"Alright... I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that. I should just go!" Ariel said, turning to leave, but Melissa stopped her.
"Oh, come on! It's fine! You haven't done anything wrong by sharing your situation. It's important to let it out instead of suffering in silence. Thank you for being brave and honest; I know it wasn't easy for you. You've done well to let yourself so low of telling me such a thing but you have done well!" Melissa reassured her, and Ariel nodded, feeling a mix of relief and sadness.
"Okay..." she replied, tears streaming down her face. It was incredibly difficult for her to open up, but she felt compelled to do so for the sake of her mother and daughter. Right now, her daughter was safe and fed, but Ariel desperately needed food for herself and her mother. Her mom especially, the old woman would be in desperate need of food and shouldn't be starving.
"Just wait here for a moment; I'll be right back! let me see what I can do for you" Melissa said to Ariel and she nodded before Ariel rushed inside, leaving Ariel to wipe her tears.
As Ariel stood there waiting for Melissa's return, suddenly she noticed a luxurious car pulling into the lot, drawing the attention of everyone around. It was a stunning vehicle worth millions, and her heart raced when she recognized the driver—Damian. He stepped out, oblivious to her presence, as onlookers began recording him and the extravagant car he had arrived in along with his security men which are always following him around.
Why wouldn't him have security men to protect him with such an amount of money? He's only going to walk alone if he doesn't like he's safety anymore.
While Ariel was lost looking at Damian, Melissa returned, not with leftovers, but with fresh food. She had paid for it herself, unable to bear the thought of offering Ariel anything less. She don't have that mind of giving Ariel left over foods to eat not when she can do something.
"Ariel, Here" she said, handing over the food, but Ariel was lost in a world of her own. Her gaze fixed on Damian, so many thoughts were going through her mind watching him flex his life. It pains her deeply now to see that Damian is a symbol of wealth and luxury, a stark contrast to her own struggles. Imagine how happy she could have been with Damian during this time.
"If only..." she thought, her heart aching. "If only I hadn't listened to my mother, if only I had stayed true to myself, maybe I could be enjoying this life with him now."
And it's more disheartening at the realization that Damian had seen her and chosen to ignore her, to pretend he didn't know her, was a painful blow.  
Their eyes actually met but he just looked away like he didn't notice her, like he didn't even know her before when he was supposed to know that she's in badly need of help which he was the one that put her in the bad condition.
He had became a different man now, a man who had achieved unimaginable success. And she, she was just a shadow of her former self, struggling to make ends meet.
"Ariel!!" Melissa's voice cut through her thoughts, bringing her back to reality.
"Oh!" Ariel responded, startled. She looked at Melissa, who held three takeaway containers which was full of food, a testament to her kindness.
Then Melissa looked at her and at Damian as well, noticing the way she looked at him.
"What is it? Why are you looking at that man like that?" Melissa asked referring to Damian, confused by Ariel's lost expression.
"I... um..." As Ariel stammered to say something Melissa interrupted her.
"Oh yes! I understand that he's rich and every woman would want him, even me! you wish you are the one in that position that he is and you wouldn't be hungry, but come on you are not at the last phase of your life, this is not the end, just believe in yourself, everything is going to be fine" Melissa adviced then Ariel nodded with so much gratitude on her face.
"I can't thank you enough Melissa, you are such a nice person" Ariel said then Melissa smiled at him.
"Anyways, here, have your food so you can rush home to your baby and your mum. They must be waiting for you." Melissa said with a smile handing over the bag to her, and Ariel accepted the food with a grateful heart.
"Thank you so much, Melissa... I won't forget this kind gesture. You've done well." Ariel appreciated her friend's kindness, but her mind was still preoccupied with Damian.
"It's alright, and please, which hospital is your baby at? Maybe I can come visit you sometime if I have the chance." Melissa asked, and before answering, Ariel glanced at Damian once again.
But this time she noticed that he was also steadily looking at her, and then she quickly averted her gaze, focusing back on Melissa.
At that moment, Melissa began to suspect that something wasn't right between them, there must be something between them which Ariel is definitely trying to hide or not telling her. Ariel's behavior towards this young man was odd, and Melissa couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss.  
With the way Ariel was behaving, Melissa began to think that possibly that young man was the beginning of her problem, they must have crossed parts or Maybe he was the one who was mistreating her? Perhaps he was her husband, and she was being abused?
She can't tell what could be the problem but the look between them is something else.
"Ariel...? Are you sure you’re okay?" Melissa asked again wanting to be sure, noticing how Ariel had been acting ever since that man walked into the restaurant.
"Oh yes! I'm fine... I'm just—" Ariel started, but suddenly she lost her words and didn’t know how to continue. Melissa waited patiently for her to finish, hoping to understand what was troubling her.
"Um... I'm... I'm still very grateful for everything you’ve done for me so far. It will definitely go a long way. Thank you very much," Ariel said, her voice filled with appreciation. Melissa silently gazed at him for a while then swallowed hard.
"Alright, where is the hospital? I mean the hospital your child is admitted to, I asked you earlier, but you seemed too distracted to answer. Which hospital is your child admitted to? I want to check up on you both whenever I can," Melissa inquired.
"Oh, thank you very much! The hospital is just a few steps down from here. That very hospital is where my child is admitted. I’ve been staying there all day and night, not going anywhere. So whenever you come, you’ll definitely either meet me or my mother. We’re in Ward 107," Ariel replied, and Melissa nodded in understanding.
Ariel glanced at Damian once more, but he was no longer looking at her; he was focused on his phone. As she stood there, contemplating, she turned to leave, but Melissa gently held her hand to stop her.