“For God’s sake, Veronica Ashborne, I’m really satisfied with the way your husband provoked me last night.”
A hearty laughter resonated from Deasy’s lips. Currently, she was enjoying lunch with Veronica at one of their favorite eateries.
Throughout the journey and even upon arriving at the restaurant, Veronica’s friend couldn’t stop talking about Darwin. She was thoroughly pleased because the bait she threw out last night was swallowed whole by Darwin without him demanding any clarification.
There was a sense of satisfaction in the air. In fact, Deasy found herself getting addicted to it. She had plans to provoke Darwin again on another occasion just to annoy him as she did before.
“You know, Des, all the way from the road to the restaurant, Darwin kept on making subtle jabs at me.”
Deasy’s eyes widened. She became even more eager to hear what Veronica was about to share.
“Seriously?”
Veronica nodded. She hadn’t forgotten a single word Darwin had said to her last night.
“From what I noticed, you had this really happy look on your face tonight,” Darwin taunted as he drove the car.
Veronica turned to him, slightly puzzled, trying to understand the meaning behind her husband’s words.
“Really? You think so? Maybe it’s just your imagination.”
“It’s obvious. No wonder you were so excited about coming to the party tonight. Turns out someone was waiting for you.”
“What do you mean?”
Darwin smirked dismissively, then continued speaking.
“Enough with the small talk.”
“I should be saying that, Win,” Veronica interrupted. “What did you actually want to say? Don’t beat around the bush. Just get to the point.”
“Fine, it’s the guy who was with you. The one I’ve seen you with several times. The same guy you even brought to my office.”
“Excuse me, now Infinix Group is mine,” Veronica corrected Darwin before he could finish his sentence.
“Fine, whatever. That’s the point. And I just found out that the guy from last night is actually your boyfriend.”
“My Ex,” Veronica corrected once again.
“Are you sure he’s just an ex? Wasn’t he your boyfriend before being forced into marriage with me? Seems like we’re the same, right? Accusing me of cheating and all. Acting like you’re all pure and clean, free from any blame. But you’re the same. Even worse, always together everywhere you go.”
Hearing Darwin’s words, Veronica turned to him and gave him a sharp gaze. Her ears were burning from the sarcastic remarks he was directing at her.
“Sorry to say, but we’re not the same. In fact, we’re quite different. I admit that Sean is my ex. That’s it. Just an ex. Right now, we have a professional relationship as colleagues. Nothing more. It’s very different from you. You’re openly involved with other women outside, even though you’re clearly married.”
Emotions flared up in Darwin upon hearing Veronica’s words. Offended, he even pulled the car over to look at his wife directly and talk face-to-face.
“Watch your mouth! I’ve told you multiple times, never call Vivian a cheap woman. From the start, she’s been my girlfriend.”
“What’s her name then?” Veronica retorted with narrowed eyes. “What’s the appropriate term for a woman who interferes with someone else’s husband?”
“Veronica, enough!” Darwin snapped, clearly annoyed. He didn’t want to hear Vivian being insulted like this. For him, no woman could compare to Vivian in making him happy.
Veronica then looked at him and started laughing. She looked at Darwin and then threw a mocking glance.
“Oh, come on, Darwin Walters. Who do you think you are? If I wanted to, we could divorce or separate right now. It wouldn’t be difficult for me to find someone better than you in every way. But the real issue is, are you ready to accept the risk that Infinix Group might collapse again?”
Veronica’s words struck deep. Darwin fell silent, unable to refute what his wife had just said.
Darwin admitted that among his business associates and colleagues, only Damian was willing to help Infinix Group when it was facing bankruptcy. So much money was invested by Damian’s family. Even in the midst of Infinix Group’s crisis, Damian agreed to marry his beloved daughter to Darwin because of his longstanding friendship with Magnus, Darwin’s father-in-law.
“You should be thankful that I agreed to marry a guy with such a low attitude like you! I’ve been quiet all this time, not because I’m afraid. But because I still respect you as my husband,” Veronica continued, leaving Darwin at a loss for words once again.
Deasy, who was listening to Veronica’s story, burst into laughter. How could she not find it amusing when her friend’s husband’s behavior was so peculiar and often stirred up emotions?
