Esther stared in shock. Slowly, Isabella recounted everything: the celebration, the club, the dizziness, waking in a strange room, the necklace, the money. She produced the gold necklace engraved “K. Williams.”
After a long silence, Esther said softly, “We need to go back to that club. Someone must know something.”
Though uncertain, Isabella agreed. The following day they returned. During daylight, the club was quiet. They spoke to the manager and showed him the necklace. He examined it but shook his head. “Looks expensive, but I’ve never seen it.”
They questioned cleaners and staff, but no one could provide information. Discouraged, Isabella left with heavy steps.
“I don’t know your father,” she whispered to her unborn child. “But I promise to love you and protect you. I will raise this baby alone.”
She continued working at the hotel, hiding her suffering. Meanwhile, in his mansion, Kelvin remained unaware that he had left behind both a necklace and a child growing in a poor young woman’s womb.
One morning, Kelvin stood before his mirror adjusting his suit when he noticed something missing. His gold necklace, engraved with his family name, had vanished. He searched drawers and bedding, then questioned his maid, Mary, but the necklace could not be found. Frustrated, he dismissed the matter and went to work, unaware of its significance.
As Isabella’s pregnancy progressed, her weakness worsened. She became dizzy and exhausted at work. One afternoon she fell asleep while cleaning a room. A guest complained. Called into the manager’s office, she was reprimanded and dismissed. “You’re fired.”
Devastated, Isabella returned home and informed Esther. With no income and a child on the way, her fear deepened. Yet she persevered.
5 years passed.
