Mariela's POV
I didn't expect Archer would be coming with me to my part-time job. Still, his determination to find a job makes me feel so drawn to him as I realize he is trying his best to live without asking for money from his wealthy parents. Still, it seems like his family is now in trouble that is why he needed to find a job, and I felt guilty because I am living at his place for free, and even if I don't want him to come with me, I felt guilty, so I ended up bringing him with me.
I know he has never ridden a bus before because if he does, he must have a card. And I could tell he was looking around as if he was enjoying his time, while I felt conscious because Archer was sitting so near to me and I could inhale his aftershave, and he smelled so good, and I am sure this is one of the reasons girls adore and so crazy about him.
It was a beautiful sunny day, and I smiled as I looked at the fresh flowers hang on the backdrop of the stage, and the decorations of the entire venue are breathtaking; I wondered if I would have a grand wedding, but how can I find a boyfriend if I am this broke, and no one will accept me because of the responsibility I have on my shoulders. I know any man will back out the moment they learn the truth I was hiding, and I couldn't afford to have a boyfriend and enjoy myself knowing my little sister is suffering.
I couldn't believe the odds would be with him because he got hired immediately. Still, even if there is no vacancy, I could tell my boss would squeeze him in as her additional staff because she knew Archer could be his new asset. I was right after our catering, many guests approached her and asked for her number, and I am sure Archer will never get a problem finding a job because of his looks and the way he deals with the customers. And because of Archer, we received a significant amount of tips.
I couldn't believe Archer would confirm my boss's suspicion he was my boyfriend even if it wasn't true, which made my fellow waitress ask me questions about him.
"Ella, your boyfriend, is so hot and handsome; why did you tell us you were single? How could you hide such a gem?" Gemma asked, and I could feel my face is blushing.
"And I couldn't believe you are living together, and I am sorry to say this Ella, and please don't get me wrong, I thought you are still a virgin," Mel added. I could tell my face became redder, and I felt so glad Archer saved me from further embarrassment when he came and put his arm around my shoulders, which convinced them we were a couple.
"How could you tell them you are my boyfriend? And now everyone thinks we are doing it already, and I am no longer a virgin." I blurted out, and I could feel his body hardened, and when I looked at his face, I could see he was blushing, and there was more to it that I couldn't express in words.
"I am sorry, Ella, but it was fun, and don't you think it is about time you will date?" He asked, and I laughed even if my heart was racing so fast, was Archer asking me to date him?
"I am sorry, Lopez, you are not my type, and it is not happening," I said as I pushed him away from me even if my heart was screaming yes, and I wondered why he looked so sad and affected by my words when I knew that was the reason he asked me to be his roommate in the first place.
I know I will be nineteen soon, and I didn't even experience having my first kiss, and I can't tell them that now because I know no one will believe me, and just thinking about it makes my stomach flutter, and it brings shivers to my entire frame. I felt so embarrassed while Archer was smiling from ear to ear.
I never expected I would meet Archer's cousin when we got back to our place, and I have seen Kent with Archer so many times, but I didn't know they were cousins. Kent is handsome as well, but Archer is more appealing and taller than he is, and I could tell he also came from a wealthy family because of the way he carried himself with confidence, and I could tell by the brand of his clothes and shoes.
And I felt so glad Archer forced him to come with him while I got inside our unit. I couldn't face his cousin when I felt this down, I couldn't stop myself from thinking about the girl at the funeral today, and if I couldn't find enough money, my sister would be like her. I wish Angela would fight until I find enough money needed for her operation, but how?
My earnings will never be enough, and I could merely buy my personal needs because I always send my extra money for my sister's medication, and I felt sore my entire body from studying and working. I didn't have time to enjoy myself, and my struggle every day is hard enough, and the emotional stress I am dealing with is too much. Val was right when she said only winning the lottery could save our problems, but the probability of winning is slimmer than one percent.
I felt so down, and I could feel my eyes are closing on their own as I lay on my bed still wearing my working clothes because I felt so tired to have a shower. I was dozing off when I heard the buzzing of the doorbell, and I quickly got up from my bed and wondered why Archer used the doorbell when he could open the door with his fingers, and I could tell he was messing with me.
"Archer, what are you doing.." I wasn't able to finish my sentence when I realized the person standing in front of me was not Archer, and she is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen, but her eyes were looking daggers at me as if she was ready to attack me, and I took a back step.
"Mariela Alvamiza?" She asked, and I slowly nodded my head, and it felt like someone cut off my tongue because I lost my ability to speak as I continued to stare at her angelic face; she looked so beautiful that all the girls on campus failed to level her beauty and elegance. I could tell right away she came from an affluent family in the country.
"So the rumor is all true, Archer is living with you, and I couldn't believe he will choose a lowly class woman; how could he ignore me for the past days and choose someone like you?" She asked, and I could feel the pang on my chest. Even if I am not Archer's girlfriend, she has no right to speak with me in that manner.
"I searched your family name, and I found nothing, and I knew it, you are someone insignificant in the society we are living in, and how dare you live with him? Have you looked at yourself in the mirror, girl? I couldn't even tell if you are beautiful." She hissed, and I realized one thing she is very beautiful, yet her ugly behavior is what makes her a terrible person.
I know I am not beautiful, and I am so poor, but it is too much when people will say it to your face, and I could feel the pricing in my heart, and I don't know how to counter her because all she said was true except one thing, I am not Archer's girlfriend. I may be poor, but I am brave, and I am not giving this wealthy brat a reason to make me feel worse.
And I think my only weapon right now is being Archer's girl, which is the only reason that makes her like a lioness ready to attack her prey. Her assumption that I am Archer's girlfriend hurts her ego, which is the best medicine for her. She looked so angry, and I gave her one of my sweetest smiles, the kind of smile I stopped using since the day my father died. I didn't know her name, but I am sure she was one of Archer's girls, and my sweet smile made her angrier.
"Why aren't you answering me? Do you know who I am? I am Archer's future wife, and even if you are living with him now, he will still leave you in the end, and I guess he was hiding his true identity from you. It would be best if you wake up, girl, and flee when you still can; you will never belong in Archer's world. Not even to serve him as his maid." She added.
"You better know your place, Mariela, you should go back to where you belong because you are living in a fantasy world, and news flash, there would be no happy ending for you and Archer, and life is not a fairy tale, my dear, and a social climber like you has no place in Archer's life, and I wondered what he had seen in you." She continued, and her words are too much, and I need to stop her from insulting me; and I was about to speak when Archer arrived, and I could see the worried expression on his face. And I could also see sadness.
"Claudia! What are you doing here?" He asked in a soft voice, and her face lit up right away, and she spun around and ran towards Archer and hugged him, and the next thing I saw made my heart bleed. Claudia was kissing Archer, and I waited if he would push her away, but he didn't, and I got inside our room feeling so hurt, and for the first time after my dad died, I cried.
.