But Charles had already decided my fate for me. He wanted me to step back, to abandon my ambitions and return to being a housewife, the perfect image of a wealthy woman with nothing to do but live in comfort.
In the end, he didn't even ask for my opinion. He simply hired someone new to take over my role, sealing my future with a signature that wasn't mine.
I was furious. But under my mother-in-law's persuasion, I swallowed my resentment and chose to let it go.
From that moment on, something between us quietly broke.
I tried, time and time again, to mend the distance that had formed, but there was always an invisible wall we couldn't break through.
I tried to talk to him, to reach him, but he either brushed me off with work or dismissed me entirely.
"There's nothing wrong. You're overthinking," he would say, his tone carrying no warmth, no patience.
And so, we drifted further apart.
Until we became what we were today, two people bound not by love but by mutual interests, standing in the ruins of what had once been.
"Get dressed and come with me. I brought Eleanor and Orion back today so you could spend some time together."
When I didn't move, he frowned, grabbed a coat, and forcibly draped it over me, zipping it up without giving me a chance to resist.
His voice was firm, leaving no room for argument. "And don't say anything reckless again. As for Orion's name, I'll explain another day."
When we arrived, Charles pushed Orion into my arms.
"Get to know him first."
Then, he bent down, his voice turning gentle, just as it always was with Eleanor.
"Orion, today you'll play with Aunt Natalie. Daddy and Mommy are going to buy you clothes and toys, okay?"
Orion nodded eagerly, his eyes lighting up with excitement.
I followed along numbly as he led me to the other side of the food street.
Like all children, he was drawn to the golden crisp of fried food.
I hesitated, unsure if he was allowed to eat it. Instinctively, I reached for my phone, dialing Charles.
No answer.
Before I could decide what to do, Orion turned to me, his small face darkening as sharp words spilled from his lips.
"My dad and mom are on a date. Why are you calling to disturb them?" His voice carried an unexpected sting, his eyes cold and unyielding. "You're not my mom. Why do you care whether I can eat this or not? Dad told you to take me out to play, so whatever I want to eat or do, just do it. Don't interfere."