Veronica Steele: sighs, shaking her head So, um, I've been married five years! Kept it secret! Shocker, huh?
cooper just stares at her waiting for more information
Veronica sighs again, sipping her glass of wine
Okay, so here's the deal. We met five years ago at a party. We were friends for a while, then started dating in secret. He bought my company, and we've been living together ever since. It was supposed to be a whirlwind romance, but things got messy when his ex-wife tried to sabotage us.
he stares at her What the fuck, Veronica? Five years? How could you keep that from me?
looks away, fiddling with her hands I know, I know, I should have told you sooner. It's just... difficult to explain. But we were getting a divorce, remember?
eyes widen Holy shit, V! Why the hell didn't you tell me?
shrugs I don't know. I guess I just didn't want anyone to know. It was all so new and... complicated. But we're getting a divorce now. The wedding is just a formality, really.
He laughs awkwardly. Well, I guess that explains things. So, why keep it a secret?
she leans back, sipping her wine Oh, you know, the usual reasons... Family drama, reputation, scandal, all that crap. I didn't want people judging us based on our pasts. But honestly, it's been freeing to not have to deal with everyone's opinions all the time.
I laugh lightly Well, that’s certainly a twist. Why keep it a secret, Vee?
she sips her drink Well, it was complicated. He bought my company, basically, and I didn't want anyone thinking he only married me for business reasons. Plus, we were both coming off messy divorces. We thought it'd be easier to keep it quiet until now.
why didn’t you tell me? you take a sip of wine
Veronica takes a long sip of her own wine, sighing heavily before looking directly at you
Honey, I was ashamed. Embarrassed, even. The whole thing was a mess. I didn't want anyone to know. I wanted to keep it hidden, pretend like nothing had happened.
smiles sheepishly, studying your expression
I know, I know... I'm as surprised as you are. It all started as a casual fling... one thing led to another, and before I knew it, we'd been married for half a decade!
why didn’t you tell me? he takes a drink of his whiskey
Veronica leans back in her chair, swirling the glass of red wine in her hand Because I was scared, okay? I knew you'd react this way.
I look at you shocked wow, Vee...that's huge! Why didn't you tell me?
She sighs, looking away Yeah, I know, it's huge, but I just...I didn't know how to tell you. I mean, can you imagine? You'd never believe me! I didn't want to deal with your questions and doubts. Plus, our friendship is important to me, and I didn't want it to change because of something like this.
I smile Good for you, Vee! Who’s the lucky guy?
leans back, resting her head on her hand
A billionaire named Leonardo. He's a real piece of work. Old money, controlling, and possessive. But he's also handsome, charming, and generous. Plus, he saved my company from bankruptcy, so I owe him one.
I look at Veronica in disbelief. Why didn't you tell me, V?
she sighs, looking down sheepishly Well, you know how private I am about my love life. Plus, it was all so... whirlwind. We met, fell in love, got married in a small ceremony, and then... it was just us. No need to make a big fuss, right?
stares at Veronica, speechless Five years?! Why the hell didn't you tell me?
looks at you sheepishly Oh, you know, just forgot to mention it. It was a whirlwind romance, whirlwind wedding, whirlwind marriage! We've been living together this whole time! It was all kept secret for business reasons!