Chapter 19

VERONICA "Cadence..." I whispered softly, tears welling in my eyes as I gently touched my daughter's chest, feeling her breath. "You're sleeping as if you have no worries in the world. But my love, I know how much you've suffered," I whispered, caressing her chest. Each of her scars is a whiplash on my body. Disability of my protection. My failure as a mother. I perceive a gentle touch on my arms. "Veronica, you are also injured; please return to your bed." His soothing voice reached my ears, prompting me to look up. Christian—The man I hate. He had hurt me severely, that even if I wanted to, I couldn't forgive him, or so I thought... Seems fate played a twisted game again. The man I loathe appeared before me when I was hopeless. He saved me and my daughter. Does he know that the girl he saved is a part of him as well?— "Veronica, get up," he said, slightly pulling me. I moved his hand away, turning to my daughter again. I firmly held her crib. "I wo-on't." I declined, tugging on my lower lip to stop my whimper. "Y-ou don't know wh-at I feel there, whe-en—" I swallowed hard, recalling the brutal scenes. "I bi-irthed her ri-isking my li-ife." I murmured, drifting back to the past. "Sh-e became my li-ife after lo-osing Zeon. H-ow co-ould I..." My throat caught up with emotions. "I c-can't li-ive without her." I gently sniffed and looked up at him. His deep blue gaze appeared empty. However, for the first time, I didn't feel bad. "Tha-ank y-ou, Christian. Thank you." I breathed heavily as tears flowed down my eyes. "Hmm..." Following a brief pause, he murmured, "Rest assured, she will be alright. She possesses the resilience of a warrior, just like her mother." His reassuring words calmed my apprehension as my attention returned to him. That slight touch of tenderness in his gaze fluttered my heart. From the beginning, he was always reticent, with a cold and distant demeanour, so unlike my own. However, I was slowly drawn to his calmness and wisdom. His touch made me feel alive, gave me a sense of security, and I fell for him. I suppose it was simply my misfortune that I was unable to move his heart as he moved mine... Swallowing hard, I looked away from the man who continually conflicted my emotions. The more I wanted to hate him, avoid him, the more I am drowned to him in some twisted manner that left me undone. "H-how is Zeon?" I asked, changing the topic. "Hmm, he's good. He's worried about you and— Cadence." He stated that, although a slight pause preceded his mention of Cadence's name, I brushed off the notion. "Y-you didn't tell him about our situation now, did you?" I immediately asked, worried about my son. I don't want him to learn about our messy situation. He reassured me with a shake of his head, saying, "Don't worry, I didn't say much. He wished to see you, but I felt it would be best if he visited you both after a few days, once you have recovered. He is only aware that you have been involved in a car accident." I expressed relief, stating, "That's good." I then inquired, "How is his fever now?" "Significantly improved. He has remained afebrile." He responded. "Oh..." I had no more words and turned to my daughter. However, a question suddenly crossed my mind as I looked up at him. "How did you find me, by the way?" "Zeon— he was attempting to contact you, and his concern grew when his calls went unanswered. To alleviate his worry, I investigated, and..." He paused, and the memory of what followed sent a chill down my spine. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and then looked up at him. "Thank you again," I said, feeling truly grateful. "No worries... I did it for Zeon." He said. A wave of sadness washed over me as I averted my gaze. I hoped he wouldn't notice my disappointment or pity me, and most importantly, I hoped he wouldn't take my daughter away. Yes, for once, I regret leaving him. Regarding my child, I admit to being selfish, as I believe most mothers are. However, I no longer wish for him to be involved in my life. If necessary, I will relocate to ensure this. After enduring so much, I can not bear the thought of my daughter being taken from me and raised in a similar manner as my son. "Th-the kidnappers?" I asked, trembling while mentioning them. "They aren't caught yet. The police are searching for them," he said, adding, "They need your help, Veronica. Do you remember their faces?" I attempted to recall their faces, introspectively reviewing my memories; however, only fragmented images surfaced, causing me to open my eyes abruptly with a gasp. "I-I know the-ere faces..." My voice was barely a whisper. I sensed a gentle touch on my back and discovered Christian bending beside me. His intense blue eyes conveyed a serious expression. "Can you help to make a sketch?" He asked coldly, Gulping hard, I nodded. "I ca-an. Th-ey weren't English and had perhaps a Mexican accent. It was dark in there, but— I will never forget them." A single tear rolled down my cheek. "Good. I will inform you when the time comes. In the meantime, please get some rest in your bed. Okay?" He said. "B-but Cadence..." "She is doing well, Veronica," he reassured me gently. "She is right before your eyes. The medical professionals are present, and so am I." I am unsure what precisely calmed my anxieties— the others or his presence. Nevertheless, I accepted his words, and with his assistance, I carefully rose and returned to my bed...