Beyond the Divorce by Third Blossom
Chapter 52

Chapter 52 The Murphy Family Dinner

I exited the car without waiting for him, holding Ava's hand as we headed inside. Meanwhile, Matthew followed us with a smile. Usually, he would have let me go in alone, especially in times like these. I knew he wanted to see if I was lying.

I glanced at the shoes on display when we entered the shop. Matthew was watching me closely, waiting for me to embarrass myself. Surprisingly, the sales associate recognized me, saying, "Mrs. Hartz, are you

here to pick up the shoes?"

I smiled. "Yes."

"All right, let me get them for you!" She hurried into the storeroom and soon handed me a shoebox. "Size

8, brown!"

I took the box, opened it to look inside, and handed it to Matthew. I thanked the sales associate as well. Matthew blinked in slight surprise as he took the box. He hugged me and thanked the sales associate.

On the way back, he seemed unusually energetic, chatting nonstop. I simply responded with a few words.

I barely ate during the meal. Firstly, the afternoon's gallstone pain had me avoiding greasy foods. Secondly, sitting near Melanie ruined my appetite. Sitting with this family made me feel nauseated like

never before.

Matthew had been busy serving me while Melanie's piercing gaze dug into me with displeasure. She finally couldn't hold back and said, "Chloe, weren't you less fussy when you ate at home? Why is it harder to please you than Ava now?"

"Well, your brother always caters to you, right?" I smiled at Melanie.

Her eyes narrowed as she scrutinized me. "What do you...mean?"

I pushed the plate of food Matthew had served me to her. "Nothing. I didn't touch the food. You can have

it. Just because your brother likes a certain dish doesn't mean I have to like it, too. His taste is too heavy." Then I looked at Matthew. "You better attend to your sister. I've been having gallbladder issues and am a little nauseous. I went to the hospital this afternoon, and the doctor warned me about my diet."

I noticed Matthew frowning, and he stopped his utensils midway to look at me ambiguously Melanie glanced at Matthew and pushed the plate away, muttering, I'm not picking up your leftovers."

I chuckled and purposely asked, "Really? What's there to fear in leftover food? It's not from a random

+15 BONUS

I inwardly mocked her. Melanie wasn't willing to take my leftovers but was more than willing to take Matthew. I found it hilarious when she said she wouldn't eat my leftovers.

Grace looked at Melanie and said, "With your temper and wits, who'd be able to tolerate you in the future?" "Well, if no one can, I won't replace anyone. I never planned on leaving this house. Is that a problem?" Melanie spoke with confidence.

I almost burst into laughter when she spoke with such conviction. I wondered what Grace would think if she knew about the relationship between her two children.

"What do you mean by 'won't replace anyone? You want your brother to support you for a lifetime?" Grace couldn't comprehend what her daughter meant.

I smiled lightly instead of getting involved. Too much talk led to mistakes; it wasn't time to reveal my

intentions. However, pacifying wouldn't work because someone on the table was relentless. 1

"It's never good news whenever you come here," Melanie pointed at me, "Don't think you're one of us just because you married Matthew."

She sounded like the wife, and I was the mistress.

I calmly looked at her and responded, "Are you talking about me?"

"If not you, who else?" Melanie didn't hold back.

"Oh, I see," I answered, putting down my utensils. The rest of the family stared at me blankly.