Chapter 20 An Excellent Opportunity +25 BONUS I glanced at the incessantly ringing phone , unsure how to describe my emotions . The timing was impeccable because she called just as Matthew left . I knew he must've called her and reported the situation as soon as he left. I calmly answered the call , " Yes , Ivanna ? " 2 " What are you up to ? Is Ava okay ? " Ivanna sounded like she was in a great mood . 2 Of course , she would be in a great mood . She must be taking advantage of last night's argument between Matthew and me . " It seems like you're free today to call me so early in the morning . " There was a hint of sarcasm in my tone . " Well , I'm not a robot . Even I need to recharge and maintain myself ! " Ivanna laughed . " Let's go out . " 2 " Ava isn't at school yet , so I'm just playing with her at home , " I replied . 2 " Oh ? That's great . Bring her along so I can spoil her a little . Since you weren't in a good mood last time , I didn't dare to talk to her for long , " Ivanna teased me . 3 After some thought , I figured the opportunity was too good to pass up . Since she had initiated it , it wouldn't be fair if I didn't use this chance to meet with her . 2 " Sure ! I don't care where we go as long as I can relax and have some quiet time . Can I come to your place ? I've never been there because you've been hiding it from me . What if something happened to you ? I won't be able to find you if I don't know where you live . " 6 I spoke as if it were our usual banter . 6 Ivanna seemed hesitant as I tightened the grip on my phone . I sensed her reluctance and probed , " Is this a bad time ? " " What do you mean ? Even if I had a man over , I'd kick him out so you can come over , " Ivanna replied , " All right , then . You stay there , and I'll pick you and Ava up later . I'll be there soon ! " 2 After ending the call , I held my daughter and felt a heavy weight on my chest . How nice would it be if none of this had happened ? Then I could treat it all as a nightmare . At least Ava wouldn't have gotten hurt . I looked at her still - swollen lips and asked , " Do they still hurt ? " Ava shook her head and consoled me , saying , " It doesn't hurt anymore , and Daddy said he didn't mean it . He said sorry , too . " I choked up and wondered how lovely it would be to be as innocent as my daughter . Ivanna's car arrived two hours later , and I went downstairs to meet her . I hid the two keys I had duplicated in my bag to confirm whether they belonged to her place . However , I was surprised that her apartment was in one of the most well - known upscale neighborhoods in Foswood , Amethyst Apartments . 7 I was familiar with this area as it had the best schools . That included Sunnydale , which provided education from kindergarten to high school . The school's quality of education was supposedly the best in the province . 2 I had mentioned this area to Matthew before since I wanted to buy a house here for Ava to attend Sunnydale Institute . 5 " Ivanna , I didn't expect you to live in Amethyst Apartments . I've been eyeing this place for a while , " I spoke sincerely , forgetting my resentment toward her . 1/2 Chapter 20 An Excellent Opportunity +25 BONUS " You've set your sights on Sunnydale , haven't you ? " Ivanna spoke rapidly , " That's not an easy feat . When Ava starts school , you can let her stay with me if you trust me . We'll go to Sunnydale together . " 3 I froze in place as my heart raced . I wondered if Ivanna was preparing to snatch my daughter from me . Just then , she reached out to take Ava and noticed the bruise on her hips . " Hey , how did this happen ? I don't remember seeing that injury on her lips either ! " 9 Ivanna feigned surprise as if she was trying to strike a nerve with me . 1 However , I hugged Ava and said coldly , "It was an accident . " Ivanna sensed my alienation and stiffened . Previously , I deliberately checked her keys when she opened the door , but she quickly tossed them into her bag . Ultimately , I didn't get a chance to see them clearly . 5 After entering Ivanna's apartment on the twelfth floor , she dropped her bag onto the cabinet near the door and reached for Ava , saying , " Come here . Let Aunty Ivanna show you around , kiddo . " 2 The elegantly furnished and gorgeous apartment was large , almost too extravagant for one person . Fresh flowers were on the coffee table , showing a single woman's sophisticated taste . The place was beautiful compared to my shabby 450 - square - foot apartment . 2 It seemed Ivanna had been living a pretty luxurious life while I only had the bare necessities . On top of that, I was not in a battle of wits with my cheating husband . Ava squealed excitedly , calling for me childishly , " Wow , Mommy , Aunt Ivanna's place is so pretty! " 2 I almost felt bitter at the sound of my daughter's joyful cries . Soon after , I followed them inside , carefully observing every apartment detail for clues .