Once an Invisible wife, Now a Star

I woke up on our 30th wedding anniversary to find a beautifully wrapped gift box in the kitchen.

Alongside the gift box, there laid a letter, beautifully written by my husband which read [To the woman I love the most]

My heart swelled, a fragile, trembling hope blossoming in my chest. After three decades of pouring my life into this family, sacrificing my own dreams, had they finally truly seen me? Did they finally appreciate me?

With trembling fingers, I unwrapped the gift box. There laid two tickets for Alps and a beautiful diamond ring along with a pair of sturdy, stylish snow boots.

I reached my hands for the ring first. It was exquisite, a single, brilliant stone set in a delicate band.

I recalled the day of our wedding when David had proposed to me with a silver ring, promising to give me a diamond ring later. Though the day never came during the past thirty years.

“I’m struggling in business for now. But, I promise you babes, I’ll take you to the mountains of Alps and show you the first snow fall of the season.”

“I know you love cold places.” he had said the first time he went hiking with his friends after our wedding, without me.

Finally, he fulfilled his promise!

I slipped the ring onto my finger, and it fit perfectly, catching the light as if reflecting the sudden warmth flooding my entire being. A happy tear escaped my eye. This wasn't just a ring; it felt like a symbol, a promise that I was cherished, that I mattered.

Next, I unwrapped the packing of the boots' box, my hands still trembling from the emotion.

I put the shoes on to see if they fit. That's when I heard David barking at me from behind.

“Keep your dirty legs away from that!”

David charged at me. Before I could even react, he pulled the boots out of my hands, the one I hadn't put on yet.

“II thought that's for me.” I stuttered. “Isn't it our wedding anniversary gift?”

“At this age, you want me to celebrate our anniversary? Are you kidding?” His words cut deep through my heart.

“This gift… I had specially prepared for Kate. She has been announced as the richest business woman of the city. But, you have ruined everything.” He spat, his voice laced with fury.

He quickly came forward. Snatching the ring from my fingers, he added. “That's for Kate!”

“But, it's our last wedding anniversary together. The next year I might not…” Words were dead before I could complete the sentence, my lips shivered in remorse.

I had been diagnosed with cancer. Last night, Doctors told my family I had only six months left.

I thought maybe just maybe they would appreciate my presence now that I was dying. This was why I dared to think the gift actually meant for me. But, I was wrong.

I was still invisible in their eyes!

“What's all this fuss about?” Ethan, my son walked into the kitchen, throwing his dirty cup in the sink to have me wash them.

“Your Mom assumed these boots were for her. She unwrapped the gift box and dirtied it.” David barked, busy in checking if I had stained the boots he bought for his beloved, Kate.

“Are you serious, Mom?” Ethan laughed, “Do you really think Dad will take you to the Alps to see the snow fall?”

“Have you seen your body thoroughly? You are so weak and sick. You will only humiliate yourself and Dad.” Rosemary, my son's wife, joined him in mocking me.

“Aunt Kate is the same age as you. But, she looks so young and active unlike you, always sickly. It's obvious that Dad would prefer taking her out over you.” She had added.

“And why am I like this?” I rebelled. “Isn't it because I have been doing all the household chores for all of you?”

“Now, you are putting the blame on me?” David yelled, throwing the boots on my face. He didn't even flicker when the boots hit my head.

“Isn't it because you lacked education and were only good at doing household work? Unlike Kate, who is handling her husband’s whole business after his death and is still so beautiful and refreshing.”

David’s words had sent shivers down my spine. Out of all the people, he had the audacity to call me over my education when I had used my college fees to send him abroad to complete his studies.

“David… How can you” Before I could confront David, he walked closer to me, showing the company name written on the other boot as he barked near my earlobes.

“It was a limited edition boots, the one Kate likes the most. But, you have stained them with your dirty feet.”

“Now go find similar boots for her, and if you can't find them, don't return home.”

After throwing out these words, David left the kitchen.

