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 open button, waiting for everyone to exit before entering. She swiped a card, ensuring that it would only open up to the penthouse. Monte had given her a duplicate since he often sent her files there."Is that card for Monte?" the old man asked."No, it's mine. Sir gave it to me when he was still living in the penthouse," she replied. She didn't want to lie to the old man; that was the truth."Isn't my grandson bringing any other ladies there?" he teased."Oh, Señor, your grandson is a good man," she joked.The door opened, signaling their arrival. "My grandson's living arrangement is impressive," the old man remarked."I have it cleaned every week, even though he hasn't stayed here for months. Just in case of an emergency, he can have a comfortable sleep.""You really know what he likes, don't you?""We've been together for a long time, so I know all his likes and dislikes," she explained. Her phone suddenly rang. "I'll just answer this... Hello, Miss Marie? Ah yes, I'll come down to pick them up... okay, thank you. Señor, the food has arrived. I'll just attend to them.""Sure, hija. Nurse Jeremy is here anyway. I'll wait for you here."She responded with a smile and a wave. She fetched the food delivery and headed back up to the penthouse in less than five minutes. The nurse was massaging Señor's legs, the old man lost in thought."Place the food on the table," she instructed the two carriers. She decided not to open the containers to retain the warmth of the dishes. She had already canceled the meeting with Mr. Diaz. "Señor, the food has arrived.""Ah, go ahead, hija. I'm still having a massage from Jeremy. Will you bring Monte up?""Yes, I will. I just need to go to the office; I have a lot of work to finish today. I'll be leaving for now." Señor smiled at her.She swiped the card again and pressed the elevator button for their office floor. She realized she still had her iced coffee with her. Taking a sip, she found Almira had a good taste in coffee. Marie greeted her as she entered."Ma'am," Marie greeted, "Miss Madrigal's parents are here.""Oh?" she was surprised by the news."Someone arrived, seemed like a couple. Then, someone who looked like Miss Almira, very arrogant, just walked in directly. I didn't recognize them because they were wearing masks. I overheard someone saying they're Almira's parents."So, the governor is here. Why would they suddenly schedule appointments when they hadn't planned anything for today?"Thank you, Miss Marie," she said, entering the office. Monte didn't like her knocking since, according to him, it was their shared office space.People inside glanced at her, engaged in conversation. Almira had a triumphant smile, holding onto Monte's arm."Is she your secretary?" Almira's mother asked."Yes, she's Ericka," Almira replied."Dear," Almira's mother stood and approached her, "do you have any manners?""Excuse me?" she was surprised by the comment."You didn't even knock, dear. You know your boss has visitors." Almira's mother looked her up and down."Miranda, stop it," the governor intervened."This woman should know her place here, right?" her snobbish response came."Tita," Monte's voice broke in, "I gave her the right to enter without knocking because this is our office.""Monte, hijo, you shouldn't give special treatment to your EMPLOYEES. They'll take advantage of you," the lady replied. "So, dear, we're having a conversation; you can leave."She could see the delight on Almira's face. It seemed the woman was overjoyed that her mother was insulting her. Now, she understood where the woman inherited her unpleasant personality.She didn't say anything. Instead, she took her seat and started working."Hello? Are you deaf?" Miranda asked."No," she replied."So, you're not mute and deaf. You heard what I said, didn't you?""For your information, Mrs..." she looked at her coldly, "I'm working here during working hours, so I'll be working. Do you have a job? Probably not. Also, if that's how your daughter hears you, insulting people, no wonder she talks the same way. Before you ask me for manners, maybe you should reflect on your own."She saw the governor and Monte laughing, and Almira's face darkening."Look, young lady," Miranda blushed, "maybe you don't know who you're talking to?""I know you. Do you want me to recite your biography here?" she asked."See, Monte? How can you stand working with this woman? She has a sharp tongue," Miranda said."It depends on who's in front of me. Your daughter has been bullying me for a long time, so I won't allow you to treat me the same way!" she boldly responded."You're bullying Ericka?" the governor interjected, looking at Almira."No... no... of course not, Daddy," she replied, receiving a glare from Almira.Almira's mother stopped there, perhaps recognizing that her daughter was indeed a bully. Almira seemed to fear her father."Darling, don't believe that woman. You know how kind our daughter is," Miranda glared at her.Monte's phone suddenly rang, slightly diffusing the tension. "Yes, yes, Grandpa... alright, we're coming up." He ended the call. "Well, let's go upstairs. Grandpa is waiting. Ericka, you take care of things here."She ignored Monte when he opened the door."Sorry about my wife, dear," the governor approached her."It's okay, Governor," she smiled."Don't worry; when I find a replacement, I'll replace her," he joked, winking.She just shook her head at his remark. After they left, Monte approached her."What did the Governor say to you?" he furrowed his brow."He just apologized. I wish everyone were like that," she retorted, rolling her eyes at Monte."Are you mad at me?" he asked.She remained silent. The door opened as Almira entered."Baby, let's go. Grandpa is waiting," Almira pulled her out.There, she breathed a sigh of relief. She felt a newfound boldness and couldn't help but laugh. She thought the Governor would be angry with her response to his wife. Fortunately, he wasn't an enabler. She continued with her work as if nothing had happened.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
POV: MonteHe's excited. Before leaving Ericka earlier, he told her he'd pick her up and formally introduce her to his grandfather as his girlfriend. Many thoughts are swirling in his mind:Did Monica successfully help Ericka prepare?What will be the outcome of Monica's efforts?This girl will be in trouble if she couldn't accomplish what he asked her to do. She charged him a hefty amount. What will she do with the money? She's not in need. He wondered to himself.Monica has been his friend since grade school, along with her cousin Bernard; they've been close friends. They all studied hard to be classmates.Their friendship is purely platonic. He never thought of having a romantic relationship with Monica; she's quite boyish.*flashback*High school. They have a JS prom. He's a bit distant because Monica and Bernard, who are neighbors, are going together. As he's about to leave the gate, they bump into Almira, all dressed up. She steps out of the backseat after the driver opens the d
POV: Ericka"Monica, do I look okay?" she asked."Absolutely! You look gorgeous, right, girls?" The girl turned to her fellow friends."Absolutely, madam," they chorused."Have some self-confidence; you're way more beautiful than Almira. Maybe that's why that girl is so insecure around you," Monica said."That seems a bit much," she blushed at the comment."What happened?" she asked."That girl suddenly went abroad and never came back.""Oh?" she seemed saddened. "Why though?""Some speculations circled, Almira and her gang threatened her, so she decided to keep her distance. Rumor has it she was paid a hefty sum.""I never heard about that," she pondered."They didn't allow gossip to spread outside the campus, and you were still in boarding school back then.""Ah, that explains it... What's her name?""Lovie de Luna.""Have you tried searching for her online?""Nothing comes up... maybe out of fear. It's tough for them, so they don't fight back like you do."She fell silent. If that'