Darwin grinned slightly. Immediately afterward, the man walked over to the closet. He chose one of the shoes from inside to then bring it to Veronica.
Once he was right in front of his wife, Darwin sat down without hesitation. He reached for Veronica’s foot and helped her put on the previously chosen shoe.
“What are you doing, Win?” Veronica asked curiously while continuing to observe her husband’s actions.
“I’m helping you put on your shoes. What else? Besides, I’m double-checking to make sure your feet are really okay and not hurting.”
Veronica sighed. Why was the man in front of her being so excessive? She had already honestly said that she was fine.
“My feet are already fine. Also, why did you choose that style of shoe?”
Darwin looked up. Still holding Veronica’s ankle, he replied, “What’s wrong with the shoes I picked?”
“The heels are too low, Win.”
“On purpose,” he quickly responded. “So your feet can adjust first. I’m afraid that if you wear higher heels, you might get cramps again.”
“But-”
“Tsk. No ‘buts,’ Ve. What’s so hard about just going along with it?”
Veronica held back the words she wanted to say. On the other hand, she felt a sense of happiness in the moment.
Upon closer inspection, the man in front of her seemed genuinely concerned about her well-being. Perhaps it was because he still felt guilty about the accident that happened to Veronica. Or maybe his naturally caring nature was starting to show.
Even when Darwin got up from his seat, he didn’t just walk away. Gently, he extended his hand again, guiding Veronica as usual as they left the room for the dining area.
After finishing breakfast, the two of them hurried to the office. Similarly, upon arriving at the Infinix Group building and getting out of the car, Darwin deliberately held Veronica’s arm, ensuring that his wife walked comfortably towards the meeting room. Of course, this rare sight didn’t go unnoticed by the staff or employees who were bustling around inside the building.
“Mr. Darwin, Mrs. Veronica,” Sean greeted warmly as they entered the meeting room.
There, even Darius was present. The middle-aged man also participated in welcoming the executives from Leighton, who were scheduled to visit Indonesia today.
Just a few minutes after Darwin and Veronica took their seats, the awaited guests finally arrived. After some small talk, the business discussion began. They covered all the important topics concerning both companies, concluding with the signing of the collaboration documents. The meeting closed with plans that would be put into action in the upcoming weeks.
“Once again, thank you so much for Leighton’s trust in our company. In the future, Salim and Vortex Group will work diligently and attentively to ensure the smooth progress of this significant project without any meaningful obstacles.”
After concluding the meeting, Veronica shook hands with each executive and representative from Leighton, delivering mementos as tokens of their collaboration.
“We are also delighted to collaborate with your company. Especially when greeted so warmly by a beautiful woman like Mrs. Wijaya.”
“Mrs. Salim,” Darwin corrected, who had been standing beside Veronica from the beginning. “Thank you very much for your praise, Mr. Henry. My wife is indeed beautiful in every appearance.”
The man named Henry Tan nodded in agreement, not denying what Darwin had mentioned.
While Darwin was busy conversing with the guests from Leighton, after finishing greeting his business colleagues, Darius chose to accompany Veronica to her daughter’s room. He wanted to have a brief chat before returning to his own office.
“So, how are you, dear? Are you completely healthy now?” Darius asked as he sat on the guest sofa in Veronica’s room.
Veronica nodded. Offering a cup of chamomile tea, she took a seat right beside her father.
“Veronica is healthy now. Papa can see for himself how Veronica is, right?”
“Thank goodness that you’re healthy. It means Darwin takes good care of you.”
Veronica nodded again, fully agreeing with what her father said.
“Yes, Darwin is really similar to you, Papa.”
“Similar?” Darius was puzzled.
“Yes,” Veronica nodded. “He’s just as talkative as you. He’s the one who arranges for Veronica to be like this and not like that. There are all these dos and don’ts. It’s quite complicated.”
Darius chuckled softly. He didn’t deny what his daughter was saying. As a single parent who had struggled for years to take care of Veronica alone, he was well aware that he had been a protective figure, always guarding and sheltering Veronica. He was willing to do anything to make his beloved daughter happy.
“But… during this marriage, are you really happy with Darwin?” Darius suddenly asked. “I mean, during your marriage, he never hurt you or did anything inappropriate, right?”
Veronica smiled and then nodded. With a deep look in her eyes, she tried to address the concern that was clearly visible on her father’s face.
“Veronica is happy. Besides, Darwin treats Veronica well. He genuinely tries to protect and take care of me. So, Papa, you don’t need to worry.”
Veronica wasn’t exaggerating. For now, Darwin was indeed doing what he had promised. It didn’t matter if it was just an act or based on their agreement. What mattered was that Darwin was fulfilling his role properly.
“Thank goodness. Papa is only concerned about your well-being. But, looking at how Darwin treats you and looks at you, there’s a sincere depth in your husband’s eyes. That’s what makes me grateful that you’ve chosen him as your husband.”
As they engaged in conversation, the person they were talking about eventually arrived. Knowing that Darius was in Veronica’s room, Darwin decided to approach.
“I looked around and found out that Papa and Veronica are here.”
Darius smiled. He waved his hand, inviting Darwin to join them.
“Come here. Papa and Veronica are discussing something important.”
“Oh, really? What are you discussing, Pa?” Darwin asked curiously.
Darius smiled again. Looking at his son-in-law and daughter together, he began to speak with a serious expression.
“Because Papa thinks that your marriage is going well, it’s time for both of you, as my child and son-in-law, to give something to Papa.”
Darwin furrowed his brow, trying to understand what Darius had just said.
“Something? What does Papa want?”
Leaning forward, Darius then grinned while speaking softly.
“How about giving Papa a grandchild in the near future?”
***