VERONICAI made haste to George's office, where he and Aunt Lucy were already in discussion. Upon my arrival, Aunt Lucy warmly embraced me... "Oh my sweet, I'm so glad seeing you." She said with a soft smile.Many years ago, following the tragic deaths of my parents, which left me orphaned, our family faced bankruptcy. All my relatives abandoned me, except for Aunt Lucy, my governess since childhood, who cared for me as if I were her own child. She is the only person I have remained in contact with since leaving Wolfe Mansion."I am doing well, Aunt Lucy." I reciprocated her embrace as we settled beside George's desk."How is my little princessi?" she inquired about Cadence."She is doing splendidly; I hope you will be able to visit her soon.""I shall, my dear. I miss her very much as well." she replied, gently squeezing my hand. "I trust you are aware of the situation. What course of action do you wish to pursue?" Her gentle expression shifted to one of concern.A wave of sadness wa
READ WITH CAUTION** VIOLENT SCENE AHEAD—VERONICAA whiplash of iced water choked me as I coughed violently. White stars danced before my eyes, which intensified only as a hard slap followed on my face— "Wake up, you drab!" A harsh voice violently rang in my ear that suppressed with aching cries of a child.Despite significant physical weakness, the sound compelled me to open my heavy eyelids. "C-cad-dence!" I gasped.My daughter was held by a terrifying looking man, his fingers pinching her cheeks roughly. My little daughter was struggling and crying in pain."N-oo! Ple-ease!" I cried out. I wanted to rush to her, but I'm hopelessly tied up to a chair with shackles. "Wh-y are yo-u doing this to us?" I screamed at them, only to be laughed at.I don't know for how long we're here, nor I have no time to think about our whereabouts. I'm, in fact, unsure who these men are. I only remember being cornered by a car, then waking up in this dark room, tied up, with my daughter in their hands.
CHRISTIANI gazed at the unconscious woman on the white hospital bed. Her pale, swollen face was red, and her head was wrapped in a thick bandage. The corner of her lips was bruised a dark shade of violet, likely a result of the hard beating.An involuntary ache and despair coincide within me as my eyes scan down her figure further. Her right hand was fractured and is now wrapped in a plaster. Her delicate skin has countless scratch marks, and some go deep."When will she wake up?" I questioned the doctor beside me, my voice running cold."It's unsure, Mr Wolfe. Her physical wounds are quite severe, and for the emotional distress— it's likely to leave her scarred for a long time." The doctor informed."Hmm." My gaze then fell on the cradle beside her bed where lay her daughter. She bore some scars on her body as well. Her left foot was bandaged due to a slight fracture. "And her?" I murmured."Thankfully, the child's scars are superficial, but the intensity of the violation gave her a
VERONICA"Cadence..." I whispered softly, tears welling in my eyes as I gently touched my daughter's chest, feeling her breath."You're sleeping as if you have no worries in the world. But my love, I know how much you've suffered," I whispered, caressing her chest.Each of her scars is a whiplash on my body. Disability of my protection. My failure as a mother.I perceive a gentle touch on my arms. "Veronica, you are also injured; please return to your bed." His soothing voice reached my ears, prompting me to look up.Christian—The man I hate. He had hurt me severely, that even if I wanted to, I couldn't forgive him, or so I thought... Seems fate played a twisted game again. The man I loathe appeared before me when I was hopeless. He saved me and my daughter.Does he know that the girl he saved is a part of him as well?—"Veronica, get up," he said, slightly pulling me. I moved his hand away, turning to my daughter again. I firmly held her crib."I wo-on't." I declined, tugging on my l
CHRISTIANStaring at the document, I sit in silence, speechless. In my hand is the eviction letter of the landowner I want— Veronica Granger - yes, that's what it said.I am struggling with emotional issues, and now work is adding to my difficulties. Why, I wonder, does it have to be her?Hold on— Is she aware of the situation, and is this the reason for her unwillingness to vacate her property?I rub my temple, uncertain about the next course of action. I require that land for the resort. However, it belongs to her, and I am hesitant to send her the notice at this time.Wait—but why can't I? She is not my wife anymore and is happy with— some other asshole. Why do I feel so much distress over the woman who abandoned me and our son?Fuck! This is frustrating!"Director, what should we do now?" Blake's voice made me glare at him. This is all because of him! Who asked him to notice the owner's name and rush to me? God danm it, he is good for nothing!His head lowered, possibly in respons
