In front of the mirror, Veronica appeared seated in silence. Her eyes tightly shut. She took a deep breath, trying to dispel the tightness that enveloped her.
Since last night, her thoughts had been all over the place. Her heart still felt both sore and melancholic as she recalled the image of Sean, whom she had unintentionally met at the dinner party.
Rubbing her chest, Veronica attempted to take several deep breaths. Exhaling softly, yet it still felt futile. Flashes of the past continued to dance in her mind.
“I’m just going away for a short while, Ve. I promise, once I finish the education I’m pursuing, I’ll come back to propose and marry you.”
“Why do you have to study abroad? Are you intentionally leaving me?” Veronica had asked at the time, unable to accept it.
Seeing her lover’s eyes welling up with tears, Sean embraced the beautiful woman in front of him. He gently kissed her forehead, accompanied by a soothing smile.
“Who would want to leave you? I’m going abroad only for a short time to get a scholarship and complete the studies I’ve chosen. Besides, this is the only way to catch your father’s attention and approval. Remember! I’m just an orphan with nothing. How can I secure a solid job or a good position if I stay here and accept fate?”
Veronica couldn’t argue. What Sean said was 100% true. All this time, her father had indeed allowed her to choose her partner, as long as they came from an esteemed family. At the very least, they should have a higher education, skills, or a commendable position.
Until now, Sean and Veronica had to keep their relationship a secret. They did this to prevent Damian from separating them.
“I beg you to wait for me. I’ll do anything to make our dreams come true.”
While squeezing Sean’s wrist, Veronica nodded. Despite the difficulty, she had to let her love go to continue his education abroad. After all, the Master’s program would only take about two years.
Veronica thought that waiting for her love for two years wouldn’t be too hard. Moreover, she had to focus on the tasks and responsibilities her father had just given her.
Veronica was confident that when Sean returned to Indonesia, they would both have fulfilled their respective duties. And afterward, they could move forward to a more serious stage in their relationship.
In the first few years, everything went according to plan. They faced no major obstacles apart from the challenges of distance and time zone differences.
However, all hopes suddenly vanished when, unexpectedly, Damian arranged a marriage between Veronica and the son of an old friend. She initially refused, presenting various arguments. Yet, Damian remained unyielding.
“Veronica already has a potential partner, Dad. I don’t want to marry a man I don’t love.”
“Who’s your potential partner? Bring him here. Have him propose to you in person if he truly exists.”
Veronica shook her head. There was no way she could bring Sean to her father right then and there.
“He’s studying abroad. But after he finishes his Master’s program, he promises to propose and marry me right away.”
Damian chuckled, doubting his daughter’s words.
“Oh my goodness, dear. There’s no guarantee that he’ll come back and marry you immediately. He might meet another woman there during his education. Who knows? Are you sure he’s been faithful all this time? Please engage in a relationship that’s more certain. Besides, the match I’ve prepared for you has clear qualities and suitability. And I’m certain he’s worthy of standing by your side.”
“But, Dad-”
“Veronica!” Damian shook his head, raising his hand to signal his daughter to stop arguing. “You’ve lived for 25 years. Has Papa ever asked you for anything? Or demanded you to do something you disliked?”
Veronica fell silent, recalling that her father had never asked or demanded anything of her. He granted her freedom while still guiding her toward what was best for her.
“Papa has never asked anything from me, Veronica,” the beautiful woman whispered softly.
“That’s why, can’t Papa ask something of you just this once? Papa is only asking you to agree to marry the man Papa has chosen. It’s for your own good, my dear.”
Seeing the pleading look on her father’s face, Veronica finally couldn’t argue or refuse any longer. Because of this, she ultimately agreed to end her relationship with Sean and later marry Darwin.
“So, you’re calling me late at night like this to end the long-standing relationship between us?”
One night, Veronica was forced to contact Sean, who was far away. She tried to explain the ongoing situation to her lover and apologize for having to end their relationship.
“I’m sorry. I really can’t defy my father’s orders and requests.”
