<b>Chapter </b><b>19 </b>


    Veronica gave it a thought. She had a feeling that the profile with the in ck 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.


    Veronicaughed. “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 toe out.”


    Vernonined disapprovingly, “Veronica, look how busy you are! Yourpany is treating you like some overworked sryman! Seriously, though, are you sure you don’t want to meet my youngest <b>son</b><b>?</b>”


    Veronicaughed, caught between amusement and helplessness. “My divorce isn’t finalized yet. That’d be


    awkward.<b>” </b>


    “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 <b>in </b>Jouver who can


    <b>Just </b>mentioning <b>that </b>fired Vernon up again. William had actually said Ashton had a thing for married


    women<b>. </b>


    Was he trying <b>to </b>sabotage him with <b>that </b>rumor? Well, Vernon <b>wasn’t </b>having <b>it</b>.


    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 shed 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


    At the hospital, Veronica gave the room number just likest time. The front desk staff handed her a key card that provided her direct elevator ess. 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 red 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 nced at Veronica’s expression from the corner <i>of </i>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 <i>how </i>much she pretended not to care, she still couldn’t let go of the children. She camete 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.


    <b>Chapter </b><b>20 </b>