Chapter 11
Caroline fumbled for her phone, sliding her finger across the screen to unlock it. The bright light made her squint instinctively.
When she saw the message on the screen, her heart felt as if it had been stung, spreading a fine, dense pain.
It was from Arthur.
In seven years of marriage, he had rarely initiated contact with her, let alone with such directive content.
Caroline's lips curved into a bitter, self-mocking smile as she opened the message.
[Please take Layla and Logan to school today. With Grandfather and the others here, it's inconvenient for Heidi to come. Besides, this place is far from her home—no need to make her go out of her way. Thanks.]
No unnecessary greeting, just formal courtesy, yet every word showed consideration for Heidi.
Caroline stared at those few lines. She knew that his rare initiative to contact her was never because of her.
For seven years, his heart had belonged only to Heidi. Caroline was merely an insignificant accessory in his life, a tool to appease the Windsor family elders.
She took a deep breath, tossed the phone onto the nightstand without replying, and got out of bed. Her bare feet touched the cool floor as she walked to the window and drew back the curtains.
Seven years ago, she had joyfully married Arthur, believing that if she were good enough, tried hard enough, she would eventually warm his cold heart.
After marriage, she learned he loved Heidi, that he had married her only to satisfy his grandfather's wishes. Still, she clung to a sliver of hope that time would change everything.
But what was the result? Her devotion meant nothing to him.
He remained cold toward her while consistently gentle with Heidi.
Caroline shook her head, pushing those chaotic thoughts aside.
She turned and entered the bathroom, quickly finished her morning routine, and changed into comfortable casual wear. By the time she left the bedroom, she could already hear the servants bustling downstairs.
In the past at Windsor Manor, although there were dedicated staff for meals, Caroline would rise early to help prepare breakfast.
Back then, she had wanted to impress the Windsor family elders with her competence, hoping these small gestures might earn Arthur's attention.
Today, she appeared in the kitchen early not to please anyone, but for her two children.
To ensure they ate healthily and received balanced nutrition, she had specifically obtained a nutritionist certification and studied various children's recipes. She knew Layla preferred sweeter foods while Logan favored savory options, and she always managed to prepare breakfasts that satisfied both.
"Mrs. Windsor, why not sleep a bit longer?" Lucy, the maid, asked with surprise when Caroline entered.
"It's fine. Couldn't sleep, so I came to help," Caroline replied with a smile, deftly tying on an apron. "Let's make sandwiches today, with some mini breakfast sandwiches for the children."
"I'll prepare the ingredients," Lucy responded, busying herself efficiently.
Breakfast was ready quickly, its aroma filling the air.
Caroline removed her apron, wiped her hands, and went upstairs to wake the children.
"Layla, Logan, time to get up for breakfast, or you'll be late for school," she called gently, pushing open the door to the children's room.
The two little ones sat up rubbing their sleepy eyes. Seeing Caroline, their faces showed hesitation rather than excitement.
Layla blinked her large eyes and asked first, "Mommy, are you taking us to school today?"
Caroline nodded. "Yes, and we need to hurry. This place is farther than where we lived before."
Caroline noticed the flash of disappointment in Layla and Logan's eyes.
"But Ms. White usually takes us, and she never rushes us," Logan said, his small face full of expectation. "I want Ms. White to take us."
Hearing the children's words, Caroline felt as if a needle had pierced her heart.
Suppressing her dejection, she patiently explained, "Ms. White lives too far from here. It's inconvenient for her to come. Would it be okay if I take you to school today?"
Layla's small face immediately showed disappointment. She lowered her head and mumbled, "Fine."
But Logan wasn't satisfied. He pouted and turned his head away stubbornly. "I don't want Mommy to take us. I only want Ms. White!"
Caroline frowned slightly at her young son's willfulness.
She knew she shouldn't indulge such behavior, especially in this situation.
Taking a deep breath, her tone grew more serious. "Logan, stop this nonsense. Ms. White really cannot come. If you insist on having her take you, then go tell your great-grandfather and see if he agrees."
Layla, more sensible than Logan, saw Caroline's expression darken and knew her mother was truly angry.
She quickly tugged at Logan's sleeve and whispered, "Stop it. If great-grandfather finds out, we might not be allowed to play with Ms. White anymore."
Though young, Logan understood his great-grandfather's temperament. Hearing Layla's words, he immediately backed down.
He pursed his lips and said nothing more, tacitly agreeing to let Caroline take them to school.
After breakfast, Caroline drove the children to school.
Having safely delivered them to the school entrance, she watched their backpack-clad figures run through the gates. She sat in the car for a long while before starting the engine and heading back.
When she returned to the villa, the living room was already empty. The Windsor family members had finished breakfast and gone about their business.
Irene was preparing to leave for work with her bag in hand. Seeing Caroline return, her eyes brightened, and she discreetly signaled to Tiffany.
Caroline felt utterly exhausted and lacked the energy to decipher their intentions. She just wanted to return to her room and rest.
Head down, she was about to go upstairs when Irene blocked her path.
"Caroline, wait a moment."
Irene's face wore a false smile, but her tone carried a probing edge.
"Last night when I got up, I think I saw Arthur leaving, fully dressed. I haven't seen him this morning either. Are you two having problems? Have you started living separately?"
Caroline's heart sank. Her greatest worry was that Isaac would learn of this. In his fragile health, he might not withstand such a shock.
Forcing a composed smile, she dismissed it casually, "That's not the case. You must be mistaken. Arthur has been busy with company matters lately. Perhaps he had an urgent issue to handle and will return when he's finished."
"Is that so?" Irene clearly didn't believe her, her tone laced with mockery. "It's really your fault, you know. As a housewife with nothing but time on your hands, you can't even help Arthur with some of his company work. How can he not be exhausted? If you were more like Heidi, supporting his career, he wouldn't have to work so hard."
These words stabbed Caroline's heart like a sharp knife.
She knew Irene had always looked down on her as a housewife, believing she wasn't worthy of Arthur, but she hadn't expected such direct criticism.
Yes, she had abandoned her own career to focus on family, only to receive such appraisal in return. She silently clenched her fists, nails digging into her palms, bringing a sharp pain.
In this moment, she more profoundly understood how crucial a career was for a woman—not just as a means of livelihood, but as a source of confidence and dignity.
Caroline raised her head, looking at Irene's self-satisfied face, and said coolly, "You must be joking, Irene. We simply have different roles. I'm going upstairs now."
With that, she walked past Irene and went straight upstairs, leaving Irene standing there with an unpleasant expression.
On the staircase, however, Caroline looked up to find Isaac standing by the railing, leaning on his cane.