Chapter 3

VERONICA My heart trembled violently as I inhaled a shaky breath. Was it my Zeon who was unwell? And Christian was also out there? A thunderbolt broke my thoughts, along with the man's voice that echoed in my ears, bringing back some painful memories: "Please, open the door, Doctor." This time, it was another voice, far deeper and more magnificent. Three years had passed, and his voice still made my heart pound. Although I had a strong desire not to see him, the mother inside me couldn't hold back the urge, and after swallowing the hard lump in my throat, I eventually opened the door, only to meet the same cold, penetrating gaze. Christian— I stared back at him, unlike those five years when I used to look away and said aversely, "Bring in the patient; I will attend to him." Christian, however, did not move. His icy blue gaze seemed glued to me. His face was void, his cold eyes unreadable. In three years, he had not changed at all. When he didn't move, I felt slightly annoyed. "If you don't want me to attend to your son, you can leave. Don't waste time." No response, either. Irritated, I was about to close the door when he abruptly placed his foot in the gap and pushed the door open, tenaciously gripping my arm. "Veronica, it's you," he whispered. I yanked my hand away and turned to him. My hard stare swept across his face. "Don't!" I snapped. "If you want me to treat your son, then do not try anything funny—" He seemed taken aback at first, and soon, his thin lips curved into a slight mockery. "My son, huh? Fair enough, Doctor Granger. Then please, treat my son." "I will give any price you name in exchange." I swallowed hard, my gaze fixed on his. I refused to look away even if his sharp words were stinging like poison. He, without a word, turned around and left for his car. Under the heavy rainstorm, I saw him bringing a child in his arms while his assistant held an umbrella protectively. Before I could say anything, Maria, one of my other servants, volunteered to help them protect Zeon with another umbrella. After they brought him inside the villa, I led them to my chamber attached to the villa and gestured for Christian to put him on the narrow white bed. My heart shuddered at the sight of my little son. His face was red, and he seemed to be in a dizzy state. I clenched my fists, trying to suppress my desperate urge to rush to his side, hug him tightly in my arms, and never let go. "Cure him, and I will pay you any price." Christian's blank, arrogant voice jerked me back to reality as I swallowed the painful lump in my throat. "Stay aside," I said, my voice a sheer whisper. I took out my stethoscope and sat beside him. With trembling hands and a tight heart, I touched his.little face. My emotions were on the verge of being unleashed, yet I somehow controlled them. I didn't want to look like a mess in front of that man. My ego and rage toward him would not allow me to become weak. Removing my hand from Zeon's face, I held his wrist and pursed my lips, hurting myself at this point to not let out a sob. My little son has grown up. He looked like an exact copy of his father—handsome, a work of art. He has my eyes, though. I wish I could have a glance. Drowned in the velitation of motherly love and professionalism, I eventually completed observing him. Slowly, walking toward my medicine cabinet, I searched for the medicines. My shuddering hands searched for the medicines as fast as possible. I just want to get away from this man, as far away as possible with my daughter, before I lose my control. Seeing my son and realizing my helplessness made me even more determined to keep Cadence away from their knowledge. It felt as if time had stopped, and I lost track of my organized medication cupboard. "Shit!" I cursed under my breath when I accidentally scratched my finger on the wooden shelf, yet I did not stop. I hate myself for still letting his presence bother me, but I just couldn't stop myself! After all, I had loved him and expected nothing else but a little respect in the relationship, which he was unable to give me. Now, once again, he is in front of me, tormenting me. I furiously searched for the exact medicine for fever reduction, and thank God, I found it in time. I strode toward Zeon's bed, avoiding Christian's piercing gaze the entire time. I prepared the medicine and let Zeon swallow it while he was in a sleeping state. "I have given him the medicine. After resting overnight, he will be fine," I said, looking elsewhere except at him. "Hmm." He hummed, "Name your price." His words were like salt in my bleeding wounds. "My treatment is priceless, Mr. Wolfe. Your money is unwelcome here." My reply came out harsher than I meant it to be. I swept my gaze over my unwell son, and with a twisted heart, I said, "Anyway, my work is done here. I will give you one more dose for the morning, and that'll be all. You can leave now." Withdrawing my eyes with much difficulty, I proceeded to leave the room when the door opened, and I saw Assistant Blake and my servant Maria walking in. Assistant Blake's face was pale with worry. "Director, the entire city has been flooded. The roads are blocked, and the government has asked the residents to stay in their houses." "Seems like we are stuck in here for the night."