Episode 13

After enjoying a day of play with his mother at the mall, they decided it was time to head home. Upon arrival, they discovered that Luca's new computer had been delivered to their front door.

Luca eagerly brought it inside and immediately began assembling it with the help of Zhia and Lucia. They discovered that setting up a computer could be a time-consuming process as they spent a significant portion of the time debating over the correct installation procedures.

Soon, Zhia withdrew from the activity, as she needed to prepare dinner and then get ready for Rayden's party.

Initially, Zhia had not wanted to attend the event. However, she felt obligated to go, considering they would be working together for a considerable length of time.

Zhia was now ready for the party. She applied light makeup, enhancing her beauty, and her appearance was further accentuated by her favorite white evening dress. Before leaving, Zhia went to say goodbye to Luca and Lucia, who were also in the room, busy exploring the new computer.

"Darlings, I've prepared dinner for you two on the dining table. Have dinner together tonight because I have to attend an important celebration," Zhia told the deeply engrossed Luca and Lucia.

"Go ahead, Mom! Have a great time and don't worry about us," Lucia replied with her sweet smile.

"Sorry, my loves! I promise to come home early," Zhia said, feeling guilty about leaving her children alone at night.

"That's okay, Mom! We can take care of ourselves; Luci is here," Luca chimed in this time.

"Well then, I'm off! Don't forget to eat your dinner," Zhia instructed before leaving.

"Okay, Mom!" Luca and Lucia called out in unison, saluting like soldiers.

"Bye, my loves! Be careful at home," Zhia waved goodbye to her twin children.

"Bye, Mom! Take care on the road," Luca and Lucia said in sync.

After bidding farewell to her twins, Zhia walked to her car and sped off to the party venue.

The party was held at one of the top hotels in country A. Upon arrival, Zhia was overwhelmed, discovering that the event was filled with top-tier artists and other influential figures.

She felt increasingly intimidated, comparing her own simple appearance with that of the other more glamorous guests, and the presence of hundreds of reporters ready to capture the event didn't help.

Luckily, arriving slightly late meant Zhia didn't have to wait long for the event to begin, and there was no sign of Liam.

"Good evening, honored guests. Thank you for attending our celebration tonight," greeted the host—who was a well-known MC brought in from abroad.

"Let us now welcome the hosts of tonight's festivity: Rayden Cano Xavier and his fiancee, Grace Adenthe, along with the esteemed Noland Cano Xavier and his wife, Julia Der Xavier. Please give them a warm round of applause," said the professional MC.

While everyone else clapped, Zhia stood there shocked, her eyes brimming with tears as she gazed at Rayden.

"No way! He couldn't possibly be the one. The man from that night," she muttered to herself, trembling.

Memories suddenly flooded her mind. Rayden's princely appearance tonight brought to mind the stranger she had been with seven years ago.

"Good evening, everyone, and thank you for gracing us with your presence," Rayden spoke from the podium alongside Grace, his future bride.

"The purpose of tonight's event is to welcome my fiancee Grace Adenthe back to our country and announce our wedding date for next month," Rayden declared, eliciting joyous claps and cheers from the crowd.

"Why? Why him? Why that man!" Zhia murmured weakly, struggling to remain upright against the wall, tears streaming down her cheeks.

After the announcement, Rayden commenced the party's proceedings.

Grace stood beside him, a vision of near-perfect beauty with a prestigious educational and career background, yet her personality concealed a cruel disdain for children.

Zhia, still in her spot, whispered in denial, "No! How could he possibly be the father of my children? It can't be real; I must be mistaken."

"Zhia, are you alright?" a man, Liam, suddenly approached, concerned.

Zhia quickly rebuffed him, shouting, "Stay away from me!"

"Liam, I'm just worried about you! Why are you crying here?" Liam persisted, trying to understand Zhia's distress.

"I said stay away from me!" Zhia exclaimed, pushing Liam forcefully.

As they struggled, a wine glass was knocked over, shattering on the ground and drawing the attention of all the guests, including Rayden.

Zhia and Rayden locked eyes accidentally.

"Zhia, are you okay?" Liam feigned concern.

"Get away!"

Zhia pushed Liam again and rushed out of the party, crying ceaselessly as she drove home, utterly shaken by the night's revelations.

Meanwhile, Rayden contemplated the crying Zhia at his celebration, feeling an inexplicable concern for her.

"Why was she crying? Because of my wedding announcement? No, that couldn't be the reason. We have no such relationship. Then what?"

His heart was restless as he thought of Zhia, and he found it hard to focus on his own party.

Elsewhere, Mrs. Meetha prepared to help Luca and Lucia find their biological father by posting an article juxtaposing a childhood photo of Rayden with current photos of the twins.