193 Chapter 193- Aquatic Adventure
193 Chapter 193 – Aquatic Adventure
Cecelia, Adrian, and Thomas had exhausted themselves with their morning activities. After attempting to fish for a brief period, all three succumbed to drowsiness and curled up on the comfortable lounge chairs, their breathing becoming deep and even.
The peaceful moment was interrupted by the sharp ring of Marco’s phone. He glanced at the caller identification, his expression remaining carefully neutral as he rose from the water. “I need to handle this call.”
Cecelia’s gaze followed their pointing fingers to the magnificent multicolored water slide that dominated one section of the yacht’s recreational area. Her face lit up with pure delight as she nodded vigorously, practically bouncing on her toes with anticipation.
The slide’s design accommodated users of all ages, though it clearly catered to those young enough to embrace such playful abandon without reservation.
After they enjoyed dinner together, the yacht began its journey back toward the
marina.
Adrian and Thomas had overcome their initial intimidation around Marco entirely. As they gathered their belongings and prepared to leave, they addressed him with casual familiarity. “Marco, we hope we’ll see you again soon.”
After experiencing the thrilling rush of the slide several times, both Veronica and Marco found their initial excitement waning. The novelty had worn off quickly for the adults, but Cecelia, Adrian, and Thomas remained completely captivated by the experience, their laughter echoing through the enclosed space as they took turn after
turn.
Cullen’s voice carried a hint of expectation. “Sa has been asking about spending time with Cecelia, so she requested I contact you to arrange something.”
“On a yacht.” Marco’s eyes unconsciously drifted back toward Veronica, who had returned to watching the children play.
By any logical reasoning, two people with such aligned interests should have been able to build a strong, compatible relationship based on mutual respect and understanding.
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“The yacht is already well out to sea. Perhaps we can arrange something another time.”
He suddenly recalled seeing Cullen reading that identical book on multiple occasions, often with the same intense concentration that Veronica was displaying now.
When noon arrived, all five of them gathered around an elegantly set table for an elaborate seafood feast. The yacht’s chef had prepared an impressive array of fresh catches, and the conversation flowed as easily as the champagne.
“Understood.” Cullen didn’t press the matter further and ended the call abruptly.
The yacht’s water slide system was an engineering marvel, completely enclosed and designed to mimic a luxurious hot spring environment. The climate–controlled atmosphere meant that even with winter’s chill outside, the water remained perfectly warm and inviting for year–round enjoyment.
Veronica decided to retreat to the more tranquil hot spring area, settling into the soothing warm water with a contented sigh. The heat immediately began working on her tense muscles, and she felt herself relaxing for the first time in weeks.
His deliberate use of “as well” made it unmistakably clear that he was drawing a comparison to Cullen’s reading habits.
“You’re out on the water?”
Everyone in their social circle had always claimed she had employed manipulative tactics to trap Cullen into marriage. Marco had once accepted this narrative without question, never bothering to examine the evidence for himself.
The afternoon found them sprawled across the sun–drenched deck, some choosing to bask in the warming rays while others tried their hand at fishing from the yacht’s well–equipped stern.
“Do you bring them on outings like this frequently?”
However, after spending this extended time with Veronica in a relaxed setting, he was beginning to question those assumptions. She didn’t display the calculating, scheming personality that such behavior would require. Her thoughts and reactions seemed genuine and straightforward rather than strategically planned.
Cullen’s voice came through clearly. “Where are you currently?”
Veronica’s expression grew slightly melancholy as she shook her head. “I used to make
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time for trips like this regularly, but lately, my work demands have made it nearly impossible to get away.”
Yet the reality of their marriage painted an entirely different picture.
Adrian and Thomas approached Cecelia with infectious enthusiasm, their eyes bright with excitement as they gestured toward the elaborate water slide structure. They wanted to know if she’d join them for some aquatic fun.
Only when a sudden gust of wind caught Cecelia’s blanket and sent it fluttering toward the deck rail did Veronica finally become aware of Marco’s presence. She looked up as he carefully repositioned the blanket over the sleeping girl.
Marco’s expression grew thoughtful and somewhat troubled as he contemplated this
contradiction.
“Adrian’s sixteen, Thomas’s fourteen.” Veronica took a sip of her drink, enjoying the contrast between the cold liquid and the warm water surrounding her.
Marco appeared beside her moments later, extending a chilled beverage in her direction. Veronica accepted the drink gratefully, her fingers briefly brushing against
his as she took it. “Thanks.”
“Yes.” Marco maintained his casual tone while keeping Veronica in his peripheral vision. “Is there something urgent?”
By the time they were preparing to disembark, Adrian, Thomas, and Cecelia had developed a comfortable friendship that seemed to bridge their age differences effortlessly.
Marco settled back into his chair and gestured toward her reading material with genuine curiosity. “That book… do you study it regularly as well?”
Marco moved to a more private area before accepting the call. “Cullen.”
As Marco observed Veronica’s complete absorption in the material, he found himself pausing mid–step. She was so thoroughly engrossed that his return had gone completely unnoticed, her focus unwavering.
Veronica nodded with understanding. “Of course.”
Veronica nodded affirmatively. “Yes, I do.”
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In that moment, Marco experienced a sudden revelation about the fundamental similarities between Veronica and Cullen. They clearly shared a genuine passion for the same professional field, the same type of complex material that most people would find dry or intimidating.
Marco responded with a genuine nod, though his attention inevitably shifted to Veronica as he replied. “I look forward to seeing you all again as well.”
Marco lowered himself into the water at a respectful distance, close enough for conversation but far enough to maintain appropriate boundaries. “You’re welcome.” His curiosity seemed to get the better of him as he watched the three young people continue their energetic play. “How old are they?”
Marco had pursued finance during his university years, and while he couldn’t immediately identify the specific text in Veronica’s hands, something about it struck him as familiar. The cover design and thickness triggered a memory that quickly crystallized.
Marco excused himself to handle some pressing business matters, stepping away to make several important calls in private. When he returned to the deck, he discovered Veronica still seated in her original position, completely absorbed in reading a thick
book.
Her concentrated expression while reading, the way she held the book, even her posture… it all bore a striking resemblance to Cullen’s study habits. Not physically, but in the unmistakable intensity of intellectual engagement.
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