The car hummed quietly as they drove home. Nathan sat in the passenger seat, chewing thoughtfully on a koeksister, his mind tangled with emotions.
"Out of everything that happened today… this koeksister is the only thing that made sense," he muttered.
"Vicky made it," Kuku said with a knowing glance.
Nathan paused mid-bite. "She… what?"
"You can't even stop eating it," Ruben added with a grin. "It's your new favorite, apparently."
Nathan stared at the pastry, betrayed. "Well… I can't be mad at food. But how the hell does she know everything I like—" He caught himself. "You didn't hear that, did you?"
Ruben raised an eyebrow. "I'm driving. Didn't hear a thing. Kuku?"
"I heard nothing," Kuku replied with an innocent smile. "But Vicky is right, you know."
"Right about what?" Ruben asked.
"She's the only woman who's ever shut Nathan's arrogance down and cracked him open in minutes."
"Yeah… it's like she has a direct line to his core," Ruben added.
"Relationship?" Kuku asked hopefully.
"No!" Nathan nearly shouted. Both turned to him, surprised.
Kuku's expression softened. "Nathan, I told you something once."
"I know," he said quietly. "You've walked this world for 69 years. Tell me… what's the difference between destiny and coincidence?"
"Coincidences happen because they're destined… or they're just coincidences," she said.
"So, there are normal coincidences—and then there are conspired ones?" Nathan pressed.
"Conspired by destiny? Yes."
"Why are you asking?"
"No reason," he said, falling silent.
Kuku studied him, concern blossoming in her chest. She remembered what Monica had said—Nathan hadn't smiled since the marriage talks began.
Across town, in the shadows of Khomasdal, Marcus stood in an abandoned building. The twins were tied up, blindfolded, their muffled whimpers echoing. He pulled out his phone and dialed Nathan—but it rang unanswered.
Nathan was still lost in thought, his fingers tracing the earring he'd hung in his bracelet. Her voice echoed in his mind—the dance, the unintended kiss, the laughter, the dessert she smeared around his eye.
Like the girl from his childhood…
She'd done the same thing.
"Nate?" Kuku's voice pulled him back.
"We're stopping at the market," Ruben said as he parked. "Kuku needs a few things."
"Come with me?" Kuku asked.
Nathan blinked. "No, I'm… not feeling well. Ruben, go with her."
Kuku frowned. "Are you uneasy? Worried?"
Nathan forced a smile. "I'll explain at home."
"You sure? You're scaring me."
"I'm okay, Kuku. I promise."
As she stepped out with Ruben, Nathan's phone buzzed with a message.