The Arms of Calm

Cinthia stood frozen, eyes wide in disbelief.

"Hello? Cinthy?" Sofia's voice echoed faintly through the phone.

"Mom… I'll call you back." Cinthia ended the call and turned to the scene before her.

Ruben arrived, his brows furrowed. "What's going on?"

"Nate had another episode," Cinthia said, still stunned. "But... I don't understand. He's... calm now."

Ruben followed her gaze—and went pale.

"Nate never calms down like that," he whispered, "unless... unless he's in Kuku's arms."

But there he was—Nathan, eyes closed, his body eased into peace, resting in the lap of the woman they barely knew. Vicky's fingers moved gently through his hair, her voice soft like a lullaby.

"Shhhh... it's okay. You're safe. Everything will be alright."

Ruben's eyes widened. "What the hell...?"

Nearby, he spotted the woman with the cupcake—arguing with a hooded man. Something about them wasn't right. As Ruben stepped toward them, they vanished into the night.

"Please, Tonia, call Mr. Jack or the manager. This party's over," Vicky instructed, still holding Nathan protectively. She reached out and blew the candle on the cupcake beside her.

Within minutes, the manager's voice echoed over the speakers: "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming—please make your way to the exits."

Ruben brought the car around.

"Thanks," Vicky said, helping Nathan up gently.

"No—thank you," Cinthia replied. "I've never seen anyone calm my brother like that. Not since... Kuku."

Vicky nodded. "When he wakes, give him yoghurt, dark chocolate... or chamomile tea. Something to soothe his body and mind."

"Wait..." Cinthia blinked. "Are you a doctor?"

But just then, recognition hit her like a wave.

"You… you're the girl from that video."

Nathan stirred again, mumbling—panic in his voice.

"Dad… Mom… please..."

Vicky slipped into the car beside him and clasped his hand. His breathing slowed instantly.

"We're going home?" Cinthia asked, her voice tight.

"If that's alright with you?" Vicky replied.

"It's definitely okay," Ruben said with a nod.

Cinthia forced a smile, but it didn't reach her eyes.

Meanwhile, at the Shikongo Residence...

Kuku Veronica shifted uneasily in her chair. "Something's wrong… I feel it."

"Silly, Cinthia probably just wanted to gossip," Sofia replied, brushing it off. "She always calls over nonsense."

"But still... Sofia, Catty is leaving," Kuku whispered.

"Relax, Mom. Catty won't leave. We'll talk to Nate tomorrow. The engagement isn't public yet. Everything can still be fixed."

"I hope so... I already told some friends. What am I supposed to say now—that the bride vanished?" Kuku sighed.

Sofia grew thoughtful. "We need to involve her parents. No relationship can be repaired without them—no matter what Catty thinks of them."

Betty entered, offering Kuku a glass of water and her medication.

"Thank you, dear. Adam is lucky to have you," Kuku said with a warm smile. Betty's heart sank with guilt.

"You're right, Sofia. I think her father tried calling her today—she refused to answer."

"We'll need to reach out ourselves," Sofia said firmly. "We can't delay."

The door opened. Damien and Adam stepped in.

"Evening, everyone," Damien said.

Betty rose to hug Adam, who seemed distracted. Kuku looked past them.

"Where's Nate?" she asked.

"Something happen?" Adam frowned. "Why is no one asleep yet?"

"I left him at the resort," Damien explained. "Had to head back early."

"I went straight to the office," Adam added.

Sofia's hands trembled as she picked up her phone and dialed Ruben.

"I just want to make sure my son is okay," Kuku muttered.

"It's late, Mom," Damien tried to reassure her. "Let's just sleep."

But Kuku wouldn't budge. Adam watched silently, jealousy flickering in his eyes before he turned and walked away.