My Coldhearted Husband’s Regret

After the dazzling display of fireworks, Veronica and Adrian said their goodbyes to the family elders and made their way into the night. Their destination was the iconic Porter Broadcast Pinnacle, renowned for offering the most breathtaking panoramic views of the city's skyline. On the eve of the Bloom Celebration, the tower was hosting a spectacular light show and various festivities that promised an unforgettable experience.

By the time they arrived, the area surrounding the tower was already teeming with people. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation and joy as everyone awaited the start of the light show. Thomas, who had coordinated with his classmates to celebrate at this very location, soon spotted his friends in the crowd and joined their circle.

When Thomas's friends caught sight of Veronica and Adrian, they greeted them politely before turning to whisper admiringly to Thomas, "Your cousin is stunning—absolutely gorgeous!"

A proud smile spread across Thomas's face as he responded, "Of course she is!"

The youthful energy of the group was infectious as they playfully posed for photos and captured videos to commemorate the night. Veronica and Adrian remained slightly apart, content to let the younger ones enjoy their carefree moments.

Suddenly, Veronica's phone vibrated with an incoming message. It was from Marco: "Are you attending the light show at the broadcast tower tonight?"

Puzzled by the question, Veronica typed back, "I'm already here. Why do you ask?"

Marco's response came almost instantaneously: "Cecelia and I are heading there now."

Veronica paused momentarily before responding with a simple, "I see."

What a strange coincidence, she thought, as Marco ended the conversation there. Shortly after, the highly anticipated light show began.

Veronica was completely mesmerized by the brilliant display when a familiar voice called out, "Ms. Veronica!"

Turning toward the sound, she immediately recognized Marco and Cecelia approaching through the crowd. The moment Cecelia spotted Veronica looking their way, her face lit up with excitement, and she extended her arms eagerly.

Taking Adrian's hand, Veronica navigated through the packed venue toward them. Upon reaching them, she scooped Cecelia into her arms, the little girl's weight a comfortable presence against her chest.

Cecelia clung to Veronica's neck, her attention immediately drawn to the kaleidoscope of lights above them. "Ms. Veronica, look!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with wonder.

"I see it," Veronica replied, unable to suppress a genuine smile at the child's enthusiasm. The festive atmosphere was truly contagious.

Marco observed them for a moment before gently taking Cecelia back, concerned that Veronica might tire from holding her too long. "Is Thomas not with you?" he asked.

"He's right over there," Veronica pointed toward where Thomas and his friends were gathered nearby.

As she began to turn away, her gaze fell upon three familiar figures in the crowd. Her smile vanished instantly. There stood Isaac, Dora, and Benjamin.

Though she couldn't hear their conversation, the way Isaac affectionately ruffled Benjamin's hair spoke volumes. The three of them stood close together, the very picture of a happy, united family.

The change in Veronica's expression was immediate and noticeable.

Marco caught it right away. Following her line of sight, he spotted Isaac and his family. Before he could avert his gaze, Benjamin noticed them too.

Delighted to see familiar faces amid the festivities, Benjamin waved enthusiastically. "Marco!" he called out.

Isaac and Dora turned at the sound of their son's voice. Their expressions brightened momentarily upon seeing Marco, but the warmth in their faces dissipated the instant they noticed Veronica beside him.

Dora, in particular, frowned visibly at the sight of Veronica standing with Marco.

Since they had already made eye contact, ignoring them completely would be impolite. After a moment's hesitation, Marco turned to Veronica. "I should go say hello."

"Go ahead," Veronica replied flatly.

Marco gave her another concerned glance before carrying Cecelia toward Isaac's family.

Adrian, acutely aware of the sudden shift in Veronica's mood, wasn't entirely familiar with Veronica's past, and Isaac was little more than a hazy figure in her memories. Yet, seeing how quickly Veronica's demeanor had cooled, her intuition immediately identified who Isaac and Dora must be.

A pang of sympathy tightened Adrian's chest as she grasped Veronica's hand. "Should we leave?" she suggested gently.

Veronica shook her head, unwilling to let this encounter ruin their festival night. "I'm fine."

Her reaction wasn't due to any lingering feelings for Isaac. Rather, seeing him with Dora triggered thoughts of her mother, especially on a night like tonight. Why did they get to enjoy the Bloom Celebration as a happy family while her mother...

And then she remembered—they weren't just three, but a family of four. Niall was probably somewhere enjoying the night with Cullen.

They had shattered her mother's life, yet here they were, their family of four thriving. The injustice of it stung deeply.

Adrian squeezed Veronica's hand in silent support. She understood that for their family, holidays weren't occasions for celebration but times of intensified grief.

Visiting Rose was painful; not visiting was equally tormenting. Each trip to the nursing home forced them to confront their painful past in excruciating detail, leaving them emotionally drained.

Moving forward was difficult, but staying rooted in the past was unbearable.

Their family had been managing—not flourishing, not collapsing, just existing day by day. Then Niall had reappeared unexpectedly and taken Cullen away from Veronica. Now, with their entire family relocating to Porter, life had become even more complicated.

Noticing the change in Veronica and Adrian's demeanor, Thomas excused himself from his friends and approached them.

"What's wrong, Veronica?" he asked, concerned.

Before Veronica could answer, Adrian nodded discreetly toward Isaac's group and said simply, "The ones talking to Marco are the Crystal."

Understanding immediately dawned on Thomas's face, his expression hardening with protective indignation.

Meanwhile, Marco had finished exchanging pleasantries with Isaac's family. When he turned back to where he'd left Veronica, Adrian, and Thomas, he discovered only empty space.

They were gone.