Early morning light filtered softly through the curtains as Ruben returned home. In his room, he found Cinthia fast asleep on the couch. Gently, he lifted her and carried her to his bed, pulling the blanket over her. After refreshing himself, he settled onto the couch, exhaustion pressing down like a silent weight.
"Where are you coming from?" Cinthia's voice was quiet, yet filled with concern.
Ruben blinked in surprise. "You're awake?"
"I waited for you all night," she said, eyes heavy with worry. "I was worried sick."
"Why?" Ruben asked, genuine curiosity threading through his tiredness.
"You're ruining it," Cinthia whispered, frustration and care tangled in her words.
Hours later, Nathan woke beside Vicky. His gaze softened as he watched her sleep, a gentle smile touching his lips. He reached to remove his jacket and gently rouse her—but froze.
Vicky's white shirt was stained with blood, bruises marred her skin. Her hand was swollen, a deep wound raw and aching.
"Vicky?" His voice was tight with shock and disbelief. Memories of last night flooded back—the laughter mixed with pain, the quiet suffering.
He shook her gently, but she did not wake. Determined, he lifted her carefully and left the room.
Meanwhile, Catty awoke in her house, phone silent with zero notifications. She called Cinthia.
Tension stiffened Cinthia's face as she glanced at Ruben, still asleep on the couch.
Ruben's phone rang—Vicky's name flashing on the screen. Cinthia's jaw tightened in anger.
"What?" she snapped.
"Why do you sound tense?" Catty asked cautiously.
"Because I'm not in my room. I'm coming now." Before Catty could respond, Cinthia ended the call and rushed to her room—only to find Catty wasn't there.
"Wait… you aren't here?" Cinthia muttered, unsettled.
"Where's Nathan?" Catty's voice was sharp over the phone.
"Sleeping. Why?"
"He didn't call me all yesterday…"
"Oh. Where are you now?"
"At home. I just want to see my baby."
"Go see him—or at least call him. Video chat?" Cinthia suggested.
"He's phone's been off since last night. Do you think I'd just call, like that?" Catty snapped.
"Come see him—he's not going to the office until the engagement is over," Cinthia replied.
"Really?" Catty's voice brightened with hope before ending the call.
"Agh… just a waste of time," Cinthia muttered, frustration lingering. "But where did Ruben sleep last night?"
Evan called Ruben repeatedly, but there was no answer.
"Is Vicky okay?" Emily asked, worry tinged in her voice as she ate breakfast.
"Yes, she'll be home soon," Evan reassured her.
A knock came at the door.
"She's here!" Evan exclaimed. With swift hands, he injected medicine into a banana and set it on the table. Emily hurried to open the door, eyes shining with excitement.
"Vicky!" Emily cried, joy flooding the room.