Cold fear gripped my spine, but I forced myself not to turn quickly. Instead, I rose slowly, squeezing Jun-Jun’s hand as I scanned the area with the calmness I did not feel. Guests were still celebrating, unaware of the storm building inside me.
“Stay behind me,” I murmured.
I shifted my gaze toward the catering corridor. At first, I saw nothing—just trays stacked on carts and two waiters carrying champagne flutes. Then, at the far end, half-hidden behind a tent flap, a man stood with his back partially turned. Dark jacket. Hood lowered now. His phone was no longer in his hand.
He wasn’t looking at the wedding. He was looking at us.
My pulse hammered.
Without drawing attention, I guided Jun-Jun toward the main building. “We’re going to find Auntie Clarita. She’ll stay with you while I call security, okay?”
“No, Mom,” he whispered urgently. “He said not to tell anyone.”
His fear was real, but I had no choice. I opened the door leading into the reception hall, letting the noise swallow us—music, conversation, laughter. I spotted my cousin Clarita near the dessert table and moved swiftly toward her.
I leaned close. “Please take Jun-Jun. Stay with people. Don’t let him out of your sight.”
She saw my expression and didn’t question anything. “Of course.”
As she led Jun-Jun away, he looked back at me, eyes pleading for me not to disappear. I gave him a small nod—one I hoped looked braver than I felt.
I rushed toward the venue coordinator and pulled him aside. “There’s a man here who doesn’t belong. He may have tried to break into my home tonight. I need security now.”
His face turned serious instantly. “Show me.”
But before we reached the corridor, the lights flickered. The music cut abruptly. A murmur swept through the hall.
“Is this part of the program?” someone joked nervously.
Then, from the speakers, a loud static crackle echoed—followed by a voice.
A man’s voice.
Calm. Steady. Too steady.
“Mrs. Marilou,” it said, addressing me directly. My knees nearly buckled. “You have something of mine. Bring it back… and your son stays safe.”
A gasp rippled across the room as people turned toward me.
My heart stopped.
He wasn’t in the corridor anymore.
He was in the building.
And he knew exactly who I was.