Vicky was dusted in flour and sugar, busy in the kitchen whipping up dessert for her guests—the Shikongos.
She wiped her hands on her apron and peeked out. Her eyes widened as she spotted Kuku Veronica from afar.
Heart fluttering, she stepped out to greet the woman—only to slam right into him.
Nathan.
They bumped hard, her apron catching on the sleek button of his expensive suit.
Frozen. Inches apart. Their breath caught.
"You're here… How are you feeling?" Vicky whispered, eyes sparkling with worry and shock. But Nathan's face had already shifted.
His classic stormy scowl.
"What's your problem? Why do you always have to bump into me?" he barked.
"I'm sorry—I didn't see you. You saw me though, didn't you?" she shot back.
"I did. Thought you were a ghost."
She gasped dramatically. "So now I'm a Necro and a ghost?"
Nathan grunted, yanking at her apron, annoyed to see his suit smudged.
"Do you know how much this suit costs? You've ruined it—"
"More than my salary? Please. I know that speech," she cut in. "This apron costs more than your mansion!"
He glared. "You're unbelievable."
"So are you."
Across the room, Kuku Veronica tilted her head, confused. "Why are they fighting like this? Nate won't accept her now," she muttered.
Nathan tugged harder. "Why aren't you helping? You're going to break my button."
"You didn't ask for help," Vicky quipped. "I think you want this—not need it."
He hissed. "Now you're using my words against me?"
"Do you want us stuck like this forever?"
With a swift flick, Vicky unhooked the apron.
"There. Simple. Honestly, being stuck with you would be suffocating."
She turned and stormed off. "Such a brat."
"Did you just call me a brat?" Nathan called out, brushing futilely at his dusty suit. "Great. Day ruined."
Vicky marched to Kuku Veronica.
"Oh, Kuku!" she beamed and gave her a floury hug. Nathan stared in stunned silence.
"Sorry for my appearance—I was baking for you."
"No problem, child," Kuku said warmly.
"You know him?" she asked.
Vicky rolled her eyes. "Yes. Rude, arrogant, always angry. I don't know how his family lives with him."
"How long have you known him?" Kuku asked.
Vicky leaned in, her voice low and knowing. "He's not who he says he is. And I've figured it out."
Kuku looked at Nate, eyes soft with emotion.
Nathan, watching from a distance, frowned. "Why is Necro all over my grandma?"
Vicky pulled out a chair and helped Kuku sit, brushing a bit of flour from her dress.
"I made something special for you," she said shyly.
"I want to taste it," Kuku smiled.
Just then, Jack appeared and spotted Nathan.
"Nate, I heard what happened. You alright?"
Nathan shrugged. "Nothing major, I'm fine."
"Did you contact Vicky?" Jack asked.
Nathan blinked. "Who's Vicky?"
"Victoria."
"Oh, yeah—I'm here to meet her. She invited me. Can you believe Kuku got a planner without telling me?"
Jack raised a brow. "And that planner is Vicky. How are you going to handle that?"
"We'll skim all the proposals and pick one."
"Vicky will win."
Nathan smirked. "I know. Call her for me?"
"Sure."
Meanwhile, Vicky had returned to the kitchen. Jack followed.
"I made all this for someone I was expecting," she said, slightly flustered.
Jack smiled. "Vicky, this is your space. Treat it like home."
He added casually, "By the way—Mr. Nathan Shikongo is here to meet you."
Her eyes widened. Mr. Nathan.
She remembered Emily's mysterious "Mr. Nate." Evan's description of Emily's kind friend Nathan. Ruben and Cinthia calling Necro 'Nate.'
Her heart sank.
Wait… Necro is Mr. Nate?
She swallowed hard and carried the refreshments out.
"I made this just for you," she told Kuku sweetly.
"You're so thoughtful."
"So, where's your son?" Vicky asked.
"Oh, there he is," Kuku said as Nathan walked over.
Vicky froze.
Nathan narrowed his eyes. "What are you doing here? I even saw you hugging my Kuku. What Necro-trick are you pulling now?"
Vicky blinked. "Kuku… is your mother?"
Nathan's jaw dropped. "Wait. You're the planner?"
"Yes," Kuku said calmly, handing him a koeksister.
Vicky and Nathan stared at each other.
Stunned. Again.