Nathan barely managed to get Vicky to the hospital, his panic palpable. As the doctor approached, Nathan's voice trembled with desperation.
"Doctor… how is she? Will she be fine? Please, tell me," he pleaded.
The doctor's tone was calm but firm. "We haven't started treatment yet."
Nathan's frustration flared instantly. "Then what are you waiting for?"
The doctor met his gaze without flinching. "Sir, before you decide to fire me, your wife was shot. The bullet is lodged in her hand. Because of the bruises and trauma, she's become vulnerable to the cold—that's why she's unconscious. But don't worry, she'll be fine."
Nathan's anger simmered but didn't subside. "And what exactly are you doing here then?"
"You asked me to explain what happened," the doctor replied quietly, eyes flicking to Nathan's hand.
"Are you injured, Sir? You should get that dressed properly—otherwise, you risk infection."
Nathan's voice cracked with frustration. "Vicky is in immense pain and disoriented, and you want me to treat myself?"
The doctor nodded. "We'll begin the operation now." Without another word, he turned and left.
At the Shikongo household, everyone was awake. Monica eyed the torn jacket, recalling Ruben's instructions from the night before.
She went to check Catty's room—empty. Downstairs, she found the living room vacant too.
"Hey, you're awake… where is everyone?" Sofia asked, stepping in.
"Catty's not in her room. I don't think she slept here last night," Monica replied.
Sofia nodded slowly. "Cinthia wasn't in her room either. I went to check last night and she wasn't there."
"Aunty, are you leaving?" Monica asked.
"Yes, my dear. We'll come for the engagement—we just miss home," Sofia said softly.
Catty finally returned home as Kuku Veronica knocked on Nathan's door.
Emily's bright excitement quickly faded when she saw Tonia instead.
"Morning, baby… how are you?" Tonia greeted warmly.
Evan quickly hid the breakfast he had prepared for Vicky.
"Vicky got kidnapped!" Emily blurted out.
Tonia's eyes widened. "What?!"
"No—she's not kidnapped," Evan quickly interjected. "Don't mind Emily's panic. Vicky didn't want her to follow, so she made it seem like she was kidnapped."
"Where did she go?" Tonia asked, concern creasing her brow.
"She went to check out the engagement venue," Evan explained.
"Then why the fear?" Tonia pressed, but Evan cut her off, handing her breakfast.
"Have this—I made it. It's already 7, I need to get Emily to school," he said hurriedly.
Emily shot Tonia a meaningful look, signaling Evan was lying.
While Evan grabbed Emily's school bag, Emily whispered the truth to Tonia about what had really happened the night before.
"Emily, come on, you're getting late," Evan called out.
"Are you not going to school today? Evan?" Tonia asked, concern evident.
"No, I don't have important classes today. I'm helping Vicky with her planning," Evan replied.
Tonia's brow furrowed. "It's Wednesday. The engagement is Friday."
"Say goodbye to Tonia," Evan said briskly, and they left.
Tonia's worry deepened. She tried calling Vicky repeatedly, but each time the call went straight to voicemail.