Darwin had just finished getting dressed. Walking over to the bed, he found Veronica still fast asleep.
Last night, after finishing up a report, Darwin had seen Veronica wake up briefly before falling back asleep. Now, feeling that his wife had rested enough, he took the initiative to wake her up.
Besides, Veronica hadn’t eaten or drunk anything since last night. He was worried she might be dehydrated or even weak due to not having any energy sources entering her body.
For a moment, before actually waking her up, Darwin chose to observe for a bit. Gazing at Veronica’s calm face as she slept. There was no longer that fearful expression he had seen before.
If you really looked closely, Veronica did have a pretty face and a well-proportioned body like the dream women of men. But, for some reason, Darwin always brushed that aside. In his mind and heart, there was only frustration because Veronica’s presence had messed up his life.
Out of the blue, he ended up being matched with that woman. Because of Veronica, he and Vivian had to swallow a bitter pill and be forcibly separated. And now, they couldn’t even meet or communicate for the next six months.
For a split second, Darwin remembered Randy and Kennedy’s repetitive advice and words of wisdom. Should he slowly learn to accept Veronica’s presence in his life? Or should he follow Sean’s request to let go of his wife so she could return to the arms of the man she loved?
Darwin got lost in his own thoughts for a while, trying to convince himself of the decision he needed to make. It only made him more dizzy and frustrated.
“Oh my God, why is my life so complicated? Why was I destined to meet Veronica?”
Darwin took a deep breath again. Shortly after, he reached out gently, occasionally shaking Veronica’s arm while calling her name.
“Ve… wake up quickly,” Darwin requested.
At first, Veronica didn’t respond. On the third call, she finally stirred. Opening her eyes, but then closing them again not long after.
“What’s up, Win?” Veronica’s voice sounded hoarse. Her eyes even remained partly shut, as if her spirit hadn’t fully returned yet.
“You need to wake up,” Darwin said gently, not as curt as he usually was.
Fundamentally, Darwin was a gentle and kind-hearted man. Just look at how he treated Luna, Kennedy’s wife. He was very human, caring, even protective when Liliana left their daughter-in-law in Korea at the time.
Some kind of devil must have possessed Darwin. When he married Veronica, his attitude shifted 180 degrees, and the funny thing was, he only showed this rough behavior towards his wife.
Maybe it was a form of protest or frustration because he was married to a woman he didn’t love. But no matter what, his actions weren’t justifiable. After all, Veronica and he were both victims of their parents’ ambitions, right?
“Your sleep has gone on for too long,” the man continued after a few seconds of silence. “I’m afraid you might be dehydrated or getting weaker. If you’re still dizzy or feeling unwell, you can go back to resting. But before you continue all that, it’s a good idea to have something to eat and drink.”
Veronica didn’t object. She nodded and then slowly sat up. Darwin even helped her lean comfortably against the headboard of the bed without being asked.
“Thank you,” Veronica sincerely said.
Darwin nodded. He briefly moved away from the bed to fetch the breakfast trolley he had ordered beforehand. He brought it closer to Veronica and assisted her in reaching for a bowl of oatmeal with fruit toppings.
“Have your breakfast first. After you’re full, you can go back to sleep.”
“I think I’ll just take a shower. Then I’ll get ready to head to the Leighton building with you guys.”
Darwin shook his head. He didn’t agree with what Veronica was saying. How could she be thinking of going back to work when she clearly wasn’t in good shape right now?
“No need. Today, just rest.”
“I’m perfectly fine, Win. I’m not even sick.”
“Come on, no need to argue too much. Besides, I’ve already taken care of all the work along with your ex-boyfriend.”
Veronica clicked her tongue in annoyance. Even in her current condition, Darwin managed to mock Sean.
“Are you sure I don’t need to attend the meeting today?”
Darwin shook his head once again.
“No need. For now, just take it easy. And now, eat your breakfast before your stomach trouble flares up like before.”
“Okay,” Veronica said and reached out her hand, asking for the bowl of oatmeal that Darwin had been holding since earlier.
“Do you want me to feed you?” Darwin offered without hesitation. His sweet and kind demeanor, quite unusual for him, momentarily surprised Veronica. It was rare for her husband to be this nice and sweet.
“Sure, as long as it doesn’t slow you down and make you late.”
Without much talk, Darwin immediately scooped up the oatmeal along with the banana and apple toppings on it. He held the spoon out towards Veronica’s mouth, encouraging her to start eating.
“Finish your breakfast. I won’t stop feeding you until you’re done.”
Veronica complied once again. She followed because she was indeed hungry and her energy hadn’t fully recovered. It was tiring to end up arguing with her husband all the time. That’s why she let Darwin continue feeding her oatmeal until it was completely gone.
“Now, you can continue resting. I’m going to head out now.”
Veronica nodded, allowing Darwin to carry on with his plans. However, before leaving completely, Darwin started talking again. He issued a warning and an order that seemed obligatory for Veronica to follow.
“If you need anything, just call the hotel service. But if it’s an emergency, don’t hesitate to contact me. Remember, Ve! If there’s an emergency, reach out to me as soon as possible. Never, under any circumstances, contact your dad or Sean. They’ll just think I can’t take care of you.”
Veronica must have nodded her head countless times. Her husband’s voice grew more nagging and annoying over time.
“Yeah, relax. No need to repeat it, I get it, Win.”
“Good if you understand.”
Believing that Veronica was okay, Darwin quickly put on his shoes and then headed to leave the room. Just as he was about to turn the doorknob, he heard Veronica call his name again from behind.
“What is it, Ve? Come on, hurry up. I’m about to leave.”
“Thanks. I just wanted to say that.”
***