Chapter 189

Isabella had just finished helping Sophia with her bath and was about to wash up herself.

Her toiletries weren't in Sophia's room, so she headed toward the master bedroom.

The master bedroom stood dark and silent. Alexander wasn't there.

She flicked on the lights and froze instantly, her breath catching in her throat. For a disorienting moment, she thought she'd entered the wrong room.

Seven years of living here had made her intimately familiar with every inch of this space.

Yet now, everything looked foreign.

Every single element had changed. Almost everything - except the floor remained the same.

Only the floor was untouched. The chandelier, curtains, bed, nightstands, window-side table, sofa, coffee table, rug - all replaced. Even the water dispenser and mugs were new.

Her vanity table was gone. All her skincare products had vanished.

It was clear - every trace of her existence had been systematically erased.

Not that it surprised her. Their divorce was practically finalized anyway.

When Victoria got injured saving Alexander, he'd rushed back immediately with new divorce papers. His eagerness to end their marriage and legitimize Victoria's position couldn't have been more obvious.

The ink wasn't even dry on their divorce papers, and he'd already purged all reminders of her?

Isabella took an involuntary step back. As she reached to turn off the lights, Margaret's voice stopped her.

She turned to see the housekeeper standing with a tray bearing a steaming cup of milk. "Good evening, Margaret."

Margaret smiled. "Mrs. Whitmore Senior left this milk during her visit earlier. She asked me to prepare it for you when possible."

"Thank you," Isabella replied.

"You're most welcome."

After a brief hesitation, Margaret added, "Mr. Whitmore had me pack all your belongings at the start of the month, Mrs. Whitmore. They've been moved to the third floor. If you need anything, I can fetch it for you, or—"

Early this month - when she and Alexander had signed the divorce papers.

Isabella cut in, "No need. I'll get them myself later."

"Very well."

Margaret then asked, "Shall I bring this milk to Sophia's room?"

The unspoken message was clear - she no longer had access to the master bedroom.

Isabella took the tray. "I'll handle it."

Margaret nodded.

Isabella switched off the master bedroom lights and carried the tray back to Sophia's room.

After finishing the warm milk, she headed to the third floor.

Her belongings had been neatly arranged in a corner room there.

The space was immaculate.

Margaret had clearly been maintaining it for her.

She collected fresh clothes and toiletries before returning to Sophia's room for her bath.

After bathing and reading with Sophia, they prepared for bed.

"Mom," Sophia said sleepily, "I'm going to say goodnight to Dad. Want to come?"

Isabella shook her head. "You go ahead."

"Okay."

Three minutes later, Sophia returned. "Mom, Dad says goodnight too."

Isabella set aside the book with a murmured response.

Yawning, Sophia curled into Isabella's arms. "We can sleep now, Mom. Goodnight!"

"Goodnight."

Isabella turned off the lights.

The next morning dawned early.

Isabella woke at first light.

Sophia still slept soundly.

After washing up, Isabella headed to the kitchen.