CHRISTIAN
I looked at my ex-wife, falling silent at Blake's words. She was still beautiful, only there was no longer the tenderness she once showed me.
I remembered how she called Zeon "my son," as if he were not hers. At that moment, I couldn't help but be glad Zeon was asleep. He didn't need to know what a cruel person his mother was, though her leaving three years ago was proof enough.
"Can we spend the night here, Madam?" Assistant Blake asked, his voice begging.
"It's Dr. Granger," she corrected, and I scoffed.
I could see she was hesitating, yet I couldn't understand what was troubling her while Zeon was still feverish. Did she really not care at all?
Just when I was losing my patience, she finally nodded. "Well, you can stay. But only for a night. You have to make other arrangements tomorrow."
"We have no wish to stay here either," I interrupted, anger raging in my chest. "If it weren't for this unusual nature, we wouldn't have troubled you."
"Whatever!" She replied nonchalantly. "Maria, show them their rooms on the north side."
Veronica stepped toward the door without glancing back. Suddenly, some monitor rang, and a child's cry cut through the atmosphere.
She froze, and the next second, she rushed off the door to the main villa with a worried face.
"I-is that a child crying?" Blake gasped, his gaze turning to me in surprise. "I believed the mada-- Dr. Granger resided alone! Is there any other patient except us?"
"I apologise for the inconvenience." The servant followed Blake in the chamber slightly bowed at us. "Madam has placed baby monitors throughout the house as our young miss is quite young and frequently requires her mother's attention."
It was like a thunder hit my heart. A little child— So she's with another man already?
The stark reality pierced my heart, causing intense emotional ache. Memories of that night three years ago resurfaced—the night I returned home to find her short note on the floor. 'Let's separate, Christian. I've signed the divorce papers and left them for you. You are free from today onward....' and then that ruthless paper I found.
The only words she had for me after five years of marriage. She even left a second note for Zeon, seeking his forgiveness.
Her departure stirred something within me, and I, like a crazed man even though she was never completely into me to begin with. I searched for her throughout the city, but no trace of her was found; she disappeared into thin air.
I hadn't realized she was serious about divorce when she mentioned it the other night; I thought she was just expressing boredom. So, I intentionally brought up Zeon in our conversation, so she stops thinking to leave me. However, in the end, she left me and our son.
Tonight felt like a blessing in disguise when I finally found her, but— Now, she has a daughter…
"P-papa—" Zeon's weak whisper broke my thoughts as I immediately rushed to his side.
"Yes, I am here." I touched his head; the fever had slightly reduced.
"M-om… D-did sh-e c-co-me to s-ee m-e?" He queried, his little voice cracking from exhaustion. "I-I h-ha-ve se-en h-er…"
My heart ached as if gripped by an iron fist. Swallowing the hard knot in my throat, I caressed hishead-- "she'll be in front of you when wake up, now go back to sleep, okay?" I assured him.
He slowly blinked, then turned away and closed his eyes—perhaps silently questioning my truthfulness, as he has in the past. But my son, I wasn't lying this time. She is here, very near to you. Papa just doesn't know if she wants you anymore.
"Boss, we should move the young master to his room," Blake said softly from behind.
"Yes," I murmured, pushing aside my troubled thoughts. I carefully lifted my son and followed the servant.
The guest room was quite spacious and tastefully decorated, reflecting her simple yet pleasant style.
I laid my son in bed; his eyes remained closed as he turned away from me. He's not asleep yet. Of us all, Zeon misses her most. Although he rarely mentions her, except during his illnesses, I know my son. He endures his sorrow quietly and alone.
After tucking him in with a warm quilt, I left the bed and turned to my assistant, "Keep an eye on the weather. We must leave by the morning." I stated coldly. I wished to avoid any further interaction with that woman and spare my son the distress of her presence.
"Sir, the weather forecast is unfavourable; I'm not certain we can leave in the morning," he replied hesitantly.
"Then manage something else!" I glared at him.
"Yes, sir!" he said hurriely before quietly departing.
Throughout the night, I was unable to sleep. Her harsh tone, the infant's cry, haunted me. The urge to rush and ask her why she did that to us kept me unsettled.
She had a child with another man? Did she leave us for him? Did she consider Zeon's feelings at all? I wonder if she is happy now, despite the hurt she caused us. I had many questions for her, but I chose to remain with my son instead.
As dawn broke, I felt a little drowsy when a small disturbance caught my attention. I blinked and turned to Zeon; he was softly weeping in his sleep, murmuring, "M-mom-my..."
My heart aches for my son as I hold him close. His fever has not fully subsided yet.
