chapter114

I raised a challenging eyebrow at Melanie before leading my family into Snow World. To keep up appearances, I played the part of the doting wife, acting "lovey-dovey" with Matthew. I could see Melanie simmering with a quiet, venomous fury, but she didn't dare react in front of the crowd.

After our tour of the Underwater World, I let Ava participate in the lucky draw. To our delight, she won the grand prize—a luxury trip for three to the tropical paradise of Celestis Island. My parents were ecstatic; they had always dreamed of such a getaway.

Matthew seemed strangely supportive of the idea. "You should go, honey," he encouraged me that evening. "Take your parents and have a wonderful time. I’ll cover all the extra expenses—stay a few more days if you want to."

With his blessing, I began planning the trip and purchased an additional ticket for Ava. Meanwhile, following Atlas’s strategic advice, I coordinated with Adrian to set a firm date for the divorce hearing. My plan was simple: get my family safely onto the island, then return alone under a plausible excuse to face the court.

The night before our departure, the house was filled with the rustle of packing. I was in the middle of a conversation with my parents when Ava suddenly came running into the room. Her face was streaked with tears as she threw her arms around my waist.

"Daddy and Aunt Mel are fighting!" she sobbed.

I pulled her into a protective embrace, my heart sinking. My parents rushed over, trying to soothe her. "I’m sure they’re just playing, sweetheart," I said, assuming Melanie was bullying her again.

"No! They’re fighting on the bed!" Ava cried loudly, her innocent words hitting me like a physical blow. "I saw them when I went to look for Daddy!"

The room went cold. I froze for a split second before bolting to my feet. I handed Ava to my mother and stormed toward the master bedroom, my blood boiling. Had they no shame? How could they do this here, where my daughter could see?

I kicked the door open with a resounding crash.

They had clearly heard Ava’s cries; Matthew was frantically scrambling to pull on his clothes. When he saw me storm in, he rushed forward, trying to grab my shoulders to keep me quiet.

"Keep your voice down!" he hissed, his eyes darting toward the hallway. "Your parents are still in the next room, remember?"

I didn't hesitate. I swung my hand and slapped him across the face with every ounce of strength I had.

"Do you even call yourself a father?" I spat, my voice trembling with rage. "If you want to sleep with your sister, do it somewhere else. Just get out of my house!"

My parents reached the doorway then, the horrific reality of the scene sinking in instantly. Melanie, showing no remorse, rose slowly from the bed. she wrapped herself in the duvet and stared at me with a triumphant, mocking glint in her eyes.

"Why should we leave?" she asked coolly. "This house belongs to—"

"Belongs to you?" I lunged at her, but Matthew shoved me aside, stepping firmly in front of Melanie to shield her.

"Enough, Chloe!" he roared. "If you dare lay a finger on her, you’ll regret it! So what if I want a little fun? It’s not like you’re willing to give me what I need! Besides, this is my house, understand?"

"Matthew, what the hell are you doing?" my father shouted from the doorway, his voice cracking with shock. "You... you monster..."

I realized then that my impulsive reaction had exposed my parents to a trauma I had desperately tried to shield them from. I turned to my father, who looked pale and unsteady. "Dad! Please, calm down. I’ll handle this."

"Chloe, he..." My father pointed a shaking finger at Matthew, unable to find the words.

Melanie took that moment to drive the knife in deeper. "That’s right, old man. Let me formally introduce you to my boyfriend. We grew up together, and we’ve been a couple for years. It’s your pathetic daughter who refuses to sign the divorce papers."

She paused, a cruel smirk curling on her lips. "Oh, and by the way? I’m pregnant with his child."

"Don't listen to her, Dad!" I pleaded, clutching his arm. I turned to Melanie, my eyes wild. "Shut your mouth, you bitch!"

"You want me to shut up? Fine," Melanie countered, hugging herself tightly. "But first, you leave. Matt brought your parents here so they could tell you to stop interfering in our lives. Tell her to have some self-respect, old man!"

Beside me, I felt my father stagger. A wave of cold dread washed over me as I felt his weight suddenly slump against my side.