My Coldhearted Husband’s Regret

Determined to shield them from the chaotic crowd, Marco positioned himself strategically nearby, ready to intervene at any moment.

The slope buzzed with weekend skiers, creating a maze of moving bodies that proved impossible to navigate safely.

They had barely completed their second run when disaster struck. Two teenage girls, laughing and distracted, collided directly into their path.

Cecelia managed to swerve aside, but Veronica took the full impact and went tumbling straight toward Marco.

His reflexes kicked in instantly. His strong arm circled her waist, yanking her firmly against his solid frame before she could hit the ground.

The sudden contact with his muscled chest sent an electric shock through Veronica's system. Her body went rigid in his arms, and she immediately began pushing against him, desperate to create distance. That's when the sharp pain in her ankle registered.

Marco's grip remained steady around her. "Something's wrong with your ankle, isn't it?"

"I think so, yes."

Without hesitation, he signaled to a resort employee to assist Cecelia, then swept Veronica off her feet in one fluid motion.

She had expected him to simply help her hobble to the medical station. Being cradled against his chest like this left her completely flustered, and she fought against his hold. "Let me walk, I can manage—"

"The medical team is standing by," Marco cut her off, his tone brooking no argument. "We're getting that ankle looked at immediately."

Something in his commanding voice made her stop resisting, though tension still radiated through her frame.

Inside the warm lodge, Marco carefully lowered her onto the examination table.

The resort physician's assessment revealed nothing more serious than a minor joint displacement. A few quick manipulations later, and Veronica was mobile again.

"Do you want to head back out there?" Marco asked.

"I'm perfectly fine to continue." She wasn't about to let Cecelia's day be ruined because of a small mishap.

Satisfied with the doctor's clearance, Marco didn't object to her decision.

From across the lodge, someone had been observing their entire interaction.

"Bonnie? You seem distracted."

Bonnie's eyes narrowed as she peered through the crowd. "I thought I recognized someone just now."

The man's profile bore an uncanny resemblance to Marco. But he was clearly with a woman and child, which made no sense. Marco didn't have a family, did he?

She started moving closer for a better view, but the man pulled his ski mask and goggles back into place and disappeared into the crowd before she could be certain.

The afternoon brought two more minor collisions, but this time both Veronica and Cecelia emerged unscathed.

When Marco reached out to steady her, his fingers closing around her hand, Veronica gently but firmly extracted herself from his grasp. "I've got my balance back, thank you."

Only then did Marco allow his hand to fall away from her wrist.

By midday, they had abandoned the slopes in favor of a cozy restaurant nestled at the base of the mountain. Marco slid the menu across the table, gesturing for her to make the selections.

It was during their meal that Cecelia's curiosity finally got the better of her. "Ms. Murray, I don't think I know your first name yet."

"It's Veronica. Veronica Murray is my full name. Feel free to call me Ms. Veronica if you'd like."

Cecelia tested out the name with a bright smile. "Ms. Veronica."

The warmth in the little girl's voice made Veronica's heart soften, and she reached over to affectionately touch Cecelia's cheek.

The physical exertion of the morning had clearly taken its toll on the child. Even before their plates were cleared, Cecelia's eyelids began drooping heavily. Marco scooped her up with practiced ease, dabbing at the corners of her mouth with a napkin.

Veronica pushed her own empty plate aside and reached for her purse. "Should we head home now?"

"That sounds like a plan." But Marco made no move to stand. Instead, his gaze fixed intently on her face. "Would you be open to doing this again sometime?"

"Of course."

After everything he had done for her today, and considering how much Cecelia seemed to enjoy her company, agreeing to future outings felt like the least she could do.

"I appreciate that."

"There's nothing to appreciate."

With Cecelia sleeping peacefully in Marco's arms and an awkward silence settling between them, Veronica saw no reason to prolong their goodbye. She offered a brief farewell and headed for the exit.

Marco remained motionless, watching through the restaurant's large windows as her car pulled out of the parking lot and disappeared down the mountain road. Several minutes passed before he finally made his way to his own vehicle.

The gentle motion of the car ride home stirred Cecelia from her nap. "Did Ms. Veronica already go home?"

"She did." Marco adjusted his hold on her as they walked toward the house, then seemed to remember something important. "Cecelia, I need you to do something for me. From now on, when you talk about her, just say 'Ms. Murray,' okay? And this is really important - don't mention her first name to anyone else. Can you keep that secret for me?"

Cecelia's head bobbed up and down earnestly. "I promise."