Chapter 9 Misfortunes Come in Threes I smiled bitterly , replied , " Okay , " and then hung up . Ivanna had become a conniving woman in my eyes . She had pretended to be sincere in advising me to reflect on my values , but now she mocked me in front of my husband . I finally realized how unpredictable people could be . No wonder she tried to probe me by claiming to have seen Matthew. It became evident that it was because of her guilty conscience . 2 Matthew had said it had been long since he saw Ivanna . I felt heartbroken that he had deceived me like that . I invested myself in Ivanna and Matthew in this unfamiliar city , and they betrayed me . I didn't know who to trust anymore . 2 I kept staring at the window before calling Matthew . As I suspected , his response matched Ivanna's . I was outraged and rushed to the cafe , but my phone rang as I entered . I received a call from the kindergarten teacher , saying that Ava had fallen off the slide and got sent to the hospital . The news terrified me , and I quickly hailed a cab to the hospital . On the way , I called Matthew to inform him about Ava's accident . 1 He and I arrived at the Kinein Hospital almost simultaneously . We found Ava crying in the emergency room with a scrape on her forehead . The doctor told us she had a minor concussion as she vomited after the fall . They also suggested keeping her in the hospital after the observation . 2 The teacher responsible for Ava was frightened and tearful as she stared at Matthew guiltily . The dean was also there , apologizing repeatedly . Although Matthew seemed displeased , he maintained his composure and asked the dean about Ava's injuries . The dean said a boy had pushed Ava off the slide's small platform . 2 What I heard horrified me because I knew the slide was at least five feet tall . " Do you even care for the children at your school ?! As parents , we trust you with our children , yet this is what happens ?! " I couldn't stand their incompetence and yelled at them . 3 173 Thorger Bébitostumes Coppoly Thians +25 Bonus My outburst shocked Matthew , as he had never seen me so hysterical . Even Ava was scared and shivered as she continued crying . Matthew comforted me while the dean guiltily handled the hospital administration procedures and arranged a hospital room for Ava . After the doctor had settled everything , Ivanna called me and asked where I was . I figured she knew about what had happened . Regardless , I still told her that Ava had fallen and was hospitalized . Soon after , Ivanna rushed into the hospital and worriedly asked about Ava . 4 Coincidentally , Matthew was also in the ward . The two looked calm , though I could see a subtle exchange of glances between them . Matthew even seemed a little nervous . I restrained myself from reacting and feigned ignorance . Then I asked Ivanna , You're done with your meeting already ? " " Yeah . It wasn't anything important . " Ivanna brushed off my question and asked , " Did you call for something ? " 3 " Nothing . I was just bored . Matthew said he hadn't seen you in a while , so I considered inviting you for lunch , " I said , watching her closely . She glanced at me and calmly replied , " Gosh ! If you want to eat , wait until Ava is fine . I'll treat your whole family to a big meal . " 2 Then she caressed Ava's head and asked , " Is that okay , Ava ? I'll buy you whatever you want when you're better . " 2 Ava blinked and nodded with a pouty expression . Her head had swelled from the fall , and I felt terrible for her . 1 I instinctively brushed Ivanna's hand away , angry at her attempt to secure her position as the " stepmother . " Was she already planning to take my place ? I didn't even consider giving her that opportunity . Ivanna sensed my distant attitude and looked surprised , asking softly , " Is there something wrong ? " 273 +25 Bonus