Many people believe that the moment or memory of one’s first love is something that might be difficult to forget. However, Darwin is quite different.
Ever since getting married and now becoming close with Veronica, Darwin has started experiencing things he considers quite remarkable. Despite only being together for a short while, he vividly remembers everything – the good, the bad, the happy, and the sad moments he’s shared with his wife.
Until now, Darwin believed that the moments he spent with Vivian were the best. Not a single day could pass without him being in contact with his beloved.
However, after getting to know Veronica, his thoughts gradually changed. Darwin, who was initially tormented, slowly started to forget. In fact, now he’s slowly becoming accustomed to life without Vivian by his side.
Darwin and Veronica’s marriage isn’t an ordinary one. There are business, political, and economic interests involved.
As for love? Ah, that’s not something crucial. Their parents probably see love as a mere bonus that might be obtained if they find a partner who meets their expectations.
It’s tough to admit that Darwin is actually growing comfortable with Veronica’s current presence. He can’t deny that her behaviors make him feel at ease. Somehow, Veronica’s silly antics, attempts to grab his attention, slight petulance, and even her lack of hesitation to tease are all endearing.
And now? It could be said that Darwin has to endure longing. Veronica has been ignoring him for over four days. Not to mention initiating a conversation, she doesn’t even respond to his greetings or calls.
This unpleasant situation must have a reason behind it. It all started with Darwin rejecting Veronica’s attempt to engage in activities that couples typically do.
Honestly, there are many reasons why Darwin didn’t comply with Veronica’s request. However, before he could explain, she was already angry. And until now, she hasn’t given him a chance to speak.
“Renata, did Veronica have breakfast?” Darwin asked as he entered the dining room. As usual, he enjoyed the breakfast that had been prepared for him before heading to work.
“Mrs. Veronica left 15 minutes ago, Sir,” Renata replied while pouring milk into his glass.
Upon hearing Renata’s answer, Darwin checked his watch, which showed it was only 7:00 AM. He felt disappointed and sad. Why did his wife rush off to work? Was this intentionally done to avoid him like in the previous days?
Actually, this morning Darwin deliberately came down to the dining room earlier. He did so in the hopes of sharing a meal with his wife.
“Did she have breakfast then?”
“Not at all, Sir,” Renata shook her head. “Just like the previous days, Miss Veronica didn’t touch the breakfast or dinner that was prepared. She didn’t respond to conversations as usual either. Honestly, I’m getting worried.”
Darwin let out a soft sigh. Veronica was so angry that she ignored everyone in the house, without exception.
“Well then, please fetch the pink lunch box from the cabinet. I’ll take food for Veronica to the office.”
Renata immediately carried out Darwin’s request. She retrieved the lunch box from the cabinet and helped arrange the meal on the table. She included a box of milk and a few slices of fruit as well.
“Here you go, Sir. I’ve arranged it thoroughly. Hopefully, Miss Veronica will accept it and finish the meal.”
Darwin nodded. After receiving the meal box from his house assistant, he left to head to the office.
Passing by Veronica’s room, he saw his wife busy working at her desk. Without much thought, Darwin knocked on the door, then confidently entered. He placed the lunch box he had brought on Veronica’s desk.
Darwin hoped that even if Veronica didn’t want to share a meal with him at home, she would at least eat the food he had brought.
“Have you had breakfast? I brought you breakfast so your stomach won’t act up.”
Veronica didn’t pay any attention to Darwin’s words. She didn’t even turn around; she seemed unwilling.
Before long, the room door was knocked again. When Darwin looked back, he saw Sean entering the room with something in his hand.
“Here’s your breakfast, Ma’am. As per your order, I got fried chicken and some snacks.”
Veronica looked up. She smiled politely at her coworker and former lover.
“Thank you so much, Mr. Sean. Also, I want to remind you that we have a meeting scheduled outside at 11. I’d like you to prepare the necessary documents, and on the way back, accompany me for lunch,” Veronica said intentionally. Of course, Darwin heard clearly what she said to Sean.
“Understood, Ma’am. I’ll prepare everything needed right after this. Whenever it’s time to leave, just let me know.”
Sean then excused himself and promptly left Veronica’s room, leaving Darwin standing alone in his place.
“Ve…” Darwin called after there was no one else in the room except the two of them. “I know you’re still really mad at me. But, please. Just listen for a moment-”
“As far as I know, your schedule is packed today, right?” Veronica interrupted intentionally. “Aren’t you supposed to have a meeting with several branch heads in 30 minutes? Instead of wasting time with unimportant talk, it’s better to prepare now.”
Darwin took a deep breath and reluctantly walked out of Veronica’s office. On his way to his own office, he couldn’t help but think about how uncomfortable it had been to be deliberately ignored by his wife for the past few days.
Previously, when he was in a relationship with Vivian, Darwin admitted they rarely had serious arguments. Even when they disagreed, Vivian never stayed silent or avoided him for days like Veronica did. That’s why, for the first time, Darwin truly felt tormented. He wasn’t sure how he would convince Veronica to forgive him.
***
“Why did you come here?”
Later that evening, before leaving, Randy visited Darwin’s office. It seemed there was something important since his cousin came alone.
