Rings, Risks, and Revelations

Catty strolled alongside Kuku Veronica through the glossy marble corridors of the mall. Her eyes glittered the moment they caught a glimpse of a sparkling display.

"Look, Kuku! These rings are divine," Catty said, tugging on her arm. "Let's just take a peek—I might find the perfect one."

But Kuku Veronica barely slowed her stride. "You don't need to concern yourself, my dear. We have our own jeweller. They'll deliver the latest collections directly. I'm here to buy odelela before it's out of stock."

Catty frowned, her excitement quickly dimming. "Odelela? What even is that?"

"I brought you to help me choose one," Kuku Veronica replied, unfazed. "Now come."

Catty muttered under her breath, "This woman is such a bore."

A sudden clatter nearby made heads turn. Workers were pushing overloaded trolleys stacked high with stock boxes. The tower of boxes teetered dangerously.

From across the hallway, Vicky stepped out of a boutique just in time to see disaster in the making. Without hesitation, she sprinted toward them.

"KUKU, WATCH OUT!" she shouted.

She shoved Kuku Veronica out of harm's way—and took the full weight of the falling box herself.

The impact was loud and sharp. Vicky crumpled to the ground, the box rolling beside her. Gasps echoed all around.

"Oh, my goodness—are you okay?" Kuku Veronica rushed to her.

Vicky winced, rubbing her head. "Are you okay? That's all that matters."

"You saved me… and got hurt instead," Kuku Veronica said, voice trembling.

"I couldn't just stand by. That thing was huge," Vicky said.

The trolley handler ran over, flustered. "Ma'am, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean— I'll be more careful."

"Are you insane?" Catty exploded. "You want to be careful now? Do you even have eyes? Do you know who this woman is?"

"That's enough," Vicky said firmly, cutting her off. "You don't speak to people like that. It wasn't deliberate."

Catty scoffed. "And you? Who jumps on someone like that? Are you mad?"

Kuku Veronica's eyes widened in disbelief.

Vicky stood, brushing herself off. "More isn't always better. You're rushing to move too many boxes at once. That trolley was meant for two boxes, not six. People walk here—you should think about everyone's safety."

The handler bowed his head. "Understood, ma'am. I'll be more mindful."

"No one's perfect," Vicky added gently. "Just… be careful next time."

Then she turned to help him. "Let me give you a hand."

The handler blinked, stunned, but accepted her help. As they walked off, Kuku Veronica reached out and placed her hand softly on Vicky's head.

"May God bless you, my daughter."

Vicky smiled warmly. "And may He bless you too."

Catty stood rigid, her chest burning with silent envy. Her eyes narrowed as she tried to place where she'd seen Vicky before—but the memory stayed just out of reach.

"Kuku, let's go. You're safe with me now," Catty said, forcing a smile.

Kuku Veronica didn't smile back.

"The way you spoke to that man was disgraceful," she said coldly.

"But he was careless! He nearly injured you!"

"And yet he didn't—because that girl saved me. And instead of gratitude, you chose to yell. Is that the behavior of someone who's about to marry my son?"

Catty froze, the blood draining from her face.

"I'm… I'm sorry, Kuku. Please forgive me. It was just a slip of the tongue. I'll be better—I promise. I'm a good daughter, really…"

Kuku Veronica turned away. "I won't tolerate such conduct again."

Meanwhile, Nathan pulled up to a quiet junction.

"You sure this is your stop?" he asked, glancing back at the twins.

"It's close by, don't worry," Evan said confidently.

"Bye, Mr. Nate!" Emily chimed as they got out.

As Nathan drove off, Emily frowned. "Why didn't you let him drop us off properly?"

Evan shrugged. "I figured we could use a walk. Good for the legs, right?"

Emily narrowed her eyes. "You know I see through lies, Evan. Sister taught us better."

Evan sighed. "Fine. The house is buried in a tight alley. No way his car would fit."

Emily nodded thoughtfully. "You still think Mr. Nate might be a fraud?"

"No… I don't. But be careful. Not everyone is as sweet as he seems."

Back at home, Nathan changed into fresh clothes. Monica appeared in his doorway, unusually solemn.

"I'm ready to talk."

"Talk about what?" he asked, drying his hair.

"The lunchbox. It wasn't for you, was it?"

Nathan raised an eyebrow. "Nope. It was for Emily."

Monica's jaw dropped. "Wait—what?"

Nathan chuckled. "What's with the frog-face?"

Monica recovered quickly. "Tell me everything. We have to tell Kuku and cancel the wedding with Catty."

Nathan snapped to attention. "Are you insane? She's seven, Monica. Seven!"

He pulled out a picture of Emily and showed it to her.

Monica looked and scoffed. "Oh right… because it's not like you've dated dozens of girls since middle school."

Her phone buzzed. She declined the call. It rang again—she declined it again, more nervously this time.

Nathan noticed. "Who's that?"

"None of your business," she said, snatching her phone and darting away.

Nathan's instincts kicked in. He followed her, but just as he reached her room, his own phone rang. It was urgent—he had to get to a meeting immediately.

Daniels appeared in the hallway.

"Whoa. What's with the storm face?" he asked.

"Monica's acting weird. Might be blackmail or something shady. Can you check up on her for me? I've got to leave."

Daniels nodded. "Sure thing. You taking your wife with you?"

Nathan blinked. "My—oh, Catty? No. Who knows where she even is right now…"

Daniels smirked. "Figured. Good luck with the meeting. I'll see what Monica's hiding."