hapter 4
Veronica had no idea Miriam had fallen ill.
Still, on Sunday, she found herself thinking of Miriam and Samuel and decided to video call them. No matter what, she was still their mother. Even if there was no deep emotional bond left, she still had a responsibility toward them.
When the call came through, Miriam and Samuel were helping Eleanor try on evening gowns.
In just a few days, Reynard would be discharged from the hospital. After that, Heath was expected to return to Jouver to continue expanding Tate Group’s business.
The idea of leaving Shalton left the kids visibly downcast.
They weren’t eager to see their mother, and they especially didn’t want to be separated from Eleanor.
Upon noticing their low spirits, Eleanor ruffled their hair with a playful smile.
“Let me guess why Mr. Tate and Ms. Tate look so gloomy…”
She paused and said with mock seriousness, “Is it because you’re heading back to Jouver? I thought you’d be excited to see your mom again.”
Miriam’s eyes welled up with tears. She pouted and muttered, “What’s so great about seeing Mom? I don’t
want to leave you, Ms. Turner.”
Samuel nodded in agreement.
He did miss Veronica a little, but the thought of being away from Eleanor was worse.
Eleanor chuckled and leaned in. “Well then, how about I tell you a little secret…”
She waited a beat, then smiled. “I’ve got some work to take care of in Jouver, so I’ll be staying there for a
while. This time, I’m coming with you.”
“Really?” Miriam lit up with excitement.
If Eleanor came with them, she could see her every day.
Just then, Veronica’s video call came through again.
The ringtone echoed through the room. Miriam stared at the screen, let it ring out, then tapped to decline.
Veronica called several times in a row.
Eventually, Miriam grew impatient and blocked her number.
Eleanor didn’t scold her. Instead, she tapped her lightly on the forehead with a smile. “Miriam, why didn’t
you answer your mom’s call?”
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Miriam pouted. “Because she didn’t call me when I was sick. It was her fault I got a stomachache. She’s mean. I don’t want to talk to her.”
After all, they would be back in Jouver in a couple of days. There would be plenty of time to see her then.
But if Veronica knew Eleanor would be moving in, she would probably get upset. Miriam didn’t want anything or anyone interfering with her time with Eleanor.
Eleanor pinched her cheek lightly and smiled. “As long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters.”
Samuel had his doubts. He didn’t think it was right to ignore their mother like this.
But when he looked at Eleanor’s expression, he held his tongue.
Heath always said Eleanor was different–smart, kind, and unlike any other woman.
Since Eleanor hadn’t said Miriam had done anything wrong, Samuel figured it couldn’t have been that serious. Besides, they would be going back to Jouver soon, and they would see Veronica then.
Meanwhile, back in Jouver, Veronica stared at the message she had just sent. A single gray checkmark
sat beneath it.
She was momentarily stunned.
She had given this phone to the twins specifically so she could reach them. Neither child ever let anyone
else touch it.
She knew the bond had faded since they left for Shalton, but she had never imagined they would block
her.
Still uneasy, Veronica called Elsie at the Tate residence.
Elsie replied, “Mrs. Tate, the twins are doing just fine. Ms. Turner’s been looking after them well. They’re with her right now, helping her try on dresses.”
Hearing Eleanor’s name sent a dull ache through Veronica’s chest.
Those were the children she had nearly died giving birth to, yet now they clung to another woman instead.
“As long as they’re okay,” she said softly.
She didn’t mention being blocked. She understood their tempers–the twins had always been spoiled, and acting out like this wasn’t unusual.
If it had been in the past, she would have kept calling until they picked up.
But now… something in her had changed.
Knowing they were safe was enough.
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Whether or not they still saw her as their mother wasn’t something she could control anymore.
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Two days later, Reynard was discharged from the hospital.
Heath quickly decided to return to Jouver and resume expanding Tate Group’s business empire.
Before leaving, Miriam and Samuel said goodbye to their friends at school.
Eleanor had prepared little gifts for them to hand out.
However, the children who received them looked a little disappointed. “These dolls and toy cars are kind
of old–fashioned. I really liked those teddy bear cupcakes your mom made last time. Why didn’t you bring those?” one little girl mumbled with a pout.
Miriam pursed her lips together.
