Beyond the Divorce

I looked up at them and saw Ava's little hand slowly wrapping around Matthew's neck. Her tiny face was snuggled up to Matthew's neck.

This revealed Ava's true feelings. She still loved Matthew. Atlas was right-blood is thicker than water.

I watched as Matthew talked to her, lifted her, and kissed her. She remained still and nestled in Matthew's neck. They looked very affectionate together. After all, it had been about a year since they had last seen one another.

I couldn't understand my own emotions at this moment.

Atlas comforted me, "Don't worry, Ava is ours!"

I watched their every move from a distance as Ava lifted her head from Matthew's shoulder. She even reached out and wiped Matthew's face.

My heart honestly ached. Why had fate been so cruel to me?Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

After chatting for a while, I saw Matthew walking toward us while holding Ava. He looked at me and then at Atlas.

Matthew lowered his eyes and asked, "... Can I make a request? I..."

My heart skipped a beat. Just as I was about to speak, Atlas's hand on my waist tightened.

"Go ahead," Atlas calmly responded as he looked at Matthew.

"Can I have Ava stay with me for one night? Don't worry, I can take care of her. I-I just want to spend some more time with her!

"Chloe, since I'm leaving Foswood, can you let me stay with my daughter for one night?" Matthew asked in a very modest tone.

I immediately refused. "That might not be possible. She hasn't been with you for a long time, and she might not be used to it."

Matthew's eyes welled up with tears. He looked down at the little one in his arms, hugging her tightly. "It'll be okay! Ava, is it okay? Just one night with Daddy!" Ava looked into Matthew's wet eyes, then turned to me and Atlas.

I couldn't imagine how conflicted her tiny heart must be. However, I didn't want her to leave my side.

Atlas said, "Let Ava decide for herself!"

"But..."

Atlas looked at Ava and asked, "Ava, do you want to spend one night with your daddy? Just you and your daddy."

"Daddy will take you to kindergarten tomorrow!" Matthew immediately promised, his eyes eagerly looking at Ava, waiting for her answer.

My heart tightened as if it were hanging in my throat.

Ava remained silent. She pouted and lowered her eyes as she fiddled with her hands. She didn't refuse, nor did she agree.

However, the fact that she didn't refuse made it clear to me what was on her mind. She wanted to be with her dad and was so nervous that it felt almost suffocating.

"Alright! Ava, you can have dinner

with your Daddy first and spend some more time with him. If you

want to come home at night, juszne

call me and I will come to pick you I up no matter how late it is. How

about that?" Atlas gently suggested.

She looked up at Atlas with her sparkling big eyes and asked, "Daddy, can you find my dad's house?"

"Yes! Daddy promise to bring you back!" Atlas said confidently.

"Daddy, are you trustworthy?" Ava seemed a bit uneasy, asking for reassurance.

"Absolutely trustworthy! You know that!" Atlas said it patiently.

However, I felt slightly uneasy, as though she might abandon me.

Matthew looked at me and promised, "Don't worry, I'll take good care of her! Just like before!"

I glanced helplessly at Atlas, gripping his arm tightly.

He gently patted the back of my hand, holding onto his arm. "I'm here, don't worry!"

Then he looked at Matthew. "The reason I let you see Ava is not just because she's your daughter. It's about providing the best for her, not about keeping hate in her heart. You'd better shape up!"

"I understand!" Matthew nodded repeatedly. "You can rest assured."

"Ava, so are you going with Daddy?" I asked.

She glanced at Atlas, and seeing his gentle look, she slowly nodded.

With great excitement, Matthew kissed Ava and hurriedly remarked, "Well... we'll be going now! I promise to take good care of her! I'll make

sure to bring her to the kindergarten

on time tomorrow."

Saying this, as if afraid we might change our minds, he hugged Ava and walked briskly towards the exit.

As the figures of the father and daughter disappeared from my sight like that, I couldn't help but choke up, covering my face. I knew this was unavoidable, but my heart still ached.