VERONICAI stared at him, my heart's pounding involuntarily as I swallowed the tension in my throat... Finally, we're here. The question I had been fearing all these years, the truth I had been concealing from the world— stands right before me.I am in a deep dilemma right now. What should I do? Should I tell him the truth, or should I continue hiding it?On one side, a fearful mother can not lose her other child as well. On the other side stands a helpless mother who perhaps can not protect her child as her father did.What should I do?—"Veronica, I'm asking you something." His cold voice pierced my thoughts as I blinked at him.The firmness of his intense gaze clenched my soul. My near-death situation crossed my mind. Only a mother knows why she chose her child to be born. Only she can feel the profound joy of giving birth to an innocent life. And when that child is snatched away from her, the agonizing pain that tears her apart is incomprehensible to others.And then—occurred the
VERONICAMy college years were unremarkable, filled with academics, friendships, and aspirations of taking over the family business. However, in that ordinary life, it occurred him, a havoc— The youngest son of the Denstones', William Denstone.Decisive and arrogant by nature, he was desired by most women. Not a day passed that he didn't break a woman's heart or challenge a professor. However, since he came from an influential family and was the son of a college trustee, no one dared rising their voice against him until our paths crossed.As is my nature, I was unrestrained. Consequently, he focused his attention on me, and I found myself constantly challenged throughout my college years...Following the untimely deaths of my parents and the subsequent collapse of our family business, I experienced a period of significant hardship. Under the care of Albert Wolfe, Christian's grandfather, in London, I completed my education and subsequently married Christian to respect his last wish. T
CHRISTIANI returned home in a sour mood. My mind was a mess. In a cold war with itself. I mean, how did I even come up with such a foolish notion? Cadence isn't my daughter; those similarities are just mere coincidences.I am so desperate that I am grabbing even the slightest positivity appearing before me like a famished soul... I despise myself for that, but— I find myself unable to cease.Harshly loosening my tie, I removed my suit and tossed it on the bed. Taking off my clothes, I entered the bathroom and stepped under the cold shower.The drops of cold water touched my skin, calming my nerves as I elicited a deep sigh. Standing with my hands against the glass wall, I gazed at my faint reflection.Why, Veronica? Why did you do this to me? If you were so unwilling, then why did you consent to marry me? Why did you choose to ruin me by being mine only for five years?My questions were countless, yet she wasn't here to answer. In fact, she never said a thing to me. She just left wit
CHRISTIANSwirling the whisky glass, I gulped the remaining liquor and pushed it to the bartender, “refill, please.” I murmured.The young, experienced bartender immediately proceeded with my demand as I turned to the bustling dance floor.It's ten p.m., and I find myself in the embrace of the luxurious pub of the city, searching for a solace. However, I have yet to get anything at all.Heartache seemingly became my non-replaceable ornament, adorning me with its grace, and headache was its unyielding companion.Sigh— you have destroyed me for good, Veronica…“Hey, handsome.” A beautiful brunette appeared beside me, batting her lashes and trying to enchant me with her charm, which didn't help either.“Seems alone, or perhaps— severely lonely.” She smirked, sitting on the tool beside me.I couldn't help but chuckle bitterly. Even a stranger could see my distress, except her o
VERONICA“Are you trying to become a nun or what?” Rang Zaya's voice in my ears. I could feel her glaring at me even through the phone.A defeated sigh left my chest as I heard her rumbling…“Seriously though, Veronica, how can you do this? You are on break, aren't you? Still, you ran to the hospital this morning… Hold on, did you run away to avoid this date?” Her demanding tone resonated throughout my car.I swallowed the painful lump in my throat and spoke for the first time. “Zaya, can we dismiss this idea of dating for now? I-I am not just feeling it at this moment.” I muttered weakly.Zaya fell silent for a while, “Vero, what happened?” She inquired, her annoyed tone turned anxious.“I am fine.” I muttered. “I am just a little tired. I'll talk to you once I return home, okay? I am currently driving.”“Oh okay, drive safe.” Her voice
VERONICA“Don't ever think I will let this leave!” Diana hissed at Aunt Lucy. “I will make sure to take it back!” She sternly threatened Aunt Lucy as I stood in the distance and heard her harsh words.I don't understand what she is talking about, though, and since it involved Aunt Lucy, I intervened. Without hesitation, I stepped forward and cleared my throat.“What's happening here?” I asked; my voice paused both women, and their heads turned in my direction.Aunt Lucy frowned, and Diana, well, her eyes widened as if she had encountered a dead.“Veronica—” She muttered, her brows furrowed in confusion as a flicker of shock crossed her ivory gaze. “Wh-at are you doing here?”“This is her property. Of course, she will be here, unlike you.” Aunt Lucy snapped in my defence. “Now before I call the cops on you, leave!”“What did you say?”