Rosemary scoffed, “You have brought this to yourself, Mom. How did you even think of comparing yourself to Aunt Kate?”

“Anyways, before leaving to find these boots, please clean Max’s room. He has spilled the soup all over. It smells so bad that I can't step in.” She commanded, before throwing herself on the couch.

I dragged myself towards her and said. “I’m not your maid, Rosemary. If Max has dirtied his room, then clean it yourself. He is your son. It's your responsibility to take care of him.”

Rosemary’s relaxed pupil fluttered and she got up from the couch. “If you aren't a maid, then hire one! Do you have money for that?”

“Everyone here does some job. It's you who doesn't earn a penny and is a free loader for the family.” She yelled.

Seeing the arguments heating up between us, Ethan chimed in. “Why are you taking your anger on Rose, Mom?”

“She has a meeting in the evening. You won't die by cleaning a room, will you? After all, you have been doing these things since decades.”

“Rosemary is different. She hasn't done this type of work before.”

This was my life. A domestic servant, a wife and mother who was nothing but a punchline.

Cooking, cleaning, mending—every single household chore—even balancing the family budget and paying the bills—fell to me.

My shoulders constantly ached from the burden of it all. But despite everything… I was still just a joke to them.

After everyone went to their respective rooms, leaving their work for me to do, I was left alone.

I did not go to look for the boots. Neither did I go to clean Max's room. I walked straight to the store room where unwanted things were kept, just like me.

After a long search, I finally found the wooden box that I had kept for years. As soon as I opened them, my eyes were filled with the old pictures All mine!

I looked happiest in them, singing on stage while people going crazy on me, a dream that I had left behind to look after this family.

Not anymore!

I dialed a number. As soon as the call was picked up, I said, my voice firm.

“I want divorce from my husband of thirty years.”

The cold, stale air of the storeroom seemed to mirror the emptiness in my heart. The pictures in the wooden box were faded, the edges curled with age, but the memories they held were vivid, almost painfully so.

There I was, younger, vibrant, bathed in stage lights, a microphone clutched in my hand, a roar of applause echoing in my ears.

I remembered the thrill of performing, the raw joy of connecting with an audience through music. That Sabrina, the one who lived and breathed for the stage, felt like a ghost from another lifetime. A lifetime I’d willingly, foolishly, given up for David.

"I want a divorce from my husband of thirty years."

The words, once a terrified whisper in my mind, now rang with a newfound clarity as I spoke them into the phone. On the other end, the familiar voice of my lawyer, Mrs. Greta, sounded surprised.

"Mrs. Cooper? Is everything alright? This is quite a shocker."

“It's rare for people to get divorce after spending such a long time together.”

"No, Mrs. Greta, nothing is alright. And it's not sudden. It's thirty years overdue," I replied, my voice steady despite the tremor in my hand that clutched the phone. "I want out.”

I heard her jotting down notes. "Of course, Mrs. Greta. Can you come to my office tomorrow morning? We'll discuss the details."

"Yes. Nine AM. I'll be there."

I hung up, a strange mix of fear and exhilaration coursing through me. It was terrifying, this leap into the unknown, but also liberating. The thought of breaking free, of reclaiming myself, was a powerful current pulling me forward.

That night I quietly walked to my room. David, who was busy on his phone, smirked looking at me.

“You didn't find the boots, did you?” He barked, still the same intensity of anger in his eyes.

I clutched the phone in my hands before I turned to him and said lazily. “I’m tired, David.”

After throwing out these words, I simply laid beside him, my heart racing in my chest.

Just as I expected, David got up from the bed. He threw the pillow on my face and yelled. “From next time, don't ruin my moment with Kate if you can't fix it!”

Having said that, he walked out of our bedroom. He sat in the living room and turned on the TV. Kate's sweet voice in the interview pierced my ears as they echoed through the hall.

Two drops of tears rolled down my cheeks. Kate, my best friend, was the woman David originally wanted to marry.