“Yeah, I know. I don’t have any right to stop or hold you back, either.”
“Sean—”
“It’s okay, Ve. I’m fine. This is a risk that I should have considered from the beginning.”
“But I love you, Sean.”
“It’s pointless, I can’t possibly take you away now either. I’ve lost in every way, Ve.”
“So, you’re okay with me marrying someone else?”
“Maybe for now, yes. But someday, I assure you, I’ll be there and bring you back to my side.”
Remembering Sean’s words from the past, Veronica pondered. She truly never expected to be reunited with her lover again. Could this be the time Sean chose to return and prove his words from the past?
After almost an hour lost in thoughts and memories, Veronica sat up. Grabbing her black Kelly Bag, she hurriedly left the room.
Walking down the stairs slowly, she made her way to the dining room. Checking the dishes on the table once more, she chose to head to the car immediately.
“Veronica, aren’t you going to have breakfast first?” Renata questioned as she passed Veronica on the front terrace.
“No. I’m in a hurry. I’ll eat at the office. Renata, please make sure Mr. Darwin has his breakfast. I remember he has a meeting later this afternoon.”
Renata nodded. Then she let Veronica enter the car to go to work, while she resumed her tasks.
Entering the house, 15 minutes later, Darwin came downstairs from the second floor. He walked directly to the dining room. Pulling out a chair, he sat down to enjoy the breakfast that was already laid out.
In silence, Darwin savored the food on his plate. Usually, he preferred to have whole grain bread or bread with various fillings. For some reason, his taste was awakened this morning upon seeing the Indonesian coconut rice dish, “nasi uduk,” served on the table.
He tried it, and the food met his expectations. It was delicious and had the right flavor. He even finished a full plate with fried chicken and scrambled eggs.
“Your drink, sir,” Renata said, handing him two glasses-one containing warm tea and the other a large glass of water. Darwin indeed preferred warm tea over coffee.
“Thank you, Renata. By the way, the nasi uduk is delicious. It’s rare for something to taste so good to me.”
Renata smiled. While tidying up Darwin’s empty plate, she responded, “So, my cooking is usually not good, sir?”
“Not that it’s not good. It’s actually quite good. It’s just that this morning, it suits my taste perfectly.”
“But, sir,” Renata continued, “Mrs. Veronica is really amazing. She’s beautiful, independent, a career woman, and she cooks well too.”
“How much are you getting paid to praise her in front of me?”
Renata laughed. She wasn’t at all offended by Darwin’s words. Having served him for a long time, she knew his temperament well.
“I’m not getting paid, sir. This is genuinely from the heart. Mrs. Veronica is really like that. And you don’t need to be shy about admitting it. Mrs. Veronica isn’t home, so it’s safe to compliment her.”
Darwin rolled his eyes. Annoyed by his assistant’s banter, he stood up from his seat. Grabbing the jacket he had draped over his chair earlier, he prepared to leave.
“So, where’s Veronica going? Why isn’t she home at this hour?”
“Aww, are you looking for her?” Renata teased deliberately.
“Ugh, come on, what’s going on? She said she wasn’t here. It’s only a little past 7. It’s unusual for her not to be home,” Darwin retorted.
Renata laughed. She enjoyed seeing her employer annoyed and flustered after her teasing.
“Even if you were genuinely looking for her, it’s okay, sir. She’s your wife after all. Mrs. Veronica actually left home earlier today. She seemed to be in a hurry. Maybe there’s an urgent task she needs to finish.”
Darwin simply nodded. Glancing at the Vacheron Constantin watch on his wrist, he continued his stride. Getting into his car, he headed off to the office.
***
“How are you, Veronica?”
Veronica froze as she arrived at the office, finding Sean waiting in front of the room. Without hesitation, he approached and greeted her, acting friendly as if nothing had ever happened between them.
“I-I’m okay, as you can see.”
Sean nodded and came closer, attempting to bridge the distance between them. He gently took Veronica’s wrist, leading her into the room.
