His Ignored Wife, Her Silent Goodbye

CHAPTER 2

MARGARET'S POINT OF VIEW

My morning was spent walking through Kingston without purpose. I felt like a stranger in a city that used to be my home. Every corner and market I recognized from the past now felt alien, along with the little coffee shop I frequented. It felt like I had been wiped from my previous existence and now wandered as an invisible spirit through memories that no longer belonged to me.

At noon, I recalled my lunch arrangement with Frederick.

I paused to consider whether bringing Bella along first would help create a warmer environment. Her presence might encourage him to remain with us for a bit more time and show him that we stayed a family despite everything being superficial. My phone started buzzing right as I headed toward the villa.

[Something urgent came up. Lunch cancelled.]

No explanation. No apology. Just that.

I stared at the screen, unsurprised.

Business obligations, acquaintances and even random people always took priority over me in Frederick's life.

I felt nothing: no anger, no sadness—just emptiness.

Despite everything, my feet automatically led me to the restaurant we used to visit, with muscle memory directing the way. When I arrived at the entrance, my breathing suddenly stopped.

Through the glass, I saw them.

Frederick.

Julie.

And Bella.

The trio rested at a table which radiated warmth and familiarity. Julie leaned close to Frederick, laughing softly. Bella tucked her legs beneath the chair while stretching out to take a piece of the pastry that Julie had bitten into.

Frederick watched Julie in a way that revealed a gentle affection I'd never witnessed before. I had spent years yearning for this very softness.

My hands clenched. My stomach twisted. The air around me felt suffocating.

So this was an urgent matter.

I smiled while standing before turning to walk away. There was no scene, no confrontation. I accepted my nonexistence in his existence without making a fuss.

—

Upon returning to the villa, I acted swiftly and systematically.

With my hands calm and composed, I took out a pen and paper to write the divorce documents.

I held onto Frederick as my dream for years before realizing it had been a fantasy. Fantasies only persist for a brief time before reality shows its ruthless nature.

The night's accident and his father's pressure led Frederick to marry me, which otherwise wouldn't have happened. For many years, I believed that my efforts would make him recognize me and fall in love with me.

I had been a fool.

Seven years. Seven years wasted. It was time to wake up.

I placed the papers inside an envelope and gave them to Sarah along with a straightforward directive. Take these papers to Frederick when he gets back home.

I picked up my suitcase and silently walked to the door to tell the driver he should head to the airport.

—

That night, Frederick and Bella returned home.

Father carried a sleepy Bella, who held onto his coat while they entered the house. She tried to avoid returning home because she knew I was there.

Julie informed her that I had travelled this long distance just to see them, so the absence of their return would cause me deep heartache.

Frederick told her that if they remained away tonight, he would attempt to join them on their journey the next day.

So, she had given in.

Even now, though, she hesitated. What happens if Mum wants to come tomorrow?

"She won't." His voice was absolute.

Of course. Frederick could predict my every move. He understood my limits and could indicate whether I would withdraw or continue pushing.

And Bella believed him without question.

She smiled then, reassured, skipping inside. "Auntie Sarah! I want a bath!"

"Of course, dear," Sarah said warmly, reaching for Something on the table and then pausing.

"Sir," she said hesitantly, "Madam requested that I hand this to you."

Frederick removed the envelope from her grasp without really looking at it. "Where is she?"

"Well… Madam left at noon. She returned home."

He froze on the staircase.

"She left?"

A brief expression appeared to cross his face but disappeared almost immediately. He offered a slight nod before proceeding up the stairs.

Bella, standing at the doorway, frowned slightly.

She hadn't expected that.

She was sure she would see me in the evening if I didn't join their trip tomorrow.

She might have let me help her polish the seashells.

But now

I was gone.