Chapter 19 Smooth - Talker The phone call shocked Matthew and me . His eyes narrowed , while mine grew sharper as I looked at him and demanded , " Answer it ! " Matthew froze again . " You will answer this call in front of me if you have any conscience left . I'll give you one last chance ! " I stared at him , holding my still - crying daughter close . ( 1 ) After a while , I straightened up and continued , " I used to believe my husband would never betray me , even in a world full of lies . You've let me down . " 2 I finally uttered the words I never wanted to face . I never expected the concept of betrayal to affect us too . I cried as the words left my mouth . My cries mixed with Ava's in a symphony of heartache and brokenness . 6 Matthew slowly took his phone , and the ringtone was even more jarring in the tense atmosphere . I looked at my motionless husband staring at me . Gradually , his fingers clenched into a fist as I growled through gritted teeth , " Answer it ! " Matthew glanced at the phone and said , " I - It's Melanie . " " Answer it ! " Regardless of who it was , I wouldn't give him another chance to reject the call . Although he hesitated , he saw my determination and reluctantly answered , " Mel , I'm in the middle of something with Chloe right now . Can we talk later ? " 3 " Oh , sure . I'll call you tomorrow then ! " It was indeed Melanie's voice on the other end . After hanging up the phone , Matthew looked at me innocently . T I felt lost in the face of this unexpected turn . Ava's cries for me made it impossible to continue confronting him , so I stood up and carried her to our room before slamming the door . 2 " C - Chlo ... Chlo ! " 2 I couldn't hold back my tears as the door closed . I was so close to exposing Matthew , yet he twisted the situation . I suspected Melanie must be covering for her brother . I would expect such things from his sister , especially since Melanie and I never liked each other . 3 At that moment , Matthew seemed like a stranger to me . He was cunning and a convincing liar , making me shudder just thinking about it . I had shared my bed with that man for many years , but he led a double life while I clung to my fantasies . Matthew stood outside and called for me continuously , but I didn't acknowledge him . I held my daughter close that night , and the scene of her falling haunted me . My heart ached with regret , and I couldn't sleep a wink . 3 The following morning , Matthew prepared breakfast and innocently stood outside Ava's room as he woke us up . Once I got Ava dressed and carried her out of the room , Matthew guiltily hugged us . " Chlo , please don't be mad . I was wrong . Please forgive me . " He pressed his face against Ava's cheek and continued , " I feel even worse for you , little one . I'm so sorry , Matthew looked at Ava's lips and gently touched them while his eyes reddened . After all , his deception caused Ava's injury . " Chlo , please believe me . I would never betray you . Please stop overthinking things . It hurts me when you're like 1/2 Chapter 19 Smooth - Talker +25 BONUS this , so I've been reflecting on myself all night . Maybe I've been neglecting you lately , and I'm sorry . 2 " How about we go on a vacation to Tarantino this weekend , just the three of us ? We can visit the amusement park and then go to the spa . " 1 I felt conflicted , seeing him beg like this . However , I reminded myself not to believe his lies and to fight for Ava's justice . I collected my emotions before saying , " All right . Hurry and eat your food before you go to work . I think what Melanie said to me last night got to me . Well ... Forget it ! " 7 I purposely brought up Melanie . However , Matthew didn't react to it and cheered as if I had forgiven him . Immediately after , he hugged and kissed me nonstop . 2 " I knew my reasonable wife would understand ! Don't lower yourself to her level ! Honey , I can't live without you . I couldn't sleep last night . You can't let your thoughts wander , okay ? I love you more than anything . " 3 Ha ! I'm so reasonable that I let him cheat on me . 4 I suppressed my laugh and said , " Okay , let's eat . " Although Ava was young , she was preceptive . She noticed our expressions and babbled on while hugging us . Soon after , we enjoyed our breakfast together , which was almost harmonious . 2 However , Ava's swollen lips still bugged me . It was a constant reminder that the man before me had inflicted irreparable wounds on me and my daughter . Despite that , I was already thinking of ways to uncover the other woman's identity . 4 Matthew left for work after breakfast , but an unexpected call came in immediately after . 2