Veronica straightened up, speaking slowly, "It's just food poisoning."
Her words didn't pacify Eloise completely; there was still a lingering doubt.
Just then, footsteps echoed from outside, followed by a familiar voice, "Veronica."
It was Gunner.
Veronica froze, slowly turning to face her ex-husband, forcing a brittle smile, "I heard you're a dad now, congratulations. When should we get our divorce finalized, so you can register your son?"
Gunner remained silent.
His dark eyes locked on Veronica, her vulnerable beauty stirring up fond memories.
During their college years, they were so good together.
Gunner, trembling, pulled out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, expertly placing one between his lips. As he lit it, he finally uttered, "Veronica, let's...let's start over."
...
Veronica's voice was strained.
She scoffed lightly, "Gunner, are you kidding me? How can we start over at this point?"
After she said that, a sharp pain shot through her abdomen.
She instinctively clutched it.
Gunner, smoking his cigarette, fixated his gaze on her hand. He guessed what was happening, but he pretended not to, knowing it wouldn't benefit him to address it.
He swallowed his frustration.
Gunner croaked, "I just want to make up with you. Pack your things. I'll pick you up tomorrow."
As a man, he felt it was a big step to take.
But, t
hey both had made mistakes, he could forgive Veronica, and he hoped she could forgive him too.
Just as the argument continued, Riley appeared.
He handed Veronica over to Eloise, removed his jacket, and scoffed, "Gunner, aren't you a father now? What are you doing here, looking for a fight? Fucking scum."
Seeing Riley, Gunner's temper flared as well.
Riley, that bastard, had knocked up his wife!
Both men were ready to brawl.
A voice rang out, "It's the Colman family's big wedding day. Save your jealousy for another occasion."
As the voice faded, it turned out to be Harvey.
Harvey, always perceptive, glanced at Veronica clutching her stomach, then at Gunner's impulsive demeanor, piecing together most of the puzzle. However, he decided not to expose it.
Riley, considering Callum’s reputation, released his grip, his expression still sour.
Gunner also took a step back, his gaze resting on Veronica's face, and his voice became very soft. "Ravenna's child...isn't mine."
This revelation hit like a bolt from the blue.
In the past, people might have laughed at Gunner's misfortune, but now no one was laughing, especially with Veronica's face turning pale.
She understood that Gunner didn't want a divorce anymore.
Gunner approached Veronica, his handsome face a mix of feelings. He choked out, "Veronica, I was a jerk before, but I genuinely want to make up with you. I know you despise me, but I'd give up all my possessions before I'd divorce you."
Veronica's response was a swift slap across his face.
Gunner took the blow, his eyes reddening, "We had such a beautiful past, Veronica. I can't let go."
After saying this, he left, looking more disoriented and lost than he had ever been before.
Veronica was sobbing heavily.
Eloise gently wrapped her arm around her.
Riley took Veronica from Eloise, speaking politely, "Eloise, you go ahead. I'll take Veronica home. There's something I need to discuss with her."
ut Harvey grabbed her hand, "Eloise, I'm sorry. I've hurt you."
"Let go!"
Eloise's voice trembled slightly, she pulled her hand free and quickly walked away. She had loved him so much, they had been so passionately entwined, yet he had caused her such deep pain.
In front of Harvey, she could never be indifferent.
...
Eloise got into the car, her eyes still red.
Dwight had already been waiting in the car. Seeing her like this in the rearview mirror, he immediately jumped up, "Damn! You met with Horigan, didn't you? You still love him?"
"No."
Dwight's usually smiling face suddenly turned cold, "Denying it so quickly, you must be hiding something. Hey..."
Eloise gently cut him off, "Dwight, you're always ribbing me, but isn't your real target Harvey?"
Dwight's mood immediately dropped.
"Damn it! Don't make it sound so gross. I'm not into guys."
But then he admitted, "Back in Rossland, he crossed me and made me look like a fool, so I gave him a taste of his own medicine. But even gorgeous women didn't sway him. I'm starting to question if there's something wrong with him."
Eloise leaned back in the rear seat.
She listened absently, and it vaguely reminded her of something.
A few months ago, Harvey had gone on a business trip to Rossland, to represent Stuart in a lawsuit. Dwight must be referring to that night.
Eloise remembered that Harvey had sent her a voicemail that night.
So it all happened on that night.
Dwight continued to mumble to himself, but Eloise didn't have the interest to listen anymore.
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