NEXT DAY

It was the weekend, and Joyce, Eva's mother, had taken the day off from work. She was in the kitchen preparing lunch, while Eva came to join her.

Joyce: Eva, my dear, you don't seem happy today. What's wrong, sweetheart? I'm not used to seeing you like this.

Eva: No, Mom, there's nothing wrong. (She smiled)

Joyce: Tell me, my child, don't be afraid. I can tell something's bothering you.

Eva: Okay, Mom.

Joyce: Alright, sweetheart, tell me what's on your mind.

Eva: Is what my stepfather told me true?

Joyce: Oh, so that's what's troubling you, my dear.

Eva: Yes, Mom, I want to know.

Joyce: Yes, everything your stepfather told you is true. You should trust him just like you trust your biological father, Mr. Moses. He also told you that he's your father, right, Eva?

Eva: Okay, Mom, I understand. I love you so much, Mom. I don't know why I didn't spend more time with you.

Joyce: I also wished to spend more time with you, my dear.

Eva: Okay, Mom, let me go watch TV.

Joyce: Alright, my child, I'll finish up here in the kitchen.

After Eva left, Damian entered the kitchen where Joyce was. He approached her from behind, wrapping his arms around her waist.

Damian: I see you're talking to our daughter.

Joyce: Yes, I am. But I'm concerned because she seems unhappy today.

Damian: What did she say?

Joyce: She's asking questions about her biological father, you.

Damian: And how did you respond?

Joyce: I told her the truth.

Damian: Alright, it's good to be honest with her.

As they were talking, they heard Eva calling them.

Eva: Mom, Dad, come see Dad on TV!

Joyce and Damian left the kitchen and went to the living room to watch. They listened attentively to Mr. Moses's interview until it abruptly ended when he was asked about mistreating his wife. There was a moment of silence as they all listened intently. Eva wanted to hear her father's response but was left hanging when the TV suddenly turned off.

Joyce: Eva, why did you turn off the TV? (with anger)

Eva: No, Mom! I don't understand either.

Eva got up and went to her room. Meanwhile, Joyce grabbed the remote and turned the TV back on to continue watching. However, in Eva's room, she was furious. She picked up a picture of her father and threw it to the ground.

Eva: Dad!! How could you be so cruel!? I hate you, Dad, I hate you so much! Why did you hurt my mom? Whyyyy!? (pointing her finger at the picture)

A WEEK LATER

Mr. Moses has been thinking a lot about his daughter. It's been a while since he last spoke to Eva.

Mr. Moses: I've been very busy. It's been a week since I talked to my daughter. Let me give her a call.

He tried calling Eva, but she didn't pick up, so he decided to call Joyce instead. Joyce answered the phone.

Mr. Moses: Hello?

Joyce: Oh, hello!

Mr. Moses: I'm sorry to bother you, but I've been trying to reach Eva on her phone, but she's not answering.

Joyce: Okay, let me call her to talk to you.

Joyce: Eva, come talk to your dad.

Eva: Dad, I just finished talking to him!

Joyce: Your father, Mr. Moses.

Eva: No, I don't want to... I don't want to talk to him.

Joyce: Oh dear, you don't want to?

Eva: No!

Joyce: She refused to talk to you.

Mr. Moses: What's wrong? Is there a problem?

Joyce: I don't know, but since last week, she hasn't been happy at all. But I think she'll be okay.

Mr. Moses: Maybe she's upset because I haven't contacted her in a while.

Joyce: It's possible.

Mr. Moses: Okay, Joyce, tell her I love her.

Joyce: Don't worry, I'll tell her.

Mr. Moses: Joyce, I miss you a lot.

Joyce: I miss you too, Moses, but we can't be together anymore.

Mr. Moses: Yeah, I know. Anyway, why didn't you go to work today?

Joyce: No, I didn't go today. Damian is taking care of everything at the office, and he's gone to work now.

Mr. Moses: Good, it seems like you two are working well together. Alright, say hi to Eva for me.

Joyce: Alright, bye.

Mr. Moses: Bye.

At the office of Joyce's company, JOY (Happiness), Damian was in his office talking on the phone.

Damian: Just bear with me... We're almost there... Ahh! I can't forget. I remember our agreement, and now I want to take the other one.

Phone: Okay, I'm counting on you. (a woman's voice)

Damian: Don't worry, I'll make it happen... bye!

After finishing his call, Damian picked up his office phone and dialed another number.

Damian: Hello! Have you checked their new version?

Phone (employee): Yes, boss, I have.

Damian: Okay, make sure we create a better version than Mr. Moses's. I want it to be better than theirs.

*** TO BE CONTINUED ***