Two days exactly, Veronica underwent intensive treatment and complete rest at the hospital. During that time, Darwin, who was so faithful, accompanied her and waited until Veronica’s condition gradually improved.
In order to fully immerse himself in the role, Darwin even took permission to not go to work. All emergency tasks and deadlines that couldn’t be postponed, he chose to work on them while waiting for Veronica at the hospital.
“If I take a closer look, you seem to be really getting into the role, huh?” Veronica teased, while enjoying a piece of fruit she was having as a substitute for a snack.
Darwin, who was sitting on the couch working on something at that moment, immediately turned to her. Smirking, he responded to the playful jab Veronica had just thrown at him.
“Isn’t this what you wanted? I’m like this because I’m trying to keep my promise. Instead of something happening to my girlfriend, I’d rather be the one to give in and follow your wishes.”
Veronica rolled her eyes in annoyance. Her ears felt warm from hearing Darwin, who never stopped praising or talking about Vivian as if she was the only woman in the world capable of making him weak at the knees.
However, if you looked at appearances, Vivian wasn’t particularly beautiful. It’s unclear what makes Darwin so infatuated with her up until now.
“You’re going to such lengths to defend Vivian. It’s like she’s the most special one.”
“She is special,” Darwin affirmed. “Whatever it is, I’m willing to do whatever it takes to make her happy.”
Veronica sighed even more. Not wanting to listen any further, she then tossed another question.
“So, when can I go home? I’m bored being in the hospital all the time, Win. My condition is stable now. I don’t even feel dizzy anymore.”
Darwin halted his activity, casting a glance towards Veronica and then observing her for a moment. Making sure that his wife’s current condition was indeed much better.
“Let’s wait for the doctor’s visit first. If they say you’re ready to go home, I’ll take you home as soon as possible.”
Fortunately, one hour after saying that, the doctor in charge of Veronica actually came to visit the room. Conducting a routine check-up, ensuring the progress of Veronica’s condition – whether it had improved significantly or still required further treatment.
“How is it, doctor? Does my wife still need treatment or is it possible for her to go home?” Darwin asked shortly after the doctor finished the examination.
“I just checked, Mrs. Veronica’s condition is very stable now. Her blood pressure is also back to normal.”
The doctor then turned to Veronica, observing the patient, and proceeded to ask a question.
“Mrs. Veronica, are you still experiencing any pain or dizziness?”
Veronica shook her head repeatedly.
“My condition is much better now, doctor. No more dizziness or pain like I felt before.”
“Why is that? It’s because Mrs. Veronica rested a lot during her time here. That’s why, when you go home, try to sleep on time. Don’t stay up late at all to avoid triggering anemia or a return of stomach issues.”
“So, is my wife allowed to go home today?” Darwin asked again. He would prefer Veronica to receive outpatient care rather than staying at the hospital. It was quite tiring to wait for his wife there for days.
“Sure, Sir,” the doctor replied. “Mrs. Veronica can go home today. However, when she’s back home, she should rest for the first two days. If she wants to resume work or activities, it’s best to wait until after the resting period.”
Darwin nodded in understanding, while Veronica looked joyful. Even when the doctor finished the examination, she was already whining, urging Darwin to take her home immediately.
Consequently, Darwin quickly completed all the necessary administrative tasks. Waiting for the medication queue, exactly at 11 o’clock in the morning, they decided to leave.
Upon arriving at their residence, Darwin carefully and attentively assisted Veronica to her room. Making sure Veronica was comfortably seated on the bed, he allowed his wife to rest for a while.
About an hour later, Darwin seemed to return. Carrying a tray of food, he asked Veronica to have her lunch first.
“I’m not hungry yet, Win,” Veronica declined when Darwin instructed her to eat right away.
However, Darwin paid no attention to her protest. He placed the portable tray on the bed. Shortly after, he sat down on the edge of the bed, facing Veronica.
“It’s up to you whether you’re hungry or not, Ve. It’s lunchtime already. Whether you like it or not, you need to eat and take your medicine.”
