PROLOGUE Divina and I were supposed to leave later with Divina so she could accompany me to the market. That's why I'm going to wash some of my clothes so they'll be dry when I get back. I'm heading to the back of the kitchen to do the laundry because that's what Manang Linda instructed me to do, and there's supposed to be a washing machine there that we can use, but I don't know how to use it. I'm more accustomed to handwashing, especially since that's what I used to do back in our province. "Divina, where can I do the laundry with the well?" I ask as she's busy slicing onions. "Go over there on the side near the garden, there's a well there," she says, still focused on what she's doing. "Okay, thanks." I follow Divina's instructions and am greeted by a large river, so I'm amazed because I haven't fully explored the entirety of this mansion since yesterday. "How amazing, they have their own river here," I say with delight, quickly approaching. I grab a pail and immediately fetch water from the river before starting to do the laundry. "It's so cool, there's never-ending water here, hahaha," I say in wonder. "What the heck are you doing!?" a stern voice behind me interrupts, and I turn around to see Sr, who is topless and looking quite intimidating. "I'm doing the laundry," I reply. "Seriously?!" he says irritably. "Why, are you going to do the laundry too? Your spot could be over there on the other side, Sr, there's plenty of space there, right?" "Are you trying to piss me off, Maleya?!" he bursts out. Why is Sr getting angry? I was here first in this spot just because this river is theirs, but ours is even bigger and we don't hoard it. "There's plenty of water in the river, so don't get angry, Sr." "Fuck, where are you from, another planet? That's called a swimming pool, not a river," he retorts angrily.

Chapter 1 Part 1

"Maleya, Tara, and we might even reach night," I could hear Divina's voice outside the room, so luckily I had already finished getting ready before she finished cooking.

We immediately went to the side of the garage because we were going to visit Kuya Paul, the mansion's security guard.

"Divina, why do we need to say goodbye to Kuya Paul? Is he coming with us, or who will guard the house?"

"Hahaha, no, Maleya, I left instructions for us to leave by six o'clock because they might not let us in if it's too late. They're strict about not allowing entry at that time; who knows, there might be thieves."

She said, and I agreed.

"Right, and what if everything inside gets stolen? What will happen to us? And if Sr. struggles, we might lose our jobs, and I'll have to go back to the province. Ugh, that can't happen, so we need to watch the house."

"Hahaha, right, but Kuya Paul is there to guard anyway," she chuckled.

"Okay, let's hurry then; we can chat later, hahaha."

"The market here in Manila is huge," I marveled as we entered a large building bustling with people and impressive because there were various vendors selling all sorts of things.

"It's not called a market; it's called a Mall here, Maleya. Do you not have this in your province?"

"No, we only have markets, and if we do have them, they're not as beautiful and big as here in Manila. It's so nice and clean here."

"Hahaha, come on, I'll show you more so you'll know," she said.

I glanced at a big TV showing a man wearing only briefs. He was handsome, but why did he have to be half-naked? What if a child sees him? His 'thing' is so big.

"Maleya, come on, let's go; forget about that. Don't dream about it," she teased, so I gave her a look.

"Doesn't he have any clothes?"

"It's fashion, that's how it is," she said with a mischievous grin.

---

"I bought so many things," I muttered as we got off the service we were riding.

"Well, that's good, it'll last us for about a week. That's just how it is here," Maleya responded.

"Is that so? Looks like I still have a lot to learn."

"Oh, you said it. But for now, you go ahead and go inside, I'll ask someone else for help, maybe Sr. needs something."

"Okay, sure. Are you sure you don't need my help anymore?"

"Yeah, don't worry, I'll come in through the back."

I started walking towards the entrance. Before I could fully enter, I could hear the voices of the men.

Four tall and handsome men greeted me. They looked like celebrities, and they were definitely the object of desire for many women.

One looked Japanese because of his slanted eyes, and another seemed to have American heritage because of his ash-colored eyes. Then there was a guy with blond hair who had a mysterious aura.

But my attention was drawn to one man, who, among all the handsome men, stood out the most. He was taller, more serious-looking, and his gaze felt like it was melting me. He was none other than my employer.

