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Veronica gave it a thought. She had a feeling that the profile with the plain black avatar was most likely Ashton. The timing of the message was way too coincidental, as it came shortly after she’d submitted her work earlier today.
Veronica texted X back, “Okay. Where should I deliver it?”
X replied almost instantly, “The hospital.”
Learning he was still at the hospital made Veronica’s guilt deepen even more. If there were a next time, she’d definitely take the hit first.
She shook her head and ordered the ingredients for cooking on a food delivery app.
While waiting for the groceries, she went to the balcony for some fresh air. To her surprise, she discovered that the apple blossoms in the garden had all bloomed overnight, creating a stunning sight.
The wind had blown down one blossom, and Veronica caught it in her hand. The gesture helped dispel some of the gloom weighing on her chest.
“Who’s stealing my flower?” The elderly man from next door, who tended the garden, came over in quick
strides.
Veronica laughed. “Not me. It came to me on its own.”
Vernon chuckled along. “You little rascal. I haven’t seen you these past few days. Were you on a business
trip?”
“No, I’ve been working from home and didn’t have time to come out.”
Vernon complained disapprovingly, “Veronica, look how busy you are! Your company is treating you like some overworked salaryman! Seriously, though, are you sure you don’t want to meet my youngest son?”
Veronica laughed, caught between amusement and helplessness. “My divorce isn’t finalized yet. That’d be
awkward.”
“A blind date isn’t marriage. Who’s going to call the cops on you?” Vernon coaxed persistently. “Anyway, he’s handsome and wealthy. I can confidently say that there isn’t a single young talent in Jouver who can
compare to him.”
Just mentioning that fired Vernon up again. William had actually said Ashton had a thing for married
women.
Was he trying to sabotage him with that rumor? Well, Vernon wasn’t having it.
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Veronica found the description somewhat familiar. For a moment, she couldn’t remember where she’d
heard it before.
After Vernon’s enthusiastic pitch, Veronica’s cheeks were burning hot. As soon as the grocery delivery
arrived, she immediately used it as an excuse to go back inside. She never expected that even as a
married woman of six years, she’d experience the madness of elders pushing for matchmaking.
Veronica carried the groceries inside, chuckling helplessly.
After making one serving of hearty soup, there was still an extra portion left in the pot. The memory of Wanda at the hospital two days ago flashed through her mind. She wondered if she was still there.
With that thought, her hands moved on their own, carefully packing up a second container.
She thought she might as well bring both. If fate had it, maybe she’d run into her again. And besides, the
last time she brought food, Ashton didn’t look like he had enough.
At the hospital, Veronica gave the room number just like last time. The front desk staff handed her a key card that provided her direct elevator access. However, the elevator stopped without warning as she
reached the ninth floor.
The doors slid open on their own.
Outside, Heath was holding Samuel in his arms while Eleanor leaned against his side, holding Miriam’s hand. The family of four looked picture–perfect together. But when their eyes met hers, all four of their
smiles froze.
Samuel’s face lit up with joy at first. Then, remembering something, he glared at her with disgust and buried his face in Heath’s shoulder. Miriam rolled her eyes at her and even looked like she was about to
spit.
Eleanor glanced at Veronica’s expression from the corner of her eye. Then, she patted Miriam’s hand and whispered soothingly to her.
Heath’s lips curved into a cold smile as he looked her up and down, taking in both the woman in the
elevator and the food containers in her hands.
Sure enough, no matter how much she pretended not to care, she still couldn’t let go of the children. She came late because she’d been cooking soup for Samuel.
“Perfect timing,” Heath said coldly.
Veronica remained silent, scanning the row of people in front of her. She sighed inwardly at her rotten
luck. It was truly unfortunate timing.
Chapter 20
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Chapter 20
