In the quiet, sterile halls of Alram's General Hospital, Rose had kept a vigil by Richie Patindol's bedside. The tumultuous events at the Sardine Contest had taken their toll on her business partner, and Rose couldn't help but feel responsible for his sudden collapse.
Nurse Anne: (gentle) "Mrs. Bajamonde, I have good news. Mr. Patindol has made significant progress, and the doctor believes he's ready to be discharged."
Rose: (relieved) "Thank you, Nurse Anne. I'll let his family know."
As Rose prepared to take Richie home, her heart weighed heavy with the knowledge that she would soon have to face the fallout from the scandal, not only in her professional life but in her marriage as well.
Meanwhile, at Dimaculangan's residence, Pyke sat in the dimly lit living room, nursing a glass of whiskey. His argument with Russiana earlier had left a bitter taste in his mouth, and he couldn't shake the feeling that he was caught between two worlds.
Pyke: (to himself) "What have I done?"
The ringing of his phone interrupted his thoughts. It was Rose.
Rose: (softly) "Pyke, Richie is being discharged from the hospital. I'll be bringing him home."
Pyke: (concerned) "Is he okay?"
Rose: (hesitant) "He's better, but I'll explain everything when I get there."
As Rose hung up, a mixture of relief and anxiety washed over Pyke. He knew he needed to face the consequences of his actions, and he had no idea how Rose would react to the truth.
Meanwhile, in the Rose's cozy kitchen, Criselle, Rose's cousin, sat at the table, keeping an eye on Sofia, their young daughter. Sofia was drawing colorful pictures, oblivious to the turmoil surrounding her parents.
Criselle: (smiling at Sofia) "Your mommy will be back soon, sweetie."
Sofia: (innocently) "I miss mommy."
Criselle: (softly) "I know, darling. We all do."
The doorbell rang, signaling Rose's return with Richie. As she entered the house, her eyes met Pyke's, and a tense silence settled over them.
Rose: (firmly) "We need to talk."
In the coming days, Rose would have to confront not only the fallout from the scandal but also the shattered trust in her marriage. The secrets that had been hidden in the shadows were now out in the open, and the path forward was uncertain, with no easy answers in sight.