Veronica placated Marissa with a few polite remarks before hastily retreating to her room, afraid her unease would give her away.
Once inside, she heaved a sigh of relief. Patting her chest to calm her racing heart, she saw the cell phone on the bedside table blinking. She crossed the room in quick strides to answer the call, âHello, Moran?â
The man on the other end of the line had a gentle tone. âWhy did it take you so long to answer? I called you twice already!â
Veronica blushed, replying, âI was chatting with Ellinor and didnât have my phone with me. Sorry about that. I should have messaged you!â
Moran lovingly responded, âThereâs no need to apologize. Donât be so formal with me. If you do this again, I might actually get upset!â
Veronica chuckled sweetly, âI see, Moran. Iâll try not to be too formal with you.â
âHmm, you said you were talking to Ellinor? Isnât it a bit late for that? Doesnât she need to put the kids to bed?â Moran asked with concern.
Veronica replied, âThe kids are already asleep. I went to talk to her about my brother.â
Moran seemed surprised. âTheo? Has there been any news about him?â
âYes, I saw him today!â
âReally? Didnât you ask where heâs been for the past three years and why he hasnât come home?â
Veronica sighed in frustration, âNo, the circumstances didnât allow for it. I didnât get a chance to speak with him and I heard he might have amnesia!â
Moran exclaimed, âWhat? Amnesia? Thatâsâ¦â
âIsnât Ellinorâs life just too hard, Moran? She finally found Theo, and he doesnât even remember herâ¦â
âIt really is tough for her.â
Sensing regret in Moranâs voice, Veronica felt a pinch of discomfort, âMoran, do you still have feelings for Ellinor?â
Moran paused, and when he spoke again, his voice was a bit heavier, âIf I still had feelings for her, what would that make us, Veronica? Do you think Iâm a two-timer?â
Veronica quickly shook her head, âNo, no⦠Iâ¦I just felt that you still care about her, and I was worried you havenât moved on.â
Moran reassured her, âI once had feelings for her, and I do respect her, but thereâs nothing more than that. If I hadnât moved on, I wouldnât have pursued you, Veronica. Youâre the most important girl to me now. I care about you. Thatâs the reason why I care about the things that bother you. I hope your family and friends are all doing well, so you can be happy.â
Veronica felt a pang in her heart, touched by Moranâs words. âMoran, thank youâ¦â
âHmm? Being formal again?â
âUh⦠I forgot! Iâ¦â
Moran interrupted, âAlright, I wonât tease you anymore! So, where is your brother now, and is there anything I can do to help?â
Veronica said, âHeâs with a wicked woman! I donât know what Ellinorâs plan is. She doesnât want me to get involved, to avoid alerting the enemy. She says she has a plan.â
âShe was till as stubborn as ever, I see.â
âYes, thatâs why Iâm so worried about her.â
âDonât worry. Whatever happens, Iâll be here to help you figure it out!â