Vicky stepped into the house, clutching the key with trembling fingers. The scent of lemon polish hit her nose—everything was spotless, pristine… but eerily empty.
"Emily?" she called softly. No answer. Only the hum of silence.
She walked through the rooms. Not a speck of dust, not a dish out of place. Someone had cleaned… but who?
A flicker of panic shot through her. The money. Her mother's surgery fees. She had hidden them before leaving—how could she forget?
She turned on her heel and ran, heart hammering in her chest, past the gate and down the street, until she reached Veena Ma'am's house. Relief washed over her when she saw Emily inside, safe and sound, curled up on the couch with a coloring book.
"Thank you," Vicky said, her voice breaking as she embraced Veena. "For cleaning the house… and for looking after her."
Veena smiled warmly. "You should check if nothing's missing, dear. These are uncertain times."
Vicky's heart dropped. She didn't need to be told twice.
She sprinted back home and tore through the cabinet where she'd hidden the envelope. Her fingers touched paper. She yanked it out, eyes widening—intact. Every note still there. She exhaled, collapsing onto her knees.
Meanwhile, Nathan arrived at the orphanage, his car brimming with toys, books, and snacks. As he stepped out, children swarmed him, squealing with delight.
"Look! He brought the cookies Vicky ma'am told us about!" Helvi chirped.
"Vicky ma'am?" Nathan blinked.
"Yes! She said you'd surprise us, and now here you are!" another kid chimed in.
Nathan's brow furrowed. "Vicky...?"
"She even helped us with our homework," Helvi added, twirling around in excitement.
Curious and slightly unnerved, Nathan turned to the teacher's desk.
"She sounds… familiar," he murmured.
"You mean the woman who adopted this place as a mother? That's Vicky," the teacher said with a smile. "Funny how both of you care so much about this place, yet have never met."
"Destiny's playing tricks," Nathan muttered.
"Or fate's slow dance," the teacher replied.
"I want you to prepare the kids," Nathan said. "They'll stay at my place until Monday."
"Are you sure?" the teacher asked, startled. "That's… a lot of children."
"I have the space. They deserve it."
Just then, Helvi ran over, holding up two glittery dresses.
"Papa, which one screams 'surprise' more?" she giggled.
"Where are you all going?" Nathan asked, amused.
"To an engagement party! Vicky ma'am said it's a surprise for her friend!" Helvi declared.
Nathan froze.
"She invited you all?"
"Yes! Will you come? Vicky ma'am said we should surprise her friend together."
Nathan blinked, unsure how to process this cascade of coincidences. "I'm already surprised," he muttered.
Later that evening, Vicky sat on the front steps of her house, lost in thought. The wind rustled the trees as memories from Khomasdal crept back. Her hands trembled slightly.
"What's happening to me?" she whispered.
Emily appeared beside her, holding a glass of juice. "You look sad," she said softly.
Vicky forced a smile. "Mommy's okay," she reassured, pulling Emily into her lap.
"I don't like when you're sad," Emily said. "Can we play?"
Vicky nodded. "Let's unpack your Barbie house."
Inside the warmth of home, the shadows temporarily retreated.
Elsewhere, in a cozy restaurant booth tucked in the city's quieter side, Catty sat across from her estranged father, Jonas. It had been over twenty years.
Jonas's eyes welled up. "I knew you couldn't stay angry forever…"
"Where's mom?" she asked flatly.
"She's out of town."
"No small talk, Dad. Let me be clear—I'm getting engaged this Friday. Nathan Shikongo. His family wants to meet you."
Jonas straightened. "That's big. Congratulations."
"Don't make it about wealth," Catty snapped. "I'm marrying for love, not legacy. And if you're coming to dinner, leave your greed at the door."
She stood to leave. Jonas reached for her hand but grasped only air. As she walked out, tears streamed down his face. Sara approached, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"She came. That's a start," she whispered.