This morning, before heading to the meeting, Darwin intentionally dropped Veronica off at the Vortex Group building. His wife indeed had a scheduled meeting with her father and also the representatives from Leighton to discuss the ongoing mining business developments in Malaysia.
Darwin should have been the one attending the meeting today. However, due to having other commitments, Veronica, who is also a leader, reluctantly took over her husband’s role.
“Am I really taking over your position?” Veronica asked as the car driven by Darwin was heading towards the Vortex Group building.
Darwin nodded from his position. While keeping his focus on driving, he responded to his wife’s question.
“Yes, dear. For today, you’re filling in for me. You know that from the beginning I had a scheduled meeting with Mr. William, and it can’t be postponed or delegated to someone else.”
Veronica nodded in understanding. William Altmojo was indeed a demanding client. Every business meeting with Infinix Group, the middle-aged man, never allowed anyone else to represent him. He consistently insisted on being met by Darwin personally.
Because he was a significant client and they had a long-standing partnership, Darwin reluctantly complied to keep William satisfied as a business partner.
“Also, are you okay with Sean accompanying you later?”
Veronica glanced at him in that moment. Anticipating eagerly, she awaited her husband’s response to her question.
“It’s fine,” Darwin answered, glancing briefly. “Besides, during the meeting, you won’t be alone. Papa Damian is also participating in this meeting. So, what do I need to worry about?”
Veronica smiled happily. She was relieved that for the first time, Darwin didn’t protest, make snide remarks, or possibly forbid her from going just because Sean would also be there.
Once the car Darwin was driving arrived at the front lobby of the building, he didn’t immediately leave. He took the time to escort Veronica to her father’s room.
“Good morning, Dad,” greeted Darwin as he and Veronica entered Damian’s room. In Darwin’s eyes, he could see his father-in-law enjoying coffee while reading something. Maybe work documents or something else.
“Win, come here. Join me for a cup of coffee,” Damian invited, waving his hand towards him. He signaled to his son-in-law to come closer.
“Hey, Dad…” Veronica interjected. “Darwin needs to hurry. He has a meeting with Mr. William Altmojo at 10.”
Damian sighed and looked at his watch, then responded with a relaxed expression.
“It’s still an hour away, dear. Keeping me company for a cup of coffee won’t take more than 15 minutes.”
“But, Dad-”
“Hush,” Darwin whispered while shaking his head. He gestured to his wife not to argue with what Damian had just asked. “It’s okay, dear. There’s still an hour. It’s not a problem if I chat with Dad for a bit.”
Damian smiled triumphantly. Once again, he gestured for Darwin to sit down. Shortly after, Damian’s secretary entered the room with a tray carrying two cups of the drinks that Damian had ordered.
“Come on, Win, have your coffee first. And there’s a piece of vanilla cake, Veronica’s favorite. You should try it.”
Darwin couldn’t refuse. He simply complied as Damian engaged him in conversation while enjoying their coffee.
Meanwhile, Veronica seemed busy. She was focused on reviewing the documents she would present to Leighton representatives later.
“Dad, it’s already 9:30. Darwin needs to excuse himself. If he has free time later, he can chat with you again.”
Damian nodded. He allowed his son-in-law to continue his activities.
“Be careful on the road, Win. And when there’s a day off, I want to take you golfing. It’s a way to expand our business network too.”
“Don’t worry, Dad. Just arrange the schedule, and Darwin will accompany you wherever you want. Alright, I’m going to say goodbye now. Take care of Veronica as well. It’s a bit troublesome having such a beautiful wife. I’m afraid she’ll catch the attention of other big bosses.”
Damian laughed heartily. Veronica, sitting nearby, frowned upon hearing the teasing Darwin directed at her. Once her husband left, she approached Damian and took a seat in front of him.
“Are you feeling well, Dad?”
