Vicky opened the sleek work tablet Jack had given her. Her fingers trembled slightly as she tapped through her designs, displaying her recent portfolio—last night's efforts included.
The images lit up the screen with elegance and precision, each one a testament to her skill. The room fell silent.
Nathan stared, captivated. The pictures were extraordinary.
"These are… incredible," Kuku Veronica finally said, eyes wide with admiration.
But Nathan's silence cracked into a thunderclap.
"No. She stole them," he snapped. "My planner is arriving soon. We'll find out the truth. You're a fraud, and you're going to jail."
Vicky flinched, his words hitting harder than any slap. Her heart sank, a dull ache blooming in her chest.
"Is this really about her work, Nathan?" Kuku Veronica asked with narrowed eyes. "Or is it about the bitterness you keep pretending you don't feel?"
"She's faking all of it! Just trying to get close to you. Or maybe to me?" he said coldly. "She could've saved anyone at the mall—but she chose you. Suspicious, don't you think?"
Vicky stood, her voice sharp but quivering.
"Say whatever you want about me—but don't insult my work. I give people memories they'll treasure forever. I won't let you mock that."
"I don't accept her," Nathan said, arms folded.
"Then let's wait for yours," Kuku said. "But this is the last time I'll humor you, Nate. We're out of time."
Vicky's eyes shimmered with unshed tears. Nathan glanced at her—then quickly looked away. Her sadness made something in him unravel.
"I'm sorry, Vicky," Kuku said softly, reaching for her hand. "I was really hoping you'd see me wear the dress you picked out…"
Nathan almost reached out to wipe her tears—almost. Kuku caught the movement.
"Nate?" she asked, surprised.
But Vicky beat him to it. She wiped her own tears, composing herself.
"I'm not upset about the event," she whispered. "I'm hurt… because he thinks I'm a bad person."
"No—!" Nathan blurted out. All eyes turned to him. He froze, then looked away, confused by the surge of guilt rising within him.
"Anyway," Vicky added, forcing a smile, "I have another engagement event this Friday. They're coming to meet me today—him and his grandmother."
Nathan's jaw tensed.
"Oh, that's good," Kuku said diplomatically. "Nate, when's your planner arriving?"
Nathan's phone buzzed. He looked down, surprised—it was Vicky.
He looked at her. She was already holding her own phone.
"You're calling me?" she said, answering. "Hello?"
"Are you… Victoria Samuels?" Nathan asked, confused.
"Yes."
Just then, Jack walked in.
"Oh, Nate—you've met already!" Jack grinned. "I was worried you didn't know each other and were just wandering around."
Nathan looked between them, stunned. "This is Vicky? Your…"
"Yes," Jack said proudly. "Vicky, this is Nathan Shikongo. Nate—this is Victoria Samuels."
Vicky and Nathan stared at each other. For a heartbeat, nothing else existed. Vicky's heart sank—she thought she'd lost it all.
Back at the mansion,
Catty walked into the living room where Betty sat watching TV with a bowl of popcorn.
"Aunt Betty… is this Monica's jacket?" Catty asked, holding up a garment.
"No," Betty said without looking.
Catty frowned. "I found it on Nate's bed this morning. Cinthia says it's not hers. Monica says it's not hers either."
"Then maybe it's one of Nate's other girlfriends'."
"What?" Catty stared. "Nate has other girlfriends?"
Betty shrugged. "You all believe that Nate's incapable of emotions. That he's just cold and pure. But let me tell you—no man survives without sex. Not a single one. Monica knits most of her clothes. She never made or wore anything like that."
Catty sat, stunned.
"So he's cheating on me?"
Betty sighed. "Catty… Nate doesn't love you. He's marrying you for convenience, not love. For status, maybe to gain favor in this house. I wouldn't even call it cheating, because in his heart… you've never been his."
Tears welled up in Catty's eyes.
"I'm a woman, Aunt Betty. And I'm madly in love. I can feel when love is returned—and when it isn't."
Betty gave her a long look. "Then let me tell you a painful truth—people who don't love you don't care how deeply you love them. They'll use your feelings against you."
"Did Uncle Adam use you?" Catty asked softly.
Betty laughed bitterly. "No, not Adam. My first crush. That wound never healed. But Catty—you're well off. You're launching your own webinar, you have a house, a car, your whole life ahead of you. Why are you chasing marriage like it's salvation?"
"I just… love Nate. When he proposed, it was the most beautiful moment of my life. I thought if I stayed… maybe one day he'd love me back."
Betty reached for her hand. "You're sweet. Naïve. But love isn't about owning someone. Love is sacrifice—for your joy, or theirs. If I were you, I'd walk away. There's more fish in the sea—and the one made for you is still waiting."
Catty's face crumpled. "I love him so much I want to own him. If I ever see him with another woman, I'll…"
She paused. Betty leaned in.
"You'll what?"
"I'll kill," Catty whispered, trembling.
Betty recoiled. "Catty… that's not love. That's obsession. And obsession blinds you. You say you love him—but that love never touches him, because it's not real. It's control."
Catty stood abruptly, holding the jacket—and with a cry of rage, tore it apart.
"Nathan is mine!" she screamed. "No woman will ever belong to him!"
Betty watched in horror as the fabric fell in tatters to the floor.