"You didn't tell me, Aziel, that you have such a beautiful maid in your mansion."

"Yeah, but she's literally crazy," he replied.

One of the men gestured for another to come closer, so I approached them. Was I surrounded by handsome angels?

"You look familiar to me," I pointed to the guy who looked American.

"Had we met before?" he asked me.

"It's you, Soren. You beat us to it," his Japanese-looking companion joked.

"D*mn you, Orion, she seems too innocent for me," Soren replied.

"Did you meet him before, Maleya?" Sr. Aziel interrupted, grabbing my attention.

"Yes, at the mall earlier," I replied.

"HAHAHAHAHAH," they burst into laughter, except for Sr. Aziel and the serious-looking man next to him.

"You were even wearing briefs there at the mall," Soren joked again.

"You know what, Maleya, you're amusing," Soren said.

"Can I borrow Maleya for a bit, Aziel? Hahahah," Soren asked.

"No, Soren, she's too innocent," Sr. Aziel replied.

"Relax, Aziel, we're just going for a stroll, hahaha."

"I know you, so back off."

"Okay, fine, maybe next time, Maleya. Seems like your master isn't in the mood today."

"Go to your room," Sr. Aziel said to me.

---

"Good morning again to start each work, so I quickly went to Manang Linda who was already fixing the kitchen. She said Sr left early because he still had work, and besides, he doesn't have breakfast at the mansion when he has a meeting.

"Maleya!" I heard Divina calling me while catching her breath from running.

"Are you exercising? That's not fair, why didn't you bring me? I don't have anything to do yet," I grumbled.

"No! Because Sr called for you, he said you should tell him he left the envelope on the bed in the room," she said, still catching her breath.

"He's not that old yet, but he's forgetful already, what now?"

"We need to take that to the company."

"Is that so? Alright, let's go!" I said as I left, holding her hand.

"Can you handle it alone? I still have a lot to finish. Don't worry, Cris will take you there," she said.

"That's good."

"Take care, okay? I trust you to give it to Sr; they have a meeting today."

"Don't worry, I'll make it in time, for Sr. Aziel!"

"Hahaha, Long live Maleya!"

***

"Are we far still, Kuya Cris?" I asked as I looked around.

"We're almost there, Maleya."

After a few more hours of driving, he turned left until we reached a big building. I was amazed, but now wasn't the time; I need to give this to Sr. Aziel, the envelope I'm holding.

"Alright, Maleya, go inside. I'll wait for you here and park this, it's not allowed here," he said.

"Okay, thank you, Kuya Cris."

I hurriedly walked, noticing a pitiful cat in the middle of the path. I thought of ignoring it, but my conscience couldn't bear it.

"Sigh, wait a minute, I still have time; it's still a few hours."

I grabbed it and placed it aside to avoid it getting run over before continuing my walk.

Just as I was about to enter, the guard stopped me.

"No ID, no entry."

"I don't have an ID, what kind of ID do you mean?"

"Entrance ID."

"I don't have that ID, but I need to give this to Sr. Aziel inside."

"That excuse won't work here."

"Please, sir, I'll lose my job if I don't give this to him. Do you want me to go back to the province? Don't you feel sorry for me?"

"Ugh, you're lucky I'm kind. Just go, but are you telling the truth?"

"Promise, thank you," I said before entering.

Where can I find Sr. here?

"Miss?" I caught the attention of a woman.

"Do you know where Sr. Aziel is?"

"Do you have an appointment with him? He's in a meeting right now."

"I just need to give this envelope to him," I said, raising it.

"Is that so? Use the elevator to go to the third floor; they're having a conference meeting there," she said before I continued walking.

"Elevator, what's that? Why didn't Manong Cris tell me I have a vehicle?" I stopped at the sign, making sure it's the elevator. It opened, and I eagerly entered like a child, but it immediately closed.

"How does this work?" I asked, but it didn't move.

"Elevator, go up!" I said, but it still didn't move.

"Elevator, go up!" but still no response, so I stepped out and walked away, frustrated, looking for another way.