If she wouldn't have been so ambitious to go after a man richer than David, he wouldn't have even thought about marrying me no matter how many sacrifices I had already made for him.

I still remember the day David asked me to marry him. It was a sunny afternoon, and we were sitting in the small café near my college.

David took my hand, his eyes filled with a sincerity I had grown to trust. "Sabrina, from the moment I met you, I knew you were special," he said, his voice low and gentle.

"You're kind, caring, and you make me feel seen in a way no one else ever has. I want to spend the rest of my life with you."

At that moment, I believed him. I believed that he loved me for who I was, that he valued my sacrifices and my love. I said yes without hesitation, thinking that I had found my partner, my best friend, my soulmate.

But now, as I looked back, I realized that it was all a facade. David had wanted Kate, with her ambition and her drive. I was just a consolation prize, a Plan B.

The thought stung so deep, I could not sleep the whole night. Kate’s voice continued echoing through my ears.

The next morning, I dressed meticulously, not in the drab clothes I usually wore for housework, but in a simple, elegant knee length dress I hadn't touched in years.

My reflection in the dusty storeroom mirror showed a woman with shadows under her eyes and a tired slump to her shoulders, but also a flicker of something new—resolve.

But, as I passed the living hall, Rosemary stood before me, her arms crossed. “Why haven't you washed Max’s room yet? And the kitchen, it's a whole mess!”

“Mom, where is the breakfast? You know I leave early for work.” Ethan yelled from behind, his voice laced with disappointment.

“Grandma Sabrina! You are such a fool and stupid. Why don't you go to school to learn something?” Max, my six years old grandson, barged in the living room, dressed in his school uniform.

His voice laced with childish cruelty as he complained.

“I asked you to put the Maths book in my bag pack, but you put the Science book instead. Now, I have to go back upstairs to put the correct book inside.”

“Why will you exhaust yourself, son? The one who made the mistake, will correct it.” Rosemary snapped back at me, her tone commanding as always.

“Why are you standing still? Go upstairs and change the books, Mom.” She had added turning to me.

“I’ll not!” I said, my voice stern. “If you have a problem with my work, then do it yourself.”

My refusal hung in the air, a shocking silence falling over the living room. Rosemary's eyes widened, her jaw dropping slightly.

Ethan, halfway into the kitchen, spun around, his expression a mix of disbelief and annoyance.

Even Max, who usually held court with his childish pronouncements, looked momentarily stunned.

"You'll not?" Rosemary repeated, her voice low and dangerous. "What exactly did you just say, Mom?"

"I said, I'll not," I repeated, my voice gaining strength with each word. "If you have a problem with my work, then do it yourself. Max is your son, Rosemary. His room, his books—they're your responsibility."

Ethan finally chimed in, "Mom, what's gotten into you? You know Rosemary has an important meeting. You've always handled these things."

"And I've handled them for thirty years," I countered, my gaze sweeping from Ethan to Rosemary. "I've cooked, cleaned, managed this house, and taken care of everyone's needs. And what have I received in return? Mockery, disrespect, and an utter lack of gratitude."

Max, recovering from his surprise, piped up, "Grandma Sabrina is being mean! She's supposed to help me!"

Rosemary stepped forward, her face hardening. "Don't you dare speak to us like this, Mom. You're a freeloader. You don't contribute anything to this family financially. The least you can do is manage the house."

"A freeloader?" I scoffed, a bitter laugh escaping my lips. "Is that what you call the woman who bought this very house we're standing in?”

“The woman who gave her college fund to your father so he could study abroad? The woman who poured her life savings into his 'struggling business' when he had nothing?"

Their faces, usually so confident in their disdain, finally showed a flicker of shock. They knew about some of it, of course, but I had never thrown it back in their faces like this.

I struggled to breathe with this argument and decided to end it. So, I added. “I have an appointment with my doctor. I’m getting late for it.”

