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?
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