Beyond the Divorce by Third Blossom

Chapter 216 Silly Attempt at Finding Comfort

I gazed at the kitchen and dining area I had cleaned before washing my face. However, I didn't return to my room. Instead, I went to Ava's room and lay beside her. Surprisingly, I fell asleep almost immediately.

Ava had already been awake and playing with her dolls when I woke up. After some thought, I told her, Let's change our clothes. I'll take you out for breakfast and then to the office. If there's nothing urgent, we can visit Grandma and Grandpa, okay?"

Ava cheered and asked if she could bring her doll with her.

Meanwhile, I called Ryan and told him I'd come by later. I helped Ava prepare, found her winter clothes, and packed them in a small suitcase. I also packed my belongings before we left.

We went to the office after breakfast. Although it was Ava's first time here, she quickly became the office princess. Carol brought her around while I dealt with a few matters with Ryan. I also told him I wanted to return to my hometown today to fetch my parents.

Ryan looked me up and down, then nodded. "All right, go ahead. Don't worry about the company. Carol and I have everything under control. I'll call you if there are any emergencies. Just spend time with your parents. Call me before you return, and I'll pick you up at the airport."

Soon after, Carol booked the plane tickets.

On the way to the airport, Ryan looked at me through the rearview mirror. I said nothing because I wasn't feeling it today. I had dark circles under my eyes, which he noticed. Still, he didn't ask about them or make me feel uncomfortable.

When we arrived, he escorted me and Ava to the security checkpoint. He repeatedly reminded me to take good care of my daughter, especially since it was cold outside. He didn't want Ava to catch a cold. The fresh air woke me from a daze when I landed in the snowy north. I took a deep breath and felt more awake in days. Once out of the airport, we took a cab home.

Ava was ecstatic and kept pointing out places to me like a little tour guide. I only turned on my phone when we reached my parents' place. Immediately after, I called Ryan to tell him we had arrived safely. However, I felt disappointed when I noticed I hadn't received any calls from Atlas. He didn't call me during my few days in my hometown. I felt empty, cold, and hurt. It seemed I was a mere substitute for

his lover.

I stayed with my parents for two weeks, sorting out everything in the house. Afraid that my parents would!

worry, I moved their essentials into my dad's study and locked the door.

-1/2-

rented out the house to a relative of one of my dad's colleagues. I knew they were trustworthy

enough to look after it.

When boarding the flight, I called Ryan and gave him the flight information. My family and I finally reached Foswood ust before New Year's Day.

Back home, I finally managed to let go of a lingering worry. Regardless of everything, we were together, and my parents were here to look after us.

Everyone was busy preparing for the holidays when I went to the office the following day. This period was typically the busiest for the company since we bid farewell to the previous year and welcomed the new

one.

I tried to keep busy because I feared thinking of Atlas in moments of silence. My heart ached during

these moments.

I knew something went wrong on his birthday, but I didn't know what it was. It was evident he had been drinking that day. I replayed our conversation countless times, unable to find what angered him.

We had another company dinner after the New Year's Eve celebration. Grayson sat beside me this time. More people were here than at the first company dinner, making it livelier. Everyone chatted, toasted, and

wished me a prosperous new year.

That evening, I unknowingly had a little too much to drink.

Then, someone caught my attention when they mentioned ATL Empire. I carefully listened as they discussed how ATL Empire had already started their holiday since Christmas.

I glanced at Grayson and casually asked, "Is that so?"

He looked at me earnestly and said, "It's no surprise. They're a big company with excellent benefits. Having an extra long holiday at the end of the year is just one of them. Their CEO has even returned home to celebrate Christmas."

I realized Grayson meant Atlas had returned to Ostana. That was where ATL Empire's headquarters was. It explained why I hadn't received any calls from him.

I couldn't help but laugh at myself as that thought crossed my mind. It was a silly attempt at finding

comfort.