With that I turned to leave but a low whisper escaping through Rosemary’s lips left me stunned.

“Appointment with the doctor, my foot! Does she still think we are believing her ‘diagnosed with cancer' nonsense?”

“I didn't expect Mom to go that far in seeking attention that she would fake her own disease. She is such a sham on our family.” Ethan added, his voice laced with ridicule.

I couldn't believe my ears. So, all this time they had been thinking I was lying about my sickness?

My own son accused me of being an attention seeker and causing unnecessary drama in the home. I clutched the medical reports in my hands, letting the tears soaked me completely, for one last time.

Because after today, nothing will matter to me anymore.

I went to see my doctor. After doing routine checkup, he let me go with strict instructions of taking rest and living stress free which I doubt I could do unless I get divorce from David.

Thus, I finally made my way to see advocate Greta.

At Mrs. Greta’s office, the atmosphere was quiet, professional. She listened patiently as I recounted years of emotional neglect, the financial exploitation, the constant humiliation.

I laid bare the story of my college fees, the house I’d bought, the life savings I’d given David for his business. It felt like shedding layers of old, painful skin.

"Do you have any documentation for these financial contributions, Mrs. Cooper?" she asked, her pen poised.

I nodded. "Yes. I kept everything. Bank statements, property deeds, old receipts. Even letters from David acknowledging the money."

Over the years, a quiet, almost subconscious part of me had known, had prepared for a day like this.

"Excellent," she said, a faint smile touching her lips. "This strengthens your case significantly."

We discussed alimony, property division, and the daunting process ahead. It wouldn't be easy. David would fight. Ethan and Rosemary would undoubtedly side with him.

But for the first time in decades, I felt a flicker of hope, a tiny spark that maybe, just maybe, I could finally be Sabrina again. The Rina who sang on stage, the Rina who dared to dream.

“But, since its separation after a long thirty years, the Civil Court will give you a chance to think about your decision.”

“Once the time of formality passed by, I’ll send you the divorce agreement.” Mrs. Greta had added.

“Thank you, Mrs. Greta. I’ll be waiting for your call then.” I replied.

As I came back to my home, I found the house filled with constant laughter and giggling sounds.

However, the laughter came to an abrupt halt with the sound of my footsteps, everyone staring at me with disdain as if I just ruined their day just by existing in their life.

“Grandma Sabrina!” Max was the first one to acknowledge my presence, but his voice laced with mockery as he added.

“You thought we would starve to death if you didn't cook for us. But see… Grandma Kate has brought us delicious dishes.”

“They are much better than what you cook for us– plain and boring!”

“She is so selfless and kind. She booked three more tickets for the Alps as her return gift and let us join her and Grandpa David.” Max exclaimed with joy.

“Sabrina…” Kate’s voice sounded from behind. I turned to look at her, who was sitting next to David on the couch.

She walked straight to me, her voice laced with feign sorrow. “There were only three tickets left. I’m sorry, I couldn't buy any tickets for you.”

I stood there, a strange calm settling over me amidst the chaos of my family’s derision and Kate’s faux sympathy. The words “plain and boring” echoed in my mind, then Kate’s apologetic tone about the tickets.

It was a familiar dance, one I had unwittingly led for decades. But not anymore.

I met Kate’s gaze, a small, knowing smile playing on my lips. “Don’t apologize, Kate,” I said, my voice clear and steady, devoid of the tremor it usually held when confronting them.

“It’s perfectly alright. I wouldn’t have been able to go anyway.”

Rosemary, who had been observing with narrowed eyes, scoffed. “Right. Too busy with your ‘appointments,’ I suppose?”

The sarcasm was thick, a venomous edge to her words.

Ethan snickered, and even David, from the couch, offered a dismissive wave of his hand, clearly enjoying the spectacle of me getting mocked by our children.

“Oh, I heard you are diagnosed with cancer?” Suddenly Kate spoke, a feign concern on her face.

