Beyond the Divorce by Third Blossom

My heart raced and my face flushed at his words. Damn it! He was flirting.

He effortlessly carried me while he ran, his incredibly handsome face showing a hint of sweat. But still, his breathing was calm, regular, and not erratic in the slightest.

His demeanor fascinated me. When he held me, the muscles in his upper arm bulged, exuding a powerful feeling that sent me into a reverie. I couldn't resist pinching him, intoxicated by his strength. He glanced at me, lifted me, and kissed me.

He didn't set me down until we got to the main road that led to the main building. He grinned mischievously and said, "There you go. Isn't your husband great? Now you know why he lasts so long in 'battle'." "Get lost! You're always telling dirty jokes!" I gave him a fierce punch and blushed, running toward the main building.

I quickly had breakfast after a quick shower, changed into clean clothes, and took care of Jenny. I was planning to head to the kindergarten with Jenny in tow.

Atlas checked the time. "It's only eight o'clock. Are you sure you want to go so early?"

"Yes, I'm sure," I answered decisively. I had worried all night, and I was going crazy without Ava.

I could usually go a day or two without seeing her, but this was different. Matt had told me yesterday that he was leaving Foswood, and I hadn't even asked where he was going. If he took Ava away, I wouldn't be able to do a thing.

When Atlas saw me being so persistent, he said, "Wait a moment. I'll go with you."

After saying that, he went upstairs to change.

Grandma Rose happened to come downstairs. When she saw me already dressed, she asked in surprise, "Why are you up so early?"

"I... I want to go to the kindergarten and check on Ava. I'm worried about her." I knew I seemed paranoid.

Grandma Rose smiled helplessly, "Oh, you're being overly cautious. He's Ava's father. Besides, no matter how foolish he is, he wouldn't do anything to harm the child!"

"You don't understand him. In the past, he would do anything. He wouldn't have ended up this way otherwise," I argued. "I don't trust him anymore."

"Did you have breakfast?" She asked. "Has Jenny eaten?"

"We've both eaten!" Jenny shouted.

I nodded and added, "I have a business trip today and won't be back until tomorrow, Grandma."

"Well, go ahead. Cecelia and I will take care of Ava, so don't worry," she said as she walked into the dining room.

The old lady was in exceptionally good health, and she didn't seem like an 80-year-old at all. I wouldn't dare let her help me take care of Ava otherwise.

After a long wait, Atlas finally came downstairs. "Why were you so slow?" I said.

"You only think that because you're

in a hurry, Atlas said. He extended his arm to embrace me, then

onleft

the house and made our way to the kindergarten with Jenny.

We were very early. Jenny must have been the first one to arrive today. After taking her in, I waited at the entrance, and Atlas forcefully pulled me back into the car

He said softly, "Don't worry too much, okay? Be patient and wait!"

I had no choice but to sit in the car, looking outside as time gradually passed.

But I saw no sign of Matt and Ava, even after many children had arrived. I started to feel more unsettled.

There were only 20 minutes left until 9 o'clock, but they still hadn't appeared at the kindergarten gate.

I pushed the car door open and got out, looking around. My palms were sweaty, and I found it a little hard to breathe.

Atlas got out of the car to stand by my side. He placed his hand on my shoulder, comforting me. "Don't worry. Just wait a little longer."

I took a deep breath, thinking about

what could have happened. I felt

uneasy. I said to Atlas, "If he still hasn't shown up by now, could he really have taken Ava away?"

I quickly took out my phone and dialed Matt's number, but his phone was off.