Whether by coincidence or destined to bring bad luck, once again Veronica found herself in trouble. While shopping with Luna, she somehow got separated from Kennedy’s wife.
Initially, Veronica tried to contact Luna or Darwin. However, as soon as she took her smartphone out of her bag, she realized it had run out of battery. She hadn’t had time to fully charge it that morning.
In a panic and not knowing the way to the cafe where her husband was gathering, Veronica tried to keep walking while looking around. She hoped that Kennedy, Randy, and Darwin were looking for her at the moment.
She also didn’t remember the name of the cafe where Darwin was meeting. And her limited grasp of the Korean language, along with the fact that most vendors there didn’t speak English very well, made it difficult for her to ask for help from the people around.
With anxiety, Veronica kept trying to locate Darwin. She was on the verge of tears when suddenly someone pulled her from behind. When she turned, she saw Darwin and the others there.
“Where were you?”
Instead of answering Darwin’s question, Veronica approached and hugged him tightly, sobbing as loudly as possible. She didn’t care that people around were noticing what she was doing.
“Ve, why are you crying? People might think I’m trying to kidnap you.”
Veronica let go of the hug. Still tearful and choked up, she responded to Darwin’s remark.
“Why did it take you so long to come get me? I was scared walking alone here.”
“Yeah, I’ve come to pick you up. And, I was calling out to you, but you didn’t hear.”
“I was scared, Win,” Veronica said in a soft voice, then hugged Darwin again.
Darwin took a breath. Bringing his hand, he gently patted Veronica’s back while softly stroking her free-flowing hair.
“I’m sorry for taking so long. What matters is that I’ve picked you up now. So, it’s time for us to go home.”
Veronica nodded in agreement. After parting ways with Randy and Kennedy, the two of them decided to head home right away.
Once they got home, Darwin allowed Veronica to freshen up first. After they both finished, they went upstairs to their bedroom together. Instead of sleeping or resting, Darwin and Veronica engaged in a lot of conversation.
“Win, thanks again for helping me. I’m really sorry for inconveniencing you again and again.”
Darwin just smiled. He responded to Veronica’s words casually and nonchalantly.
“No need for thanks, Ve. But, please, after this, don’t get into any more trouble.”
“What do you mean by ‘trouble’?”
“From the first time we met, there have always been dangerous things happening to you. From being afraid of rain at the mining site, then getting sick and hospitalized. Not to mention the car accident, getting lost in the mountains, and nearly getting lost in the night market earlier.”
Veronica pouted, looking at Darwin’s face lying in front of her. She responded with an annoyed expression. She had no idea why fate seemed to play with her life and well-being so often.
“Do you think all of that is intentional? I don’t understand why my life is so full of bad luck. But, by the way, when I got lost in Myeongdong earlier, how did you manage to find me?”
“Well, I promised before that if we got separated, I would find you as soon as possible.”
Veronica smiled then. The conditionally heartfelt statement Darwin had just made unintentionally warmed her heart. And a sincere expression was clearly visible in his eyes.
“Thank you again, Win. I owe you so much.”
Realizing that it was getting late, Veronica decided to rest. She turned around and pulled the blanket over herself.
Just as she was about to close her eyes, Veronica faintly heard Darwin calling her name from behind.
“Ve…”
“Hmm… what is it? Do you still have something to say?”
Instead of immediately responding, Darwin remained silent for a moment. Veronica became curious about what he really wanted to say.
Just as she was about to change her position, suddenly Veronica felt the warmth of Darwin’s body against her skin. The man who often acted cold and had a mountain-high ego daringly hugged and embraced Veronica tightly from behind.
“I’m asking for permission to hug you for a moment,” he whispered right into Veronica’s ear.
In the silence, they held each other without speaking. Both of them enjoyed the warmth of the embrace for a while.
Not long after, Veronica decided to change positions. She intentionally faced Darwin, then looked at her husband’s face and spoke softly.
“If you want to, you can ask for more than just a hug, Win.”
Darwin shook his head right then. For the umpteenth time, he declined the offer Veronica had given. It was unclear what reason was preventing him from touching his wife all this time.