Masks and Milestones

Kay returned home glowing with satisfaction, her heels clicking on the marble floor like a queen announcing her triumph.

She tossed her handbag onto the couch and twirled in delight. "Lily!" she called out.

"Yes, ma'am?" the maid answered from the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron.

"Victory feels like silk, darling. Without lifting a finger, doors are flying open for me."

Lily smiled knowingly. She and Kay were cut from the same cloth—cunning, calculating, and unapologetically self-serving.

"Everything went perfect?" Lily asked, grinning.

Kay collapsed onto the sofa, throwing her feet up dramatically. "Perfect? It was divine. Daddy melted like butter, Mommy poured tea like we were royalty, and they even agreed to meet Miss Dora. Can you believe it?"

"They're old. Emotional. Easy to trap," Lily said with a smirk.

Kay laughed. "Exactly."

She reached for her phone. "I should call Miss Dora now and tell her—"

She paused, frowning. "Wait… no. It's late. She might be asleep, or worse, ranting about marriage and motherhood."

Lily nodded. "Better to call her in the morning, ma'am. Let the suspense build."

"You're right, Lily. We don't rush fine wine."

While Kay basked in her victory, things were less cheerful in the Stevenson Mansion.

Miss Dora sat with her fingers entwined tightly, anxiety thick in her chest. Lara, ever the silent observer, watched her nervously pace across the room.

"Why hasn't she called yet?" Dora muttered. "She said her parents were here—why hasn't she confirmed?"

Lara shrugged. "Maybe she's waiting for the right time?"

"I just hope she's not playing games," Dora mumbled. "We've waited long enough. Harry needs a mother. David… needs a wife."

Upstairs, however, David was in a world of his own. His bond with little Harry, now two and a half, had only deepened. He spent every spare minute with his son. They laughed, played, even fell asleep together on the couch at times.

Marriage? Love? Kay?

Those weren't even on his mental map.

There was only one woman his heart still clung to—Maylie.

Her memory was inked into his soul. Whenever her absence ached too deeply, David would visit her grave—bring flowers, sit by the headstone, and speak like she were still beside him.

The Next Morning

Kay rang Miss Dora's number.

Miss Dora picked up immediately.

Kay: "Hello, Kay this side."

Miss Dora: "Ohh! Hello, my child. What a lovely coincidence—I was just about to call you."

Kay chuckled, rolling her eyes. (Desperate old lady...)

"Oh, that's sweet of you."

Miss Dora: "Sorry? Did you say something?"

Kay: "No, nothing! Just that you sound so cheerful."

Miss Dora: "How are you, dear?"

Kay: "Doing well. I actually called to inform you that my parents are here in town. And… they want to meet you."

Miss Dora (clapping her hands): "Oh, what a beautiful piece of news! Lovely—simply lovely!"

Kay: "So… once you've decided the date, I'll inform them."

Miss Dora: "I'm free, dear. Completely free!"

Kay: "Then how about the day after tomorrow?"

Miss Dora: "Perfect."

Kay: "Great. I'll let them know. Thanks."

Miss Dora: "Harry is so excited to meet his new mom. I tell you, he's waiting for you."

Kay's face stiffened. She rolled her eyes and twisted her mouth in annoyance.

(Spare me the baby talk. That kid can cry all he wants—I'm not here for lullabies.)

"Yeah… sure. Okay. Take care. Bye."

Miss Dora: "Goodbye, dear!"

Kay tossed the phone onto her bed and sighed mockingly. "Aww, this sweet little wish of hers… I'll love to shatter it."

She then dialed her father's number and informed him about the scheduled meeting. He acknowledged calmly.

After the call, Kay laid back on her bed, arms spread wide.

It feels like my life just turned into a bed of roses.

No thorns. Just flowers and fools who believe me.

Meanwhile, at the Stevenson Mansion, Miss Dora informed David about the meeting.

