C4 IMB

"I've told you many times, never prepare food or touch my things, whatever it is! If you have ears, you should understand what I'm saying!"

The voice echoed thunderously, pounding her heart. The room suddenly filled with tension. It was as if the air had been forcibly taken away, leaving Veronica with a tightness in her chest. This wasn't the first time Darwin had spoken harshly or given her a warning.

A month had passed. Yet, not a single kind gesture had Darwin shown to his wife. Like this morning, before leaving for work, once again Veronica took the initiative to prepare breakfast for herself and her husband.

But instead of appreciation or even a thank you, he responded rudely. Perhaps he was irritated because Veronica hadn't paid any attention to what he had repeatedly said.

"You should try this food, Win. You don't need to worry, I didn't put poison in your food."

"Why should I try your cooking? Trial and error is reserved for marriages. I don't want to keep making my life miserable."

He walked away, leaving Veronica once again sitting in silence. She gazed at the man who hadn't shown her any appreciation up to this point.

Want to cry? Veronica's tears had already dried. Want to complain? Unfortunately, Veronica wasn't the type to whine to her parents about the misfortune she experienced.

She also didn't want to worry her father. That's why she kept Darwin's bad behavior to herself all this time. Hoping that one day he would realize and start treating her with a little respect.

"Miss Veronica, should I tidy up the food or leave it as is?" Renata's reminder, one of the household assistants who had worked with her husband for a long time, suddenly brought Veronica out of her reverie. She turned and managed a smile.

"Just tidy it up, please. I'm done and I need to get ready for work."

"Please understand Mr. Darwin's behavior, Miss," Renata said, mustering her courage. As she cleared the dirty plates from the table, she spoke softly. "Actually, Mr. Darwin is a good person. I don't know what's gotten into him to become so temperamental."

Veronica nodded. As a long-time employee, Renata was certainly familiar with her employer's behavior and personality. Since moving into Darwin's house, Renata had become close and a friend to Veronica, someone she could confide in.

Renata had shared so much with Veronica. From what Darwin liked and disliked, to stories of how before getting married, he used to bring his girlfriend home.

"Yes, Rena. I understand. Maybe Darwin still isn't willing to accept the reality of being married to me."

"Yet you're so much more attractive than Darwin's cold-hearted ex-girlfriend. He doesn't even want to acknowledge me," Renata grumbled, her lips curling in frustration.

Veronica smiled again. She got up and got ready to leave.

"Well, maybe he's just deeply in love. But it's okay. Slowly, I believe I can make Darwin like me in the end."

"I'm 100% behind you, Miss Veronica," Renata said, giving Veronica a thumbs-up.

"Alright then. I'm off to work. For dinner, you can prepare it, Renata. Cook Mr. Darwin's favorite meal. I'll be coming home a bit late today due to end-of-month overtime."

Veronica then headed towards her car. She had been working and leading Carribean, one of her father's subsidiaries in the retail industry. After getting married, she decided to continue her career. Besides, being an independent and successful woman had always been her goal.

At the office, Deasy was already waiting outside her office. Holding a folder containing a stack of documents, she followed Veronica as she entered the room.

"Mrs. Veronica, there are a few things that need revisions. I think you missed some important points," the woman said.

Veronica settled into her chair and reached for the folder Deasy handed her. She quickly reviewed the contents to see what her secretary and friend meant.

"Oh my. This is indeed overlooked. Maybe I wasn't focused yesterday, so I didn't check if anything was missed."

Understanding, Deasy smiled. She figured Veronica might be tired or preoccupied. Moreover, it was the end of the month, when work tended to pile up.

"Let me stay here and I'll leave the documents for you to review again, Mrs. Veronica. If you need any help, just call me."

Veronica nodded. Soon after, she heard Deasy sigh deeply. Her slightly tense face indicated she was thinking about something.

"Ve, are you okay?" Deasy whispered. She leaned in closer.

"I'm fine, Des. Just a little bit of a headache."

"Are you sick?"

Veronica shook her head.

"No. I'm not sick. It's just that—"

"Is your husband causing trouble again?" Deasy guessed. It seemed she was beginning to understand what was going on with her boss.

As an employee and friend, Deasy often heard Veronica's confessions. The beautiful woman didn't hide anything. Including the harsh behavior and cruel treatment Darwin often displayed.

Deasy had been angry about it. She had even suggested to Veronica that she should leave or at least stand up against every rude behavior Darwin exhibited.

But due to her kind nature, Veronica dismissed Deasy's advice. She had no intention of retaliating against Darwin's cruel actions.

"Darwin isn't causing trouble," Veronica replied. She was tired of hearing her friend's lectures so early in the morning.

"Really? Then why the headache?"

"Thinking about end-of-month deadlines, Des. There are several tasks that need to be completed today. That's why I have a terrible headache."

"Are you sure it's not because of Darwin?" Deasy probed once again, trying to confirm whether her accusation was true or not.

"Really. It's work-related," Veronica reiterated, trying to reassure the woman in front of her.

"Alright then. Let me handle some of my work. After that, I'll help you tackle the deadlines that need to be sent today. But... if Darwin causes trouble again, please promise me you'll stand up to his behavior. Don't stay silent, Ve. Don't let your self-esteem be trampled."

Veronica smiled. Not wanting to dwell on the issue, she simply nodded at what Deasy had just said.

***