At the grand Shikongo mansion, the halls echoed with silent preparation. Catty, with a shy but hopeful smile, carried a bouquet of roses in her arms. She crept into Nathan's room, placed them gently on his table, and lingered for a second, admiring the quiet space he called his own.
But she wasn't alone.
"Catty…" a voice broke the stillness. It was Kuku Veronica, eyes sharp, arms folded. "What were you doing in Nate's room?"
Caught, Catty fumbled. "Kuku… I—I was looking for a charger. Thought maybe he had one."
Kuku gave a slow, knowing nod. "Come with me."
They walked through the polished halls and into the kitchen, where Betty was already busy at the stove, apron on, sleeves rolled, preparing her first meal in her in-laws' home.
"The kitchen is in Betty's hands today," Kuku said, gesturing proudly. "It's her first time cooking as a Shikongo daughter-in-law. You'll help her—and watch closely. Next time, it might be you."
Catty blinked. "Kuku… but it's Ms. Betty's duty. No one should interfere."
Betty chimed in with a practiced smile, "Yes, mother, I don't need help. Catty, please just wait. I'll bring your food soon."
"I'm not asking you to cook," Kuku Veronica said firmly, "I'm asking you to learn. Nathan is next in line for marriage. Don't let this moment pass you by."
Catty's eyes lit up despite her nerves. "Okay, Kuku. Thank you… for this opportunity."
"Good." Kuku nodded with satisfaction. "And good luck."
As the elder left, Catty's face crumpled into mild panic. "Kuku said I should just watch," she muttered, looking lost. She didn't even know how to make tea. Betty glanced at her and simply smiled, letting her struggle quietly.
Meanwhile, Nathan returned home. Wordless, distant. He walked into his room, accidentally knocked over the bouquet—roses scattered across the floor like discarded hopes—but didn't notice. He kept walking… straight to the music room.
Moments later, the haunting sound of a piano filled the house.
"That's Nathan," Kuku said, ears sharp. She turned to Betty, concerned. "He plays the piano only when something's wrong. He locks himself away when he's overwhelmed."
Just then, Ruben stepped inside.
"Ruben," she said quickly. "What happened to Nathan? Why is he like this?"
"Kuku… relax," Ruben said gently.
"Is it the marriage?" she asked, voice breaking slightly. "Am I pushing him too much?"
Meanwhile, upstairs, Catty approached the music room. She froze when she saw her roses—crushed petals and snapped stems—on the floor. Her heart sank. Had she done something wrong?
She knocked gently and entered. Nathan sat at the piano, smiling softly as his fingers danced over the keys.
"Nate…" she whispered.
He looked up, surprised. "Oh. I didn't see you this morning. How are you, my darling?"
"Are you… okay?" she asked, watching him closely.
"Yeah. I'm okay. Just needed some melody to clear my head," he said with a half-smile.
"You sure?"
"I'm fine, Catty. What do you think happened to me? I'm Nathan Shikongo—nothing in this world can knock me down." He forced a laugh. It didn't reach his eyes.
Downstairs, Kuku was still pacing.
"Mom, please calm down," Betty said. "You know Nate. He handles stress his own way. Don't let your blood pressure rise over this."
"Aune, bring water," Betty called.
As Aune returned with the glass, Kuku turned to thank her—and gasped. It wasn't Aune.
It was Nathan, holding the water out for her.
"Nathan?" Kuku whispered, her hands trembling. She pulled him into an embrace. "My child… what's going on?"
He looked around, confused by everyone's anxious stares. "Why are you all looking at me like that?"
"You played the piano," Kuku said softly. "You haven't touched it in years. What happened?"
He smiled, this time more genuinely. "Granny… I just missed it. Don't worry."
"You brought back the old Nathan," Kuku said, tears threatening.
Nathan placed his hand over hers. "Kuku, I'm thinking about my marriage, remember? I was just practicing for my engagement day."
Catty's heart leapt. Ruben blinked.
"Really?" Kuku asked, wide-eyed.
"Yes. You'll meet my wife. You'll love her like your own. She'll care for you, protect you. You'll be best friends. Not just a daughter-in-law—but a daughter."
Kuku and Catty lit up with joy, while Ruben looked on, still unsure. A new melody had begun in the Shikongo house… one full of promises, mystery, and unspoken truths.
"See, Kuku?" Catty said, eyes shining. "Nate is ready. He's finally ready to face his fate—and fulfill your dream."