David (annoyed): "I already told you, Mom. I'm not interested. This is your circus, not mine."

Miss Dora: "But David, this is for Harry! Don't you want a mother for him?"

David: "No. I want peace. You emotionally blackmailed me into this circus and now you want me to clap through the show?"

And with that, he left the room.

The Meeting Day

The mansion was polished like royalty was expected.

Miss Dora and Lara stood at the door with bouquets in hand, waiting anxiously.

Then arrived the guests—Mr. and Mrs. Micawber, Kay, and Lily, who held a beautifully wrapped basket of fruits and chocolates.

Miss Dora welcomed them with grace and cheer.

"Welcome! We're honored to have you."

They exchanged greetings and stepped into the elegantly set hall. The room had a mild scent of lavender and polished wood. The sofas were arranged neatly, a grand chandelier hanging overhead.

Lara arrived shortly with a silver tray—a lavish spread of tea, nuggets, cookies, brownies, and chicken sticks. She served everyone with a smile.

After a few moments of light conversation, Miss Dora began.

Miss Dora: "I must say, I truly like your daughter. I would be proud to have her as my daughter-in-law. I know her well."

Mr. Micawber: "That's very pleasant to hear."

Mrs. Micawber: "We'd love to know more about your son."

Miss Dora (smiling): "Kay, dear, haven't you told them about David?"

Kay: "Not yet."

Miss Dora: "Well, David is my only son. Twenty-seven years old, runs his own business, and owns the Stevenson mansion and the entire business estate."

Mr. Micawber: "Impressive."

Mrs. Micawber: "So, just you and David live here?"

Miss Dora: "Ah… not just us. Lara lives with us as well—she's like family. And… my grandson."

Mr. and Mrs. Micawber (in unison): "Grandson?!"

Miss Dora: "Yes. David was married young. But his wife passed away a year and a half ago. His son—Harry—is now two and a half."

Mrs. Micawber (softly): "I'm so sorry."

Mr. Micawber: "That must've been difficult."

Miss Dora: "It was. Still is. But… life must go on."

Kay: "Mom, Dad—I like David. He's a good man. I'm sure about this."

Mr. Micawber (pausing): "If you're certain, then we won't object."

Mrs. Micawber: "She's right. If our daughter is happy, we won't create a mess."

Mr. Micawber: "Just… think once more before finalizing anything."

Kay: "I've already thought it through, Dad."

Miss Dora: "You don't need to worry. I'll treat her like my own daughter."

Mr. Micawber (nodding): "Then it's a yes from us."

Mrs. Micawber: "Now I'd love to see my son-in-law. Where is he?"

Miss Dora (hesitant): "Actually, he had a very important meeting. But… Lara, could you show them his photo?"

Lara quickly brought her phone and showed a charming picture of David.

Mrs. Micawber: "He's handsome."

Mr. Micawber: "Indeed."

Miss Dora: "Please stay for dinner."

Mr. Micawber: "I wish we could, but I have a meeting. Next time, for sure."

Mrs. Micawber: "Please don't mind."

Miss Dora: "Not at all. Before you leave, let's fix the engagement date."

Mr. Micawber: "We're heading back soon, so make it this week."

Miss Dora: "How about next Saturday?"

Everyone: "Perfect."

Miss Dora: "Then it's settled."

Congratulations!

They all stood. Mrs. Micawber and Miss Dora hugged.

As they left, Miss Dora handed them gift bags. She walked them to the gate, waving goodbye.

Kay dropped her parents home, then returned to her house.

Meanwhile, back in the Micawber mansion—

Phone ringing.

Mr. Micawber (answering): "Hello?"

Stephon: "Dad, I'm not coming. Sudden work pressure."

Mr. Micawber: "That's fine, son. Take care of yourself and Kevin."

Call disconnected.

Mr. and Mrs. Micawber looked at each other.

There was relief on their faces.

And yet, a storm lingered on the horizon—one named Kay.