She had lived there for nearly seven years, and although it had only been a little over twenty days since she left, it felt like she hadn’t been there for half a lifetime. Everything—the trees, the grass—remained unchanged. Yet, Freya already felt a sense of unfamiliarity.

The butler noticed her and quickly greeted her. “Madam, you’re back.”

Freya paused, but didn’t correct him. She nodded and asked, “Where’s Bella?”

“She should still be asleep.”

It was almost time for breakfast, and if Isabella didn’t come downstairs soon, it would be too late. Freya, however, had no intention of going upstairs herself and simply asked Aunt Sara to urge her.

The butler asked, “Madam, have you had breakfast? It’s ready; would you like to—”

Freya smiled faintly and shook her head. “No need, I’ve already eaten.”

“I see, understood…”

At that moment, Matteo came downstairs. Freya looked at him, offered a slight nod, and said nothing. Matteo paused. Before he could speak, Isabella ran downstairs and leaped into Freya’s arms.

Freya embraced her, gently ruffling her hair, and smiled. “It’s getting late; hurry and go have breakfast.”

“Mm!” As expected, the first thing she saw upon waking was her mother!

Isabella snuggled into her arms, inhaling her familiar scent, feeling content, and happily tugged at Freya. “Mom, come have breakfast with me.”

Freya didn’t get up. “I’ve already eaten. You go ahead.”

Isabella pouted. “Then at least talk to me while I eat.”

While mother and daughter chatted, Matteo had already seated himself at the dining table. Unable to resist her daughter’s pleading, Freya eventually joined Isabella and sat across from Matteo. The butler poured her a glass of water. Freya quietly drank it while listening to Isabella excitedly recount her school adventures.

As for Matteo, she completely ignored him. He noticed the change in Freya’s attitude immediately. The last time they’d returned to the old house, Freya had been the same. Thinking about this, Matteo frowned, his eating momentarily paused.

Just then, his phone rang. Freya glanced over and saw the caller ID displayed “Baby” in bold letters. She had thought she was beyond caring about such things. But after loving someone for so many years, could it really be that easy to let go? The two words stung her heart, and she quickly averted her gaze. The pain in her eyes didn’t escape Matteo’s notice, yet he didn’t hesitate to answer the call right in front of her. His voice was soft and gentle as he spoke, “What’s wrong?”

Isabella noticed the interaction and remembered Matteo only ever showed this kind of tenderness when talking to Raven. For a moment, she forgot Freya was there. She eagerly asked, “Daddy, is that Aunt Raven on the phone?”

Matteo answered calmly, “Mm.”

Isabella was about to say she wanted to talk to Aunt Raven as well, but remembered Freya disliked Raven, and her words caught in her throat. Her good mood had been affected. She furrowed her little brows, thinking to herself, If only Mommy and Aunt Raven could get along well.

On the other end of the line, Raven seemed to say something that made Matteo frown with worry. He didn’t even finish his breakfast before rushing off. Seeing him leave in such a hurry, Isabella also grew worried. But because Freya was there, she didn’t speak up.

She lost her appetite and tugged at Freya’s sleeve. “Mom, I’m done eating. Let’s go, hurry!”

Although Isabella didn’t say anything, Freya noticed her reactions. She understood her daughter was eager to find out what was going on with Raven. But she didn’t say anything.

Freya replied, “You haven’t eaten much; take some with you in the car.”

“No, I’m not hungry,” Isabella replied.

Freya paused. She didn’t insist.