A cheerful song echoed inside the daycare hall, teaching children the importance of keeping their surroundings clean. The little ones clapped, danced, and sang along with the video playing on the screen. Their innocent voices filled the room with warmth.
The door creaked open. A woman stepped in wearing a simple shirt and jeans, her hair pulled into a messy bun. The dark circles under her eyes told the silent story of exhaustion, but when a small girl ran up to her with bright eyes, shouting, "Mommy!"—the woman's tired face softened into a smile.
The woman bent down, scooping the girl into her arms. The caretaker smiled at them knowingly as she nodded back before walking out.
"Mommy, I learned a new song today!" the little girl chirped, babbling on about everything that happened in daycare. She listened quietly, her hand gently patting her daughter's back.
Neither mother nor daughter noticed two figures trailing quietly from the shadows.
Alex leaned closer to Liana, whispering, "Why aren't we just walking up to her? Wouldn't it be easier?"
Liana's eyes stayed fixed on the scene, her body tense. "Because… she might be married now. She has a daughter, Alex. I don't want to ruin her day by suddenly showing up."
Soon, they reached Ethilia's small apartment building, the warm moment between mother and daughter shattered. A middle-aged landlady stood outside, arms crossed and face sharp with irritation.
"Ethilia," she snapped, "you didn't pay this month's rent again. What do you think this place is, your parental home? Stay here without paying, and I'll throw your things out!"
Ethilia tightened her hold on her daughter before pulling out some notes from her bag. "Here. I was going to bring it to you right after putting Alena inside."
The landlady snatched the money with a scoff, muttering, "Next time you're late, you're out." Then she walked away, leaving behind only bitterness.
Hiding behind a wall but witnessing the whole scene, Alex frowned, lowering his voice. "Married? Doesn't look that way to me. Something feels… off."
Liana was just as shocked. As much as she knew in college, Ethilia used to love some guy—she couldn't even remember his name now. She had thought Ethilia was married to him. However, her eyes didn't move from Ethilia at a distance.
Ethilia let out a heavy breath. She forced a smile at her daughter, who was watching with wide, innocent eyes. "Bad old lady… scolded my mommy," Alena pouted.
Ethilia chuckled softly and kissed her chubby cheek. "Don't say that. Come, let's go inside." She set Alena down and opened the creaky door to their small apartment.
Liana bit her lip, torn between longing and fear. For the first time in years, she was close enough to reach her… yet farther than ever.
Alex placed a hand on Liana's shoulder. "Liana…"
When she didn't move, he sighed and gave her a small shake. "Done with your little detective act? Let's go."
Liana's head shifted slowly, her voice sharp enough to freeze him in place. "No."
Alex blinked, frowning at her sudden edge. She turned to him, eyes blazing. "I need answers. Let's have a word with that old woman."
He checked his watch. "It's already half past five. We'll be late."
Rolling up the sleeves of her black shirt, Liana muttered, "Feels like I'm already late."
Alex had no choice but to follow as she strode ahead, quickening into a jog. She caught up to the landlady, blocking her path with folded arms and an intimidating glare.
"Wait up."
Alex stayed a step behind, silent but alert. The woman faltered under Liana's stare, her voice trembling as she shoved the crumpled bills forward. "Here—take this and leave me alone."
Liana stepped closer, her tone sharper than intended, low and dangerous. "Keep it. I'm no thief. But why… why do you treat her like that?"
The landlady flinched, quickly stuffing the money back in her bag. "She always pays late. If I'm not strict, she'll never learn."
Rage surged through Liana. Her finger shook as she pointed at the woman. "Where is her husband, then?"
The question seemed to stun the landlady. "Her husband? She isn't married."
Liana's jaw dropped. Her voice cracked into a whisper. "Then… that little girl?"
The woman exhaled, her lips curling almost smugly. "Oh, that? Don't you know? Her boyfriend ditched her—pregnant and alone, nearly three years ago. Since then, she's been dragging herself along with that child. Her family washed their hands of her after her father's heart attack. He hasn't allowed her near him since—won't even look at her face."
The words struck like a blow. Liana stepped back, cold sweat prickling her skin as she struggled to process it. Alex's eyes widened too, but he kept his expression controlled, professional.
