My Coldhearted Husband’s Regret

Sabrina peered over with excitement. Spotting Cullen outside, she exclaimed, "It's Dad! Mom, please let him in!"

Veronica cast her eyes downward, offering a soft, "Mm."

The rest of the Murray family perked up at this revelation. Though surprised by Cullen's unexpected appearance, they refrained from questioning Veronica, attributing his visit to Sabrina's presence.

Shortly thereafter, Cullen arrived at their doorstep.

Veronica stepped outside to greet him, inquiring, "Are you here to escort my grandmother to the hospital?"

"Yes," Cullen confirmed with a nod.

"Give me a moment," Veronica responded, turning back toward the house.

"Of course," Cullen replied, remaining in his vehicle while he waited.

Approximately ten minutes later, Mary finally emerged from the residence.

Upon seeing her, Cullen promptly exited his car and opened the passenger door with practiced courtesy.

Meanwhile, Sabrina, ready to head to school, called out cheerfully, "See you later, Dad!"

"Goodbye," he responded warmly.

After exchanging brief, polite nods with Veronica and the other Murray family members present, Cullen slipped back into his car and drove away.

Veronica likewise entered her vehicle to transport Sabrina to school.

By 11:30 that morning, while Veronica was immersed in her work, her phone rang. Mary's voice came through with welcome news: "The surgery was successful."

Relief washed over Veronica. Just as she set her phone down, it vibrated again – Cullen calling. She deliberately let it ring unanswered.

Moments later, a text message appeared: "We're going out for lunch soon. Would you like to join us?"

Veronica stared at the message but offered no response. She was certain Cullen would interpret her silence correctly.

Indeed, no further messages followed.

Around noon, however, Whitney's name flashed on Veronica's screen. "Ver! You won't believe what I just saw – your husband... well, future ex-husband... helping your grandmother up the restaurant stairs!"

Before Veronica could interject, Whitney continued excitedly, "Wait a minute. Don't tell me you two have secretly reconciled behind my back?"

"No," Veronica replied firmly.

While flipping through a file on her desk, she briefly explained Cook's fall and subsequent hospitalization. "We visited Grandma together. He's simply showing gratitude."

That explained his personal appearance to collect Mary that morning.

Whitney's voice carried unmistakable disappointment. "So that's all it was?"

"Yes, that's all," Veronica confirmed.

In truth, the more considerate and attentive Cullen behaved, the clearer it became that his actions stemmed from a desire to repay kindness and maintain appropriate boundaries between them.

His politeness was merely another form of creating distance. Only someone blinded by wishful thinking would mistake such gestures for reconciliation attempts.

That evening, work kept Veronica late. By the time she reached the hospital, the clock had already struck 7:00 PM.

As she stepped out of her vehicle, her gaze fell upon Niall, who leaned casually against a nearby car.

Niall spotted her as well. Her lips tightened into a thin line as she gave Veronica a cold, evaluative look but remained silent.

Veronica closed her car door without acknowledging Niall's presence and proceeded inside, flowers in hand.

The VIP floor maintained its characteristic tranquility.

Upon pushing open the hospital room door, she immediately noticed Cullen, Marco, and Nate seated inside. Recalling Niall's presence downstairs, understanding dawned – they had likely arrived together.

Whether Niall had already visited Cook remained unclear.

Upon noticing her entrance, Nate offered a smirk. Marco, however, respectfully stood from his chair.

Cullen approached her, saying simply, "You're here."

Veronica deliberately ignored his greeting. Only after making direct eye contact with Cook did her expression soften into a genuine smile. "Grandma," she said warmly.