Cook released a deep sigh, feeling utterly powerless against the situation. In her eyes, Veronica had always been too compliant, consistently allowing Cullen to dictate their relationship's terms. This passive approach had robbed Veronica of countless chances to repair what was broken between them. After all these years, their marriage remained frozen in time, neither advancing nor healing.
However, sensing Veronica's reluctance to discuss the matter further, Cook decided not to push.
As dinner officially commenced, conversation flowed around the table, creating a warm and animated atmosphere. Everyone participated in the family banter—everyone except Veronica, who focused intently on her plate, contributing minimal responses when absolutely necessary.
More than ten minutes had passed since Cullen's arrival at Dennis Estate, and during this entire time, not a single word had been exchanged between him and Veronica. No glances, no acknowledgments—as if they existed in parallel universes that happened to intersect at this dining table.
Strangely enough, this complete absence of interaction didn't strike anyone as unusual. The family had long grown accustomed to the invisible wall between the married couple.
Sabrina, who typically relied on Veronica for assistance during meals, had gradually adapted to asking Cullen instead. However, when she spotted the platter of shrimp—a delicacy Veronica had always prepared for both her and Cullen—she instinctively turned to her mother.
"Mom, I want some shrimp," Sabrina said with a slight whine in her voice.
Despite her decision to divorce Cullen and her willingness to relinquish custody, Veronica's maternal instincts remained unwavering. Sabrina was her daughter, and fulfilling her needs was still a duty Veronica took seriously.
"Alright," she responded softly, setting aside her fork to begin peeling the shrimp for Sabrina.
Cook's gaze happened to fall on Veronica's hands, and she suddenly froze. "Ver, where's your ring?"
At this question, every pair of eyes at the table—including Cullen's—zeroed in on Veronica's bare finger.
Since their wedding day, despite their loveless marriage, Veronica had faithfully worn the ring Cook had selected for them. Cullen, meanwhile, had never once donned his wedding band; no one knew what had become of it. Through the years, Veronica's attachment to her ring had even become the subject of Aila's occasional mockery.
Yet today, the symbol of their union was conspicuously absent. No one had noticed until Cook's comment drew attention to it, as people rarely scrutinized others' hands during casual interactions.
Veronica paused momentarily but quickly resumed her task, maintaining a composed expression. "I rushed out this morning and accidentally left it at home," she explained evenly.
The truth was far different. She had deliberately removed the ring when preparing the divorce papers, placing it inside the same envelope. But since the divorce wasn't yet finalized, and knowing Cook's strong opposition to such an outcome, Veronica chose discretion over honesty.
Cook nodded, visibly relieved by the explanation. "Ah, that explains it."
The conversation soon drifted back to its previous rhythm, and dinner continued without further incident.
After the meal, the family relocated to the living room for dessert. Cook, ever the hopeful matchmaker, strategically arranged for Veronica and Cullen to sit beside each other.
True to form, Cullen didn't spare Veronica even a glance. Though reluctant to sit next to him, Veronica couldn't bring herself to reject Cook's obvious orchestration, so she quietly took the designated seat.
It was the closest physical proximity they'd shared in months. The faint scent of his familiar cologne reached her nostrils, but her heart remained unmoved. She focused on her fruit pudding, taking delicate bites without attempting to bridge the chasm between them.
Cook observed them with undisguised pleasure. "You two look perfect together," she remarked, smiling.
Visually, the assessment wasn't wrong. Cullen's tall, handsome frame complemented Veronica's delicate beauty. But appearances were deceptive; beneath the surface compatibility, Veronica felt fundamentally inadequate in every way that mattered.
Aila and Seraphine, though skeptical of Cook's persistent attempts at reconciliation, kept their opinions to themselves, unwilling to dampen her spirits.
Following Cook's wishes, everyone stayed overnight at Dennis Estate.
Around eight o'clock, Cullen accompanied Cook to her study to discuss business matters, while Sabrina tugged at Veronica's hand, expressing her desire to bathe and retire for the night. Veronica dutifully followed her daughter upstairs to assist her with her nighttime routine.
Sitting in the bathtub, Sabrina glanced up at Veronica with hesitation in her eyes. "Mom, are you busy tomorrow morning?"
Though Sabrina was asking Veronica to take her to school, she secretly hoped Niall would be available instead.
Veronica shook her head. "I'm not busy. Why?"
Disappointment flashed across Sabrina's face before she could mask it. "Never mind," she mumbled, looking away.
Veronica didn't press the issue.
After helping Sabrina dry her hair post-bath, Veronica noticed her daughter's eyes repeatedly darting toward her phone. "You can look at it for a little while," she conceded, "but you need to sleep by 9:30 PM. Don't stay up too late, okay?"
"Okay," Sabrina agreed, though with a hint of impatience in her voice.
She urgently wanted to message Niall about the change in plans but didn't want Veronica hovering nearby. Impatiently, she began ushering Veronica toward the door.
"Mom, you can go now. I'll turn off my phone and sleep by 9:30."
Knowing Sabrina was generally responsible about her bedtime, Veronica nodded and wished her goodnight before exiting the room.
The moment the door closed behind her, Veronica heard the soft click of the lock engaging. She paused, realizing Sabrina wasn't locking out potential intruders—she was specifically locking out her mother. Most likely to discuss something privately with Niall.
Veronica had no interest in invading her daughter's privacy. She returned to her room, found a set of pajamas she kept at Dennis Estate, and took a shower. Afterward, she settled on her usual side of the bed and immersed herself in a book she'd brought along.
Time slipped away unnoticed until her eyes began to tire. Glancing at the clock, she realized it was already 11:30 PM, and Cullen still hadn't returned to the bedroom.
She wondered if he planned to avoid the room entirely or if he was genuinely occupied with work.
Lost in these thoughts, Veronica found herself leaving the bedroom and descending the stairs. As she reached the lower level, a voice emerged from the shadows, stopping her in her tracks.
"Everyone else has gone to bed. Are you avoiding going back because Veronica is there? You don't want to face her, do you?"