Chapter 6 A second chance?

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 embrace him into my arms so tightly and never let him go.

However...

At that moment, as if a sudden realization dawned upon him, he took a step back. Disbelief was evident in his eyes, and he promptly left the room.

I inwardly gasped, acknowledging the painful truth of my powerlessness. Regardless of the outcome, I can never be with him. I am that unfortunate mother who was unable to comfort her son when he was near, and now— sigh.

I rose and turned, only to be met by Christian's typically cold stare, in which I perceived nothing but a great deal of animosity directed toward me. Well, Christian, I do not care for you either.

He abruptly turned and left the room, possibly to follow Zeon.

"Mommy," a childlike voice reached my ears as I was embraced at my legs. I looked down to see Cadence gazing up at me with her large, expressive blue eyes. "Mommy dwon't cuy. Cadece lawve Mommy."

Her beaten yet endearing words softened my heart, bringing tears to my eyes. I lifted her into my arms and held her close. She is all I have now, and I can not reveal her to Christian, Otherwise, I'll end up losing her as well.

"So, three long years, huh?" A voice drifted my attention as I saw George standing, leaning against the door, with a sly and knowing smirk on his face.

I narrowed my eyes at him. "Shut it! It's not what you're thinking at all. It was just a pure and unexpected coincidence," I murmured.

He stared at me for a while and then shrugged, "Well, whatever you want to believe." He came near me, ruffling Cadence's hair, making her giggle.

"Uncle Geo will go now, sweetheart. I'll visit you again, my love," he said, kissing her cheek before nodding at me and walking away.

Near the door, he paused and turned to look over his shoulder. "Some coincidences are second chances from God, Vero. Don't overlook them," he said before leaving.

I stared at his disappearing back, stunned. I didn't expect him to say those words, especially since he knew everything from the beginning.

George Weston is my dearest friend and a wonderful support. He is also like an older brother to me. He and his lovely wife, Zaya, helped me through the most difficult time of my life.

Following my divorce from Christian, I was lost, and they offered me a place to stay. I was pregnant and severely devastated. Starting my career, experiencing challenging labour, and raising a young child while maintaining my composure and career was incredibly demanding, and they were a true blessing, especially Zaya. She cared for Cadence like a second mother and, in fact, still does whenever I am overwhelmed with work.

They are both Cadence's godparents.

I resided with them for two years, and just a year ago, honouring my request, George assisted me in acquiring this villa, situated conveniently near theirs. They wished for me to remain nearby, and I couldn't be more grateful toward them.

Observing George and Zaya's relationship, I sometimes feel a touch of envy. Their beautiful love story and deep affection for one another are truly inspiring. Their five years of blissful marriage is something I've always hoped for.

I'm not embarrassed to admit that one of my reasons for moving away was to respect their privacy and protect my own feelings.

"Mommy," my daughter said softly, touching my cheeks. She pouted slightly and pointed at her toys. "Cadece wan bwother to pway." She whispers before sliding down my arms.

She carefully gathered her picture books and a bag of blocks before quickly left the room, and I followed. She abruptly paused near the stairs, looked around as if searching something, and then turned to me. "Mommy, bwothew..." Her lips pursed as her doughy blue eyes welled up.

I feel bad for her. Generally, she doesn't get to play with children since I am mostly busy and her playmates are always Zaya or the servants. However, today, she found someone to play with, not her age, but a kind and, most importantly, someone who shares the same blood with her.

I gently knelt before her and smiled softly, "My pumpkin wants to play with her older brother?" I inquired, and she nodded with a tearful gaze.

I stroked her hair before standing and taking her to the guest room, a decision forming in my heart. Allowing them to play together once wouldn't be harmful, and perhaps a maternal instinct within me wishes for both siblings to reunite as well.

Besides, what could be a more delightful birthday gift for her than quality time with her older brother? Her birthday party was unfortunately postponed due to the rainstorm, but I can bake a cake for both my children.

Upon entering the guest room with her, I observed Zeon lying on the bed, his back to the door, with Christian seated beside him. My child's tense posture once again intensified my heartache, and I had to restrain myself from immediately embracing him tightly.

"Bwothew!" Cadence, being excited, left me and run to him, drawing their attention to her.

She put them before Zeon and clapped, "bwothew pway with Cadece!" She was excited and clapped cheerfully.

Zeon appeared hesitant. He glanced at me, then at his father, before making his decision. He gently lifted her onto the bed and began playing with her, and we observed them.

I found their interaction heartwarming. Despite their late and unusual meeting, the way they bonded warms my heart.

They soon became engrossed in their activity and oblivious to their surroundings. I was most surprised by Zeon's immediate and gentle care of little Cadence.

While dreamily observing them, I did not notice Christian until he spoke, saying, "Let's talk," before departing the room like a storm.

I rolled my eyes and found his demanding tone rather irritating, but I followed him nonetheless, first requesting a servant to remain with the children and notify me should anything arise.

He was standing near the stairs as I approached. "What is it?" I inquired flatly, crossing my arms.

His gaze was cold and distant, as it usually is to me. I wondered if he would ever be so detached with his true love.

"Answer me, Veronica. Did you ever wonder about Zeon?" He asked. His icy tone was sharp as a whip. "Did you know how he cried for you in his sleep every time he fell sick, or even last night?"

I was quite annoyed that he seemed to be blaming me for everything. Wasn't he going to chase me out of his life soon if I didn't leave immediately?

What an asshole!

I clenched my teeth as my hood his gaze with the same resentment. "Mr. Wolfe, you were here for your son, and as a doctor, I fulfilled my responsibilities. Therefore, don't make yourself too comfortable in my place, since it's morning, you should leave as soon as possible."

I would prefer not to engage in conversation with this man. I don't want to be dragged in his life again and go through the same heartache I had suffered three years ago, nor I want to lose my daughter just like my son! So it's better if he's gone!

I started to leave, but he rather forcefully took my arm, causing me to turn and face him.

"Veronica, do you even remember that he is your own fucking son!? You've given birth to him— and almost fucking died!"

The painful memories of my past have resurfaced, blurring my vision. What is he attempting to do? Why is he suddenly so interested in reminding me of those memories? Was he not satisfied after humiliating me for five long years?

Clenching my teeth, I pulled my hand from his grip, and glared at him, "stay away from me!" I hissed at him and immediately turned away as I felt my tears threaten to slip. I cannot give him the satisfaction of seeing me in tears, not anymore!

I rushed down the stairs, as his voice followed— "Veronica Granger, do you have any compassion left—" He came to an abrupt halt, and a moment later, I heard a heavy thud, as if something had fallen to the ground.

Before I knew it, I shuddered at the bloodcurdling scream of Assistant Blake, "Director!" as he ran past me.

I turned around and gasped; It was Christian. He had fainted.