“Besides, why did you even agree to marry Darwin? It’s not like there’s a shortage of men in this world,” Deasy complained. She had expressed this sentiment countless times. According to her, Veronica could find someone better than Darwin, who seemed to hardly acknowledge Deasy’s existence.
“Oh my goodness, Deasy. I can’t even count how many times I’ve begged Dad not to arrange my marriage and all that. But it’s still in vain. I don’t know where Dad gets his confidence from, but he’s so convinced that his daughter, me, is perfect and just right to be your Magnus’s son-in-law,” Veronica complained. She sighed heavily, as if she were tired of facing the unfortunate fate that had befallen her.
“But, Darwin has crossed the line, Ve. He’s openly cheating on you. Why don’t you report it? That way, you could get a divorce, right?”
“And let my dad have a heart attack after hearing that news?” Veronica cut off Deasy’s sentence abruptly, even before her friend finished speaking. “I won’t take that risk, Des. I won’t let anything happen to Dad.”
Deasy sighed. It was indeed a dangerous situation. But she was also perplexed by it. It would be risky if this situation led to Damian having a heart attack.
“Well then, if that’s the case, don’t just stay silent when Darwin’s being wicked. Remember! You’re beautiful, wealthy, you almost have everything. You’re not a good match for a jerk like Darwin.”
“So, what do you want me to do? Should I retaliate by cheating too?”
Deasy nodded repeatedly. In her opinion, it was unfair for Veronica to remain faithful while Darwin was out there freely cheating with his former lover.
“Of course. If needed, you could even get back with Sean. Compared to Darwin, it’s better to have Sean by your side, Ve. He’s far different in terms of behavior.”
Veronica sighed repeatedly. When she was sad or at a loss, she admitted that the thought of retaliating against Darwin by cheating or getting involved with someone else who was better than her husband had crossed her mind.
However, as a woman of integrity, she abandoned that idea. For some reason, deep down, Veronica believed she could change Darwin’s behavior for the better. She just hadn’t found the right way to make her husband realize it yet.
“Just so you know, Des, from the very beginning of our marriage, I’ve committed to being a faithful wife. Even though we were married without any trace of love, I promised God to uphold this marital bond to the best of my ability. Yeah, I know it might sound naive or perhaps overly dramatic. But if I were to respond to Darwin’s actions by cheating too, then what sets me apart from him?”
“But, I just can’t stand him playing around, let alone intentionally betraying you, Ve.”
Veronica smiled. For a moment, she hugged Deasy, expressing her gratitude for always caring about her. Deasy was the one who had been concerned and willing to listen to all her complaints.
“Don’t worry,” Veronica said after releasing the hug. “I promised you I wouldn’t stay silent when hurt, right? I’ll respond to him in my own way until he truly understands.”
“Well, what if Darwin still doesn’t get it? Will you still want to endure it?”
Veronica fell silent for a moment. She seemed to be thinking about whether it was worth continuing to endure if the person you hoped would change showed no signs of changing at all.
“If Darwin doesn’t change even after I’ve reached the limit of my patience, I promise you I’ll file for divorce immediately and make his life miserable.”
Deasy nodded. She agreed and supported Veronica’s statement.
As they continued to chat, Veronica’s phone suddenly rang. Glancing at it briefly, she noticed a call from her trusted contact.
Yes, lately, Veronica had deliberately instructed her contact to keep an eye on Darwin from a distance, even following him. This was to report any suspicious activities or behavior he might engage in.
“Hello, Mr. Andy.”
“Good afternoon, Mrs. Veronica. I’m reporting that I’m currently trailing Mr. Darwin, who’s visiting his girlfriend at the Karika Raya apartment. Would you like me to take any action?”
Veronica took a deep breath. Her chest felt hot upon hearing the news Andy just conveyed.
“No, please don’t. Just observe for now. I’ll go there myself.”
“Understood. I’ll stay vigilant in the basement. If there’s any further news, I’ll let you know immediately.”
Once the call ended, Veronica swiftly got up. She decided to head to the location that had just been informed.
“Ve, where are you going?” Deasy asked, confused by Veronica’s sudden change in demeanor.
“I need to go back. There’s something important I have to take care of.”
“Do you want me to drive you?”
Veronica shook her head. “No need. My driver has been waiting in the parking lot. Alright then, I’ll take my leave. We’ll meet again sometime.”
***