Chapter 11

VERONICA Upon 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. "What?" Celine gasped. "Veronica, what's wrong with you?" At the same time, Christian's voice rose. No wonder his indifferent heart melted at his favourite woman's presence, and now he's hurt. "Tsk~tsk," I couldn't help but let out a sympathetic sound. "Aww, Mr. Wolfe is upset by his lover's insult." His deep blue eyes registered clear shock as his frown intensified. "Why are you baselessly defaming her, Veronica? Your behaviour is erratic." His voice resonated through the living room, further provoking me. "Lower your voice, Mr. Wolfe. Remember, you are standing in my home, not your cold, luxurious mansion." I stated coldly to him before turning to the shameless woman, "And you, since you're here—" However, my words were interrupted by a loud exclamation of "Mommy," as all our eyes turned to the sound's direction. Both Zeon and Cadence were standing near the living area. Their gazes were fixed on us, unsure of what was going on between us. I swallowed the bitter words that were at the edge of my tongue. They both walked toward us with Assistant Blake following behind. Cadence ran to me and hugged my leg, while Zeon positioned himself between me and Christian. "Mommy, wo's that? Youw patent?" She asked in her broken words. She grew up observing various patients visiting our door for checkups and witnessed me rushing out during inconvenient times for emergencies in the hospital; therefore, to her, every newcomer appears to be a patient. I gently lifted her into my arms and smiled at my little daughter, "No, darling, she simply got lost and found her way to our door. She will depart shortly— with some individuals." I explained, indirectly addressing both Celine and Christian. Her lips pouted as she turned to Celine with a curious gaze, resting her face against mine. "Oh, I see you have a daughter now?" Celine inquired, raising an eyebrow. "That explains it," she remarked. Before I could fully comprehend her words, she approached Zeon with a sympathetic expression, saying, "Poor Zeon. This young boy endured years of solitude while his mother pursued her own life." Her provocative words were like salt in my old, bleeding wound. What's worse was that Christian did not utter a single word against it. Of course he didn't; after all, she is his favourite woman, his precious lover. She could never be wrong in his eyes! Gently touching Zeon's head, she leaned toward him and said in a sweet tone, "Come to me, Zeon, come to Aunt Celine. Aunt Celine promises never to leave your side." However, what happened next, astonished us all, especially me. Zeon suddenly pushed her hand away, a frown furrowing his brow, before hurrying to my side and looking up at me expectantly, as if seeking my approval. Touched and slightly startled, I gently touched his head, saying, "Zeon—," at which point he immediately embraced me. He softly whispered, "I want Mommy." His voice was quiet yet audible to everyone present. "Mommy promised she wouldn't leave me again," he added. This warmed my heart, and for the first time, I regretted divorcing Christian. Tears welled up in my eyes as I gently embraced him with my free hand, holding his as close as possible. For years, I mistakenly believed my son was happy with his father. I imagined he didn't need me in his comfortable life and perhaps even resented my leaving. Or worse, that he had forgotten me. But I was wrong, and I have never been happier to be proven wrong. "What sorcery have you done to him?" Celine's eyes widened in disbelief as she glared at me, disrupting my little moment of joy. "How could you shamelessly come back after three years?" she cried out.