“But, I really don’t feel hungry. If I want to eat later, I can-”
Before Veronica could finish that sentence, Darwin had already closed her mouth with a spoonful of porridge that he deliberately scooped and directed towards her mouth.
It has been said, Darwin didn’t care about all the reasons that Veronica had previously mentioned. He might even not accept any form of rejection his wife had conveyed.
“Darwin!” Veronica exclaimed in a protesting tone.
“Alright, no need to talk a lot. Instead of complaining, you better finish the food I’m spoon-feeding you and then take your medicine.”
“Okay,” Veronica replied irritably. “But, here, let me feed myself. You’re giving me so much porridge. My mouth can’t handle it.”
Darwin gave a small sigh and then shook his head. He even pushed away Veronica’s hand trying to take control of the spoon he was holding.
“No way! Let me feed you. If you try to eat on your own, the food won’t even get finished. Besides, what’s the big deal about just eating? I’m already helping you with this.”
Veronica grunted in annoyance. But she couldn’t protest anymore. Eventually, she complied as Darwin continued to spoon-feed her until there was nothing left. The man even waited until she had taken all the prepared medicine. Only then did he leave, letting Veronica continue her rest.
***
“Deasy!”
Sean called out immediately upon seeing Veronica’s friend standing in front of the Vortex Group building’s lobby. Earlier, during his break, Sean had managed to visit Veronica at the hospital.
However, unfortunately, upon arriving at the destination, the nurses informed him that his ex-girlfriend had actually gone home yesterday. Since it wasn’t possible to visit directly, especially alone, Sean decided to invite Deasy. Besides, he knew that Veronica’s friend would agree if asked.
“Sorry for taking long. There was a bit of traffic on the road,” Sean explained as Deasy got into the car and now sat beside him.
“No problem, Sean. Take it easy. Just 10 minutes late, and it’s tolerable.”
Sean smiled in relief. He was worried that Deasy might be annoyed or upset due to his late arrival. What could he do? During break hours like now, the streets were always crowded with people rushing to enjoy their lunchtime.
After making sure Deasy was comfortably seated, Sean directed his car to Veronica’s house. Along the way, he kept chatting with Deasy. He felt so glad to be able to talk with someone on the same wavelength. After all, Sean had known Deasy for a long time. So, he didn’t need to feel awkward or shy anymore.
“So, are we really going straight to Veronica’s house?” Deasy asked once again to confirm.
Sean nodded. He himself was really looking forward to meeting his ex-girlfriend.
“Yes. The nurse said she went home from the hospital yesterday. But before we see her, I want to make a quick stop at a Japanese restaurant. You know Veronica loves sushi.”
So, before long, Sean indeed directed his car to stop at a Japanese cuisine restaurant. Luckily, the place wasn’t too crowded. As a result, it only took 10 minutes for Sean to buy a complete sushi menu.
“Wow, seriously. Even after a long breakup, you still remember Veronica’s favorite food?” Deasy remarked as she and Sean were on the way to Veronica’s house.
Sean himself could only smile at being teased this way. Honestly, it wouldn’t feel right to visit without bringing any gift.
“Let alone food. Everything Veronica likes, I still remember, Des. Besides, I know very well that when Veronica is sick, she has a hard time eating.”
“That’s why you deliberately brought her favorite food so she would eat?”
Sean nodded.
“Yeah. If not like this, she definitely wouldn’t eat.”
Deasy shook her head, feeling touched by Sean’s deep concern for Veronica. Sean had always been understanding, always striving to provide the best for Veronica.
Yet, there was also a sense of pity. When Sean had tried to measure up, struggled to do everything to be worthy of Veronica, he must have felt heartbroken when the woman he fought for had to accept the decision to marry someone else.
If Deasy were in Sean’s shoes, she would probably have felt devastated or even deeply angry at Veronica. But not Sean. He still behaved just as before, showing care and concern despite their changed status.
“Do you still love Veronica so much?” Deasy asked suddenly.
Sean glanced briefly at her before letting out a small laugh. Keeping his focus on the road, he replied softly, “If you ask if I still love her, the answer is yes. It’s not easy to just erase feelings of affection or love for someone, Des.”
