"Mom?! What happened?" Eden's voice trembled as she rushed down the stairs, eyes widening at the scene in the living room. Juice had spilled across the floor, and a shattered glass lay at her mother's feet.
"Are you okay? What's wrong?" Eden hurried closer, panic rising in her chest. Cynthia's gaze was fixed on the TV, her face pale as though the blood had drained from it. Her hands shook uncontrollably, and Eden's heart clenched. She followed her mother's eyes to the screen, desperate to understand the source of her reaction.
The news broadcast blared a shocking report: an assassination at the airport in Valenor. The King, Darius, was traveling with his two sons on a private plane to a conference in Japan when the aircraft suddenly exploded. The pilots and three of the King's bodyguards were killed instantly.
The screen displayed grim details: King Darius and Crown Prince Alaric had been pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital, while Prince Rowan clung to life in critical condition. Authorities were scrambling to determine the mastermind behind the attack, and nationwide alerts had been issued.
Cynthia's lips parted slightly, but no sound came out. Tears streamed down her face, and one hand flew to her chest as if to steady her own heartbeat. Eden's pulse quickened at the sight—her mother was struggling to breathe. Fear clawed at her throat. No, no, Mom, not now! Don't leave me… please…
"Mom? M-Mom, what's wrong?" Eden's voice shook as she stepped closer and reached for her mother, only to watch Cynthia collapse. Her stomach dropped. Why didn't I see it coming? What if I hadn't gotten here in time? The helplessness threatened to overwhelm her. She caught Cynthia just in time, her own hands trembling as she supported her mother's weight.
"Ma!" Eden screamed, shaking her gently, tapping her cheeks. "Mom! Wake up! Please, Mom!" She couldn't hold back the tears, the rising tide of panic making her voice break. Stay with me, Mom… please stay with me…
When there was no response, Eden's panic surged. I can't lose her—not like this. I can't…
Her heart raced as she called out desperately: "Aunt Paula! Aunt Paula!"
From upstairs, Paula's startled voice called back. "Oh my gosh! Cynthia? What—?" She rushed down the stairs, her eyes widening at the sight of Cynthia on the floor, held carefully by Eden.
Eden felt her chest tighten as she realized she wasn't just scared—she was terrified, angry at herself for not being able to stop this. If anything happens to her… I'll never forgive myself. She can't leave me, not now, not ever.
Paula knelt beside them, calm but urgent, and immediately called for an ambulance. Eden stayed frozen, gripping her mother, willing her to breathe, to respond. She couldn't stop watching Cynthia's pale face, couldn't stop shaking as adrenaline and fear collided in her chest. Every second that passed felt like an eternity.
Within moments, the living room, still littered with broken glass and spilled juice, became the stage for Eden's helpless desperation. She held her mother tighter, whispering frantic, unsteady prayers, willing her to be okay, willing her not to leave.
"Eden, what exactly happened?" Paula asked anxiously as they arrived at the emergency room. Doctors immediately approached Cynthia to assess her condition.
"I… I actually don't know," Eden admitted, her voice tight with worry. "She was just watching the news about some king from a country."
"A king?" Paula's voice was sharp as she grabbed her phone, fingers flying across the screen. Only one king came to mind, yet the news she read sent a shockwave through her. The social media alerts confirmed it: the King of Valenor and his Crown Prince had perished in a tragic incident. Finally, Paula understood why her own reaction had been so extreme.
"What is it?" Eden asked Paula, noticing her godmother's pale, alarmed expression. Her gaze, wide with shock, reminded Eden of how her mother had reacted moments ago.
Paula blinked rapidly, as if waking from a sudden daze. Eden lightly tapped her shoulder. "Hey… what's wrong? You scared me with that look."
Paula opened her lips, as though to speak, but the words never came. At that moment, Nancy arrived, rushing toward them.
"Paula! My goodness, what happened?" Nancy's voice was a mixture of panic and irritation, her eyes darting between Paula and the others. Behind her, an assistant trailed closely, trying to keep up.
"We don't know yet," Paula said, keeping her tone calm. "The doctors are checking her now."
"Hopefully it's nothing serious," Nancy muttered, glancing at Paula. "I told you to take care of her." She then turned her gaze toward Eden, frowning with curiosity. "Who is she?"
Paula hesitated, glancing at Eden. Eden met her godmother's eyes, seeking reassurance. Only then did they both realize the girl was in her natural appearance: no glasses, no curled hair, no attempt at a disguise. She looked entirely like herself.
"She's my goddaughter," Paula finally said firmly.
Nancy's sharp gaze lingered on Eden, suspicion flickering across her face. The tension in the room thickened as she studied the girl, as though something about her was familiar.
"You remind me of someone," Nancy said slowly, almost to herself.
"Really?" Eden murmured, a nervous twinge in her voice, starting to feel the weight of the scrutiny.
"Ah! I know," Nancy interjected before Paula could finish.
"What?" Paula's voice tightened with alarm. How could she suspect that Eden is the PA working with them? she thought, her mind racing.
"You look exactly like Cindy in her teens," Nancy continued, circling around Eden, "but with a… foreign twist. Is that the real color of your eyes? They're beautiful."
"They're real," Paula replied simply. Whenever Eden disguised herself, she wore contact lenses to change her eye color, but now her natural eyes were on full display.
"Amazing! Are you related to Cindy? I thought she was an only child and an orphan. Maybe a cousin or a niece? But your eye color is different… Could there be some connection?" Nancy said, inspecting Eden closely.
"Stop that," Paula said sharply. "What are you doing? You're making her uncomfortable." Nancy halted, finally facing Eden directly. Eden forced a polite smile, silently relieved that Nancy didn't recognize her. If she had, there would have been far too many questions.
"She could be a model. Great posture," Nancy said, eyeing Eden with professional appraisal. "What would you say if we hired you as new talent? Right, Paula?"
"I—" Paula started, unsure how to respond, glancing at Eden for guidance.
"I'm not sure. I'm just on vacation," Eden replied cautiously, trying to deflect.
"Vacation?" Nancy asked, raising an eyebrow. She turned to Paula for confirmation.
"She's a student. Just here for the holidays," Paula explained.
"Well, while you're here, you could gain some part-time experience. Our agency is known for top-tier talent, just like Cindy," Nancy said, pride clear in her tone. "Cindy's been with us for decades and remains one of our top stars. You could learn a lot."
"I'll think about it," Eden said, offering a small, polite smile.
"Yes. We'd be happy to have you on board. If you change your mind, here's my contact number." Nancy placed a business card in Eden's hand.
"Excuse me," a calm, gentle voice interjected. They all turned to see a striking woman in a white hospital coat. By Eden's estimate, she was in her early fifties but still exuded elegance.
"I'm Doctor Claire Ramirez," she introduced herself. "Are you the patient's guardians?"
"Yes. I'm her best friend and manager," Paula replied. "How is she?"
"She's okay, resting now. Has she been under a lot of stress recently?" the doctor asked.
"Well, with everything happening in the news, it could have triggered some stress," Nancy responded.
"I suggest keeping her away from anything that could increase her stress levels," Doctor Ramirez advised.
"Where is she now? May I see her?" Eden asked, her concern clear. The doctor regarded her carefully.
"Of course. She's been moved to a private room to rest. I suggest allowing her to remain undisturbed for now," she said.