SIX MONTHS LATER…VERONICA …I always wondered how life really works. Standing in the wedding venue of a close family friend, I saw newlyweds, happy couples, couples with romantic tension that eventually led them to bed, or perhaps stubborn couples. You'd witness different types at a wedding, actually.I wonder how those pairs were formed and how they came to be together after so much drama. It all seems rather mysterious. Perhaps I'll never fully understand…"Did you see Diana?" Papa came beside me and almost startled me.Well, yeah, I have started calling David "Papa." He wasn't there in my life for twenty-nine years, but in the last few years, he has tried his best to be accepted by me.All his efforts were genuine. Everyone started liking him, including Aunt Lucy. Even she sometimes says that he is a changed man now.He was more of a friend than a father figure to me, and I always admired his efforts. Ultimately, however, he could not replace my dad. Given another opportunity, I w
VERONICAI was worried when Christian didn't return to our room until midnight that night, so I searched for him. I eventually found him in our home bar, drinking and lost in thoughts.Quietly, I approached the counter, poured myself a glass of wine, and sat down beside him.Christian only watched me but did not say anything. We quietly drank, and after a while, I decided to speak: “Why are you so upset, Christian?” I questioned.He, however, took a sip of his drink wordlessly. Sighing inwardly, I turned to him completely and tilted my head. “Did you see your mother? She’s happy, Christian. After many years, she’s again like a young girl. Didn’t you notice her eyes? They were sparkling?”His silence caused me to sigh. "Is it because of my father?" I inquired.I understand that it may seem unusual to consider my father and his mother's relationship. However, I personally didn't find it particularly strange. While David is my biological father, I only consider my dad to be my father, so
BONUS CHAPTER — 1 ...THREE YEARS LATER ...VERONICA ...Time has flown by quickly, and, indeed, good times often pass quickly.My family and I are enjoying a wonderful and fulfilling life. Zeon recently celebrated his tenth birthday, and Cade just turned five. We also welcomed a daughter into our family a year ago, and she is now four years old. We adopted her.It wasn't a plan; it just happened, and both Christian and I fell in love with her immediately after we saw her. She had no one in this life; she was found in a garbage can, and at that moment, we knew we had to take her. Cade and Zeon accepted her as their own, and surprisingly, they are very protective of their sister. Diana also seems fond of her. Actually, the whole family is.In recognition of the happiness she brought to our lives, we named her Joyce Wolfe. We affectionately call her Joy.My life with my husband has also changed and for the best. Christian is determined to not let me pregnant so he went for a vasectomy o
VERONICAAlmost a month later…I was finally discharged from the hospital. The entire hospital also held a small farewell for me, and I received flowers and chocolates from my colleagues and some regular patients.We returned home. However, I refused to get out of the car.Christian seemed worried. "What's wrong, baby?" he asked, his eyes filled with fear and concern.I hesitated a little before saying, “I want to see Stan one last time.”Christian silently nodded and directed the driver to proceed to the prison.Upon arrival, Christian assisted me in exiting the vehicle and escorted me inside. The jailer courteously received us and facilitated a meeting with Stan.As I entered the meeting room, Christian stood near the door and gave me a reassuring nod to go inside.I looked in his eyes, trying to figure out his thoughts, and there, in those beguiling blue shades, I witnessed only gentleness and care."It's all right; you go inside, and I will wait here," he said in a soft, soothing
VERONICAThe incessant beeping and unpleasant odour of the hospital were pervasive. I experienced significant bodily pain and a severe headache, feeling as though a heavy weight pressed upon my head.Despite my efforts to open my eyes, my vision remained blurry, leaving me with an unsettling and unpleasant sensation.It's peculiar. I don't recall how I arrived at this state. It feels as if I'm adrift in an unpleasant dream…"Veronica?" a pleasant voice inquired, calming my troubled thoughts.Christian! I wanted to look at him and respond, but I failed."Mom, call the doctor," I heard his voice again. "She's awake," he whispered, or I felt he whispered.I forced myself to flutter my eyes and open them. It's painful, still I tried, and there he is… not yet clear, but I could sense his presence right beside me.Soon, the doctors arrived, and I also started seeing things clearly. The first thing I noticed was all my family and friends, except Stan. Everyone was crying. Everyone looked so
CHRISTIAN“You're not pregnant already, are you?” I asked, my heart in my throat, feeling extremely apprehensive.“Uh—no, I’m not.” She whispered, and I sighed in relief.“Christian, what's wrong?” Her soft voice echoed in my ears, making me look at her.I observed Veronica's surprised expression; she appeared shocked and a little bewildered.Perhaps I reacted impulsively, but I have a valid reason for that."You don't want any more children with me?" she asked, sounding rather upset.“No, no, Veronica, you’re misunderstanding me,” I said hurriedly and held her hands. Looking into her questioning and slightly disappointed eyes, I explained…“I want kids, and only with you. It’s just—I can’t see you go through the same tormenting pain you suffered twice in your life,” I said, recalling her first time when she almost died giving birth to Zeon. Although I didn’t see her suffering from Cadence, I knew she suffered even more.“After Zeon's birth, my visits to you became less frequent and e