Chapter 27 The Bruises on the Child's Body I chuckled as I wondered what the good news could be . Ivanna didn't specify the news due to time constraints , and I didn't pry . Instead , we agreed to meet tomorrow . Meanwhile , everyone waited at my in - laws ' place for me to return for dinner . Surprisingly , Melanie was there . When Grace saw me , she quickly laid out the dishes , saying , " Dinner's ready ! Chlo , it's been a while since you last joined us for a meal . " I smiled while washing my hands and helped with the dishes . The atmosphere was heartwarming with the whole family together . Henry asked Matthew about the project in Operose during the meal , but Matthew brushed it off . 1 Without much thought , Grace asked Melanie , " What were you doing with your brother ? " Immediately after , I noticed Melanie pausing and glancing at Matthew . He questioned , " You went to Operose too ? " 3 Melanie froze , seemingly off guard , as she hesitated before saying , " Uh ... I went there with my friends ! " However , Grace persisted , " Then why did you tell me you were with your brother ? " Melanie became irritated and retorted , " If I told you I was going there with my friends , would you have let me go ? You're always scrutinizing me . I felt a bizarre sensation when I heard their exchange , but I couldn't pinpoint it . Suddenly , I realized Melanie might be more important than me to Matthew . After all , I was the outsider in this household . Whenever I had a meal with my in - laws , they always focused on urging Melanie to get a boyfriend . I typically cared for Ava on the sidelines and did not interfere with their conversations . 6 After dinner , Melanie tidied up and prepared to leave when Matthew asked , " Where are you going this late ? " " Why do you care ? You're allowed to have your wife and child , but I can't go out for some fresh air ? I'm off to find a boyfriend , all right ? " She grumpily replied , putting on her shoes and heading out . 5 As she left , Matthew called out after her , " Come home early ! " I glanced at Matthew , inwardly criticizing him . As Melanie's brother , he made too much of a fuss . ( 3 ) When we went home that night , I noticed two bruises on Ava's thigh as I bathed her . Since her skin was fair , the redness around the bruises was evident , indicating they were recent . Immediately after noticing these bruises , I asked , " How'd you get these bruises , Ava ? " 5 Ava shrank back , avoiding my touch . Her big , teary eyes stared at me , but she didn't speak , 1 " Can you tell Mommy ? " I prompted , and she burst into tears . " Aunt Melanie said you got lost and wouldn't come back . I called her a bad woman , but she pinched me ! Daddy told me not to tell you , Mommy ! " 2 I was outraged and yelled , " Mathew Murphy ! " Matthew rushed into the bathroom , and I picked up my sobbing daughter to show him her bruises . " Don't tell me you don't know about these ! Does your sister even have a heart ?! Forget your lies . How can you teach your child to lie as well ?! " 5 Matthew glanced at Ava's bruises guiltily . He took Ava from me and said , " I've already scolded Mel . Don't be 1/2 Chapter 27 The Bruises on the Child's Body +25 BONUS angry . I didn't want to tell you because I knew it'd upset you . " I roared , " Is it something I shouldn't be upset about ?! Is your sister more important than your daughter ? Why do you care so much about Melanie ? Have I wronged your sister in any way ? How could she treat Ava like that ?! " I wanted to tear Melanie apart for stepping out of line . 1 . " All right , you're scaring Ava . I talked to Melanie about it , but you can't expect me to pinch her back , right ? " Matthew looked displeased . 5 His words choked me , and I couldn't continue for a long time . After a stiff silence , I finally said a few words . " Matthew , you disappoint me . " 1 With that , I wrapped Ava in a towel and carried her out . I no longer wanted to argue with him and had nothing to say . It was apparent his heart wasn't with us . 3 After punching in at the company the following day , I left to find Ivanna , but she was with someone else . That person was the good news she referred to the other day . He was a professional and reliable private investigator who could gather evidence faster and more efficiently . 6 However , I knew I would potentially lose my family the closer I got to the truth . Still , was there even a way back for me ? 5