POV: Ericka
They were immediately greeted by other assistants outside the building. Everyone greeted them as they passed by. Many were in line for the elevator, but they used it first. No one attempted to join them and the two male assistants. Their office is on the 26th floor. Monte resides in the penthouse, but he was sent back home for an unknown reason.The door opened, and there were few employees on that floor because Monte disliked crowds. The cubicles had ample space, with cabinets on each side.They stood up when they arrived."Good morning, Sir, good morning, Ma'am," they greeted.She smiled and nodded to them while Monte maintain a focused gaze alongside the other assistant. They reached the door, and nearby was Marie's cubicle, her secretary. She was at her desk."Good morning, Sir, good morning, Ma'am.""Good morning, Miss Marie, could you please bring the files I assigned to you?" she asked."Okay, Ma'am," she smiled.She was affectionate with her colleagues, unlike other supervisors and managers who seemed to inherit the company when giving orders. That's why she was more requested for organizing team building and events. She wasn't bossy.The two assistants placed their belongings on the side. Monte arranged for a designated area for their bags, keeping it within reach."We'll be leaving now, Sir, Ma'am," they said."Thank you very much," she replied. "I'll just call you later if we need anything."She took his seat at the table. All the cabinets were on the side, creating an open space in the office. There was a sofa and a center table inside for visitors. The blinds on the glass wall were always raised, allowing a view outside. It felt like they were perched on the sky due to the height of the building they were in.She began working, and there was no conversation between her and Monte. Suddenly, her smartwatch alarmed, breaking the silence in the cool office.She stood up and retrieved files from the cabinet. Approaching Monte, who was adjusting his collar, she helped him button his coat and fixing his tie."Mr. Amado is already in the conference room, sir.""Did they offer refreshments?""Yes, sir. I discussed it with Marie yesterday.""Okay, let's go!"She carried Monte's briefcase, opened the door, and closed it behind them. Marie stood up and followed. The two assistants greeted them and brought their belongings. The conference room was on the 10th floor. Upon opening the elevator, they were surprised by a beautiful woman wearing a clinging outfit—a low-cut halter dress that reached mid-thigh. Her hair was curly, and her lips were a vivid shade of red."Baby," she immediately greeted, kissing Monte on the lips."What are you doing here?" the man asked."I miss you. It seems like you're avoiding me," she said, sweetly.They didn't enter the elevator because of this woman."Miss Ericka, the meeting is recorded. Can you take Almira to my office?""But sir, we have two meetings today," she protested. She didn't want to accompany her. This woman was arrogant and felt entitled to everything."It's okay. I'll take care of that. Marie, go with your boss.""Yes, sir," her secretary replied.The elevator opened, and Monte boarded with their assistants."This way, Miss Almira," she said unenthusiastically."You're quite now, Ericka. You even have a secretary," the woman sneered.She ignored the taunt. This woman was a literal bully. "I remember when you were still a popper fish, and your skin was so dark. But now, you're so fair. Did you bleach?""Ah, Miss Almira, please don't..." Marie couldn't continue as she was interrupted."Shut up! I'm not talking to you. Is that the manner you learned from this girl? When people are talking, don't let the dog interfere," she rudely replied. "Oops... I guess I'm the only human here."She gestured for Marie not to respond. She opened the door, letting the woman in."Miss Marie, I will call you if we need anything.""Yes, ma'am," Marie replied.She opened the door and ushered in Almira."Care for coffee or juice?" she asked Almira, indicating a seat."Ice coffee," she replied, taking a seat and crossing her legs. Only then did she notice how short her attire was.She walked to the table with the intercom. Pressing number 2, Marie's line."Miss Marie, kindly ask Miss Beatrice to send over some ice coffee for Miss Madrigal."Is it the same as before, ma'am?"Yes, please," she said, ending the call. "Feel free to look around. I just have some things to attend to.""You know what?" the woman stood up. "I wonder why you still work with San Miguel's when there are many companies eager to hire you, right?""Pardon?" she furrowed her brow at the comment."Don't get mad. I'm just