A Love-Formed Koeksister

The aroma of cinnamon and syrup clung to the air like a lullaby as Vicky moved around the kitchen, a melody rolling off her tongue as naturally as the rhythm of her heartbeat. Her hands, quick and elegant, braided the final 'koeksister'—this one shaped into a delicate heart.

She glanced at it fondly. "For my Emily," she whispered, "my little rainbow."

Tonia entered just as Vicky was arranging the desserts, her eyes widening with exaggerated delight.

"I swear, I just proofed all your dishes and—damn, girl—you live for food?" she teased.

Vicky grinned, wiping her hands on her apron. "You can say that again, babe. This is my first proper gig in five years. Let me shine in peace."

Tonia's eyes narrowed as they landed on the heart-shaped dessert. "Is that for Prince Charming?" she asked, arching a brow with intrigue.

Vicky chuckled softly, her voice dreamy. "Yes… and he's going to eat this dessert."

"Are you serious? Introduce me!" Tonia said, practically bouncing on her toes.

"Blockhead," Vicky muttered, lightly flicking Tonia's forehead. "This is for Emily. She asked me to bring her something sweet, and I want it to be special this time. Something bright. Full of flavour and colour."

Tonia's excitement melted into a small pout. "You've been stealing my happiness for over ten years. You used to gush about your Prince Charming, and now you barely speak of him."

Vicky paused, her gaze softening. "Tonia… whoever eats this dessert tonight… that person will bring colour back into my life."

She smiled, a bittersweet one, and added, "And for now, that's my siblings. They're my joy. My reason. With them around, my world already has all the colour it needs."

Tonia watched her, her eyes filled with both admiration and sadness. "You're the lifeline for so many people, yet you forget to save yourself."

"Prince Charming isn't forgotten," Vicky said softly. "He's still around. Somewhere."

She reached for a small, neatly wrapped gift box.

"Did he buy you that?" Tonia asked, excitement returning to her voice.

"Nope. Mr. Jack gave it to me. Said I'd be mingling with the resort's rich goons and needed to look the part."

Tonia smirked. "Maybe Mr. Jack is your Prince Charming?"

Vicky rolled her eyes. "You've officially lost it, Tony. I'll whip up a better medicine for that madness."

As promised, Vicky whipped together a quick dessert for her friend.

"How's your mom?" Tonia asked quietly, as she took a bite.

Vicky's expression dimmed. "Still in a coma. The doctor said the next two months will be critical. I'm just trying to stay afloat, Tony."

"You'll make it," Tonia said, her voice thick with certainty. "I'm here with you."

Vicky offered her a grateful smile before heading off to shower and prepare for the night ahead.

Meanwhile…

In a dimly lit office, Ruben sat with Natasha and their team, hunched over a series of encrypted memory cards retrieved from Jonas' house. Natasha's fingers flew across the keyboard, attempting to crack the protection. Most of the files held nothing sinister—just dusty family photographs.

Two sets of parents. Two young girls. One image in particular showed a little girl—Paige—and beside her, Jonas' daughter.

Ruben checked the time and cursed under his breath. It had been hours since he last saw Nathan. He grabbed his jacket and headed for the resort, a growing unease forming in his gut.

Back at the Resort

Nathan wandered into the catering area, stomach grumbling loud enough to echo. "I haven't eaten all day," he muttered. "And this party's taking forever…"

The array of dishes practically gleamed under the ambient lights, but a small security camera in the corner caught his eye. Slipping quietly into the kitchen, he found Tonia sitting, enjoying her dessert.

His eyes were drawn instantly to the koeksister on the table—heart-shaped, golden, and glistening.

"Hi, how are you?" Tonia greeted politely.

Nathan froze. Then he noticed her baby bump, and an idea sparked—an escape from awkwardness, perhaps.

"I knew it," he said, feigning outrage. "Were you the one cooking while pregnant?"

"No, I—"

Nathan didn't let her finish.

"Ma'am, that's unacceptable! Who hires a pregnant woman to slave over a hot stove? If I had a wife—even one day pregnant—I'd have her resting, not working!"

Before Tonia could protest, he gently ushered her out of the kitchen and into a side room.

"Sit here. I'll call my driver to take you home. Jack should be ashamed…"

"I'm fine, really. My husband is picking me up," Tonia said, laughing softly. "And you've got it all wrong—my friend Vicky is the one running things. I'm just here for moral support."

"Oh… well, my bad. Sorry for the fuss," Nathan said, his cheeks flushing.

"It's okay. You meant well," Tonia smiled.

Nathan gave a polite nod and slipped away, still craving that dessert.

Outside…

Ruben arrived, scanning the resort grounds with growing suspicion. Jack approached him, casual as ever.

"Seen Nathan?" Ruben asked urgently.

"Relax, I was just with him a few minutes ago," Jack replied. "He's probably inside somewhere."

But Ruben's instincts wouldn't settle. Men in black suits stood in clusters—watching, waiting, too coordinated to be guests.

Something was off.

And deep down, Ruben knew—tonight wouldn't end quietly.