Beyond the Divorce

The Prideful Matthew Murphy

Nick kept it brief on the phone, stressing the importance of attending the cocktail party and awaiting

further instructions from him.

I didn’t press for details and assured him I’d be there. Nick was clearly using this party to arrange a

meeting with Atlas.

Sure enough, I spotted Nick at the reception, with Stella by his side. He was introducing her to other high-

level executives from different companies.

After all, Nick was the head honcho of the Torado headquarters, so his presence was expected. As the ATL Empire representative, Stella demonstrated the company’s importance. With these two representing

the ATL Empire, they made their presence known.

It was unspoken knowledge that Atlas was indisposed because of the car accident. Everyone was This is the property of Nô-velDrama.Org.

wondering how serious his injuries were.

All the hushed conversations at the reception revolved around this.

I mingled in the crowd and exchanged pleasantries with other CEOs. Meanwhile, I watched Nick closely,

afraid to miss his instructions.

Of course, Matthew was also in attendance. Now that he had secured a good project and expanded his

family, he had newfound bragging rights.

He had conveniently forgotten all his embarrassing public incidents. Clearly, having a son was a game-

changer.

Today, his laughter was particularly hearty as he basked in his triumph. He was indeed a despicable

character who had thrived.

I pretended not to notice him and kept my distance, but he shamelessly approached me.

Given our history, our relationship was unconventional. Our highly publicized divorce was well known.

He strolled over while I spoke with a few property developers, with a sly smile on his face. Those who

noticed him exchanged knowing glances before excusing themselves.

I felt awkward and glared at him. Matthew grinned and said, “Chlo! Long time, no see.”

He acted as if we were old friends who hadn’t seen each other in ages, which was sickening.

I’m sorry, but I have no desire to see you, I replied. “Matthew, we’re not as friendly as you seem to

I felt utterly helpless with this scoundrel. Whenever we encountered each other in such situations, he

insisted on sticking close.

During our marriage, I had no idea that Matthew could be so shameless. It shattered my previous notion of him being overly image–conscious.

“Chlo, you’re exaggerating! It was just a divorce! What does it matter to anyone else how our lives are? In my mind, you’ll always be my wife. You should come early tomorrow!”

“That’s a private matter for your family. I don’t want to steal the spotlight,” I retorted, keeping my

distance.

“Chlo! Don’t say it that way. After all, you’re the mother of my daughter. Now that I have a son and a daughter, you should be happy for me, right?”

Matthew’s face radiated charm, and he seemed content. To me, however, he looked like a pile of garbage.

Onlookers were already whispering, and I felt like he had slapped my face in front of everyone.

“Regardless of our past, our children bear the Murphy name, right? Can’t we coexist like a family?”

Matthew continued to play the part of the repentant ex–husband. I felt exasperated.

“You might not know yet, but I’ve taken on two major projects. I was thinking about discussing them with you. Why don’t we join forces and work on them together?”

“Sorry, I’m not interested,” I replied, trying to leave, but he blocked my path again.