“I hope everything is okay with you.” She had added, shooting a short glance at Rosemary.

It was obvious they were making fun of my sickness. They did not believe I was sick at all.

“Yes, Mom. What did your doctor say today?” Ethan asked, his voice provocative. It sounded as if he was making fun of me. Even a six years old Max knew it was some kind of a joke that was followed with his loud laughter in the hall.

“Max…” Rosemary shut him down, but deep down her expressions showed she was enjoying it as well.

I clutched the medical reports in my hands, my legs shivered in anger as I threw the reports in front of David.

“You can read it yourself and see if I’m lying. I’m really sick, David.” I spat.

I held back the tears formed in my eyes. I didn't want to shed my tears for the people who didn't even care about me. Not anymore!

Having said that, I walked up the stairs to leave for my room. That's when I heard Kate’s voice,

“I can't believe she went so far as to create fake medical reports. What the hell is wrong with her?”

“We all love you, Grandma Kate. That's why Grandma Sabrina is jealous. So, she is faking her sickness to get our attention.” Max’s voice cut deeper through my heart.

Even a child in the house didn't respect me at all!

Kate sighed, “She has always been like this. Jealous and arrogant.”

“I feel so sorry for all of you for having to tolerate her for all these years.”

I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. The words cut deep, and I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

Kate, David, Ethan, Rosemary, and even little Max were all ganging up on me, mocking my illness and questioning my integrity.

I thought about all the sacrifices I'd made for this family, all the times I'd put their needs before mine. And this was how they repaid me?

I walked into my room, shutting the door behind me. I leaned against the door, my heart heavy with emotion. I felt like I was alone in this family, like no one truly cared about me or my wellbeing.

I looked around my room, feeling like a stranger in my own home. The furniture, the decorations, everything seemed foreign to me. They were all selected by Kate. I was told– her tastes are better than mine.

Even the walls of my bedroom were filled with pictures of David and Kate together, hiking, camping, climbing the mountain, laughing and giggling. Not a single picture of mine was hung in my own bedroom. They all belonged to Kate.

I felt like I was living in a dream, a dream that was slowly turning into a nightmare.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself down. I knew I couldn't let their words get to me. I knew I had to be strong, for myself and for my own sake.

I had just laid in bed, recalling my doctor's warning. “You didn't follow our instructions and exhausted your body. I’m afraid you wouldn't even survive six months if you still don't give yourself rest.”

I had finally decided to not listen to anyone and live my life the best for the next six months if I had left that much time.

Suddenly the door of the room pushed open and David barged in, still carrying the medical reports in his hands.

“Are you done throwing tantrums?” He spat. “If you are done putting on an act, go pack my bag. We are leaving for the Alps tomorrow.”

I barely rested for five minutes when David stood on my head, demanding to help him pack his bag for the trip I was not invited to.

I might have objected and confronted him for his audacity of being so mean if I weren't used to his behaviour.

“Polish my boots as well.” He had added before throwing the medical reports aside.

I wanted to say something, maybe resist doing the work he just handed me. But, Mrs. Greta’s words echoed through my head.

“Since it's the separation after a long period of time, the court will take time to approve your plea for the divorce.”

I sighed. I had to bear with this family a little more.

I barely managed to get my body off the bed. I dragged myself to the wardrobe, taking David’s clothes out one by one.

He watched me packing his clothes obediently. A smile of dominance spread through his lips and he left, relaxed.

I had just finished packing David's clothes when Ethan barged in the room.

“Mom, why are all my clothes wrinkled? Am I supposed to go like this on the trip?” He barked at me as if I had done a crime by not ironing his clothes on time.

“Iron them all tonight!” He commanded, followed by his wife's desperate call. “Mom, can you please wash my nighties? None of them are clean enough to take on the trip. That's not much to ask, right?”

“Of course, Mom is going to be free for a whole week. She can do some extra work today.” Ethan replied on my behalf, completely ignoring the fact that my legs were already shaking in weakness.

