On Rose's birthday, Veronica's phone lit up with a message from Cullen. The divorce proceedings were finally moving forward.

How ironically perfect.

Leon's voice continued through the phone, "Mr. Dennis would like to meet at the courthouse Monday morning at nine to process the paperwork. Does that timing work with your schedule, Ms. Murray?"

Veronica kept her tone neutral despite the weight in her chest. "Monday morning is fine."

"Excellent," Leon replied. "I'll inform his legal team."

"Thank you."

After hanging up, Veronica noticed several missed calls from Cullen himself. She didn't need to guess what they were about—undoubtedly the same matter. She decided against returning them.

The weekend passed in a blur as Veronica sought refuge at her family's home. Monday arrived faster than she wanted.

Shortly after eight on Monday morning, Veronica slid into her car and headed toward the courthouse. When she pulled into the parking lot, Cullen's vehicle was already there, his tall figure standing beside it.

He had brought everything: the marriage certificate and divorce papers. Veronica found it telling that he'd managed to locate their marriage certificate without asking her. When they had married, he'd left abruptly after signing, showing no interest in the document that bound them together. Veronica had been its keeper—yet somehow, he'd found it on his own for this final act.

Cullen approached as she exited her car, extending the divorce agreement toward her. "Would you like to review it one more time?"

In his other hand, the marriage certificate lay open, their wedding photo visible. She caught him studying it moments before she arrived.

Veronica averted her gaze and took the papers wordlessly. Turning away, she retreated to her car to read through the document detailing the dissolution of their marriage.

By nine o'clock, she had finished reviewing everything. Without a word to Cullen, she walked straight toward the courthouse entrance. He followed a few paces behind, maintaining a respectful distance.

The process moved with cold efficiency. All necessary documents were in order, and with no disputes to settle, the filing proceeded without complications.

As they exited the building, Cullen broke the silence. "Once the mandatory waiting period ends, we'll need to return to finalize everything."

"I'm aware," Veronica replied, her eyes fixed ahead as she walked past his car toward her own.

Cullen said nothing more. They entered their separate vehicles, engines starting almost in unison, before driving away in opposite directions—a perfect metaphor for their lives now.

After leaving the courthouse, Veronica drove straight to DataPulse. She and Dario had a scheduled meeting at the Dennis Group that afternoon—Cullen's company. The irony wasn't lost on her.

When she arrived at the office, Dario checked his watch. "You're running late today. I was starting to think you weren't coming in."

"I was at the courthouse filing for divorce," she stated matter-of-factly.

Dario paused, processing her words. "So it's official now?"

"Not quite. There's a mandatory waiting period before it's finalized."

"I see." After a moment of silence, he asked, "Are you still planning to attend the meeting at Dennis Group?"

"Yes." Her voice carried unwavering determination.

Dario smiled at her resilience. "Alright, let's go then."

Twenty minutes later, they arrived at Dennis Group headquarters. When they entered the conference room, Cullen and several executives were already seated, waiting.

Cullen greeted them with professional courtesy. "Mr. Reid, Ms. Murray, welcome."

Veronica and Dario acknowledged the greeting with slight nods before taking their seats at the table.

The meeting proceeded with clockwork precision. Veronica maintained absolute professionalism, presenting her points with clarity and confidence. Cullen matched her professionalism, engaging warmly with Dario and the other attendees.

Everyone in the conference room remained oblivious to the fact that the two individuals who appeared merely as business associates had, just hours earlier, stood before a judge to begin dissolving their marriage. Only Dario knew the truth behind their perfectly maintained facades.