“I was assigned by Kennedy to pick up the Akasia Group files that you’ve signed. They’re planning to submit them to Mr. William tomorrow.”
“As far as I remember, the Akasia files are at home. I was planning to deliver them to Kennedy’s place myself tomorrow night. But since you were assigned the task, it’s better if you stop by my house to pick them up after this.”
“Sure, I’ll get them now. Your work is done, right?”
Darwin nodded. After tidying up his desk for a moment, he reached for his work bag, then walked over to where Randy was sitting on the couch.
“Everything’s done. Before heading home, let’s drop by the usual place for a bit. I’m really bored,” Darwin invited, and Randy agreed right away.
Just as they were about to leave the elevator and head towards the lobby, Darwin spotted Veronica in the distance. His wife had already arrived in the lobby and seemed ready to leave.
Initially, Darwin wanted to talk to Veronica with the intention of inviting her to come home with him. However, before he could even call out to her, from another direction, Sean’s figure appeared. The man clearly approached Veronica. Whatever they were discussing, after a few moments, Sean was seen inviting Veronica into his car.
“Hey, Win, is that Veronica?”
Randy, who happened to catch sight of Veronica getting into another guy’s car, immediately clarified, making sure whether the person with Sean was indeed his cousin’s wife or someone else.
“Yeah, that’s Veronica heading home with Sean.”
“So, why are you just staying quiet while your wife comes home with another guy?” Randy asked, feeling puzzled.
Normally, Darwin would protest if he saw Veronica getting close to Sean. And now, when his wife was coming home with her former lover, Darwin didn’t react as he normally would.
“The story is long, Ran. I’ll tell you the chronology when we get to the cafe.”
Randy nodded. And once they arrived at the place Darwin had in mind, they immediately engaged in a conversation dominated by Darwin’s grievances about his marital relationship with Veronica.
“She’s really mad at me.”
“Why is Veronica angry?” Randy asked, curious.
Just last week, his cousin’s relationship seemed warm and close. Why did it suddenly become strained again?
“Actually, I really don’t feel like explaining it all to you. The bottom line is, Veronica is angry with me. And for the past few days, she’s been completely ignoring me.”
Randy just nodded. While not clear on the chronology that led to Veronica’s anger, he tried to stay neutral by offering some casual advice.
“So, have you apologized? Maybe you’re too proud. That’s why Veronica is ignoring you like that.”
“I have,” Darwin defended himself. Pausing for a moment, he took a sip of his coffee, then continued, “I’ve been apologizing every day, Ran. Not that she forgives me. She hasn’t acknowledged me at all. Just so you know, I feel like I’m going crazy being ignored like this.”
Instead of feeling sorry, Randy burst into laughter. But, if you looked closely, Darwin’s expression and his gaze couldn’t lie. He really did seem like someone under heavy stress.
“Well then, you just need to be patient for now. Give Veronica some space until she calms down.”
“But how long should I wait? It’s been days.”
“Days? When did she start being angry?”
“Since the night we got back from Korea.”
“Oh my, it’s been since last week?”
Darwin nodded in resignation. Because it had been days, he had been constantly thinking and worrying.
“Alright then, you need to be patient,” Randy continued. “While waiting for Veronica’s mood to improve, slowly try to win her heart back. Don’t act indifferent. Women are like that. When they’re angry, they don’t want to be bothered. But deep down, they still want to be noticed.”
Darwin agreed with Randy’s advice. That’s why, even though he had been ignored or brushed aside multiple times, he still treated Veronica kindly. He continued to give attention, even though he realized that up until now, it hadn’t yielded any results.
After chatting briefly at a local cafe, Darwin eventually took Randy to his home. While his cousin waited in the living room, Darwin appeared to head towards his office on the second floor.
Once he found the documents he was looking for, Darwin intended to give them to Randy right away. However, as he left his office, he accidentally crossed paths with Veronica, who had just come out of her room.
Darwin cast a scanning gaze at her. Noticing the unusual appearance his wife was displaying.
He was naturally curious about where Veronica was going at this time of night. She was even dressed a bit provocatively, like someone heading to a party.
“Veronica, where are you going?”
Unable to contain his curiosity, Darwin mustered the courage to ask directly. He thought he had the right to know where his wife was going at night.
Veronica just stared silently. Seemingly having no desire to answer Darwin’s question. Instead of responding, she chose to leave immediately.
Seeing Veronica act nonchalant as usual, Darwin chased after her that moment. Before his wife could descend the stairs, his hand had already reached out and grabbed Veronica’s arm, stopping her for a moment.
“Veronica, please. Where are you going at this time of night?”
Veronica turned to look again. Her gaze was sharp as she brushed Darwin’s hand off her arm.
“It’s none of your business where I’m going.”
“It’s clearly my business, Ve. You’re my wife. If something happens, I’m the one responsible.”
“Wife?” Veronica then laughed sardonically. As if finding the words Darwin had just uttered amusing. “Don’t exaggerate, Win. Just mind your own business. Don’t bother yourself with me.”
Before Darwin could reply, Veronica casually walked away. As usual, she didn’t give Darwin even the slightest chance to say much. Opting to quickly descend the stairs. She walked out, then approached Deasy who had come to pick her up.
***