CHRISTIAN
My 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 with this ruthless woman.
I turned around and returned upstairs, near the guest room, and banged on my assistant's door. Immediately after a few seconds, he opened the door, looking disheveled. His eyes widened, seeing me. "Director—" he gasped.
"We will leave now! Find a way out first!" I almost growled in his face before storming to the guest room, only to find the bed empty.
My heart sank; he was right here! Where could Zeon go?
I immediately turned and hurried downstairs; my footsteps caught the couple's attention fast. However, I was not concerned about them or their family.
"Where is Zeon?" I asked angrily.
She frowned, emerging from the kitchen. "Beg your pardon, but weren't you with him just now?" She questioned back.
"I stepped out of the room for a short while, and upon my return, I did not see him," I snapped at her, "this is your place; you should know better!"
I was too mad to even consider my words.
She looked at me with a questioning expression before summoning a servant, inquiring, "Has anyone seen the young boy from the last night?"
Her words aroused my irritation—does she now see him as merely a young boy? Has she forgotten that she gave birth to him?
"No, ma'am," she replied politely.
"Then tell me where my son is?" I inquired, my patience wearing thin.
"Chill, dude, try to remain calm," the 'new' man of my my ex-wife intervened. "This is a secure place; your son must be somewhere within the villa."
"I'm not talking to you!" I responded, gritting my teeth, trying to maintain composure.
"Stop this nonsense at once!" Veronica chimed in, defending her 'new' man.
Her eyes glaring at me as she stated, "Stop projecting your incompetence at everyone around you! You were the one with him! S
You were supposed to take care of him and now you are blaming others!" Her lips twitched into a mockery, "Why am I even surprised!"
"You! How could you be so careless? Do you have no responsibility toward him at all?" I asked, my voice tight with emotion.
She chuckled coldly, her void gaze meeting mine, "You're still the same, aren't you, Mr. Wolfe?" Same, arrogant, ruthless and full of rubbish!"
"You...!" I was about to lash out at her when—
"Director, I've found him!" Assistant Blake's excited tone stopped me as my eyes darted to him. "He's in the children's nursery!"
Without a word, or sparing a glance at anyone, I rushed upstairs and followed Blake. Soon, we entered a room, and there he was—my seven-year-old son sitting on the floor with various games, a few books, and—a little girl?
He was silently observing the girl, who was rearranging the blocks and helping her.
I felt a presence beside me; it was Veronica. She gasped and immediately caught the attention of the other two.
Their eyes turned simultaneously toward us, and I saw two pairs of eyes glinting.
"Mom!?"
"Mommy!"
Two calls for their mother—one surprised, the other cheerful. The little girl stood up, and with her little arms spread, she ran toward her mother, exclaiming, "Mommy!"
I, however, only see my bedazzled son. He seems puzzled. Of course, he is unaware of his mother's infidelity. Slowly, he stood up, still staring at his mother in a daze.
"Mommy, bwothew!" The little girl broke my thoughts as she pointed at Zeon. "Bwothew, pway!" She excitedly described her experience to her mother.
"Mom--" Zeon murmured, that shattered my heart into billion pieces as I see my son's glistening eyes.
I was about to go to him, but-- Veronica raised upto her feet and slowly walked toward him.
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
CHRISTIANThose eyes—fiercely red, burning with rage. They shocked me to the depths of my very bones. In the five years of our marriage, I have never before witnessed such aggression from her. She is a calm and quiet persona.Was the displayed aggression truly necessary? Or, did I simply fail to understand Veronica's true nature?As I closed my eyes, memories of our unexpected reunion resurfaced. Her smiles, her confident demeanour, even her anger— all felt new and unfamiliar, as if I were encountering a completely new person who happened to share my ex-wife's features.I wonder if others feel the same way, or was it just me?—My thoughts were interrupted by a gentle touch on my arm. "Chris, are you okay?" Celine's voice followed next.I withdrew my arm from her touch and opened my eyes. She was leaning over me, her eyes filled with concern.I frowned, sitting up straight. "What are you doing here?" I couldn't help the curtness of my tone.Her lips pursed, biting on them as her eyes t
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