

“Yeah,” I replied casually, changing my shoes before heading in. “Why aren’t you two asleep yet?”

My dad finally got up, stretching with a yawn. “We were waiting for you to get home.”

“Mr. Atlas seems quite special. And he treats Ava so well!” My mother seized the opportunity to tease me.

“Who would’ve thought our little girl would be so clingy?”

“He’s been quite lonely. Since his parents are gone, maybe he liked the warmth of our family.”

Atlas must have spent New Year’s alone amidst the celebrations of other households.

My father seemed interested. “He has a big company, right?”

“The bigger the company, the more he might be constrained. When you’re in charge, a large company can be limiting since it’s all about playing it safe,” I remarked, perhaps a bit critical.

“Both of his parents are gone?” My mother’s heart softened. “How could this be? He looked quite young.”

“Yeah, in a plane crash. They died together.”

“Oh, that’s so tragic!” My mother exclaimed. “What a tough life he must’ve had. Yet he still looks so refined.”

My mother sighed, then added, “I’ve heard his family background is quite impressive. It doesn’t really… match ours.”

Mom! Can you stop overthinking things? We’re just friends for now. Besides, it’s still too early for me to decide protested. “Let’s get some sleep. It’s late!”

Jossed and turned that night, thinking about him and our conversation. The Idea of the plane crash sent vers down my spine. Could it be related to Celine? She was his aunt, and if it was true, then that was cuthlessously I pictured Celine’s face and her cold, pone demeanor. Eventually, I drifted or, only to the phone rang.

If it weren’t for the phone ringing, I might have slept in. Looking at the screen, I was surprised to see Matthew. I debated whether to answer.

Eventually, I picked up the call.NôvelDrama.Org is the owner.

“Chlo, can we take our daughter out tonight? Let’s celebrate her birthday together. I didn’t forget. It’s just that I had an important commitment and couldn’t get away.”

“There’s no need for that! I already celebrated with her yesterday. Today isn’t her actual birthday, so why make a big deal out of it? Just focus on your work!” I replied, my tone frosty.

“Chlo, don’t speak for our daughter. She wouldn’t want to miss out on her dad. You can’t impose thoughts on her. That wouldn’t be fair, would it?”

Deep down, I knew he wasn’t entirely wrong. He was her father, and that was a fact.

“Fine, I’ll ask Ava tonight. If she wants to go, you can take her!” I compromised.

I couldn’t replace a father’s responsibilities.

“Great! And it’s not me taking her. It’s us going together!” He pushed for more.

I was left speechless. What a shameless guy!

“We’ll discuss it later!” I said, keeping my tone composed.

"That’s settled, then. I’ll pick you guys up!” He sounded excited. “See you tonight!”