I Was His Wife, Then His Widow, Then No One's But My Own novel Chapter 365

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A crisp doorbell rang through the house. Bonnie leaned over the edge of the dining table, peeking toward the entrance. Nora set down what she was holding and calmly walked over to open the door.

Seraphina stood on the porch, her makeup flawless as always. She offered a gentle smile, though her eyes immediately bypassed Nora, searching for Cassie inside.

Cassie slid off her chair, fidgeting with her small backpack straps, and took a few slow steps toward Nora. After a moment of hesitation, she reached out and lightly tugged at her mother's hand. A barely noticeable glint of hope flickered in her eyes.

She thought to herself that as long as Mom asked her to stay—as long as she said she would miss her—she wouldn't leave.

But Nora simply looked down at her. Her fingers gently slipped free from Cassie's grasp. Her tone was mild and steady, devoid of any attempt to hold her back. "Be safe on the way."

It was just one simple phrase. No pleading. No retention.

The tiny spark of hope in Cassie's heart instantly died out, leaving a dull ache in her chest. She had no choice but to take Seraphina's hand. Her throat tightened, but she fought hard to keep the tears from falling.

Still clinging to a final shred of hope, she dragged her feet as she followed Seraphina toward the driveway, glancing back over her shoulder every few steps. But all she saw was Nora gently wiping Bonnie's mouth, not even casting a single glance in her direction.

Cassie's heart shattered. Did Mom really not love her anymore?

She only snapped out of it when Seraphina opened the car door and urged, "Cassie, hurry up and get in. I have to take you to preschool."

Seraphina affectionately rubbed Cassie's head before the little girl finally dragged herself into the vehicle.

During the drive, Seraphina glanced at Cassie in the rearview mirror, her voice laced with mock sympathy. "Cassie, see? I wasn't lying to you, was I? Your mom only has eyes for that Bonnie now. She let you leave without a second thought, not missing you at all."