Chapter 41

Though Freya wanted a divorce and didn't plan to fight for Isabella's custody, Isabella was still her daughter, and she felt obligated to care for her and meet her needs whenever possible. So when Isabella asked her to peel the shrimp, Freya responded, "Alright."

As she put down her chopsticks and began peeling the shrimp, the elderly lady paused, looking at Freya's hands. "Mag, where's your ring?"

At her words, everyone—including Matteo—looked at Freya's hands. After their marriage, despite their frigid relationship, Freya had always worn the wedding ring the elderly lady had given them. In contrast, Matteo had never worn his; it had been discarded somewhere unknown. For all these years, Freya had worn hers everywhere, reluctant to remove it. Everyone was used to this; Maria had often mocked her for it. She wasn't wearing it today. No one noticed at first—people don't usually stare at someone's hands for no reason. In fact, if the elderly lady hadn't mentioned it, no one would have noticed at all.

Freya's shrimp-peeling motion paused imperceptibly before she replied casually, "I was in a rush this morning and left it at home." The truth was, she had removed the ring when she prepared the divorce papers, placing it in the envelope with the agreement. However, she and Matteo weren't officially divorced yet. She knew the elderly lady would oppose their divorce. If she brought it up now, it would likely be impossible for them to proceed for the time being. So Freya didn't tell the elderly lady the truth.

The elderly lady smiled. "Oh, I see." After that, everyone continued eating.

After dinner, everyone moved to the living room to enjoy fruit and desserts while chatting. The elderly lady, always attempting to play matchmaker, urged them to sit together.

Matteo still wouldn't spare Freya a glance. While Freya didn't want to move closer, she couldn't refuse the elderly lady, so she sat beside Matteo. This was the first time they had sat so close in months. Freya could clearly smell his familiar, subtle cologne. But her heart remained unmoved as she ate her fruit pudding, showing no intention of speaking to him.

The elderly lady, however, was 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 other qualities, Freya fell far short. Nevertheless, seeing the elderly lady so happy, Maria and Stella remained silent, not wishing to spoil her mood.

That evening, they stayed overnight at the family mansion, following the elderly lady's wishes. 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 a bath and to go to bed. Freya went upstairs to help her.

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 mother take her to school, she hoped it would be Aunt Raven accompanying her instead. It would be better if her mother were busy.

Freya shook her head. "No, I'm not busy. Why do you ask?"

Hearing this, Isabella's lips turned down in disappointment. "Nothing." Since she didn't elaborate, Freya didn't press further. After the bath, Freya gently dried Isabella's hair.