Without waiting for my response, they left the room. That night, Kate stayed at our home. Their laughter and giggling voice echoed through my ears for the whole night.

They stay awake the whole night, playing indoor games, watching movies and having fun. Meanwhile, the whole night I was busy packing their bags and doing all the chores necessary for the trip.

I could barely finish all the work at 5:15 AM and came to my bed to take a nap when my alarm clock rang at 5:30 AM.

I was asked to wake up early and prepare the coffee and snacks for everyone and then drive them to the Airport since the flight was at 8:00 AM.

I stared at the blaring alarm clock, the harsh buzz a cruel mockery of the five minutes of sleep I'd managed to snatch. My body screamed in protest, every muscle aching, every bone heavy.

Yet, the thought of hot coffee and fresh snacks for a family that barely acknowledged my existence, let alone my exhaustion, spurred me on.

I pushed myself up. The kitchen was a mess, as expected. Empty snack wrappers littered the counters, and halfeaten bowls of cereal sat hardening on the table.

I moved like a ghost, mechanically grinding coffee beans, the rich aroma doing little to awaken my senses.

My hands trembled as I sliced fruit and arranged pastries, my mind replaying Mrs. Greta’s words: "Since it's the separation after a long period of time, the court will take time to approve your plea for the divorce."

A little more. I just had to bear it a little more.

At 6:30 AM, just as the first rays of dawn stretched through the kitchen window, I heard the creak of floorboards above.

David's booming voice, followed by Kate’s airy giggle, signaled the start of their day. Soon, Ethan and Rosemary joined them, their morning chatter filling the house with an energy I couldn't match.

After the coffee and snacks, I drove them to the Airport where they walked hand in hand and I carried their luggage as their personal maid.

As if something hit David, he finally walked up to me and said, his voice gentle for once. “You are so sick, Sabrina. It's not good for your health to travel.”

“After I return from Alps, I’ll take you to see a good doctor and then we will arrange another trip, just you and I.” He had added when his attention got diverted by Kate’s scream.

“Oh, No!” She yelled, “The diamond ring you gave me yesterday is missing.”

She showed her empty finger to David. David's forehead wrinkled. “Where did it go?”

“I don't know.” She shook her head. “Could it be that it's stolen?”

“Grandma Sabrina, did you steal it from Grandma Kate’s finger?” Max’s childish accusations sent shivers down my spine.

The most shocking thing was no one moved to correct him, to defend me. Their gaze instead was fixed on me while Max was standing before me, crossing his arms against his chest. “You wanted it after all, didn’t you?”

Kate dramatically clutched her empty finger. “I can't go bare finger. What will people talk about me?”

David’s eyes turned to me. His eyes sparkled as he stared the only diamond ring I had that I had been wearing since before our wedding.

“Sabrina, give your ring to Kate. It's so expensive. What will do you wearing it? You don't go anywhere.” He had said, completely ignoring the emotion behind my ring.

“That's my mother's ring, David!” I spat. “I’m not giving it to anyone.”

My strict refusal triggered his anger, and the next second I found myself laying on the floor.

My sight was blurred and I couldn't remember what had happened in this minute time. I tried to get up, but fell again.

The ring, the symbol of my mother’s love, sparkled in Kate's finger, a hand imprinted on my cheeks and a lot of sympathetic stares directed at me, told me the tale of what happened just seconds ago.

David had slapped me before everyone, snatched the fingers off my finger and gave it to Kate.

“You should feel entitled that I’m not calling police for stealing Kate's ring.” He had added before turning his back at me.

“Serves you right.” Rosemary smirked as she left with Ethan. Max's teased me with funny faces as he followed his parents. No one came to support me or ask I how had I been feeling.

A passerby helped me get up while I stared my family happily boarding for the flight.

Just then my phone rang. It was Mrs. Greta.

“Congratulations, Mrs. Cooper. Your plea for the divorce has been accepted.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Greta!” I said, my voice stern.

