My Coldhearted Husband’s Regret

The moment Veronica realized what had just occurred, every instinct screamed at her to create distance between herself and Cullen.

She attempted to step back, but Cullen's response was maddeningly nonchalant.

"Easy there," he murmured, his voice carrying that familiar tone of control.

As though he had anticipated her every move, his grip on her waist tightened with calculated precision.

"Cullen!" The protest escaped her lips in a sharp whisper.

Her efforts to break free proved futile, and the last thing she wanted was to become the evening's entertainment for curious onlookers.

Veronica understood that Cullen never acted without purpose. Whatever had prompted this unexpected maneuver, he clearly had something he needed to communicate.

Recognizing the futility of resistance, she ceased her struggles. Her voice carried an arctic chill as she demanded, "What exactly do you need to discuss?"

Cullen's gaze swept over her composed but cold features, seemingly unaffected by her obvious displeasure. His tone remained casual as he posed his question, "When do you plan to answer Sabrina's calls?"

"Eventually."

A knowing smile played at the corners of Cullen's mouth. "So we're talking about ten days or so?"

Veronica hesitated momentarily before confirming, "Yes."

Despite their impending divorce and her lack of custodial rights, Veronica remained acutely aware of her maternal responsibilities to Sabrina.

She had made the decision to dedicate one full day each month exclusively to spending time with her daughter.

Ten days would complete nearly a full month since their last contact.

"Understood," Cullen acknowledged with a curt nod.

The conversation had reached its natural conclusion.

After all, what topics of discussion could possibly remain between them?

Veronica fixed him with a pointed stare, wordlessly communicating her expectation that he release her.

Cullen, however, seemed in no hurry to comply. Instead, he posed another question, "How have you been managing lately?"

Veronica's lips compressed into a thin line. His motivations remained unclear, leaving her uncertain of his intentions.

"That's no longer your concern."

Her wellbeing had ceased to be his responsibility the moment their relationship began its inevitable dissolution.

Cullen's inquiry appeared genuinely casual. When she offered no elaboration, he didn't press the matter. Before Veronica fully comprehended what was happening, he had smoothly guided her away from the dance floor and departed.

The other guests remained bewildered by the sudden pairing of Cullen and Veronica as dance partners.

Their surprise was evident when they witnessed the unexpected collaboration.

Niall found herself biting her lower lip in response, though she quickly regained her composure.

If Cullen harbored any romantic feelings for Veronica, those emotions would have manifested years ago, not at this late stage in their relationship.

Upon noticing Cullen's return, Niall gracefully exited the dance floor and approached him with curiosity.

"Did you need to discuss something with her?" she inquired.

Cullen's response was brief and matter-of-fact. "It concerned Sabrina."

"Ah," Niall replied with understanding.

She had suspected as much. Cullen wouldn't have sought out Veronica without a legitimate reason.

Her smile returned as she extended another invitation for them to dance together.

Cullen accepted, and they returned to the dance floor as partners once again.

Meanwhile, across the room, Dario had observed the entire interaction between Veronica and Cullen with growing concern.

Learning that Cullen's motivation had been solely to discuss Sabrina provided some measure of relief, though his protective instincts remained heightened.

"Moving forward, I'd recommend maintaining as much distance as possible between you two," he advised.

Veronica nodded her agreement without hesitation. "I completely understand."

At that moment, Edric approached them with an apologetic expression.

"Ms. Murray, I owe you an apology for the partner exchange. I should have requested your permission first."

During the switch, Edric had been acutely aware of Veronica's visible discomfort. Her reluctance to interact with Cullen had been unmistakable.

Her unwillingness to dance with Cullen couldn't have been more obvious if she had announced it publicly.

This observation led Edric to piece together that Cullen must be romantically involved with Niall.

Given the apparent tension between Niall and Veronica, Edric concluded that Cullen had likely approached Veronica to discuss Niall, possibly even to defend her honor.

Veronica dismissed his concerns with a gentle shake of her head.

"Please don't apologize. You bear no responsibility for what occurred, and I would have made the same decision in your position."

Her tone conveyed genuine sincerity and absence of blame.

Edric found her response refreshing and authentic.

During their earlier dance, he had noticed that Veronica possessed a quiet, reserved nature rather than the typical social butterfly characteristics common at such events.

She maintained a composed, understated presence. Her gaze held no hidden agendas or calculated interest in him beyond their temporary partnership on the dance floor.

Her authenticity stood in stark contrast to the usual social maneuvering he encountered at similar gatherings.

With renewed confidence, Edric extended his hand toward her in a gesture of invitation.

"Would you honor me with another dance?" he asked, his tone respectful yet hopeful.