Veronica paused briefly, then rose from her seat. "I need to take this call. I'll fill you in later."

With a polite nod to Gareth and the others, she turned and exited the private dining room, phone in hand.

As she disappeared through the doorway, Dario's brain finally caught up with what was happening. His eyes widened with shock.

Last year, he'd briefly entertained the possibility of something between Veronica and Edric when he spotted them dancing together at that corporate banquet. But since they'd seemingly had no further interaction afterward, he'd dismissed the thought entirely.

So why was this suddenly happening now?

When he heard Dario questioning Veronica about Edric, Lester instinctively glanced in her direction. Though he'd never met or even heard of Edric before, the subtle discomfort that flashed across Veronica's face immediately triggered his intuition that something significant was at play. Dario's startled reaction only confirmed his suspicions.

Could this Edric possibly be romantically involved with Veronica?

Cullen, who was familiar with Edric, casually looked toward Veronica after hearing Dario speak. What was intended as a fleeting glance became a lingering stare when he noticed an unfamiliar expression cross her face. His eyes thoughtfully followed her retreating figure, his mind churning with questions.

Outside in the hallway, Veronica answered the call, but before she could even speak, Edric's voice came through the line.

"I was beginning to think you wouldn't answer," he said, his tone gentle yet direct.

Since her youth, Veronica had grown accustomed to admirers making romantic overtures thanks to her striking beauty. But after marriage and motherhood, her social circles had shifted dramatically, and she'd always been transparent about her marital status at work. As a result, such advances had become increasingly rare in recent years.

While she and Edric maintained something of a friendship, his recent confession had left her deeply uncomfortable, especially since her divorce from Cullen wasn't yet finalized. His renewed contact only intensified her unease.

Before she could formulate a response, Edric continued, "After our last conversation, I've done a lot of reflecting. I initially thought my confession was just an impulsive moment, but upon deeper consideration, I realized these feelings have been developing gradually, without my conscious awareness. What I expressed that day wasn't impulsivity—it was the most honest revelation of my true feelings. So yes, my feelings for you are genuine."

When she'd seen his name on her caller ID, Veronica had suspected his intentions, but the depth and directness of his declaration caught her off guard.

Edric's voice remained steady and measured, imbued with sincerity as he shared his heartfelt conclusion.

"You mentioned previously that you 'had been married'—not that you 'are married,'" he continued before she could respond. "Does that suggest your marriage is troubled or perhaps already over? Would you mind clarifying your current marital status?"

His inquiry carried no pressure, and his final question was delivered with even greater gentleness.

Veronica had always appreciated Edric's respectful demeanor. All he sought was clarity, and she couldn't bring herself to respond harshly to someone so considerate.

"I filed the divorce paperwork today," she admitted truthfully. "But it's not finalized yet."

"You're waiting for the mandatory cooling-off period to conclude before it becomes official?"

"Yes, exactly."

A soft chuckle came through the phone. "It seems my timing is rather fortuitous."

"It's not..." Veronica's discomfort deepened. After a moment's hesitation, she spoke gently. "I appreciate your feelings, but I—"

"I understand," Edric interjected softly, his interruption somehow remaining courteous. "You weren't planning to enter a new relationship so soon. Perhaps you've never even considered me as a potential partner. In essence, you don't share my feelings at present."

Veronica fell silent, startled by his accurate assessment.

"I'm aware of all that," his voice continued through the phone. "And I'm perfectly content to wait."

Veronica collected herself and was about to mention her daughter when Edric preemptively addressed that too.

"When you mentioned your previous marriage, I assumed you might have a child. I've considered that reality as well, and my position remains unchanged."

"I'm simply hoping for the chance to be first in line to pursue you properly. And should you eventually consider opening your heart to a new relationship after your divorce, I hope I might be the first person who comes to mind."

Throughout her life, Veronica had received countless confessions, but none quite like this one.

Before she could formulate a response, Edric's warm voice continued, "Where are you at the moment? Have you eaten? I just returned to the city. Would you allow me to take you to lunch?"