“Even though she’s already married?”
Sean nodded.
“It doesn’t matter if she’s married, I still love her. Besides, my love doesn’t mean I’m trying to win her back. I’m aware of Veronica’s current situation. Let’s consider the attention I give her as that of a friend or a sibling.”
Deasy grimaced. She felt sorry for what Sean was going through. If she wanted to, she could tell Sean that Veronica was currently unhappy in her marriage. She had been betrayed several times by the man she had been arranged to marry.
However, feeling it wasn’t her place to share that information, Deasy abandoned the idea. And besides, she didn’t want to make Sean sad, so she chose to change the topic of conversation. She opted to discuss work, and they continued until they finally arrived at Veronica’s house.
“Deasy, Sean!”
Veronica appeared overjoyed as she entered the living room, finding her friend and ex-boyfriend visiting. She rushed in for a hug, inviting both of them to sit down and chat.
“So happy to see both of you here. You just knew I was getting bored,” the lovely woman exclaimed.
“Yeah, right. It’s all Sean’s doing. He insisted on accompanying me to visit you. He said he also wanted to see firsthand how big your pet crocodile and field snake are.”
Veronica laughed at that moment too. Thinking about this conversation, she immediately pictured Sean’s innocent face from the other day, when he had earnestly clarified whether she actually kept reptiles as pets. Even though it was just an analogy that Deasy had thrown out.
“Just so you know, Ve,” Deasy continued, “Sean almost went crazy, saying he couldn’t bear not seeing you even for a day.”
Sean scratched his neck repeatedly. He felt embarrassed hearing Deasy’s words. But there was some truth in what she said.
“I did try to visit the hospital earlier, but the nurse said you had already gone home,” Sean explained.
“Yes. I did come home yesterday afternoon. But, if everything goes well, I’ll be back to work as usual tomorrow.”
Sean nodded in understanding and then handed over the sushi box he had prepared.
“Here, I brought your favorite food. I know that when you’re sick like this, you usually have no appetite.”
Veronica gladly accepted Sean’s gift. She thought it was getting boring to have nothing but chicken porridge, both in the hospital and even after coming home. She really wanted to eat normal food like she used to.
“Thank you so much, Sean. You’re really understanding and know exactly what I want.”
“Yeah, how could I not know, since you’ve left a mark on his heart,” Deasy interjected playfully.
As they continued talking, unexpectedly, Darwin suddenly returned home and was holding several boxes that probably contained food. Not wanting to overstay their welcome, Sean decided to leave with Deasy. After bidding farewell to Veronica, Sean also politely addressed Darwin, intending to take his leave.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Darwin,” Sean greeted in a casual tone. “I’ll take off now.”
Darwin nodded politely. Truthfully, he didn’t like seeing Veronica’s ex-boyfriend so audaciously stepping into his house.
“Why the hurry, Mr. Sean?”
“I and Deasy have been here for a while, Sir. Besides, our break time is over.”
Darwin nodded. Then, his gaze shifted to Deasy, who was engaging in conversation.
“I’m also taking my leave, Mr. Darwin. We came here today to keep Sean company while he brought Veronica’s favorite sushi.”
Sean reflexively looked at Deasy. He hadn’t expected her to say that. Instantly, he felt uneasy with Darwin’s gaze turning cold.
“Later, when it’s time for Veronica’s lunch, please make sure she eats the sushi we brought,” Deasy continued. “Earlier, Veronica complained about being tired of eating chicken porridge for the past few days. Luckily, Mr. Sean understands and knows what Veronica wants.”
Darwin lazily nodded, affirming Deasy’s statement that was dripping with sarcasm.
However, maintaining his composure, Darwin simply smiled. Then, he responded politely, “Thank you for both of your visits. Rest assured, I’ll make sure Veronica eats the sushi you brought. Later, I’ll personally feed her.”
Deasy grinned widely. She knew very well that Darwin must be irritated by what she had just said. She thought, if necessary, she would find ways to make Veronica’s husband even more frustrated than this. Just wait!