I had just hung up the call that my phone rang again, this time with an unfamiliar number. I picked it up only to listen an old friend’s voice.

“Rina, how are you doing these days?” The voice asked excitedly.

“Just fine.” I replied. “How did you call me after so many years?”

“I have a great news for you. My company is launching a program inviting old super stars that are forgotten to shine. You are on the list, Rina.”

“The program is going to be held on Alps, a place you always wanted to visit. I remember it.”

“What's the last date of joining this program?” I asked as I had some matters to be taken care of before leaving this country for good.

“ A week…”

“I accept your invitation.” I replied, my voice laced with confidence that I never showed before.

This was my time to shine!

As I watched my family disappear into the distance, I felt a sense of relief throughout my body. I was finally free from their toxic grasp, and I could start rebuilding my life.

The phone call from Mrs. Greta was the confirmation I needed. My divorce had been accepted, and I was one step closer to starting anew. The call from my old friend was the perfect distraction from the chaos that had just unfolded.

Years ago, I was a famous singer. My concerts were famous across several countries. I had once urged David to visit my concert once. But, he had refused coldly.

"Singing? That's not a real profession, Sabrina. It's just a hobby, something you do for fun. You need a stable job, something that can provide for our future. This singing nonsense is just a waste of time." David said, his voice laced with disdain.

I felt a pang of hurt at his words, but I tried to brush it off. "You don't understand, David. Music is my passion. It's what makes me happy."

David scoffed. "Happy? You call performing in front of a crowd of screaming fans happy? It's just a bunch of noise, Sabrina. You need to focus on something more practical.”

Thereafter, I left singing. I disappeared from the world that once made me feel alive.

But, I didn't expect the opportunity to present itself. A chance to revive my singing career, to shine again on stage, and to do what I loved.

The program was being held in the Alps, a place I had always dreamed of visiting.

I wasted no time. Despite feeling my bones aching because of David's abuse, a new energy emitted from my heart and I rushed back home.

Mrs. Greta had someone deliver the divorce papers at home as she promised. I signed the papers immediately and took care of the necessary arrangements before leaving the country.

I dumped all the decorations and furniture in the house outside, along with all the photo frames that didn't contain me, sold the house, severing ties with the past and the painful memories that lingered within its walls.

The money I got by selling the house I once bought with my life savings just for the family, was enough to live the best of my life for the rest of the six months.

I visited the shopping mall where David used to take Kate shopping.

“The dresses here are all fashionable and warm. You stay at home and do household chores. What will you do visiting this mall?”

That's what he had said when I had urged him to take me along as well.

But today, I bought all the dresses that I once wished to wear but couldn't. They all looked perfect on me. I bought matching accessories as well.

No one mocked me, no one looked down on me. Everyone in the mall appreciated my taste, some even asked me to help them in selecting their dresses.

The day of my departure arrived, and I stood in front of the mirror, looking at the person staring back at me. I was no longer the timid, submissive woman I once was. I was a woman reborn, ready to take on the world.

I took a deep breath, grabbed my bags, and stepped out into the unknown. Just before boarding, my phone rang. I checked it. It was Kate.

I ignored it. But, my phone kept beeping, attracting a few stares of people at me. I sighed and immediately checked my phone.

Kate had been sending messages on my social media app. Those were all the pictures of her visiting exciting places in the Alps. David stood by her side, affectionately holding her arms in all of them.

There were videos as well. Ethan called her ‘Mom’ in them. Max called her just ‘Grandma’ and David, well he was addressing her as ‘Darling’.

She even made a post of herself and David, with the caption: "Love is in the air. Wishing my dear Sabrina could find happiness like I've found with David.”

I liked the post and commented ‘Advice accepted’.

After that, I blocked her number along with four more numbers of my family and shut the phone off. It was time to leave. The Alps awaited, and with it, a new chapter in my life. I was ready to shine, to sing, and to live.