His Ignored Wife, Her Silent Goodbye

MARGARET'S POINT OF VIEW As I exited the airport, I greeted the cool evening air. The city lights extended before me as they flickered across the dark sky. The digital clock display above the arrival gate showed a time beyond nine o'clock. Today was my birthday. My phone emerged from my pocket as I made my way to the parking area. The screen displayed continuous messages from numerous colleagues, friends, and old acquaintances. But not him. Not Frederick. My lips came together tightly to suppress the disappointment I felt. I shouldn't have expected anything. Not after all these years. When I finally arrived at the villa, the time had already exceeded ten. Silent and majestic, the grand house stood while the lavender scent wafted in from the garden. As soon as I entered the housekeeper, Sarah stopped moving abruptly and stared at me with shocked eyes. "Madam… why are you here?" I delivered my luggage to her while maintaining a steady tone. "Where is Frederick and Bella?" The Master remains absent while Miss Annabelle stays in her quarters. Of course. Frederick was never home. As I ascended the stairs, each successive step felt more burdensome than the one before. The hallway only received faint illumination while shadows sprawled over the floor. I pushed open Bella's door to find her cross-legged at her table, working with seashells on a string. She didn't even notice me. "Bella?" She turned her small face toward me, and her eyes sparkled with recognition. "Mommy!" She resumed her activity immediately as her tiny fingers meticulously threaded beads together. I dropped to her level as I felt the urge to embrace her. "What are you making?" "A necklace," she chirped. "It's for Aunt Judy's birthday next week! Daddy and I polished the shells together!" I swallowed hard. "That sounds lovely." She nodded, her excitement unshaken. Daddy purchased unique presents for Aunt Judy as well. Tomorrow—" My stomach clenched. I couldn't hold it in any longer. "Bella… do you remember what today is?" She barely glanced up, distracted. "What?" "My birthday." Silence. She didn't look up, didn't react. She continued adding beads to the necklace while softly humming a tune. I forced a smile. "Never mind." Standing up, I smoothed her hair back. She showed no reaction when I released her. Downstairs, Sarah waited, hesitating. "Madam, I called Master. Master told me to tell you that he has plans tonight, but you should rest. I let out a slow breath. "I see." After turning around, I withdrew my phone from my pocket to dial Frederick's number. It rang… and rang… until finally— "I'm busy," he answered curtly. Then, in the background— "Fred, who is it this late?" Aunt Judy's voice. My grip tightened on the phone. "Nothing." And then— Click. He had hung up. I looked at my screen while feeling the familiar pain in my chest. We hadn't seen each other in months. I flew this far to meet them. Did he fail to speak to me properly? When I was younger, I would redial his number. Not tonight. — I persisted with another attempt the following morning. The time difference between Kingston and Manchester was seventeen hours. Here, today was my birthday. I sent a message. [Are you free for lunch? Would you be open to having lunch with Bella and me? Just the three of us?] After waiting for some time, his response finally arrived. [Alright. Let me know the location.] No warmth. There was no acknowledgement of what day it was. I ready my heart for the moment, and yet I felt the sting of hurt. — While descending the staircase, I heard Bella's voice coming from another room. With a gentle voice, Sarah inquired about Bella and whether Miss Annabelle was displeased about Madam's visit. Bella huffed. We plan to go to the beach with Aunt Judy tomorrow, and Daddy will accompany me. If Mommy comes, it'll be so awkward." A sharp pain lanced through my chest. Mommy treats Aunt Judy very poorly. "Miss Annabelle, that's not fair. Madam is your mother. You mustn't say such things." I feel closer to Aunt Judy than to Mommy, which Daddy also prefers. Why does Aunt Judy have to be my aunt instead of my mommy? A lump formed in my throat. I raised my daughter alone. I loved her more than anything. During the last two years, Frederick has replaced her father as the one who holds her heart. I released her because I believed that was her desire. I had never imagined… My legs felt weak. My chest is hollow. I turned away, and my vision blurred. In my room, I reached into my suitcase to access the presents I had wrapped carefully. I returned each item to the suitcase one after another. Moments later, Sarah called out. Miss Annabelle will join me for a playtime outing, Madam. Call if you need anything." I whispered my thanks. I slumped onto the bed as I watched the vacant area before me. I had rushed here and dropped everything. To be with them. And yet, standing here now, I wondered— It crossed my mind whether I genuinely belonged here in this place. — My fingers hovered over my phone. Before this moment, I had complete confidence in my choice. The combination of Bella's words, Frederick's lack of concern, and Judy's presence… Was there anything left to fight for?