Veronica had personally baked those cupcakes. They were complicated to bake and took a lot of time.
More than once, Veronica had burned her hands making them.
But Eleanor didn’t know how to make them.
In that moment, Miriam thought it would’ve been nice if Veronica were here.
Samuel looked down, too.
Ever since Miriam had blocked their mother’s number, Veronica hadn’t called again.
He hadn’t heard her voice in what felt like forever, and he missed her. Still, they would be seeing her again
soon.
With Veronica around, he knew they wouldn’t get to see Eleanor as often anymore.
Heath had no idea what was on Miriam and Samuel’s minds.
When news spread that he was returning to Jouver, Derick gave him a quick call. “Mr. Tate, Mrs. Tate hasn’t returned to the estate in over a week. Do you want me to inform her you’ll be back?”
Heath frowned. After a moment, his expression cooled. “No need. If she doesn’t plan to come back, then clear out Hillside Villa. Eleanor and the kids will be staying there with me.”
In the past, he only returned because the residence was there. But if Veronica insisted on keeping her distance, there was no reason for her to return to that house either.
Back in Jouver, Veronica had moved into her old apartment. She had even started planting a few flowers
on the balcony.
She wasn’t particularly skilled at gardening. Still, with the weight of a failed marriage off her shoulders, her whole demeanor had lightened.
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Her elderly neighbor next door, Vernon Fletcher, often scolded her for overwatering her plants. “Miss, you’ve got no idea how to care for flowers. Keep watering like that, and you’ll drown every last one.”
He would take over the watering can with a frown, but Veronica never took offense at his words.
Their neighbor had once explained Vernon’s temper. “Don’t take it personally. His grandson refuses to settle down. They had a big blow–up, and he stormed out of the family residence. That’s why he ran off to stay here for a while.”
Veronica just smiled and brushed it off.
Back when she was married into the Tate family, everything was rigid and controlled.
She had spent years walking on eggshells around the Tates. She was always careful with her words and actions to avoid stepping out of line.
Vernon might be grumpy and stubborn, but he turned out to be surprisingly helpful. With his guidance, tending to the flowers became much easier.
Over time, despite their age difference, an unlikely friendship began to form between them.
That evening, Veronica received an invitation from her senior at Cresthill College.
When Courtney Powell heard Veronica would be attending the Cultural Aesthetic Expo, she immediately insisted on going with her.
Back in college, Veronica had majored in design. She was clever, unique, and full of wild ideas.
During college, she had even worked anonymously under the alias “Smile” in Courtney’s studio.
Many of her early works had been lauded for their brilliance. But after getting married, she stepped back from the scene entirely.
Meanwhile, Courtney had ridden that momentum to fame and success. It was no surprise that she would be invited to the event.
Courtney was already at the center of attention and making her way through clusters of designers, curators, and sponsors when Veronica arrived.
Over the years, she had established a notable reputation in the industry and garnered increasing recognition.
Many people eagerly approached her, hoping to make a connection.
A woman always shone the brightest when she found success. Even the men around her became nothing more than background figures or fleeting decoration.
Veronica lowered her eyes as she watched the scene unfold.
All these years, she had been devoted to Heath, Miriam, and Samuel. Somewhere along the way, she had forgotten who she was before any of it began.
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So much time had passed since then that she wondered if she could still be that same bold, visionary designer she once was.
Just as the thought settled, Courtney walked over to her. “This year’s Cultural Aesthetic Expo is massive. Many rising stars in design attended. Watching them tonight reminded me of who you were back then. I really wanted to keep you on at Novaro Design back then, but unfortunately…”
Novaro Design was the design studio Courtney founded during college and was the seed that eventually grew into her thriving company.
Veronica gave a faint, bittersweet smile. “Novaro Design’s doing just fine without me.”
Design had always been a field where talent burned fast and bright, and no one remained at the top forever. Besides, she hadn’t touched a sketchpad in years.
“I don’t agree,” Courtney said.
Courtney took a long drag from her cigarette, then curved her lips into a knowing smile. “Sure, Novaro Design runs fine without you. But the design world without you? That’s a real loss. “Bold and sharp women like you should never be held back by anything, or anyone.”
Chapter 5
