Chapter 1

“Aira? Sweetheart? What are you doing there?” I immediately turned and saw Mom looking at me.

“I’m washing the dishes, our maids are busy cleaning the rooms, and the other helpers are cleaning-- “

“Sweetheart, that’s why we have a helper for them to clean and do the housework here. Let go of that! Look at the dirt on your hand!”

Mommy pulled my hand near the sink and washed it. She took the soap and soaped my hand. Then she took some alcohol to put in my hand.

She made me stand by her side while our helpers were in front.

“Why did you let Aira wash those plates!! Do you all want to be fired!” Irritation filled Mom’s face.

“Mommy, it’s not their fault. I’m just bored, so I washed...” I didn’t finish what I was about to say when Mommy faced me while gazing at me.

“Why is it that when you’re bored, you’re cleaning or you’re washing things, when you’re bored tell me because we can go shopping, we’ll buy everything you want?” I scratched my left eyebrow.

Our helpers all bowed and I could even see the shaking hands of others. Is it my fault? I shouldn’t just wash! I couldn’t just ignore all those plates. 

“I still have a lot of clothes. I want nothing. You bought and gave me everything already.”

I mean, I only want one, but I know they can’t give it. I only want a normal life like other people. 

Everybody said that I’m lucky to have a beautiful and caring Mom, also a loving dad. Ever since I was a child, they give me all the toys that I want, and they buy me everything that I want. They spoiled me because I’m their only child. 

Yeah, right? I’m lucky to have both of them. But why do I feel like I don’t belong here, that I don’t deserve all of this?

I’m not happy at all. I think everyone treats me nicely because my mom and dad are successful in business.

“We should give everything because you’re our one and only daughter. In this mansion, you’re a princess and a princess shouldn’t do anything like this.”

“Okay,” I frowned.

I slowly approached her and hugged her. “I’m sorry, don’t be mad at them Mommy. It’s not their fault.” 

She combed my hair using her right hand.

“All right, go back to your work,” Mommy said to the maids and hugged me back.

I pressed my lips together and spoke. “Mommy,” 

“Hmm?”

“Can I come out?”

“What do you mean? Why do you want to go outside?”

“I just want fresh air.”

“There’s air-con here--“

“Fresh air Mommy,” I repeat.

She blows a loud breath. “Okay fine, but let Yaya Celine come with you, okay?”

“Ohm, okay,” I replied.

“Yaya Celine, monitor her, understood?” Mom says seriously.

“Yes, Señorita Kiara.”

“Thanks, Mom!” I hugged her even tighter and rushed out. I almost fell, but thankfully Yaya Celine held my hand.

“Thanks, Yaya Celine!”

We both walked into the garden. I saw our gardeners. I waved at them, so they waved at me too. We have a large garden and many flowers. Mommy loves flowers, and so do I.

When we got to the gate, our two guards were there, looking at me, blinking.

“Do you have permission, Senorita Aira?” Yeah, they won’t open the gate for me when I don’t have any permission from my mom. 

Mommy is very strict with me. She’s just worried that something bad might happen to me when I go outside alone. 

They're scared that might happen again 10 years ago, I got kidnap and yeah, they did pay those guys who kidnapped me just to get me safely back to them.

“Yeah, mommy says that Yaya Celine will come with me to watch over me,” I said, smiling at them. They nodded and opened the gate.

“Senorita, I thought we were just going outside the garden. Your Mommy will scold me for this for sure.”

Yaya Celine is 40 years old. She’s been working for our family for a long time.

“I said that I’m going outside. You heard she agreed, didn’t you?” I asked, and she just shrugged.

“I think your Mommy misunderstood you,” she said softly. 

“Senorita, where are we going?” Yaya Celine asks.

“I don’t know,” I answered and looked around.

We are now on the road where there are many people and vehicles.

“Senorita, you might get lost,” I looked at her hand because it was holding the hem of my dress. I raised my eyebrow when she immediately removed her hand.

“I’m sorry.” I look at her, confused.

Why is she saying sorry? She did nothing wrong.

“Why are you saying--- wahh! Look Yaya Celine, there’s an Ice cream!” I pointed to the man who was selling Ice cream.

“Senorita, you’re not supposed to eat outside food. Your Mommy says that you're not allowed to eat outside.” she said.

“Then I’ll buy an Ice cream and eat inside so it’s not forbidden.” I giggled.

“Your Mom said, all you have to eat is home-cooked or maybe cooked by professional chefs... if you want to eat Ice cream, let me tell her so she can call--“

“Why would Mom have to buy some expensive Ice cream when there’s a cheap one in here? It’s only 5 and 10 pesos, I think it tastes the same.” 

“That’s why Senorita Aira, it’s cheap and maybe you might get sick. You don’t know how they made that thing.”

“Why would I get sick? Don’t overreact, eating cheap Ice cream is not deadly, Yaya Celine.”

Gosh, she acts like mom. In food, mom won’t let me buy any food that is not cooked by her or a chef. 

“Do you have money?” I ask.

“Pardon? I don’t have any money, Senorita Aira.” 

“What?? I also don’t have money. How can I buy Ice cream if I don’t have one!” I just frowned and scratched my head.

I walked towards that old man and looked at the children who were buying ice cream from him.

“Do you want to buy it?” The old man asks me.

Can I buy it without money? I think that’s not possible.

“Do you want to buy?” he repeated.

“Sorry, I left my money at home. Ohm, can I just pay you later?” 

“Senorita, nothing is free now. If there is, there’s a replacement,” she whispered in my ear.

“When was the last time you ate ice cream?” I scratch my shoulder.

“I don’t remember when,” I answer while my eyes are on the ice cream that he’s selling.

“What flavor do you like?” He asks and smiles at me kindly.

“Chocolate please,”

When he handed it to me, my smile widened.

“I’ll pay you later-- “

“You don’t need to. I’ll give it to you for free. That’s the only ice cream left.” 

Wait, did he just say that he’ll give this to me for free? Really? He’s too nice to give this to me, even though we’re strangers. Once I see him again, I’ll give him money to buy land and build his own business!

“I’ll go ahead first, goodbye.” he smiled at me and so did I.

“By the way, thank you!” I waved at him.

“Oh, isn’t he nice to give me free ice cream?” Yaya Celine just shakes her head and turns her gaze to other people.

“I think we should go back home now, Senorita Aira.”

“Do you want some?” trying to change the topic.

“No, I’m fine.”

“Mom will get mad if she’ll know that I am eating this right now, Yaya Celine?” 

“Of course she will get mad at me.” 

“Why? Why is she getting mad at you?” 

I’m the one who’s eating this cheap but delicious ice cream, not you.

She didn’t answer my question. Maybe she didn’t hear me. But why does Mom always get mad at Yaya Celine or other people, even though it’s my fault? She always blames others, I feel sad and sorry for them.

We started walking.

“Yaya Celine, I have a question-- “

“Senorita, you’re going to fall-- “