Chapter 19
Orthon’s POV
“What do you mean by what I wanted?” Carter asked, and I glanced at Veronica, who was listening to the conversation. She signalled me to hang up, and I did just that.
“He’s acting innocent now. it’s expected,” she huffed, but the worry and confusion I heard in Carter’s voice didn’t sound like something that could
be faked.
“Are you really sure he was responsible for your kidnap?” I asked her again and she brought out her phone to show it to me. I stared at the message he sent to her for almost a minute as if it could help me figure out what was happening.
“Do you still think I’m blaming the wrong person?” She asked and I let out
a sigh.
From what I was seeing, she wasn’t. The message was from his number and if the thugs mentioned him too, then it was sealed.
But why do that to the woman you were desperately trying to win back? Did he think she had already moved on?
I wished she did. That would have helped with this burning desire I had for her. I wouldn’t have to hide my feelings and pretend it was all okay just to stay close to her.
“I will get to the root of this. Were you able to see any of their faces? Your kidnappers, I mean,” I asked and she shook her head.
“They were in masks the whole time. If I did, I can’t even remember what
11
the face looked like,” she said.
“That’s not a problem then. I’ve already contacted the police and they’re already working to expose them. I am certain we will get good news soon.” I told her. She took my hand, sucking in a deep breath.
“I am so grateful to have you in my life, Orthon. What would I have done without you? This whole divorce process is taking a different turn, but you are still here with me, ignoring the possibility of getting caught up in my mess.” she said, and a warm feeling spread inside me.
“If you want to thank me, let me take you out for dinner. Somewhere nice and cosy, and I promise there will be no Carter’s there,” I offered.
“I would really love to, but I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I am a dead woman now,” she told me, and my expression dripped.
Right! I forgot all about that.
“Right! I forgot that. Well, if you can’t come to the restaurant, I could simply bring the restaurant to you, right?” I said and despite the puzzled look on her face, excitement danced in her eyes.
“What are you planning to do? Tell me, tell me, tell me…” she nudged me until I laughed.
“Calm down, little one, you are going to see it tonight. What’s the hurry?”
“Then you shouldn’t mention it, you brute!” She slapped my arm and I laughed. “I hate suspense. Don’t surprise me, just tell me. I promise I’ll act surprised when I see it,” she pouted and the butterflies in my belly stirred.
She was so beautiful.
How could Carter go a whole day without longing to see this beautiful smile? If she were mine, I would do everything to see that she never ran out of those smiles.
Chapter 19
“Alright, fine.” I said, raising my hands in mock surrender. “I’ll give you a hint. But just a hint.”
Veronica narrowed her eyes suspiciously, her lips curving into a half- smile. “I’m listening.”
I leaned closer, lowering my voice like I was sharing a top–secret plan. “Let’s just say it involves candlelight, good music, and your favourite pasta.”
Her eyes lit up, and she couldn’t hide the excitement. “Candlelight, huh? You’re not playing fair. Orthon.”
“Who said I play fair?” I teased, leaning back with a grin. “Just be ready by eight.”
She tilted her head, mock–serious. “Eight, you say? What if the kidnappers decide tonight’s the night to make another move?”
I shrugged, trying to keep the mood light. “Then they’ll have to get in line. Tonight’s all about you.”
For a moment, the tension that had wrapped around us since the kidnapping seemed to ease. She smiled, genuinely this time, and it felt. like a small victory.
“I don’t deserve you,” she said softly.
“You deserve more than you think, Veronica,” I replied, my voice firm. “And I’ll remind you of that every day if I have to.”
Her smile faltered for a second, replaced by something deeper–something that made me want to close the distance between us. But I stopped myself.
Not now. Not like this.
She was still recovering, healing from the heartache Carter put her through. I didn’t want to do something that would jeopardize the beautiful
thing we were having right now.
She stood, brushing imaginary dust off her jeans. “Alright, eight it is. But don’t think I’ll go easy on you if you mess up my favourite dish.”
I laughed. “Noted. High stakes, as always.”
“So, when are you taking me back to your place?” She asked, walking towards the bar to grab us drinks, probably.
A small frown settled on my face.
“But you are doing perfectly fine here, Vee,” I said and her head snapped
to me.
“You’re not saying what I think you are, right?”
I didn’t want to get upset but I seriously couldn’t watch her run away from her problems. She would have to face it eventually. Whether she liked it
or not.
“I just think you should stay here for a while since everyone thinks you’re dead. Carter can be impulsive and I don’t put it past him to storm into my apartment one day, searching for you. He might even have people follow me or something.” I said.
“I’m not sure he would be that desperate to confirm that he succeeded,” Veronica muttered.
“If he isn’t responsible. I was the last person with you to the best of his knowledge. He would do everything to get answers,” I told her. “Stop running from your father and try to settle with him. Remember you can’t take revenge if you’re at loggerheads with him. I’m not saying he won’t help you, I’m just saying you should open up your heart to him. You’ll heal faster.”
She let out a sigh, and I watched her expression for a while. She wasn’t
pissed, thank goodness. I didn’t want to be the one to make her smile and then proceed to piss her off.
We were still talking when the front door opened. I thought it was her father since he went out for something urgent, only to see the middle- aged blonde walk in with the guards carrying her luggage and shopping bag
Wasn’t she supposed to be back next month? Why was she here already?
Of all the dramatic women I met in my life, Betty Peyton was the queen of them. She was heavily allergic to peace and would do anything to start a fight.
She stopped before us, casting a condescending look at Veronica.
“And who are you supposed to be?” She asked.
Veronica, being her usual naive and well–mannered self, saw nothing wrong in the way Betty addressed her and went ahead to introduce.
herself.
“I’m Veronica, you?”
“Veronica who? Don’t you have a surname?” Betty hissed. “You don’t what, don’t bother. I don’t really care who you are, but this is my house, and I want you to get out right now!”
