Beyond the Divorce



Meeting My Daughter on Her BirthdayText property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

When he spotted me, he got excited as if he had just won the lottery.

Chloe, what a coincidence! You're here early, too? We were planning to go together. I wanted to see our daughter as soon as possible!" He stepped out of his car and briskly walked toward me.

I put some distance between us. I wasn't keen on our daughter going out to dinner with him.

Firstly, I didn't trust him at all. It also felt like a stab in the heart.

I quickly dialed my mother's number, fearing she might run into Matthew. I didn't want her to feel upset.

Only then did I welcome our daughter out. Upon seeing Matthew, Ava hesitated for a moment.

She instinctively looked up at me, and I understood her feelings. This child had learned to read the room.

Matthew, on the other hand, seemed natural. "Hey there, princess! Did you miss Daddy? Let me have a look!"

Ava didn't move, keeping her gaze on me.

'Say something, honey. Your dad wants you to join him for dinner. He was busy yesterday, so today, he's making it up to you for your birthday. Will you go?" I looked at her, conveying Matthew's intention.

"Will you come too?" Ava glanced at me, asking cautiously.

That question was quite challenging for me. Honestly, I didn't want to go. I had very little tolerance for Matthew.

"Of course, your mom will come! Come on, let me hug you!" Matthew crouched down, opening his arms to Ava.

She hesitated for a moment, but I gently nudged her.

Perhaps encouraged by my support, Ava finally flung herself into Matthew's arms.

He scooped her up and kissed her little face. She instantly burst into a joyful smile. She wrapped her tiny arms around Matthew's neck, saying, "Daddy!"

I sighed inwardly. Regardless of how I felt, he was her father.

'Did you miss Daddy? I missed you so much! I was busy so I couldn't visit you. Are you mad at me?" Matthew cooed, trying to soothe the little one with his words.

Though I didn't like it, I couldn't argue right now. After all, children needed this kind of comfort.

I could guess that, deep down, Ava did miss Matthew. Otherwise, why would she be so attached to Atlas, yearning for a father's love?

She kept her eyes on Matthew and softly replied, "I'm not mad at you!"

Matthew beamed even brighter, kissing her a few more times. "My daughter is so adorable. I always knew you'd understand me! When I eam even more money, we'll go on a trip!

Wherever you want to go!"

This had always been his promise. I watched dispassionately.

Lying was as easy as breathing for Matthew. He just had to open his mouth.

'Daddy got you a gift! Come on, let's see if you like it!

He tumed around, and before he could ask Ava if she liked it, a cab squeaked to a halt right in front of him.

A rotund woman stepped out of the car, and I inwardly groaned.

Oh boy, trouble had arrived.