A Touch of Vermillion and Memories of Tea

Vicky had just finished shopping when her eyes caught a quaint little stall where vibrant edelela dresses swayed in the breeze like colorful whispers of tradition. Her gaze lit up.

"They're so cute," she murmured with a smile.

A familiar chuckle made her turn.

"You?" came the surprised voice of Kuku Veronica.

"Oh!" Vicky laughed softly. "Do you want one of these?"

"Yes, my son is getting married, and I want everything I wear to be brand new," Kuku Veronica replied, her tone filled with pride.

"Then let me help you choose the perfect one," Vicky offered, picking up two options. "Your son must be so proud to have a mom like you—trying to make his big day unforgettable."

Veronica beamed. "He is... And you, my dear, you're beautiful. So charming."

Vicky smiled, slightly taken aback by the warmth.

She lifted one of the dresses. "This one is wide, stretchy, and very affordable. But this one," she held up the second, "this is special—deep vermillion, adorned with olutenda, and a touch of olupa. A bit pricey though."

"I love both," Kuku Veronica admitted. "Don't worry about the cost. Which one do you think suits me?"

Vicky hesitated. "Should I really say?"

Veronica reached out, touching her arm. "After what you've done for me, I see you as a daughter now."

Vicky looked up, surprised, heart warmed.

"So don't hold back. Don't see me as just an old lady. I don't mind."

"No," Vicky said, laughing gently. "My friends don't come with age limits. Most of them are either kids or elders. I love it that way."

"You love children?" Kuku Veronica asked.

"Oh, yes," Vicky said with a dreamy smile. "They're the most beautiful creatures on earth—so lively, so funny. They make me happy. But enough about me. I've got an event to plan! And this," she handed over the vermillion edelela, "is the one. Your son won't believe how stunning you'll look."

"Thank you, sweetheart," Veronica said as Vicky pulled out a shirt from her bag.

"This shirt," Vicky said, holding it up, "will pair perfectly. Trust me—I plan, create, and theme weddings. I know what a mother should wear to match the moment."

"You plan events?" Veronica asked, surprised.

"Yes, and cater them too. Actually, I'm working on one today."

"Bless your hands," Veronica said, wide-eyed. "My son is getting engaged this Friday. Would you be available?"

"I'd be honored," Vicky replied. "This event today is big, but I'd love to help make his day just as perfect. Especially if it means seeing you in that dress."

Veronica hugged her, overwhelmed. "Thank you. Thank you so much."

"There's no 'thank you' in friendship," Vicky said with a smile, slipping a card into her hand. "Just call me."

Veronica watched her leave, heart full. "Thank you, God," she whispered. "For sending me such a simple, beautiful girl. She loves children too… just like my Nate…"

Then her thoughts shifted.

"Wait, where's the girl I brought with me? Where did she wander off to?"

Catty stood in a jewelry shop, staring at rings with a strange glint in her eyes.

"They're so cute," she said, fingering a diamond band.

Once I marry my Nate, she thought, we'll disappear—start our own world, raise our kids surrounded by wealth. We'll sell everything here. This city already took my sister. I'll take what's mine and leave.

Meanwhile, Veronica, growing impatient, got into the car and ordered the driver to call Catty.

Back at the event venue, Vicky was setting the final touches in the conference room. The decor gleamed under the soft lights—elegant and inviting.

She moved to the kitchen to prepare the tea, and as the kettle hissed, a memory bloomed.

"This is how you make tea for your Prince Charming…"

her mother, Magano, used to say with a teasing grin.

"Mom…" Vicky whispered, blinking away the ache in her chest.

Magano would laugh.

"Now seriously," she'd say, "business meetings need wine or tea. Keep the throat smooth while they charm their investors."

"Do their throats dry out because they argue like you?" Vicky once teased, dodging a playful spoon thrown her way.

"I've studied your school for 15 years now," Magano retorted. "They also need energy. Let's get to it!"

A voice interrupted her memory.

"Did your Prince Charming show up?" Tonia teased from the kitchen door.

Vicky didn't answer right away, lost in her reverie.

"Vicky?" Tonia called again.

"Oh! You're here?" Vicky said, startled. Then again, more confused, "Wait… you're here?"

Tonia sat down, eyeing her. "What's going on? Are they mistreating you?"

"No… just a bit overwhelmed," Vicky admitted.

"Did you get your milk?" she asked, changing the subject.

"Yes. And… something's happening at the office," Tonia said.

"What?" Vicky asked, her tone sharp.

"Saima's taking over. All rent payments now go through her."

"What? What happened to John?" Vicky asked, her body tensing.

"I don't know. When I went to pay for Sarge this morning, she was in his office."

Vicky's mind raced. She remembered refusing John's apology not long ago.

"No, this isn't like him. John wouldn't just hand over his office to Saima… unless something happened."

"Vicky," Tonia warned gently, "I know you care for everyone, but don't waste that heart on people like John. Maybe they're in on it together. Focus on your work."

Vicky exhaled, trying to calm her nerves.

"By the way," Tonia smiled, "I love your milk."

"That's my baby," Vicky chuckled. "You're just babysitting her."

She handed Tonia a cup of tea.

"Mmm," Tonia sipped. "Delicious."