Inside the buzzing event company, Saima stormed into Tonia's office, rage and jealousy dripping from every word.
"See? I told you. Vicky's selfish. She didn't even charge for that kids' event—just to play saint. Her mother might as well rot in that hospital," Saima sneered.
The words barely left her mouth when Tonia rose from her seat and slapped her across the cheek.
"Speak one more word of filth about my friend—and you'll regret ever walking into my life," Tonia growled. Her tone was low, lethal.
Saima stumbled back, more shocked than hurt. She clutched her stinging cheek, but the humiliation deepened when she noticed John—the man she'd long crushed on—gazing out the window at Vicky with a dreamy look in his eyes.
Outside, Vicky stood with her neighbor and the little girl she'd come to love like her own.
"She followed you, Vicky," the woman said with an apologetic shrug. "Been asking for her 'Vicky-mom' since yesterday."
Vicky smiled, lifting the little girl, Faith, into her arms.
"She followed mommy," Vicky echoed, kissing her cheek. "My baby's growing up. Can't forget that party, huh?"
"She really can't," Faith's mother chuckled. "She cried all night."
"Well, she must not forget! Mommy won't let her," Vicky said playfully, making Faith giggle.
"Come on, Faith," the mother said gently. "Let's go home. Vicky-mom will see you later."
"No!" Faith cried, clutching tighter to Vicky.
Vicky looked between the girl and her mother, then shrugged. "Looks like she's got plans. I'll take her with me."
The woman hesitated. "Are you sure?"
Faith's eyes welled up, and Vicky didn't need further persuasion. "We're fine. She's in good hands."
As they walked inside, Ruben appeared in the distance, lingering like a man with a mission—watching her.
"God bless you, child," Faith's mother whispered under her breath. "May He repay you with the joy you're missing."
Inside, whispers began to fly.
"Who brings a child to work?"
"She's odd."
Tonia rolled her eyes. "She's not odd. She's special. That's what makes her different. Even with all she's going through, Vicky finds joy in kids. It's her blessing. I just hope her mother pulls through."
Vicky noticed Ruben approaching but stayed composed.
"Can I help you?" she asked, bouncing Faith gently.
"I'm Ruben," he said with a crooked smile.
"You're the driver, right? Come to throw more money at me or have your boss arrest me?" Vicky teased.
Ruben chuckled. "Neither. Can we sit?"
"Sure," she said, guiding him toward a bench near the office garden. Faith tugged her sleeve.
"Vicky-mom, can I sing you the new song I learned?"
"Of course, baby. Ruben, give me a second."
As Faith sang with sweet, high-pitched sincerity, Ruben found himself transfixed—not by the song, but by Vicky. There was a softness in her. A kind of heartbreak dressed as strength.
"Thank you, Vicky-mom!" Faith said and skipped off.
Ruben turned back. "She's yours?"
"She might as well be. I mother every child who needs it," Vicky replied, her tone breezy.
Ruben smiled faintly. "I'm Ruben."
She raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, we covered that."
He laughed, a little embarrassed. "Right. Just making sure you heard me. And you're… Vicky?"
"Yep. Vicky. I run events and handle catering. This little corner is my kingdom."
Ruben slowly took out his phone and showed her a photo. "Do you know this woman?"
Vicky leaned in. The girl in the picture did resemble her—hauntingly so. But her hair was shorter, and her aura… dimmer.
"No. Is she missing?"
"She's... she was my girlfriend. Her name was Paige. She vanished a few years ago."
"Oh…" Vicky said, heart sinking. "She looks a little like me. I could show you my photos—maybe it's one I don't recognize?"
"No, it's fine," Ruben said gently. "I believe you. But if you hear anything—anything at all—please let me know."
"Of course," Vicky said, her voice suddenly tender.
Their eyes met. For a moment, Ruben hesitated. "Sorry for the confusion. You just reminded me so much of her."
"I'm sorry too," Vicky replied. "It must be hard to keep looking."
Ruben gave a tight smile and stood. "Take care of that little one. And yourself."
As he walked away, Vicky stared after him, heart heavier than before. Somewhere in her lost memories, something stirred. But she shook it off.
For now, she had work to do. And a child to protect.