I gently patted his back as I gazed at the ceiling. Zeon is my world, and I can not bear to see my child suffer. This innocent boy is enduring pain through no fault of his own.
Should I speak with Veronica about this? Will she be receptive now? I am uncertain, but I can attempt to discuss it. Zeon longs for his mother's love, and although it pains me to admit it, only Veronica can offer him that comfort.
Soon, the morning approached, yet darkness and heavy rain persisted outside. I checked on my son and was relieved to find his fever had subsided completely. Thank God.
I got out of bed and decided to speak with Veronica first. I am uncertain of the outcome, but I am prepared to do anything for my son.
On my way out, I encountered a servant from the previous night. I stopped her and asked about Veronica.
"Madam is in the kitchen downstairs, sir," she replied. "You will find her there."
With a racing heart, I hurried downstairs. However, upon nearing the kitchen, I paused, stunned by the scene before me. Behind the counter, she was smiling happily with a man.
Who is he? Could he be the father of her daughter?
CHRISTIANMy gaze was stuck on the scene… My now ex-wife was standing close to another man, leaning toward his phone and smiling brightly at his words as if he had promised her the nectar of eternity.My hands were clenched tightly, possibly leaving bruises; I don't recall her ever laughing so joyfully in our five years of marriage.She has a daughter. Now, this man—did she leave us for him? Who is he, father of her daughter? Did she truly remarry?A dull ache spread through my heart as I watched her joyful laughter. Upstairs, her own son is in need of care. That little one longs for his mother's attention, and she— my eyes welled up.Is he the man who was between us during our five years of marriage? For whom she could not become fully mine?Did she truly forget her own son and embrace her new life with her daughter and husband? Does Zeon mean nothing to her?My fists tightened. I've decided to leave immediately; I can't bear to watch Zeon suffer further heartbreak by interacting wit
VERONICA"Mom—" is simply a small word, but at that moment, the heaviness of the word filled me with indescribable warmth. I didn't realize that I had craved to be called "Mom" by him so badly.And that broke me. Tarnished me to the point that, even though it wasn't my fault, I despised myself for leaving him three years ago.Since yesterday, I had repeatedly stopped myself from showing affection to him in front of Christian, but at that point, the mother within me forced me to go near him, and I did."Hey..." I said, softly smiling at him as tears blurred my vision.Raising my hand, I touched his cheeks as he stared at me. His eyes were longing and teary. He slowly leaned into my touch. "M-Mom, yo-u came." His tone cracked.The way he looked at me felt as if he had longed for me just as I had for him. Did he really miss me in these three years? Did he call for me? Am I really meaningful to him?My heart bled involuntarily... "Y-es, I'm he-re..." My voice broke as well. I want to embr
VERONICAI was puzzled to see Assistant Blake holding his large figure, which now lay on the floor."Madam, please help!" His urgent tone brought me back to the present, and I hastened to his side.With the assistance of assistant, Blake, we gently escorted him to the guest room where his children were playing. Upon seeing us, Zeon quickly dismounted from the bed and helped Cadence as they approached their father."Papa!" His voice quivered with fear as he gazed at his father.Gently placing him on the bed, Blake began removing his shoes and loosening his clothing while I sat with my children. Cadence was frightened, though she didn't understand, and immediately hid in my chest as Zeon watched anxiously.I caressed his cheeks and softly reassured him, "Mom's a doctor; he will be alright." This slowly calmed his expression as he nodded.After reassuring the children, I returned to his side and asked for my medical kit from a servant. Upon examining him, I discovered he had a high fever
CHRISTIAN"Christian, you are not the man for me," she stated, her gaze unwavering. She was leaning against another man—the man with whom she shared joyful laughter."Ple-ease, Veronica," I pleaded. "D-don't leave m-e—"She laughed coldly, "In your dreams—" She looked up at the man and smiled radiantly, a smile that pierced my heart. "Let's go, darling," she murmured softly and departed."N-no! Veronica!" I attempted to follow her, but I was unable to; a powerful force held me back as I fell face-first. My hands reached out, "N-no!" My vision blurred as she slowly faded away...My eyes flew open as I bolted upright in bed. Sweat slipped through my pores as I panted hard from the cold, terrifying nightmare that had haunted me for the last five years.The only difference was that the man now had a face."Director, you're awake!" A shriek startled me as I saw Blake appear before me. "Thank God, it's a relief. I was quite worried!"A dull ache pulsed in my head as I massaged my temple and
