My Coldhearted Husband’s Regret

Niall's attention became laser-focused on Veronica after that moment. Every gesture, every calculated move the younger woman made was now under careful scrutiny.

When Veronica navigated through Cullen's deliberately complex trap with an approach that caught everyone off guard, Niall felt her stomach twist with anxiety.

Felix's words of admiration only deepened the hollow feeling spreading through her chest.

Veronica had withdrawn completely into her own world, shuttering out the murmured conversations and shifting bodies around the table. Her focus was absolute.

She understood her position clearly. Maintaining the current balance was possible, but achieving victory seemed beyond her grasp.

A moment of stillness passed before she lifted her gaze to Cullen. He advanced another piece with deliberate precision. Veronica's hand froze mid-reach.

Neal's laughter broke the tension. "Extraordinary. I never expected to see such masterful play in this setting, particularly from players so young. Truly impressive work."

Felix shot him an irritated glance, his concentration shattered. "Quiet, please."

Neal raised his hands in mock surrender.

Several minutes elapsed before Veronica finally moved, executing a subtle maneuver that tilted the board's momentum back toward her favor.

Cullen responded within two minutes, his counter swift and decisive.

Veronica placed her final piece and spoke quietly. "The game is yours."

Additional moves remained possible, but the inevitable conclusion was already written in the positioning.

Continuing would serve no purpose. She rose from her chair, preparing to step away from the table.

Cullen's voice stopped her immediately. "Another round?"

After a moment's consideration, Veronica returned to her seat.

Neal observed with growing amusement. "She projects such composure and control, yet here she sits, engaging Cullen in this match under these circumstances. Opportunities to face an opponent of his caliber don't present themselves often. She's reluctant to walk away from such a rare chance."

His comment was directed toward Dario, who recognized the truth in the observation.

Dario offered a confirming nod. Neal continued his analysis. "You wouldn't stand a chance against her either."

Though Dario held the distinction of being the second most skilled player in their social circle, trailing only Cullen, he accepted the assessment without defensiveness.

"You're absolutely right," Dario responded without hesitation.

Veronica's previous chess experiences had been limited primarily to matches with Malcolm.

Her record against him showed no victories, yet Malcolm's responses and critiques revealed that Veronica possessed exceptional talent.

Her youth made her skill level even more remarkable.

Malcolm had maintained an unbroken winning streak since his adolescent years.

Few individuals, regardless of their age or background, had ever earned the kind of recognition that Malcolm consistently showed Veronica.

Her chess abilities were undeniably impressive.

While the others discussed her capabilities, Veronica and Cullen had already reset the board for their second encounter.

"Your opening move?" Cullen offered.

"I'll defer to you again."

Her earlier performance had cost her several key pieces, and she wanted to understand exactly where her limitations lay.

Neal's assessment had been accurate. Chess matches had become infrequent in her routine. Beyond Malcolm, she rarely encountered opponents who could truly challenge her strategic thinking.

This opportunity felt too valuable to abandon.

Cullen had transformed in her mind into simply another chess player, stripped of all other associations.

She refused to avoid the match simply because of his identity.

Cullen accepted her decision without argument and initiated the game.

They played in complete silence, neither offering commentary nor casual conversation.

Something indefinable passed between them during the match that both Neal and Felix noticed from their observation posts. The two players seemed to share an understanding that transcended their brief acquaintance, as though they had been testing each other's minds for years rather than minutes.

The quality of their play suggested a familiarity that shouldn't have existed between relative strangers. Each anticipated the other's strategic preferences with uncanny accuracy.

Niall watched this dynamic unfold with growing discomfort. The connection she witnessed between Cullen and Veronica felt more intimate than mere gameplay. Their silent communication spoke of a compatibility that made her feel like an outsider looking in.

Felix leaned forward slightly, completely absorbed in the tactical exchanges happening before him. The level of play had elevated beyond what he had witnessed in their first game.

Veronica was pushing herself harder now, taking greater risks and exploring more aggressive strategies. Cullen responded in kind, their moves becoming increasingly complex and ambitious.

The atmosphere around the table grew charged with concentration and competitive energy. Even casual observers could sense they were witnessing something exceptional.

Neal found himself holding his breath during particularly tense sequences, while Dario studied both players with professional interest.

The second game was revealing depths to both competitors that their first encounter had only hinted at. Neither was holding back now.