My Coldhearted Husband’s Regret

The Winter Breeze Restaurant's elevator doors had already closed behind Isaac and his group as they ascended to the private dining rooms, missing Dario's arrival entirely.

Dario shifted his attention away from the elevator and moved swiftly to greet Griffin, who stood waiting near the entrance. They exchanged warm handshakes and brief pleasantries about the weather and traffic.

"Shall we head up?" Griffin suggested, gesturing toward the elevators.

Just as their group prepared to move, a sleek black Murphy pulled into the parking area. Cullen Dennis stepped out, his tailored suit impeccable against the winter backdrop.

Griffin's face instantly brightened. "Mr. Dennis!" he called out, his voice carrying obvious delight.

Cullen's expression remained carefully neutral as his eyes registered Veronica and Dario standing beside Griffin. He approached with measured steps, offering a slight smile as he extended his hand to Griffin.

"Mr. Brennan, when did you arrive?" Cullen asked smoothly, his demeanor professional.

"Just moments ago," Griffin replied with enthusiasm. "You mentioned having dinner together sometime. When might you be available? Perhaps tonight?"

Cullen shook his head slightly. "My schedule is rather packed today. Let's plan for later this week."

"Of course, of course, whenever works for you," Griffin agreed eagerly.

As Griffin and Cullen continued their exchange, Dario leaned closer to Veronica and muttered under his breath, "Half a month of peace, and now we run into them again."

Veronica remained silent, though the observation wasn't lost on her. It had indeed been precisely half a month since she'd last encountered Cullen. Even during her hospital visit to Cook the previous weekend, he'd been noticeably absent.

Throughout these past ten days, Sabrina had called her repeatedly—especially in the last few days since winter break had begun. With both Cullen and Niall occupied with their own matters, the girl had apparently grown bored and restless, resulting in multiple calls to Veronica.

Calls that Veronica had deliberately ignored.

She had to admit that Cullen had kept his word. Whatever conversation he'd had with Sabrina had been effective—despite Veronica's silence, the girl hadn't shown up unannounced at the Murray residence. That alone had spared Veronica considerable trouble.

The elevator arrived, and their awkward group filed inside. Griffin, sensing the palpable tension between his companions and Cullen, shifted uncomfortably as they ascended in silence.

Veronica felt Cullen's gaze on her and pressed her lips into a thin line. When she finally lifted her eyes, she found his dark, penetrating stare already waiting.

"When are you free?" Cullen asked suddenly, breaking the silence.

Veronica averted her eyes and replied coldly, "I'm never free."

She didn't need to contemplate his question—it undoubtedly concerned Sabrina. Though it had only been half a month since their last meeting, still short of the monthly arrangement, Veronica had been genuinely swamped with work lately.

Cullen's soft chuckle filled the elevator. "The Bloom Celebration is coming soon."

Veronica paused, the realization dawning on her. If she didn't make time for Sabrina now, during the festival period...

The upcoming holiday had completely slipped her mind amid her hectic schedule.

"I don't mind skipping a month," she responded indifferently. After all, she'd spent considerable time with Sabrina last month. Missing one meeting shouldn't matter.

Cullen merely raised an eyebrow at her dismissal but offered no response.

Griffin glanced between them, clearly confused by the cryptic exchange.

The elevator doors opened, and Cullen nodded briefly to Griffin before stepping out and walking away.

Once the doors closed again, Griffin turned to Veronica with curious eyes. "Ms. Murray, were you and Mr. Dennis previously involved?"

"No," Veronica stated firmly.

Griffin appeared unconvinced, likely assuming their tension stemmed from a lovers' quarrel. Before he could pursue the matter further, his phone rang, effectively ending the conversation.

After their meal concluded, Veronica and Dario descended to the parking lot with Griffin, only to encounter Cullen and the Crystal family once again.

Benjamin's voice carried across the space: "You'd better treat my sister well! If you dare mistreat her, I won't let you off easy! Got it?"

Benjamin's bold declaration contrasted sharply with his earlier demeanor. When first meeting Cullen in the private dining room, he had been noticeably intimidated by the man's commanding presence.

Yet Cullen's kindness throughout their meal had clearly eased Benjamin's apprehension. Combined with his family's endless praise of the man, Benjamin now felt comfortable enough to issue his brotherly warning—though everyone present understood it was merely ceremonial posturing.

In truth, Benjamin was thoroughly impressed with his future brother-in-law. From his perspective, Cullen matched his sister perfectly in every way, and treated both Niall and their family with exceptional consideration.

Cullen smiled at Benjamin's words. "Alright," he agreed simply.

Niall beamed beside him, her happiness evident.

Witnessing this intimate family moment, Dario released a cold, derisive laugh. Veronica maintained her impassive expression.

Griffin finally connected the pieces. "So you really weren't involved with Mr. Dennis?" he asked Veronica, glancing toward the beautiful woman at Cullen's side.

"Yes," Veronica confirmed flatly.

Cullen and Niall noticed their observers, turning their attention toward Veronica and Dario.

Dario, however, showed no interest in prolonging the encounter. "Mr. Brennan, please get in the car," he said, opening the door.

Having already sensed the tension between Dario and Cullen, Griffin offered a polite nod toward Cullen before sliding into the vehicle.

Veronica and Dario followed immediately after, and their car soon departed the parking lot, leaving the happy family scene behind them.