VERONICA“Wasn't the man Christian Wolfe?” The first question William had asked after entering his exclusive room.I didn't expect the question, but then again, what was I thinking? My reaction was too profound after seeing him, which exposed my vulnerability to William.“Ye-eah…” I murmured and cleared my throat, “umm—shall I order your food here?” I asked, trying to ignore the topic.However, It's William Denstone I'm talking about, and I don't believe he'll cease his actions now, will he? He's never shied away from embarrassing me in the past, so why would he start now?“Why did you run away after seeing him, Veronica?” He inquired, settling onto the couch. His steely gaze bore into me, underscoring my helplessness once more.He is an important personality, and I can not ignore him… Yeah, how fortunate, Veronica. I scoffed inwardly.I bit down my lip and subtly avo
CHRISTIANThree years later, my heart is broken again. Reason—I dared to raise hope for the same woman who mercilessly shattered my heart three years prior.Will she ever understand me? I wondered. In fact, I know the answer already.— She won't. At least, the report before me strengthens that possibility.I looked down at the file that said, "William Denstone." It's the same man with whom I had seen her this morning. I swallowed the painful lump in my throat, shaking the image from my mind, or at least trying to.Yes, I did inquire about him. Perhaps because the scene had stirred an idea within me. A little, and I know perhaps it was foolish, yet it had sat over my chest like a thorn, so I had to.I prayed it was only my twisted mind, I really did, but in the end— my simple foolish doubt turned out to be the hardest truth of my life... William Denstone is her ex-lover, the man for whom she never gave me a chance with herself. She
VERONICAMy steps halted as I hurriedly turned and stepped around a corner, hoping they would pass without seeing me.However, they did not walk past; instead, they entered the canteen. Thankfully, they have not yet noticed me, as they are both engrossed in conversation.They paused near the counter, and the woman with Celine ordered a bowl of porridge before turning to Celine. From my vantage point, I could only see her face, but I could hear their conversation clear enough."Stop wiping for that useless man Celine, he is not worth your tears!" The woman sounded frustrated.Oh, is she crying? I blinked, trying to see Celine's face, but in vain. Who is she crying for, though? I wondered in my head."Oh, please don't say that, Emily," Celine said, her voice trembling. "Christian isn't what you think; he loves me very much. It's just—""Just gotten whipped by his ex-wife. Are you going to say that to me now?" That woman, Emily, re
VERONICAI quickly exited the elevator that opened onto the exclusive VIP floor of the 'City Heart's' building. This morning, Dr. Hurt's call caused me to rush to the hospital.From what I understand, William's behaviour appears uncooperative. He has again refused surgery and has not responded to attempts to help him. He is also not adhering to his medication regimen, which is unfortunately detrimental to his health.Though I am unsure why my presence is required, Dr. Hurt's concerning tone and urgent request compelled me to come. He sounded quite weary. Knowing William, I suspect he may be rather obstinate.Approaching his room, I observed Dr. Hurt and William's assistant standing outside. Their faces appeared sombre and strained."Dr. Hurt," I greeted, approaching him."Ah, Veronica, I am so relieved you've arrived." He sighed, appearing relieved by my presence. His usual professional demeanour seemed less pronounced, perhaps due to stress
CHRISTIANI frowned at Celine's unexpected arrival. "What are you doing here?" I inquired suspiciously.Despite my evident displeasure, she approached me hastily, her hands on my arms as she examined me with palpable anxiety. "I was so worried about you, Christian!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling. "I couldn't sleep all night, thinking of you!"I glared at her, about to push her hand away when she clutched her nails on my shirt and whispered, "Do you not want Denstones's land?" A threatening look flashed in her eyes that immediately made me pause.Approaching me, she closed the distance, inquiring solicitously, "Are you alright, my dear?" Her hand gently touched my cheeks.I briefly observed the children; they appeared surprised and bewildered. Cadence, due to her age, remained oblivious to the unfolding events, but Zeon's evident displeasure and disappointment deeply affected me, yet I feel quite helpless in this situation."I am well,"
CHRISTIANHer appearance was strikingly beautiful, reminiscent of the Veronica I recall—shy, blushing, and above all, innocent.I couldn't help my gaze lingering over her body, completely bare and sensitive under that flimsy robe. Just the thought of it tightened my body beyond limits.I swallowed the desire that was stirring within me like a storm and suppressed my intention to pounce on her again. Can you blame me, though? She's the woman I love. Even after everything that happened between us, I never stopped loving her. And when I realized she hadn't remarried and found her in my arms, I couldn't resist.And I devoured her, the way I have always wanted. I didn't hold back last night, and perhaps I couldn't either. Something within me just unleashed the inner beast I was keeping to myself.Her scent, her closeness, her delicate figure, her soft, smooth skin, her moans, everything had me spellbound last night, and I just lost myself. It may