CHRISTIANThrilled with the possibility, I gazed at the little girl. Her features were taken after her mother, except those eyes—but how is it even possible?Since she had gone through hard labour, I was scared for her health and refrained from touching her. I threw myself into work and deliberately stayed away from home so I wouldn't lose myself, except that night five years ago.I missed her so much that when she was near, I couldn't help but love her and want to be with her. But later, I mixed a strong birth control pill in her water; therefore, the equation didn't fall into place, and it made me more confused.Despite the confusion, I decided to ask her about it and immediately leave the children's room to find her. However, the room opposite was closed, and I froze at the reminder of another man's presence in her life.Her smiling face at him from yesterday flashed before my eyes as I stepped back, my hands clenching at my sides.She is with another man now, a man who is possibly
VERONICAI stormed into my room and closed the door, leaning against it to catch my breath. My pulse raced, and my legs trembled, causing me to almost lose my balance.I suppressed a rising feeling of anxiety as the recent encounter replayed in my mind—had it not been for Blake's timely intervention, the consequences would have been—No, no, no!I covered my mouth, realizing the gravity of the situation.Stupid woman! I scolded myself.How could I lose myself in front of him? The man who hurt me, pushed me to the edge and forced me to leave my own son.— How could I be so shameless as to fall into his web? How could I react so pathetically in front of him?Wasn't he murmuring her name in his unconscious state only? How could he behave that way?I pulled my hair in frustration. Anger and embarrassment gripped me strongly. I felt like disappearing into thin air.How could his presence still affect me even after the heartache he caused me? Fuck! Why did I even bother to check on him!?Shit
VERONICAUpon Celine's arrival, Christian immediately disengaged his hand from my arm. "What are you doing here?" he inquired, frown creasing his temple.Her gaze fell upon us, widening slightly, perhaps in surprise at seeing me. "Veronica—" she whispered.The situation became increasingly uncomfortable as I withdrew from Christian. First him, and now his lover— what unfortunate circumstances I find myself in!"Why are you here?" Celine inquired, her tone laced with suspicion. "Didn't you leave years ago? Why have you returned?" Her eyes held a cold accusation.I found her boldness rather amusing and met her gaze steadily. Raising an eyebrow, I let out a cold, bitter chuckle. "My presence here, you ask? How ironic! Apparently, none of you noticed the prominent nameplate at the entrance." I scoffed."I wonder if you're all losing your sight together? No worries, though. I can recommend some outstanding eye specialists for the sake of our old rivalry." Sarcasm dripping from my voice."W
VERONICACeline immediately approached Christian, gripping his arm. "Christian, what is happening? Why are you remaining silent, danm it!?" She demanded. "Surely you aren't considering a reconciliation with the woman who abandoned you and Zeon years ago, are you!? And now—" Her gaze intensified, fixing on my daughter, whom I drew closer, trying to hide her from her poisonous gaze. "—and now she has a child with another man! Christian, I'm asking you something!" She cried out frantically.Her wailing polluted the peaceful atmosphere of my home, heightening my anxiety and anger."Enough!" I roared, glaring at the unpleasant couple before me.I was quite upset by their toxic behaviour, and in a moment of frustration, I raised my voice in front of my children, particularly Cadence. She is not accustomed to such volatile situations and becomes quite distressed.I immediately attended to my daughter, comforting her until she calmed down. As the unpleasant couple showed no sign of leaving, I
VERONICAMy eyes widened, and my heart raced uncontrollably. My head spun from the drunken kiss.I can taste the alcohol in his breath. His tongue slowly licked my lips, sending shivers down to my core.No-no! This is not happening! I-I can't fall for this again!"Ch-chris—" I tried to push him away from me, only to be pinned down by him more. "Wh-at a-are yo-u do-oing." I muttered breathlessly once his lips nibbled my neck."Shh." He nuzzled my face. One of his hands held my hands above my head, and the other roamed my body."Veronica..." His sensuous whisper lingered in my ears, making my breath catch... His way of calling my name evoked memories of our shared past. He used to do this always when he made love to me."Chri-istian..." Overwhelmed with emotion, I found myself unable to suppress the tears welling up. Closing my eyes, I felt a sense of defeat and uncertainty, and my strength began to fail.I longed for him deeply, both physically and emotionally. I yearned for his affect
VERONICAI splashed water on my face and looked into the mirror. Staring back at me was a beautiful woman... Her beautiful cerulean eyes, smooth olive skin, and raven hair had been admired by many. However, since she had understood love, she had only admired one—her ex-husband and the father of her children.However, life changed, people moved on, and she remained separated from her husband for three years, with a delusion of forgetting him, until he re-entered her life, turning the tables. Now, the woman in the mirror is confused and agonized.She knows she should just move on. Perhaps a new chance with someone better, someone who will reciprocate her feelings, but can she love again when her ex-husband still rules her heart?Sigh—I raised my hand and wiped the glass, causing it to become blurry. I don't want to look at myself, I only feel pity for such a woman.After donning my silk robe, I returned to my room. It's past midnight, so naturally Zeon and Cadence were both sleeping so