asking. You're smart, Ericka, but your life seems to revolve only around this company. How will you ever find a boyfriend that way?""Do you know the meaning of the term 'gratitude,' Almira?""Of course!""So, you should know why I'm here.""I feel like you're using that 'gratitude' as an excuse to get close to Monte!" she retorted dramatically."And why would I do that?""I know you like him. Montana told me. That's why you chose him to escort you on your debut. But anyway, your plan did not work because he chose me.""Why?""I told him I was sick," she said, smiling.Ericka gave her a blank expression, unsure of what to think or feel."And?""What 'and'? I ruined your plan.""The past is past. I can't move forward if I keep dwelling on the past. Let me tell you this, Almira, if you base your life on a bitter past, you won't have a bright future ahead. What happened back then was a small thing. I've forgotten it. You're still holding on to it. Is it so hard for you to be kind to people who are beneath you and to let go of the past? Yes, you're beautiful, wealthy, educated, but manners? That's free, you just need to apply it, which you still haven't done.""You're really bold now," Almira scoffed. "What are you proud of? Being slaves to Monte?""Slaves indeed, but at least I'm living under the same roof with him," she teased."What do you mean?""I'm living with them again.""What?" Almira's eyes widened in shock.POV: MonteHe couldn't stay calm during the meeting. He's worried about Ericka with Almira. His ex's girlfriend is a notorious bully, and Ericka is the type of girl who doesn't fight back even when someone stepped on her. He can't focus on their meeting."Sir San Miguel, are you okay?" Mr. Amado asked."Yeah... I mean yes... yes, I'm alright!" he adjusted his seating."Do you want to reschedule this meeting?"His face suddenly brightened."Really, uncle?" he sought confirmation."I know you, Monte. I can tell if something's bothering you. I saw Almira earlier. That's why I thought you might want to reschedule our meeting.""Thank you, uncle. I'll make it up next time, I just couldn't stay calm. I'll go.""Go ahead, son."He hurriedly left the conference room and practically sprinted to the elevator. It took forever. He kept pressing the up button.Finally, it opened, but it was crowded."It's sir..." people whispered in the elevator.The three men inside exited."Sir, please go ahead.
Ericka was surprised when Señor called her. He had apparently arrived and was currently in the lobby. She knew he had been accompanied by his nurse, but she thought his arrival was scheduled for lunch. It seemed to be earlier than expected, and Almira happened to be there too. After rescheduling a meeting with Mr. Diaz, she went to meet Señor.He smiled brightly upon seeing her, sipping his coffee. She greeted the nurse before addressing Señor. "Isn't it a bit early, Señor?" she asked, taking a seat on the adjacent sofa."Almira called me, hija. She said she has good news," the old man replied."What is it?" she wondered, sensing there might be some mischief behind his words."Never mind, I'll tell you later... Where is my grandson?"She called Monte, and the old man was directed to the penthouse. "I'll take you to the penthouse, and I'll make sure Sir is attended to when the food arrives," she said with a smile, pushing the old man's wheelchair herself.She pressed the elevator's ope
POV: MonteHe was surprised that this is how the girl has become. In the eight years they've been together, he hasn't seen her speak like that. He couldn't find bad in her character. He was amazed earlier. She's not afraid anymore, unlike before. The day isn't even over, and she already impressed him.The elevator to the penthouse opened. It's very neat. Many times he has come here to rest, but today is different. He was impressed. Everything was in order.He saw his grandfather sitting in a wheelchair, while the nurse rested on the couch on the side."Grandpa," he grabbed his attention.The old man faced him and smiled."Lo," Almira approached and kissed him, "how are you?""Señor," Gov greeted along with his wife."How are you, my future in-laws?" the old man asked with a smile.He winced at what was said. The old man truly believes he will marry Almira."We're good Señor," Miranda replied. "Theres a lot of food.""Let's eat," the Señor said. "Please prepare the table," he ordered t
