192 Chapter 192 – Ocean Getaway
Veronica felt a familiar tug at her heartstrings. Since there was nothing confidential about a family outing, she explained the situation with the cruise tickets and her
cousins.
“Hey,” Veronica answered, stifling a yawn.
Marco stepped forward with an easy smile that transformed his usually serious features. “It’s wonderful to meet you both.”
Her phone buzzed just as they pulled away from the curb. Poppy’s name flashed on the
screen.
After reassuring Poppy a few more times, Veronica ended the call and leaned back against the headrest. The quiet hum of the engine filled the car until her phone rang again. This time, Marco’s name appeared on the display.
“A cruise sounds perfect,” Marco said immediately. “Cecelia would absolutely love something like that. Would you be opposed to us joining you?”
There was a pause before he continued, his tone softer. “Cecelia has been asking about you non–stop. She was really hoping to see you tomorrow.”
Veronica promised to call him back within a few minutes. After a quick conference call with her cousins, who were surprisingly enthusiastic about the idea of meeting Marco and Cecelia, she gave him the green light.
Thomas nodded in agreement. Marco certainly seemed more relaxed and
approachable than Cullen had ever been, even in the early days of his marriage to Veronica.
Seeing her begin to build connections with someone new should have been purely encouraging. Yet the sight of her bonding so easily with another man’s child while struggling to maintain a relationship with her own daughter created a bittersweet undercurrent to the day.
To everyone’s surprise, he produced a small bag from behind his back. “I wasn’t sure what kinds of things you might enjoy, so I brought a few small gifts. I hope they’re to your liking.”
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192 Chapel 102–Ocban Bay
Adrian and Thomas hung back slightly, their curious gazes shifting between Maren and Cecelia. Sensing their uncertainty, Veronica straightened and made the introductions
“Hold on,” Marco’s voice came through clearly. “Could you tell me what those commitments are?”
As the morning progressed and the boat cut through the sparkling water, both Adrian and Thomas found themselves genuinely enjoying Marco’s company. He was intelligent without being condescending, funny without trying too hard, and clearly devoted to his daughter.
“Of course. What’s wrong?”
The thoughtful gesture left even Veronica momentarily speechless. Adrian and Thomas exchanged glances, clearly impressed by Marco’s consideration.
Veronica straightened in her seat. “Don’t worry about it. I’m completely free tomorrow, so I’ll take them myself.”
“Positive. Adrian and Thomas have been looking forward to this for weeks. I won’t let them down.”
But watching Veronica’s natural interaction with Cecelia stirred complicated emotions in both young men. They were painfully aware of the custody battle looming over their cousin’s divorce. Cullen showed no signs of willingness to share custody of Sabrina, and from what they had observed, Sabrina herself seemed to prefer her father’s company to her mother’s.
“He’s actually pretty attractive,” Adrian murmured to Thomas when they found themselves momentarily alone at the bow of the boat.
The next morning arrived crisp and clear. Veronica met Adrian and Thomas at the marina just after eight o’clock, the salty breeze carrying the excitement of their upcoming adventure. Marco and Cecelia were already waiting near the dock, Cecelia practically bouncing with anticipation.
Thomas responded with a subtle shrug and a questioning expression of his own. Neither of them was quite sure what to make of this development.
“Of course. I understand completely.”
“My mother called an hour ago. There’s been a family emergency back home, and I
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192 Chapter 192–Ocean Getaway
need to catch the first flight out tomorrow morning. I can’t take the kids on the
cruise.”
Veronica crouched down to catch the little girl in a warm embrace, her heart melting at the child’s enthusiasm. “Hello, sweetheart. I’ve missed you too.”
The question caught her off guard. She found herself gripping the phone tighter. “I’d need to check with Adrian and Thomas first. It’s their trip, after all.”
The situation had to be devastating for Veronica, though she rarely let her pain show.
Their reasoning was practical as much as emotional. If Veronica was serious about moving forward with Marco, then building a positive relationship with his family now could only benefit their cousin in the long run. The Valerie family had always believed in the importance of treating potential in–laws with respect and kindness.
Still, they decided to embrace the situation. They joined in the games and conversations, making an effort to include both Marco and Cecelia in their family dynamic.
Adrian and Thomas had been aware of Veronica’s divorce proceedings for weeks now. As they watched her laughing with Cecelia and engaging in easy conversation with Marco, Adrian caught her brother’s eye with a meaningful look.
More importantly, he seemed to bring out a lightness in Veronica that they hadn’t seen in months. For that alone, they were prepared to give him their full approval.
“Are you sure? I know you’ve been swamped with work and the divorce proceedings.”
Veronica tucked her laptop under her arm as she and Dario made their way to Malcolm’s house for dinner. The evening stretched longer than expected, with Malcolm meticulously going through her thesis line by line after they finished eating. By the time she settled into the passenger seat for the drive home, exhaustion weighed on her shoulders.
After a few minutes of polite conversation, they made their way onto the boat. The vessel was larger than Veronica had expected, with plenty of deck space and comfortable seating areas.
She hesitated before answering. “Hi Marco. If you’re calling about spending time with Cecelia tomorrow, I already have commitments and won’t be available.”
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192 Chapter 192- Ocean Getaway
The moment Cecelia spotted Veronica, she broke into a run. “Ms. Veronica! Ms.
Veronica!”
“Veronica, I’m so sorry to call this late.” Poppy’s voice carried a note of frustration. “Remember those cruise tickets I bought for tomorrow? The day trip with Adrian and
Thomas?”
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