Chapter 9

CHRISTIAN Thrilled with the possibility, I gazed at the little girl. Her features were taken after her mother, except those eyes—but how is it even possible? Since she had gone through hard labour, I was scared for her health and refrained from touching her. I threw myself into work and deliberately stayed away from home so I wouldn't lose myself, except that night five years ago. I missed her so much that when she was near, I couldn't help but love her and want to be with her. But later, I mixed a strong birth control pill in her water; therefore, the equation didn't fall into place, and it made me more confused. Despite the confusion, I decided to ask her about it and immediately leave the children's room to find her. However, the room opposite was closed, and I froze at the reminder of another man's presence in her life. Her smiling face at him from yesterday flashed before my eyes as I stepped back, my hands clenching at my sides. She is with another man now, a man who is possibly her daughter's father. Distressed, I left in agony. She does not care about me; why would I? She didn't even care for her own son, preferring another man. She's a selfish and greedy woman! Stop letting her existence ruin your life, Christian! Internally chastising myself, I stormed into the guest room, only to find Blake near the doorway. "Director, I was looking for you. Did you check on the young master?" he inquired politely. However, I was not receptive to the company and glared at him. "Did I not instruct you to arrange our departure as soon as possible? What is the delay?" I demanded, my frustration mounting. He blinked rapidly, his face paling. "Director, the weather is severe. Exiting in these conditions is perilous. Sir, please consider the young master's well-being, if nothing else." And that intensified my annoyance even more, knowing he's right and I have no choice but to endure that selfish woman! My icy gaze swept across his face. "Scram!" I almost roared, and he immediately ran away. Experiencing a severe headache, I pressed my temples several times before lying down. It was a pure torment to be around her and witness her in a loving relationship with another man. Even before our wedding, I sensed her lack of interest in me, but I hoped that things would improve once we were married. Unfortunately, my hopes were shattered. She seemed unconcerned about my presence, never inquired about my tardiness, and never questioned the lack of a public announcement regarding our relationship. She simply remained by my side as if she were a prisoner. After Zeon was born, I saw her smiling at our son, which raised my hope for our marriage again. But her smile remained limited to Zeon; still, I accepted this and refrained from going near her, despite my strong desire. Unfortunately, her self-centeredness extended to distancing herself from Zeon. During my brief visits home, I discovered our son was often with his governess or mom and other relatives. Despite that, I continued to trust her. She was, after all, his mother. To gain her attention, I attempted to be close with Celine, a mutual family friend who returned after long years from abroad. She was loved and appreciated by my family. I anticipated her presence might elicit some response from her. However, Veronica remained unconcerned and never questioned my behaviour. Then, one day, she left, leaving Zeon and me heartbroken... As my thoughts overwhelmed me, I felt my eyelids growing heavy. I may have drifted into a light sleep when a disturbance near the bed roused me. My eyes snapped open, and I blinked. It's her—Veronica, standing over me. "V-Veronica—" I whispered. Did I see it right? She's here, in my room? She appeared startled and immediately took a step back, explaining, "I-I was just checking your temperature. You seem well!" I stared at her; she looked away, her face flushed. I swallowed hard, the long-suppressed desire within me stirring as my heart fluttered. Did she perhaps care for me?— The question itself twisted my heart in a pleasant manner. "I'll leave now!" she hurriedly said, turning around, but I immediately grabbed her hand. "Wait!" I exclaimed, pulling her closer. Losing her balance, she fell onto the bed beside me, her eyes widening. "Wha-at are you d-doing?" She gasped, her voice barely a whisper as her beautiful cerulean gaze staring at mine. Her familiar fragrance of jasmine and vanilla tickled my nostrils as I leaned toward her... She is exquisite; her scent feels enchanting, and all I desire is to be near her. "Did you come for me?" I inquired, still lingering on the idea. "You cared—still." Her face turned crimson as she shyly blinked, "I-I w-as just che-ecking! Don't o-overthink it!" She wanted to leave, but I pulled her closer enough to touch our nose. Her breath heaving, "Chris-tian— Pl-lease d-don't..." Her plea sounded weak as I bathed in her sweet scent. The pounding of our hearts heated up the moment. I nuzzled her cheek, drowning in her closeness. Unsure of my own feelings as I ignored some unfiltered facts… At the moment, her care, her shyness, her still being affected by my touch—all feels fair and right. "Chri-istian—" Her soft mewl burned within me as our lips touched slightly. Everything seems so nice and warm, until— "Director, the rain stopped! Just a few more—shit!" His shriek broke the enchantment as we both stumbled back. Veronica hurriedly stood up, "I'll leave!" and stormed out of the room, leaving me in a daze.