He hadn't thought deeply about it, assuming Freya had likely returned to her family. Entering the bathroom, he suddenly remembered that Freya always took Isabella when visiting her family. Today was different—she hadn't taken their daughter. Had she not gone to her family after all? Or perhaps something had happened at her family's home. Chad's words from that afternoon flashed through his mind, solidifying this possibility. He paused, but decided against intervening.
The next morning, over breakfast, Matteo told Isabella, “Your school enrollment is complete. You'll start tomorrow morning.” “I know,” Isabella replied, wrinkling her nose. “Dad, can you take me?” “I might not be free.” “Oh, okay.” Her eyes darted around before brightening. “Then I’ll call Aunt Raven later and ask her to take me.”
Before Matteo could respond, his phone rang—a call from the family estate. His grandmother's voice filled his ear. “I heard you’re back,” she said. “Yes.” “Did Bella come back with you?” “She did.” “It’s been so long since I’ve seen Bella, I miss her. Bring her and Freya for dinner tonight.” “Understood.”
The elderly lady then asked, “Where’s Freya? Let me talk to her.” “She’s not here.” “How can she not be here at this hour?” “She probably went back to her family.” “Probably? As her husband, you don’t even know where your wife went?”
Matteo remained silent. “You—” His grandmother sighed and fell silent. Matteo's tone softened slightly as he changed the subject. “Have you eaten?” “I’m full of anger!”
Matteo chuckled softly, continuing his breakfast methodically. His grandmother knew he'd always been independent. Their current marital situation was already a major compromise for Matteo. Given his personality, she couldn't push him, even for his own good. Sighing, she said, “Fine, this old lady has nothing more to say to you, hmph.” “Mm, see you tonight.” “You—hmph!” Grandmother hung up in frustration.
Isabella, having only heard the end of the conversation, asked curiously, “Dad, who was that?” “Your great-grandmother.”
Remembering his grandmother's words, Matteo dialed Freya's number. “She wants us to go for dinner tonight.” Isabella, who loved her great-grandmother, exclaimed happily, “Great! I haven’t seen great-grandmother in so long, I miss her.” Matteo acknowledged this.
Meanwhile, Freya was having breakfast at her family home. Seeing Matteo’s incoming call, she paused. His calls no longer brought excitement or joy. After a two-second hesitation, she answered, “Hello.” “Grandmother wants us to go for dinner tonight.”
Freya replied, “…Alright, I understand.” “Come back and pick up our daughter later.”
Freya didn't want to return to his place; even if she picked up Isabella, her daughter might not be happy to see her. Why bother? She said, “Let the driver take her. I’ll drive there myself after work.” The rush hour traffic made this the most convenient arrangement. However, concerning Isabella, Freya always preferred handling things personally, never finding it troublesome.