TRIANGLE

TAG #VII

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Millicent finally felt at ease. The villa was hers again, the air was clear of Veronica’s dominating presence, and for the first time in weeks, she could breathe freely.

Her days passed with peaceful simplicity. Mornings brought the sound of waves crashing against the shore as she drank her coffee, afternoons were for quiet walks along the coastline, and evenings were spent curled up with a book or staring at the horizon.

But even in this tranquility, the specter of Veronica lingered in her mind. Sometimes it was a faint echo—a laugh, a glance, or a touch she couldn’t forget. Other times, it was the sharp sting of memory, the heat of her gaze that felt like it could burn through her.

At night, the dreams would come. They weren’t just memories—they were something darker. Millicent would wake, her heart pounding, unsure whether she was longing for or fearing Veronica’s return.

--

Veronica had left Millicent, but her mind was far from idle. Returning to the Rosenthal mansion, she slipped effortlessly back into her role as Edward’s wife.

Eleanor Rosenthal, Edward and Millicent’s mother, was immediately suspicious.

“Veronica, it’s been some time since you’ve graced us with your presence,” Eleanor said during dinner, her voice a mix of charm and steel.

Veronica smiled sweetly. “I’ve missed this place, Mother Eleanor. And Edward and I have decided it’s time to focus on the future. It’s why I’ve returned.”

Edward stiffened. He hadn’t agreed to anything, but Veronica’s hand slid over his, her grip firm and unyielding.

Eleanor’s sharp eyes darted between them. “Oh? And what does this ‘future’ entail?”

“A family,” Veronica said smoothly. “Edward and I are planning to have a child.”

The room fell silent. Edward’s face was a mix of shock and anger, but he held his tongue under his mother’s gaze.

“That’s… wonderful news,” Eleanor finally said, though her tone suggested she wasn’t entirely convinced.

Robert Rosenthal, Edward’s father, raised his glass. “A toast to the future, then,” he said with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes.

---

One evening, Millicent was startled by a knock at her door. When she opened it, she found Veronica standing there, her expression calm but her eyes gleaming with intent.

“I see you’ve been enjoying your peace,” Veronica said, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation.

“What do you want, Veronica?” Millicent asked, crossing her arms.

Veronica smirked. “I wanted to see how you were doing. And to remind you that you’re not as free as you think.”

Millicent’s heart raced. “You don’t control me anymore.”

“Oh, darling,” Veronica said, stepping closer. “I never stopped.”

That night, Veronica returned to the Rosenthal mansion, where she met Eleanor in the study.