For some reason, among all the questions, Veronica chose to ask about his health. Although, if one were to observe, Damian seemed to be in good condition. His heart condition never relapsed, contrary to his past experiences.
“I’m healthy, dear. Thanks to you. I can’t deny that seeing you and Darwin happy like this boosts my immunity.”
Veronica smiled happily. In her heart, she was undoubtedly grateful. Finally, her father’s hopes for a happy marriage were coming true. Her fears of divorce were dissipating. Now, the only remaining dream of her father’s was to have grandchildren soon.
“It makes me happy to see you so healthy, Dad. Darwin and I are even working to provide grandchildren as you’ve asked.”
Damian nodded with a smile. As he saw Sean entering the room, he urged his daughter to prepare.
“Sean, did you make the restaurant reservation I instructed?”
Sean promptly nodded. Following Damian’s steps, he explained.
“Yes, Mr. Damian. Mrs. Veronica helped with the reservation and setting up the place to host the Leighton representatives after the meeting. I’ve also ensured that the hotel for their stay is ready.”
“Good,” Damian nodded. “In that case, after Veronica’s presentation, you’ll back her up and explain the challenges we’ve been facing lately.”
Sean nodded, willingly accepting the given task. After entering the meeting room and delivering a brief welcome, Damian began the event and asked his daughter to carry out her duty.
***
Sean continued to observe how Veronica presented the company’s recent work progress. When it was his turn to step forward, he did the same. With confidence, he fulfilled his responsibilities and duties.
Sean also engaged in substantial discussions and conversations with the Leighton representatives. This made Damian increasingly appreciate his performance and dedication in handling critical tasks.
“Are you sure you won’t join Mr. Damian and the guests for lunch?” Sean asked outside the room. At the moment, he and Veronica were waiting for Damian, who was still engaged in a conversation with the Leighton representatives.
“Yes, I can’t join you all,” Veronica replied with a regretful expression. Her schedule for the day was quite packed. “At 2 pm, I have an appointment with a guest. Since Darwin isn’t here, I have to stand in for him.”
Sean nodded understandingly. Even if he were in Darwin’s place, Veronica would probably do the same.
“How about you and Darwin?”
Shifting away from discussing lunch, Sean suddenly asked about Veronica and Darwin’s relationship. Even though he already knew from Deasy. He wanted to hear it directly from his ex-girlfriend’s lips.
“Darwin and I are doing well so far.”
“And you two decided not to break up after all?”
At that moment, Veronica lifted her face. Although she almost whispered, she heard clearly what Sean had just asked.
“Did Deasy tell you again about me not getting a divorce?”
Sean nodded without hesitation. He figured, why hide it? After all, Deasy had been the reliable source of news about anything related to Veronica.
“The other day, she mentioned that you’ve made a decision not to divorce as initially planned. And are you serious about that decision?”
This time, Veronica nodded. It seemed she needed to clarify this with Sean.
“Darwin and I have thought this through thoroughly. Because we feel compatible, we both decided to continue our marriage.”
“After what Darwin did to you?”
Once again, Veronica nodded, this time with a smile.
“Everyone has a dark past. I have no right to judge. Besides, I live for the future. Not to dwell or get trapped in the past. Even if Darwin did something foolish in the past, I believe he can change now and prove his commitment.”
“And does that mean there’s no chance for me to get back together with you?”
Veronica sighed deeply. From Sean’s gaze, she could see how disappointed he was right now. But what else could she do? She had made her choice. And now, it was Darwin who had successfully captured her heart.
“Sean… from the beginning, I’ve reminded you that you don’t have to wait for me. I’ve told you from the start that even if I don’t love Darwin, I will try to carry out my marriage sincerely. I’ll be faithful until I myself say it’s enough. Besides, you’re a good man, and I’m sure you’ll-”
“No,” Sean interjected, shaking his head. He even managed a bitter smile. He tried to deny what he had just heard. “It’s only you who has been the best all along, Ve.”