POV:ErickaShe is proud of herself. Because she has finally let out the resentment she's been holding in for a long time. She won't allow them to step on her again. She's ready to fight. As she contemplates, her phone rings. This one is persistent."Hi beautiful...""What do you want again?" she replies, with a hint of irritation."You seem angry again, love... maybe you miss me?" he laughs."Tch!! What do you need?"'The date I've been requesting from you, it's been three years..."You know I don't want to, okay? You're like a father to me. Have some shame!" she's losing patience with Felipe.He also has businesses and manages the bank where she deposits. He always bugs her. They exchanged numbers for fast transactions, but she didn't expect he would have a hidden agenda. He's about to become a senior citizen. His head is balding, but he's tall with a good physique.It showed interest in her a few years ago. He just didn't want to be rude, but when she's angry, don't play games with
POV: Monte"Lolo, I'll just talk to someone real quick, be back in a moment," he said to the elderly person."Who are you going to talk to?" the elder asked."Just someone, I'll be gone for a short while,""Alright, take Jeremy with you. What milk tea does Ericka want?""Avocado, please.""Okay, Jeremy, go with Monte to get the milk tea. Buy some for us too. And you, dear, do you want one?""I'll get mine on my own," Monte said, exiting the door ahead."Sir, should I pass it to Miss Ericka?" Jeremy asked."No need, just bring it here,""Alright,"Monte waited for Jeremy outside the elevator. He seemed in a hurry. Monte swiped the key card, and they both entered. He pressed the button for the ground floor."How is Lolo?" he asked Jeremy."There's a significant improvement, sir. I think he'll be able to walk soon," Jeremy replied."Why hasn't he mentioned anything to me?""He wants to surprise you. I'm sorry for spilling the beans. Can we keep it a secret?""Don't worry, i will not tell
POV: ErickaIt's been a month since she last talked to Monte. It's also been a month since she last saw Señor. She hasn't been home to their mansion; she has enough things in her house. It feels like she committed a grave mistake. Señor doesn't answer her calls, and even Monte only communicates with her through calls.What did she do to make her life this quiet? Tears fell as she typed on the computer. Her body slumped from working too much. Up until now, she's still contemplating Monte's offer. "Ten million, Ericka, not including your monthly allowance of fifty thousand as my wife. You'll handle my money, and every year that we're together, I'll add ten million for you. You'll also receive a salary because you'll still be working. I know you're not easily enticed by money since you already have some, but this assistance you're giving me, I owe it to you. The money is just a form of consolation.""You will have rights to everything because Grandfather won't be deceived. You'll get th
POV: MonteHe really thought Ericka had already accepted Bernard's proposal. He thought Bernard was just showing off, but he didn't realize his friend was genuinely serious about Ericka. That explained why Bernard wasn't entertaining advances from others. Love indeed works in mysterious ways. Perhaps if he and Ericka ever break up, they could end up together. Bernard is a good person, and Ericka is caring. If he didn't need the girl's help, he would have supported their relationship.It's really a complicated situation. His grandfather, being old, had Ericka in mind. If not Almira, whom they know, especially his grandfather, then who else could be his wife?The wife of his grandfather's assistant visited their house when he was just ten years old, while Montana was only nine. Back then, Ericka was seven, a chubby and lively child with a brown complexion. Her crooked teeth looked peculiar, and he didn't know where they came from. All he knew was that his grandfather was close to Ericka
POV: ErickaShe's nervous about what Monte said. What if señor rejects her? Or scolds her? What will she do? She finds herself lost in deep thought.Señor is kind, but he dislikes being deceived. What if he discovers that everything is just an act? But she can't bring herself to disappoint Monte. She suddenly hesitates.Her thoughts are interrupted when Marie calls."Ma'am, there's a call from the salon, they said they want to speak to you, Sir is asking you to call back.""Thank you, Miss Marie." She glances at the clock; it's already three. The phone rings again, "Oh, hello, Miss Marie?" her voice sounding a bit irritated."Hi, Ericka. Seems like you're not in a good mood, huh?""Monica?" she's surprised. "Why didn't you contact my private number?"Can I come in?"Oh, come in," she laughs.The door opens, revealing a goddess-like woman. She confidently approaches, followed by two flamboyant assistants."Just place the stuff on the sofa," the woman orders. "Start assembling what we'l