My Coldhearted Husband’s Regret

Marco approached Veronica and carefully lifted the trembling child from her arms.

As he cradled the little girl, his eyes swept over Cecelia's drenched clothing. Water still dripped from her small frame, creating puddles on the marble floor.

His gaze shifted back to Veronica, studying her face with quiet intensity. "What happened to her?"

Veronica remained unaware that this frightened child shared blood ties with Marco. Her voice carried exhaustion from the rescue. "She slipped into the pool. I managed to get her out before she went under completely."

Something flickered across Marco's features. "I owe you."

Veronica brushed off his gratitude with a dismissive gesture. "Just get her into dry clothes quickly. Her lips are already turning blue."

Marco gave a curt nod, his attention torn between the shivering child and the woman who had saved her. He opened his mouth as if to speak, but Cecelia's renewed sobbing cut through the moment. The little girl clung to him desperately, her small body wracked with tremors of fear and cold.

Without another word, Marco pressed the elevator button and disappeared behind the closing doors, leaving Veronica standing alone in the hallway.

Veronica returned to the pool area, her wet clothes clinging uncomfortably to her skin. The warm embrace of the hot spring gradually thawed her chilled bones. After changing into fresh attire, she made her way to the buffet, her stomach reminding her that she had barely eaten all day.

She had just settled into her meal when familiar footsteps approached her table. Marco stood before her, his hand gently holding Cecelia's small fingers. The child now wore a dry pink dress, though her eyes still held traces of earlier terror.

"Would you mind some company?"

Veronica's fork paused halfway to her mouth. Every instinct told her to maintain distance from Marco, to avoid complications that his presence inevitably brought. Yet his polite request left her little room for refusal without appearing rude.

"Of course not. Please join me."

Marco guided Cecelia to the chair beside him, his voice softening as he addressed the child. "Wait here while I get your dinner, sweetheart."

Cecelia's wide eyes darted nervously toward Veronica before she whispered her agreement.

Marco's attention returned to Veronica. "Could you watch her for just a moment?"

Despite her internal reluctance, Veronica found herself nodding. The vulnerability in the child's expression made refusal impossible.

Once Marco departed for the buffet line, an awkward silence settled between Veronica and Cecelia. The little girl sat rigidly in her chair, stealing glances at Veronica when she thought no one was looking.

Veronica recognized the child's shyness and chose her words carefully, not wanting to startle her further. She had no knowledge of Cecelia's dietary restrictions or preferences, making her hesitant to offer anything from her own plate.

After several minutes of careful consideration, Veronica spoke in the gentlest tone she could manage. "Your uncle will return shortly."

Cecelia's beautiful dark eyes met hers briefly before the child offered a small nod of acknowledgment.

"Are you feeling better now? Does anything still hurt from your fall?"

This time, Cecelia shook her head, though she remained silent.

Marco returned carrying a plate filled with child-friendly portions and placed it before Cecelia along with appropriately sized utensils. He watched as she began eating with delicate, measured bites.

"How does it taste?" he asked, genuine concern coloring his voice.

Cecelia nodded approvingly, a tiny smile ghosting across her lips.

Marco's gaze found Veronica across the table. "Cecelia, you need to properly thank Ms. Murray. She's the reason you're safe right now."

The little girl paused in her careful consumption of chocolate cake, looking up at Veronica with solemn eyes. "Thank you for saving me, Ms. Murray."

The realization struck Veronica that Marco had orchestrated this entire encounter solely for his niece to express her gratitude. The gesture felt both touching and unnecessarily formal.

"You don't need to thank me, sweetheart. I'm just glad you're okay."

Marco resumed eating while Cecelia returned to her meal with renewed focus.

"Are you here alone tonight?" Marco's question carried casual curiosity.

"I'm with my coworkers. We're having our company retreat here this weekend."

Marco's assumption led him to believe she referred to Dennis Group, unaware of her recent career change. A brief shadow crossed his features.

"That sounds nice."

Across the dining area, Dario caught sight of Veronica and raised his hand in greeting. The gesture provided Veronica with the perfect escape route from an increasingly uncomfortable situation.

She had no desire to deepen her connection with anyone from Cullen's circle, and conversation with Marco felt strained and artificial. Rising from her chair, she seized the opportunity to excuse herself.

"I should mention again how grateful I am for your help before. I need to rejoin my colleagues now. Please enjoy the rest of your dinner."

Marco sensed the deliberate distance in Veronica's demeanor. Her warmth had cooled considerably since their last encounter, replaced by polite but unmistakable detachment. He attributed this change to their previous heated exchange at the racetrack, choosing not to probe deeper.

He simply nodded his understanding as she prepared to leave.

Dario observed the broad-shouldered figure seated with his back toward them, noting the child at the table. When Veronica approached, curiosity sparked in his expression.

"Who was that man you were dining with?"