Once the door closed, without any small talk, without many words, he moved closer, embraced Veronica tightly, and let out all the longing he had been suppressing for so long.
“I’ve missed you,” he whispered, loosening the embrace slightly to lift Veronica’s chin, aiming for a kiss. He kissed her passionately, alternating between her upper and lower lips. Eventually, Veronica, feeling uncomfortable, mustered the courage to push Sean’s chest, forcing their lips apart.
“Sean, we can’t do this. I’m married.”
Damn it!
Sean cursed. He nearly lost control, having overly dramatized the situation.
“Ve, I’m sorry. I lost control. I’m like this because I’ve missed you so much.”
Veronica let out a sigh. Shifting her position, she walked over to the sofa and sat down. At the same time, Sean followed, sitting not far from her.
“I don’t know what to say now. But why are you suddenly here? And with Papa, too?”
Veronica shook her head in disbelief. She was genuinely surprised that Sean managed to fulfill his promise to become part of the Vortex Group, which he had longed for. Moreover, now her father had recommended him to become an expert in the company, indicating his special skills or above-average capabilities.
“Because I wanted to prove my words. You surely haven’t forgotten my last promise before we parted ways, right?”
Veronica sighed. She was truly driven to the brink by Sean’s unexpected presence.
“Sean…” Veronica interjected. “Please, I’m married. You even met my husband last night.”
“And so what? Do you no longer love me? Is it that easy for you to erase me from your heart?”
Veronica closed her eyes. In her deepest heart, she still had feelings for Sean. However, she couldn’t betray her marriage. Even though Darwin didn’t hold any love for her, she had committed to remaining loyal and making the best of their marriage.
It might sound naive, but she had promised herself not to play games with the sanctity of marriage.
“Sean, please. Don’t do this. You’re making me uncomfortable. If your purpose for coming to the office is just to disturb me, it’s better to find another staff member who can assist you during your time here.”
Seeing Veronica keeping her distance, Sean began to feel uneasy. He didn’t want her to pull away, so he finally agreed to control himself and act professionally.
“Okay, I’m sorry. I’ll be professional here.”
A moment later, Veronica stood up. She walked to her desk and placed her bag there before heading towards the door, ready to leave.
However, just a few steps away, Sean called out to her again, asking her to stop.
“Wait a moment.”
Veronica turned around. Facing him, she asked, “Do you need anything else?”
Sean stepped forward, getting closer to where Veronica was standing. After glancing at his watch, he began speaking.
“Lunchtime is approaching. Would you be willing to have lunch with me, please?”
From Sean’s eyes, Veronica could sense that he expected her to refuse. But before she could answer, he quickly continued.
“Just this once, Veronica. After this, I promise not to bother you again. I’ll behave professionally while at the office.”
Veronica seemed to ponder for a while, studying Sean’s face intently. Trying to delve into those jet-black eyes, she finally came to a decision.
“Alright, I agree. In 30 minutes, you can pick me up in my office.”
Sean grinned widely. When lunchtime arrived, he promptly picked Veronica up from her office. Then he took her to a restaurant they used to frequent when they were still together.
“Do you still like sushi up until now?” Sean asked as he steered the car towards the restaurant.
“I do. My taste in food hasn’t changed at all.”
Sean smiled. Upon arriving at their destination, he hurriedly got out of the car to open the door for Veronica.
They both walked into the restaurant together, following the steps of the waitress as she led them to an empty table in a corner of the room.
“You haven’t forgotten this place, have you?” Sean started the conversation.
Veronica nodded. There was no way she could forget the historic place where Sean had first confessed his love to her.
“Women have excellent memories, Sean.”
Sean grinned widely. He was pleased that Veronica hadn’t forgotten the beautiful memories they had shared.
“I hope you haven’t forgotten any of the memories we made, even though you’re married now.”
Veronica looked at her conversation partner. Before she could respond, someone else called her name.
“Veronica…”
Turning at the sound of her name, Veronica faced the person calling her and was taken aback by who she saw.
“Darwin.”