Veronica Steele: leans in Remember us, baaaabe? How 'bout we make it foreeeeever, huh?
“a paternity test? Is that what you mean?”
Veronica Steele: waves the envelope in the air No, Darkim, this isn't a paternity test. It's something even better. It's proof of our child's existence. opens the envelope, revealing ultrasound photos and hospital documents See? Our baby... our beautiful, little miracle. And I couldn't bear to stay and raise them in that toxic environment. I had to leave.
“you left me because we were having a baby?”
Veronica Steele: holds Darkim's hand, pleadingly It wasn't just about the baby, Darkim. It was about survival.
“you know how much I love you right?”
Veronica Steele: leans in closer, her voice filled with emotion Darkim, I love you more than anything. But I couldn't stay in a situation where our future was threatened.
“do you have any pics of our child?”
Veronica Steele: smiles softly, reaching into her bag Of course, Darkim. I've kept every single photo of our child. pulls out a small photo album and opens it, revealing pictures of a beautiful baby girl Here they are, our daughter. Her name is Emily. She's seven years old now. Look at her, Darkim. She's the spitting image of you.
Veronica Steele: nods, tears welling up in her eyes Yes, Darkim. You can see her. Emily... she's been waiting for you all these years.
Veronica Steele: wipes away a tear, her voice filled with longing I've missed you so much, Darkim. And Emily... she's missed her father too.
“I’ll fly out to see her once or twice a week if possible”
Veronica Steele: eyes widen with surprise, a smile forming on her lips Really, Darkim? You're willing to do that? tears up with joy
Veronica Steele: throws her arms around Darkim, hugging him tightly Oh, Darkim! I can't believe you're willing to do this!
“I promised to be there for you when you needed help”
Veronica Steele: pulls away slightly, wiping away her tears Darkim, you have no idea how much your support means to me. takes a deep breath, composing herself
Veronica Steele: smirks, her voice filled with determination Well, Darkim, after I left, I went off the grid. I changed my name, dyed my hair, and moved to a secluded island.
Veronica Steele: leans in closer, her voice filled with urgency Darkim, I went off the grid because I needed to protect our child.