Bara immediately stood up and headed into the bathroom. After washing her face and steadying her breath, she quickly prepared herself to go to the clinic. Today, she would visit the little angel who had unknowingly given her the strength to face the harsh reality of her life. Bara hoped that this moment-this simple act of seeing the baby-would become the beginning of a new spirit within her. A spirit that would help her stand on her own feet, fight for her life, and uncover the truth buried for the past ten years.
Her life had felt increasingly strange after witnessing the suspicious behavior of Uncle Burhan-actions that hinted at deeper rottenness hidden behind his calm demeanor. And now, after hearing yet another lie from her uncle's mouth, Bara knew there was something he desperately wanted to conceal.
Meanwhile, in the Delano residence, Nayzilla had been restlessly searching for her niece. Upon returning from the hotel, she immediately sensed something was wrong. All of Bara's clothes and belongings were gone from the room. That alone was enough to make her heart tremble with worry. But her fear deepened when her husband casually said that Bara had gone home to live with his wife.
"There's no way Bara wouldn't say goodbye to me if he truly meant to move in with his wife. Something must have happened," Nayzilla murmured, her chest tightening with unease.
With trembling fingers, she scrolled through her contacts and dialed Bara's number. Yet, after their brief conversation, her uneasiness only grew stronger. Bara sounded off-hiding something, choosing her words too carefully.
When she finally came downstairs, she saw Burhan preparing to leave again. She immediately stepped closer.
"Has Bara really moved to live with his wife?" she asked, this time staring directly into his eyes.
"Yes," Burhan replied curtly.
"Why didn't Bara tell me anything?" she pressed again, trying to settle her growing doubts.
"I don't know. Look, I have to go to the office now-there's an important meeting," Burhan quickly reasoned before hurrying out.
As soon as he left, Nayzilla exhaled deeply and made another call.
"Hello, madam," greeted the person on the other end.
"Mr. Li Zhang Wei. I need your help," she said quietly. She had contacted their private attorney.
"Of course, Mrs. Nayzilla. What can I do for you?" the lawyer asked.
"I want you to find a detective," she whispered, lowering her voice even more.
"A... detective?" Mr. Li sounded startled.
"Yes. Something has happened to the Young Master," she said firmly. "You know what you need to do, Mr. Li."
"...Understood, madam. I'll send you a number shortly," he replied, suddenly tense. Something must indeed be seriously wrong with the only heir of the largest construction company.
"Thank you, Mr. Li. I'll be waiting," Nayzilla said before ending the call.
A few moments later, her phone vibrated. She immediately opened the message and dialed the number given to her.
"Good morning, Mrs. Nayzilla," said a calm voice.
"Morning. Is your name Li Bao Yu?" she asked, slightly frowning.
"Yes, madam. I am Mr. Zhang Wei's nephew."
"Oh, no wonder your names sound similar. Then I believe you already know what I need from you?" she asked directly. Mr. Li had likely briefed him.
"Yes, madam. I'm ready," the young man replied without hesitation.
"Good. Your first task is to find the address of Young Master Baracio Delano's wife, and confirm whether Young Master Bara is there or not. Do not leave any trace. Can you handle that?"
"Absolutely, madam."
"Very well. I'll be waiting for good news, Li Bao Yu."
"I will do my best," he replied, then the call ended.
"Please let my suspicions be wrong... I truly hope Bara is just at his wife's house," Nayzilla whispered, sinking into deep worry.
---
By the time Bara arrived at the clinic, she immediately walked inside and headed straight for the special room where the tiny baby rested.
"Good evening, sir," the nurse on duty greeted politely as Bara stepped in.
"Good evening. How is my daughter?" Bara asked softly, closing the door behind her.
The nurse blinked in surprise. Hearing the young man refer to the abandoned infant as his daughter moved her deeply, especially knowing how the baby had been cruelly thrown away by her biological parents.
"Why, Nurse? Is there something wrong with my daughter?" Bara asked anxiously when he noticed the nurse had fallen silent.
"Oh-no, no. There's no problem. The little princess is much better now. In a few days, she might even be able to go home," the nurse assured.
"Oh, thank goodness." Bara breathed in relief. "May I be alone with her for a moment?"
"Of course, sir. I'll be right outside. Call me if you need anything," the nurse said before quietly stepping out.
Bara approached the incubator and touched the glass gently with trembling fingers.
"Hi, Bellyca. Did you miss Daddy?" he whispered. "Daddy is here, sweetheart. Daddy will always be here for you. So you must get well soon, okay? Daddy wants to take you home..."
His eyes turned red. Since losing his parents, this was the first time he had felt such warmth, such overwhelming emotion. Seeing this tiny, perfect life created by God stirred memories of how lovingly his own parents had held him as a baby.
"Mom... Dad... is this how you felt when you first saw me in your arms?" Bara whispered, tears finally falling-tears he had held in for years.
For a long time, he stood there watching the little baby stretch, twitch, and fall back asleep, each tiny movement curling a faint smile on his lips.
Click.
Bara opened the door.
"Nurse, I'll be leaving now. I'll come again tomorrow morning."
"Yes, sir," she replied.
Bara walked out of the clinic and into a small restaurant across the street. After dinner, he headed home and began working on the plan he had been forming since yesterday.
With his expertise in architecture, Bara started designing various models of luxury homes, villas, and office buildings. He began establishing his new business-an online architecture service.
By three in the morning, exhausted but satisfied, Bara finally went to sleep. Now all he could do was wait for someone to discover his work and contact him.
The next morning, he immediately opened his laptop and checked the website he had created the night before. There were no inquiries yet-no company, no individual had seen his designs.
After washing up, he made himself a cup of coffee and ate a simple breakfast of bread. Then he sat down again to create more unique, eye-catching designs that might attract potential clients.
Days passed in this quiet routine-wake up, design, visit Bellyca, return home, and continue working. Until the fourth day finally arrived, when Bara was able to take the now-recovered Bellyca home.
"Young Master, are you... married?" Doctor Lissa asked, surprised to see him holding the tiny baby so fondly.
...
