Mated to My Intended's Enemy novel Chapter 203

Chapter 203: Chapter 203 The Hot Springs Resort

Freya’s POV

"Freya..." Elena wrapped me in a comforting hug, her eyes filled with concern.

I managed to force a smile but remained silent. It was okay. I’d already decided to move forward. I just needed a little time. I could do this.

"Want to get a drink?" Elena suggested, clearly thinking I needed to relax.

I shook my head. "No, thanks." Rather than alcohol, I preferred to go home and immerse myself in my data research. That’s where I found peace, where I could truly relax and rediscover myself.

Elena didn’t push the issue. We headed toward the parking lot together, and just before getting into our cars, my phone rang. Isabella’s face flashed across the screen.

The hint of a smile that had begun forming on my lips faded immediately. I hesitated for two or three seconds before answering, "Hello."

"Mom, when are you coming home?" Isabella’s voice came through, whining in that way that used to melt my heart.

Instead of answering directly, I asked, "What’s wrong?"

"I’m so bored all alone at home. Can you come back and keep me company?"

"Mom has things to do," I replied coolly. "Maybe next time."

Yes, I was her mother, and normally I’d try to accommodate her requests. But I had my own life too. My emotions were still raw, and I needed some personal space to heal.

"Fine then..." Isabella responded, clearly disappointed.

"I need to go. Call me if you need anything else."

"Mmm..."

After hanging up, I could imagine her sulking, looking like a frost-bitten eggplant as she always did when disappointed

Two days later, Silvano was away on business again, and Isabella called me once more, the loneliness in her voice palpable.

"Mom, when are you coming home?"

Learning that Silvano wasn’t there, I decided to return home after work that evening.

Isabella was ecstatic when I arrived, clinging to me as she shared countless school stories and eagerly introduced me to her latest gaming obsession, insisting on teaching me how to play. After she finished her homework, I indulged her interests—as I always had with activities that weren’t harmful to her development.

After watching Isabella demonstrate the game twice, I joined her team, and we played together for over an hour. She was overjoyed that evening and even asked me to sleep in her room. I readily agreed, preferring not to sleep in the master bedroom anyway.

On Thursday evening, I had just turned off the kitchen hood and was carrying dishes out when I heard Isabella’s voice from the living room: "Dad, you’re back!"

A deep, familiar male voice responded, "Yes. Have you eaten yet?"

"Not yet, but Mom’s almost finished cooking."

"Is that so?"

The elder Mrs. Moretti made a sound between a huff and a laugh. "It’s been two weeks since I’ve seen Freya and Bella. Now that the weather’s turning cold, why don’t you bring them to the hot springs resort tomorrow? We can warm ourselves in the thermal pools."

"Understood."

After hanging up, Isabella clapped excitedly. "Hot springs again! Yay!"

Silvano looked at me directly. "I’ll have someone pick you both up from home each evening."

Without looking up from my plate, I replied, "I can drive myself there from the office."

"No way," Isabella protested. "Mom, come home with me first! The resort is so far—it would be so boring to ride alone."

I hesitated for a moment.

Whatever. It wasn’t worth arguing over.

"...Fine," I conceded.

Selene growled unhappily inside me. *We’re making this too easy for him. He doesn’t deserve our compliance after what he did.*

I silently agreed with her, but for Isabella’s sake, I would endure this family outing. The hot springs resort held many memories—it was where Silvano had first approached me seriously about being his mate, where we’d spent our honeymoon, where we’d celebrated countless family milestones.

As I watched Silvano’s face across the table that handsome face that once made my heart race—I felt only a dull ache where passion had once lived.