Back home, the kitchen buzzed. Catty and Betty laid out lunch, laughter and conversation flowing. Catty set aside a special dish for Nathan.
"Nate is never late," Adams muttered.
"But he left the office," Damien pointed out. Ruben stepped in, catching their tension.
"What's wrong? Did I do something?" he asked, confused.
"Where's Nate?" Damien pressed.
Ruben's brows furrowed. "Wait—he didn't come home?"
"No. You're both late," Kuku Veronica said sternly.
Ruben paled. "I'll check the car."
"You two should just ride together," Kuku muttered. "If you followed my rule—lunch and dinner as a family…"
"Granny, you know Nate. He's got his own rhythm," Cinthia reassured.
Moments later, Ruben returned, breathless. "He's fine! Just driving back to the office. Must've gotten caught up."
Meanwhile, Catty nervously showed Cinthia the food she made.
"I hope he likes it…"
Cinthia took a taste. Catty panicked.
"No, I wanted Nate to try it first!"
"This is delicious," Cinthia said. "If Nate likes it, you've got a permanent place in his heart."
"But Betty helped… I burnt the first batch."
Cinthia laughed. "You want to be Nate's wife and don't know how to cook?"
"Being his wife doesn't mean being his chef. That's what the staff is for. I'm his partner, not his cook. I'll go on business trips, dress up, charm investors… that's my role."
Cinthia smirked. "Soon-to-be Mrs. Catty Shikongo, huh?"
Kuku Veronica called Nathan.
"Kuku, I was just about to call you."
"We're waiting."
"I got stuck. Go ahead without me. I'll join you for dinner."
He hung up, grinning with koeksisters still in hand.
Kuku sighed. "He's not coming."
"Called it," Cinthia teased.
"Catty, pack his food. Damien will take it," Kuku instructed.
Catty's smile faded as she complied.
At the orphanage, Vicky was in her element, organizing a birthday for two little girls.
"Let me see my birthday stars!" she said.
The girls ran into her arms. She handed them handmade gifts wrapped in warm hugs.
"You really spoil these kids," the teacher said. "Since Helvi's birthday, they've been glowing."
"That's the goal," Vicky smiled. "Oh, you got a new piano?"
"Yes. Mr. Shikongo bought it. Said the kids asked for one after you played last time."
Vicky blinked. "Really?"
"Yes. The old one was broken, remember?"
"I just hope Lucia and Loide feel special today."
"They will. And bless your heart—you don't even ask for funding."
Just then, a familiar voice yelled: "Vicky Mom!"
It was Helvi, arms open wide.
"Helvi! You're getting heavy now!"
"I'm a big girl! Where's Emily?"
"There she is, causing chaos as usual," Vicky said with a chuckle, spotting Emily on the play structure.
"Can you play us something? We have a song for you!"
"Oh? A song? Let's hear it."
She took their hands, leading them to the new piano, unaware of the many eyes watching her with admiration—and a hidden heart remembering her from a distance.