Veron stayed at her friend’s house that night.

She felt quietly happy. All her life—especially during high school and college—no one had ever invited her over. Maybe it was because her family was wealthy. Maybe people assumed she already had everything.

But all she ever wanted was a genuine friend she could truly call her own.

Now, she finally had one.

“Mom,” Mariely greeted as they entered, kissing her parents’ hands in respect.

“G–Good evening,” Veron followed, bowing politely and doing the same.

“Oh, you have a visitor!” Mariely’s mother said, pleasantly surprised. “Come in, come in.”

Warmth spread through Veron’s chest at the welcome. She smiled shyly.

“Mom, we’ll go to my room first,” Mariely said.

Her mother nodded. “Don’t forget to invite your guest to eat later.”

Inside the room, Mariely smiled apologetically. “Sorry, it’s a bit messy. Stay here for a while—I’ll just change.”

Veron glanced around.

Messy? she thought. It looks clean to me.

She didn’t feel awkward at all. Somehow, Mariely’s presence made everything comfortable.

“I have a shirt here,” Mariely said. “You can borrow it for now.”

“Okay—but I’m taking this home,” Veron joked.

“Sure,” Mariely laughed.

The shirt fit her perfectly.

“Veron,” Mariely said seriously, “never—ever—mention that man’s name in front of my brother.”

“Oh? He drives you too?” Veron teased.

Mariely elbowed her. “Don’t! My brother asks too many questions. Just… please don’t bring it up.”

“Okay, okay,” Veron laughed.

“Faith, come and eat!” her mother called.

“Yes, Mom!”

Mariely turned to Veron. “Dinner’s ready.”

They sat beside each other at the dining table.

“By the way,” Mariely said, “this is Nadia—my brother’s fiancée. Nadia, this is Veron, my co-worker.”

“Nice to meet you,” Nadia said warmly, extending her hand.

“Nice to meet you too,” Veron replied politely.

“What do you want to eat?” Mariely asked.

“You want me to list everything?” Veron joked.

“Just get whatever you want!” Mariely laughed.

The food looked simple—but inviting. Home-cooked meals were rare for Veron; she only had them when visiting her mother.

“Go ahead,” Nadia encouraged. “Tita’s a great cook.”

Veron scooped rice and some dishes onto her plate and took a bite.

“It’s really good,” she said honestly. “I love it.”

“I told you,” Nadia grinned.

“Mariely doesn’t bring friends here often,” her father said gently. “We’re glad she made one at work.”

“Really?” Veron asked, surprised.

“Yes,” her mother laughed. “It’s rare.”

“Then I promise I won’t leave again,” Veron joked. “I’ll eat here regularly.”

“Oh? Only now?” Mariely teased.

Everyone chuckled.

“You’re always welcome here, Veron,” her father said kindly.

Veron smiled, heart full.

******

Later, Nadia quietly observed Veron. Her posture, her clothes—everything hinted at a comfortable upbringing. Still, she liked her. Veron seemed sincere and kind.

“Are you reviewing too?” Nadia asked.

“Yes,” Veron nodded. “Same as Faith.”

“Which review center?” Nathan asked.

“It’s near Faith’s,” Veron replied.

Nathan nodded.

“Is anyone courting my sister at work?” he asked suddenly.

Mariely coughed. Veron raised an eyebrow.

“None,” Veron replied honestly. “Most teachers are women—and the men…” she paused. “Well, they also have a woman’s heart.”

Nadia burst out laughing. Nathan only nodded in approval.

“Oh, so Mariely’s bringing a boyfriend home soon?” her father teased.

“Dad!” Mariely groaned.

“When will you introduce someone to us?” her mother added.

“Mom!” Mariely protested, glancing at Nathan.

“I’m not strict,” Nathan said calmly. “As long as he’s decent.”

“I don’t have a boyfriend,” Mariely insisted. “I’m not bringing anyone.”

Veron laughed, enjoying the scene.

“Veron,” Nathan asked, “do you know our principal’s child?”

Veron hesitated, then nodded. “Yes. I also studied at Redwood Academy.”

“Oh—you were my junior?” Nathan asked. “I don’t remember seeing you much.”

“I usually went straight home after class,” Veron explained.

Nadia smiled faintly. That’s why she looks familiar.

“So that’s where you studied?” Mariely asked.

“Yes.”

“I didn’t see you when I visited my brother,” Mariely said.

“You probably did,” Nadia said casually. “And forgot.”

“What were you doing there?” Veron asked.

“Begging for allowance,” Mariely grinned.

“I studied at the public school nearby,” she added.

“Oh, right,” Veron nodded. “That was close.”

“So you’ve heard about the principal’s son?” Nadia asked.

“Yes,” Veron replied. “Even back then, people said he made girls cry.”

“That’s true,” Nathan confirmed. “He was my classmate.”

“Do you have a boyfriend, Veron?” Nadia asked.

“Yes,” Veron smiled.

“She’s in a healthy relationship,” Mariely added quickly.

“Shut up!” Veron blushed. “Don’t say that!”

Everyone laughed.

“We’re glad to meet you, Veron,” Nathan said sincerely.

Veron smiled, feeling truly at home. The table was filled with laughter, stories, and warmth—and for the first time in a long while, she felt like she belonged.