The early morning sun cast long shadows across the sports hall as Cullen, Sabrina, and Niall arrived for Sabrina's competition. The air buzzed with anticipation as contestants and spectators filed in, filling the space with nervous energy.
Not long after they settled in, Marco and Cecelia appeared through the entrance doors. Sabrina spotted them immediately and waved them over.
"Mr. Valerie, Cecelia, you made it," Sabrina called out with a friendly smile.
Cecelia approached with confident strides and took Sabrina's hand in a firm handshake. "The big moment's almost here. Got butterflies, Sa?"
Sabrina's demeanor remained collected as she shook her head. "Not at all. I'm ready."
Marco checked his watch discreetly, clearly preoccupied with other commitments. Cullen, noticing his friend's restlessness, stepped in smoothly.
"I've got Cecelia covered. Handle your business, and we'll see you for lunch," Cullen offered.
Marco nodded appreciatively. "Thanks. I'll catch up with everyone later."
The exchange between the two men appeared seamless and natural, their friendship seemingly as solid as ever.
Meanwhile, Niall observed the interaction with careful eyes, her gaze ping-ponging between Cullen and Marco. A troubling question lingered in her mind: if Cullen discovered Marco's growing feelings for Veronica, would this easy camaraderie survive?
Marco caught Niall's analytical stare and acknowledged her with a slight nod.
Yet he said nothing to her before turning to leave. Niall watched his retreating figure with a bitter smile tugging at her lips. Since developing feelings for Veronica, Marco had become increasingly distant toward her.
Across town, Veronica was enjoying a quiet morning at home when her phone lit up with Dario's name.
"My parents want to have lunch together today," Dario said warmly. "They've been asking about you constantly. It's been a while since they've seen you, and they're quite eager. Would you join us?"
Realizing it had indeed been some time since she'd seen Hamilton and Rosie, Veronica agreed without hesitation.
As noon approached, she drove to the restaurant, arriving just as Dario and his parents were stepping out of their vehicle.
Rosie's face brightened upon seeing Veronica, and she quickly took her hands. "Look at you! Still as stunning as ever. We've missed you."
While Veronica engaged in conversation with Rosie, Nate pulled into the parking lot. The sight of Veronica standing comfortably with Dario, Hamilton, and Rosie stopped him in his tracks.
Veronica noticed Nate, her smile faltering slightly before she averted her gaze.
After recovering from his surprise, Nate nodded respectfully. "Mr. Reid, Mrs. Reid."
Hamilton and Rosie acknowledged him with polite nods, nothing more.
Nate glanced at the foursome before making his way into the restaurant. Once out of earshot, he pulled out his phone and dialed Cullen.
Cullen answered promptly. "What's going on?"
"You'll never guess who I just ran into," Nate baited.
Cullen cut through the suspense. "Just tell me who you saw."
Nate sighed at Cullen's directness. From his tone, Nate suspected Cullen had already guessed.
"Veronica, of course. But here's the kicker—she's with Dario, Hamilton, and Rosie. Looks serious, doesn't it?"
"Rosie was holding Veronica's hand and calling her 'Ver' in this super affectionate way. She obviously adores her. I'm telling you, wedding bells are in the air!"
Cullen's response was tellingly flat. "Is that so?" His indifference made it clear he had no interest in the gossip.
Given Cullen's historical detachment regarding Veronica, his lack of interest wasn't surprising.
Recognizing the dead end, Nate pivoted. "How did Sa's match go? Any results?"
"Morning round's finished. She performed excellently," Cullen replied.
"Good to hear," Nate said.
Despite Cullen's lack of reaction, Nate's curiosity remained unquenched. Thinking that Niall and Marco might not be aware, he promptly shared his discovery in their group chat.
Cullen and Niall had just arrived at a different restaurant for lunch. Marco joined them shortly after, having completed his business.
When Nate's message notification popped up, both Marco and Niall immediately checked their phones.
Reading about Nate encountering Veronica with Dario and his parents, Niall smiled subtly. She believed her conversation with Rosie the previous day had been effective.
This meeting must be Dario's parents warning Veronica off, right?
But as she continued reading, Nate posted additional updates:
"Rosie was holding Veronica's hand with this warm smile, calling her 'Ver' so affectionately—like she was addressing her own daughter."
"You can tell Rosie absolutely adores her. I swear they're getting engaged soon!"
"Remember at Mrs. Dennis Senior's birthday when Rosie mentioned arranging their wedding once they were ready? I thought she was just making conversation, but she was dead serious! Unbelievable!"
As the implications sank in, Niall's expression transformed from smug satisfaction to shocked disbelief.