Chapter 41
Though Freya wanted a divorce and didn’t plan to fight for Isabella’s custody, Isabella was still her daughter, and she had both the obligation and responsibility to be good to her and meet her needs when possible.
So when Isabella asked her to peel the shrimp, Freya responded, “Alright.”
As she put down her chopsticks and started peeling the shrimp, the elderly lady suddenly paused looking at her hands, “Mag, where’s your ring?”
At her words, everyone – including Matteo – looked at Freya’s hands.
After marriage, despite their ice–cold relationship, Freya had always worn the wedding ring the elderly lady had prepared for them. In contrast, Matteo had never worn his.
His wedding ring had been discarded somewhere unknown. All these years, Freya had worn the ring everywhere,
reluctant to remove it. Everyone was used to this.
Maria had often mocked her for it over the years.
She wasn’t wearing her wedding ring today. No one noticed at first – after all, people don’t usually stare at her hands
for no reason.
In fact, if the elderly lady hadn’t mentioned it, others wouldn’t have noticed at all.
Freya’s shrimp–peeling motion paused imperceptibly before she responded casually, “I was in a rush this morning and left it at home.”
The truth was, she had already removed the ring when she first prepared the divorce papers.
She had placed it in the envelope along with the divorce agreement.
However, she and Matteo weren’t officially divorced yet. She knew the elderly lady would definitely oppose their
divorce.
If she brought up the subject now, it would likely be impossible for her and Matteo to proceed with the divorce for the time being.
So Freya didn’t tell the elderly lady the truth.
The elderly lady smiled upon hearing this. “Oh, I see.”
After that, everyone continued eating as normal.
After dinner, everyone moved to the living room to enjoy fruits and desserts while chatting.
The elderly lady had always tried to play matchmaker between Freya and Matteo.
Once again, she urged them to sit together.
13:23
No More Layovers for a Love That Won’t Land
14.4%
Chapter 41
Matteo still wouldn’t even spare Freya a glance.
While Freya didn’t want to move closer, she couldn’t keep refusing the elderly lady’s wishes, so she sat down beside
Matteo.
This was the first time they had sat this close to each other in months.
Freya could clearly smell the familiar, subtle masculine cologne on Matteo.
But now her heart remained unmoved as she took small bites of her fruit pudding, showing no intention of initiating conversation with Matteo.
The elderly lady, however, was quite pleased, smiling at them both. “You two make such a perfect match.”
Indeed, he was handsome and dignified, while she was quiet, gentle, and extremely beautiful – they did look perfect together on the surface.
But their compatibility ended at appearances.
In terms of other qualities, Freya fell far short.
Nevertheless, seeing the elderly lady so happy, even though Maria and Stella didn’t agree, they didn’t spoil her mood by saying anything.
That evening, following the elderly lady’s wishes, they stayed overnight at the family mansion.
Around eight o’clock, Matteo went to the study to discuss business with the elderly lady, while Isabella tugged at Freya’s hand, saying she wanted to take a bath and go to bed.
Freya went upstairs with her to help her bathe.
Sitting in the small bathtub, Isabella looked at Freya and tentatively asked, “Mommy, are you… busy tomorrow
morning?”
Although she could compromise and let her mom take her to school tomorrow morning, deep down she still hoped it would be Auntie Raven accompanying her.
So it would be better if mommy was busy tomorrow morning.
Freya shook her head. “No, I’m not busy. Why do you ask?”
Hearing this, Isabella’s lips turned down in disappointment as she said, “Nothing.”
Since she didn’t elaborate, Freya didn’t press further.
After the bath, Freya gently dried Isabella’s hair.