“That’s because you’ve never been willing to open your heart. Try opening your heart to other women after this. I’m sure you can find someone better than me.”
Sean shifted his gaze momentarily, looking straight ahead. He smiled once more while continuing to shake his head.
“I thought that, in the end, we’d be meant to be.”
“I’m truly sorry, Sean,” Veronica pleaded once again.
Sean nodded, trying his best to be open-minded and accept what Veronica had decided.
“Are you happy now?”
Of course, Veronica nodded. Don’t ask how happy she was right now. Darwin had even managed to make her head over heels. She couldn’t even remember when she had fallen in love with her husband.
“I’m happy. Very happy.”
“In that case, I congratulate you. Sincerely from my heart, I wish for your eternal happiness.”
Meanwhile, in a different location, Darwin had just finished his meeting with William. He intended to return to the office, but suddenly his phone started ringing.
Glancing briefly, there was no name displayed on the screen. Only an unknown number repeatedly making calls.
Initially, Darwin chose to ignore it. He wasn’t accustomed to answering or responding to unfamiliar numbers.
However, a few moments later, another notification came in. There was a message sent from that unknown number.
+62 853 0000 1234: Win, please answer this call. It’s really important.
Darwin was taken aback by the message he read. Shortly after, his phone rang again. Curious, he parked his car and then answered the call.
“Hello?”
“Hello, Win.”
Darwin fell silent for a few moments. He recognized whose voice it was exactly.
“Vivian?”
“Win, can we meet now?”
Darwin became more surprised. For what reason would Vivian suddenly contact him and even ask to meet?
Would Darwin agree? Of course not. He didn’t want this meeting to potentially cause misunderstandings with Veronica.
“Vivian, what else do we need to meet for? Haven’t our matters been settled?”
“I know,” Vivian replied from the other side. “But this is really important. There’s something I need to tell you. Besides, I don’t have anyone else but you.”
Darwin remained unmoved. He didn’t respond to Vivian’s recent request, causing the woman on the other end to sound pleading.
“Win, please. I promise, this will be our last meeting. After this, I won’t bother you again.”
Darwin sighed repeatedly. After a brief consideration, he spoke briefly.
“Just wait a moment. There’s something I need to do.”
Darwin then pressed the hold button on his phone. At the same moment, he tried to contact Veronica. He intended to ask his wife for permission regarding whether he could meet Vivian or not.
However, unfortunately, Veronica didn’t answer. Darwin repeated the call multiple times, but Veronica still didn’t respond. She might be busy or on the road. This situation certainly added to Darwin’s dilemma.
“Hello, Vivian,” Darwin greeted again when the call he aimed at Veronica received no response.
“So, Win? Can you meet me now?”
“I really can’t.”
“Please, Win. I won’t do anything weird. If you’re worried, we can meet in a public place or somewhere crowded. Or you can bring a friend along to make sure I won’t do anything weird. Please, meet me this one last time.”
Darwin, who had been confused all along, finally agreed. In fact, he chose the location for the meeting with Vivian himself. This was done to prevent anything negative from happening. He purposely chose a well-known restaurant so that it wouldn’t seem like he was alone with Vivian.
After driving for about 10 minutes, Darwin finally arrived at one of the renowned restaurants. Not wanting to waste time, he immediately looked for Vivian. When his eyes caught sight of his ex-girlfriend, Darwin approached her.
“Vivian,” Darwin called as he reached the table he had reserved.
Vivian, who was sitting, immediately stood up. She walked closer and unexpectedly hugged Darwin. Not only that, she could be heard crying. Naturally, this left Darwin even more confused.
Meanwhile, from another corner of the restaurant, unexpectedly, there was Damian who was with a group and had just exited the VIP room. As he was about to leave, his eyes inadvertently caught sight of Darwin’s presence.
Damian was taken aback for a few moments. Especially since with his own eyes, he saw how his son-in-law was in an embrace with another woman.