Chapter 29
Heidi's invitation sounded genuine, but Caroline knew she had never accepted the original invite Heidi had sent.
Before Caroline could respond, Tiffany scoffed, her tone dripping with undisguised contempt. "Why would she go? A housewife who spends all day in the kitchen—what does she know about art? She'd just embarrass herself and be a bother to Arthur."
Tiffany's words were like a needle, piercing Caroline's heart.
Over the years, she had sacrificed her dreams for Arthur and their family, willingly becoming a housewife, taking care of his needs, and raising their two children. Was this the thanks she got?
A wave of long-suppressed emotions surged up, choking her.
She didn't want to keep silently enduring, swallowing her grievances like she used to.
Caroline lifted her head, meeting Heidi's surprised gaze, Tiffany's disdainful look, and Arthur's inscrutable eyes.
She took a deep breath, her voice calm but resolute. "Sure, I don't have any plans today."
Heidi's smile froze, clearly not expecting her to agree.
Caroline continued, "I've been cooped up at home for days and could use some fresh air. Besides," she paused, looking at Arthur, "the kids have been getting more mischievous lately. Arthur can't handle them alone. I can help keep an eye on them."
Heidi quickly waved her hand, her smile strained. "Caroline, don't worry. I'll help with the kids. You don't need to trouble yourself..."
"It's no trouble." Caroline interrupted, her tone still calm but firm. "I'm their mother. It's my responsibility to take care of them."
Heidi's expression shifted slightly. She hadn't expected Caroline, who usually had no temper with her, to be so insistent today.
She instinctively looked at Arthur, seemingly waiting for him to refuse Caroline.
The kitchen fell silent, the ticking of the wall clock echoing in everyone's hearts.
Arthur's gaze lingered on Caroline's face for a moment, seeing no sign of retreat in her eyes. His brow furrowed slightly.
He noticed Heidi's somewhat troubled look and, with a subtle pressure in his voice, said, "You just mentioned wanting to start learning at the company a few days ago. Now you're thinking of taking a break already? If Grandpa finds out, he might think you can't handle it and won't let you in the company at all."
He was certain Caroline would, as always, obediently compromise upon hearing this.
After all, Isaac mattered greatly to her, and she always cared about his views.
But Caroline simply looked at him, her gaze calm and unwavering. "I'll explain to Grandpa myself. He won't blame me."
Arthur was visibly taken aback. The Caroline he remembered would never talk back to him like this.
In the past, she would never dare to go against him, no matter how much she felt wronged. She would silently endure, never uttering a word of dissent.
But now, the compliance in her eyes was gone, replaced by a strange determination, as if nothing he said could sway her decision.
The surprise in Arthur's heart was fleeting. He quickly chalked up Caroline's unusual behavior to her desire to care for the kids and didn't think much more of it. He responded with a faint acknowledgment and turned back to help Heidi with breakfast.
Caroline turned and headed upstairs to call the kids.
She opened her bedroom door, finding it empty. She then walked to the children's room and saw Layla and Logan already dressed, sitting on the bed with their backpacks, ready to go.
"Mommy," Layla looked up, her face full of excitement. "We've been ready for a while, just waiting to have breakfast and go to the art exhibition."
Caroline's heart warmed slightly, but then a pang of sadness followed.
The kids seemed more excited about the art exhibition than about her.
After breakfast, Caroline returned to her room to grab her bag.
Seeing her packing, Layla tilted her head and asked, "Mommy, do you have plans today? Are you going shopping with Ms. Powell?"
Caroline zipped up her bag, her voice calm. "No, I'm going with you to Heidi's art exhibition."
The kids were instantly stunned.
Layla blinked, her little brows furrowing, and cautiously asked, "Mommy, why are you going?"
She knew her mom never liked Heidi. Even though she was young, she could sense the subtle tension between the two adults.
Caroline reached out and gently pinched her daughter's cheek. "Just like you, I'm going to see the art."
Logan, less concerned, asked directly, "Mommy, you never liked art exhibitions and don't know anything about painting. Why are you suddenly going?"
"I heard Ms. White's paintings are very good," Caroline said casually. "And I also heard some of her works were inspired by your innocence, so I want to see what they're like."
Logan immediately pouted. He had been looking forward to spending the day with his dad and Heidi, thinking his dad might be more affectionate without his mom around.
But if his mom went, everything would be different.
"If you go, I won't talk to you!" He stomped his foot, throwing a tantrum. "I'll be very busy today and won't have time for you!"
Heidi laughed, ruffling Logan's hair. "You'll be busy? Even me, the host, might not be actually busy."
Her tone was affectionate, like she was indulging a cute little rascal, completely unaware of how her words stung Caroline.
Tiffany laughed along, and Arthur looked indulgent, treating it as a child's harmless joke.
Layla's face fell, feeling a surge of frustration.
She knew if her mom was there, she couldn't cling to Heidi and act spoiled like before. Her dad's attention would also shift to her mom occasionally, making her uncomfortable.
As they prepared to leave, Caroline bent down to help Layla change her shoes, but Layla gently pushed her away.
"Mommy, I can do it myself." Layla's voice was muffled. "I'm a big girl now. I don't need your help with such small things."
Caroline's hand froze in mid-air, her fingertips pale.
She said nothing, silently straightening up and turning to get her coat.