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
CHRISTIANThe next morning, I woke to Blake's call. "What is it?" I asked, a little annoyed by the disturbance."Director, we have acquired most of the land for our resort project, with the exception of a few lands. One of these lands covers quite a good amount of the planned resort area. The owner, however, is unwilling to relocate." He sound frustrated.My already sour mood turned bitter. "Offer him twice the previous price," I ordered coldly."Director, we've already attempted that. However, they are unwilling to retract their position. It appears the property has recently changed ownership, and the new owner has declined our proposals."This is the problem with these small land owners. They're way too attached to their fields and create trouble in the work. However, minor obstacles are typical for large-scale projects, and I am accustomed to them."Offer more; if they still disagree, then proceed according to the law and evict them," I ordered and hung up the call.After awakening
VERONICAApproaching the villa, I parked my car and then slowly ascended the steps with a racing heart. I'm finally here— at my ex-husband's residence, whom I have vowed to never see again. Now, he's back in life like a storm, threatening to crumble my walls.Despite my deep desire to leave, I can not. I have something precious to him for whom I am willing to endure my heartache and face him again. My son, Zeon, needs me, and I will not abandon him this time.A middle-aged woman on the doorstep received me: "Greetings ma'am, you must be Doctor Granger, our young master's mother?""Yes." I replied."Please come in, madam. Mr. Wolfe informed me of your arrival." She replied, maintaining a polite smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "I am Martha, the young master's governess." she added.Zeon's governess? I frowned. Wasn't it Aunt Zhao before? A kind Chinese lady. When was she replaced? My eyes in the Wolfe residence never informed me. Why? Perhaps she was replaced earlier than I plan
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.
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