"Are you alright?" The landlady snapped her fingers in front of Liana, impatient.
Somehow, Liana managed a nod, though her breathing faltered on the edge of breaking.
The woman went on, her tone careless. "Her parents were right to abandon her. Who wants a characterless daughter?"
"Stop." Liana raised a hand, her voice uneven but firm. Her next words came out in a whisper. "Which hospital?"
The woman blinked, startled at the question. "The central hospital in town."
Before she could add more, Liana pulled out cash and pressed it into her hand. "That should cover at least two months' rent. And hear me well—never speak to her like that again."
The landlady stared, dumbfounded, as Liana turned away. Alex followed quickly, still silent, though confusion clouded his eyes. Why was his boss pouring so much heart into a woman she once called her rival? He didn't dare ask.
Back at the car, Liana sank into the passenger seat. Alex drove without a word, glancing at her only once. She sat rigid, eyes red from unshed tears, hands clenching tight against her knees. He had never seen her this undone.
When they finally pulled into the driveway of her family home, Alex cut the engine. His voice dropped to a whisper. "What's the next move, Boss?"
Her head snapped toward him, startled. For a moment, she was speechless, then his smile softened the confusion in her eyes.
"As long as I'm with you, I follow your orders," he said simply. "So tell me—what's the plan?"
Liana let out a broken laugh, the sound tangled between relief and pain. She extended her hand toward him. "Meeting her parents. I need to see their condition."
As they entered her large parental house, everyone welcomed Liana with warmth and respect. She received love, attention, and admiration, yet her thoughts kept drifting to the woman living in a small apartment after losing everything.
________
"Alena, don't jump around! And what are you singing all day?" Ethilia called from the kitchen as she stirred the vegetables she'd brought on the way home.
Alena skipped over, still humming, her face lighting up. "Mommy! I found some more songs by that pretty lady who sings and dances!"
Ethilia chuckled softly, serving dinner for both of them before walking toward their dining room. The space was small—a single bedroom, a tiny dining room, a kitchen barely wide enough to cook in, and a bathroom.
Yet despite its size, Ethilia kept it spotless, warm, and surprisingly cozy. She set the plates down on the floor, and they both settled to eat. Alena set the phone beside her and turned the volume up.
Ethilia froze, hearing the familiar voice. Alena looked up, brow furrowed. "Mommy? Why aren't you eating?"
She shook her head and reached for the phone. "Whose song are you listening to?"
Alena clutched it to her chest, eyes shining. "Liana Celeste," she said softly. The name made Ethilia's heart skip, and she swallowed hard, her gaze fixed on her daughter.
For a moment, she just stared, lost in a tangle of past memories and present situation. Alena frowned, sensing her mother's distraction, and nibbled at her food. "Mommy… I don't like veggie," she complained, wrinkling her nose.
Ethilia blinked, letting the daze pass. Pain softened her eyes as she looked at the plain rice and vegetables before her. She bit her lip, took a slow, steadying breath, and forced a smile.
Cupping Alena's cheek gently, she whispered, "Eat for now… tomorrow, Mommy will get you some meat, okay?"
The little girl's face lit up, and she dove back into her food. Ethilia wiped away tears before they could fall, but her throat tightened, making swallowing difficult. She closed her eyes and murmured softly, "God…"
A sudden ring at the doorbell made her flinch. Glancing at Alena, she muttered, "Stay here, okay?"
Alena nodded, continuing her meal, while Ethilia rose cautiously. It was around eight in the evening, and her hands trembled slightly, betraying the fear of an unknown visitor.
She approached the door and called softly, "Who's there?"
"Ma'am… I'm a delivery man," came the crisp yet polite reply.
She frowned, gripping a pan tightly in one hand in case of danger. When she opened the door, she saw a man.
This was none other than Alex, dressed as a delivery man. He gulped at the sight of the pan but quickly held out a medium-sized box.
"A package for you…" He said respectfully.
Her fingers shook as she took the box, forcing a small, grateful smile. Alex gave a short nod and left.
She frowned after him. "He didn't even take the signature?" But before she could question it further, he was already gone, vanishing into the evening.