Once an Invisible wife, Now a Star

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 check-up, 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.”