CHRISTIANI saw my son happily leave the villa with Blake. He's off to spend another day with his mom and— half-sister. Fuck! I can't stand that word "half" these days. I find this term quite tedious and painful in unexpected ways, yet ironically, I must persevere, thanks to my ex-wife.Before leaving the villa, Zeon turned to me and gave a farewell wave, to which I offered a strained smile in return. I couldn't allow him to see my distress.At times, I feel a pang of envy for my son's ability to so readily forgive his mother for abandoning him and to form a bond with her. I am envious of his ability to so readily accept Cadence as his own.He deeply cares for and protects Cadence. I realized this last night when I checked on him and found him sitting on his bed. Initially, I thought it might be due to Veronica's departure, but then he asked me to help apprehend those who harmed his mother and sister.He practically begged me, He said he'd promised Cadence he'd help them...And that a
VERONICA"What?" I gasped, abruptly sitting upright in bed, my eyes widening in response to his statement.I must have misheard, didn't I? Well— I certainly didn't!"Yes! They have withdrawn their claim, Vero!" he exclaimed once more. "Their legal counsel contacted me this morning and abolished the notice; I have the dismissal paperwork in my hand right now.""Wow!" The unexpected news left me momentarily stunned."It appears your conversation with him was productive, Vero. Mr. Wolfe does not seem to be as unfeeling as we thought." He stated."A discussion?" I questioned, momentarily taken aback by his assertion.Hmm, didn't you say yesterday that you would talk to him? Did you forget already? He questioned, and then the bell rang— last night. I intended to discuss the matter with him, but— a pang of discomfort and penance crossed me as the scene of him, and Celine floated within me.With a gulp, I shook my head and explained, "I haven't had the opportunity.""Oh!" Geo's surprised gas
VERONICA"Go to sleep, baby." I gently kissed my son's forehead and tucked him in with the quilt. "Mommy will be leaving now, and I look forward to seeing you tomorrow morning.""Mom—" Zeon got me to sit back down next to him."Yes, love?"A slight frown furrowed his otherwise flawless brow, his expression hardening. "Aunt Celine—" he began, causing my blood pressure to rise."What did she do? Did she hurt you somehow?" I asked impatiently, frowning.He shook his head, "nothing— she's gone." he mumbled. "Papa sent her back to London, so— you can visit me more often." he whispered."Oh!" I gasped in surprise; I hadn't anticipated that. He sent her back? I wonder why.Zeon nodded slowly. "Yes, Mom," he said. He pressed his lips tightly, as if hesitating, but then said shyly, "Actually— Papa didn't like her."My eyes fluttered rapidly as the information overwhelmed me. I bit my lip, gently stroking my son's head. "Perhaps we shouldn't discuss these adult matters," I softly suggested. "Le
CHRISTIANLife has been unfair to me since I have known. A glimmer of hope that peeked at the corner of my bruised soul was unfortunately short-lived.Her calling me 'pa-pa' twisted my heart, bathing me in unimaginable anguish that had left me undone.I was reluctant to leave that child, but I realized I was not suited for the role. Those messages served as a painful reminder that my aspirations are merely my own desperate longings, holding no significance or place in Veronica's life.When I left, I may have seemed a cruel and selfish man, but inside, I burned with anguish. Every fibre of my being screamed to return to her and hold her in my arms, but I had no choice.Veronica's last call left me feeling uneasy. I longed for her to intervene. I wished she had said, "Christian, please don't go. We need you, she needs you,"—then I would have defied the world to stand by them.However, she did not, and that was a deceptive reality that struck me forcefully once more...Why do I feel such
VERONICABoth my children were lying with me, and it never felt good enough. The only absent piece in our perfect family was Christian. He gave me a family to cherish and then ruined it with his coldness. Perhaps now he is having fun with his lover.The memory remains acutely painful, as vivid as the first day. For three years, I harboured the illusion that I had moved on, an illusion that shattered immediately by his unexpected reappearance.With my children beside me, I have to live now— The words 'marriage' and 'love' aren't for me anymore. I'm severely traumatised.As I lay with them, I didn't realize when I dozed off until annoying notification sounds jerked me awake.My eyes fluttered as I looked and gasped inwardly. Christian—he was standing right beside my head, holding Cadence in his arms. A-am I still dreaming?"Christian..." I muttered.He seemed surprised and startled by my call, his eyes quickly turning to me. His face contorted with darkness. What happened? Did I scare h
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
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