Joy Santos, a 22-year-old Filipina, stood nervously outside the grand office of Don Rafael Lemington, Audrey's grandfather.
She clutched her small suitcase tightly, trying to calm her racing heart. Joy's life had been a series of unfortunate events.
Joy's life had taken a drastic turn after her mother's passing. With no financial support, she was forced to drop out of college and take care of her younger brother, Juan. To provide for him, Joy worked multiple jobs, but it wasn't enough. When the opportunity to work for the Lemingtons arose, she saw it as a chance to secure a better future for Juan.
Don Rafael's company, Lemington Enterprises, offered her a lucrative deal: work as a personal maid for his granddaughter, Audrey, in exchange for a substantial salary and a chance to start anew.
Joy took a deep breath.
'''Kaya mo'to, Joy. Laban lang.'' Joy cheered herself. She knew this was her chance to make a difference in their lives. With determination in her heart, she vowed to give it all and prove herself worthy of this opportunity.
As she entered the office, Joy was greeted by the stern face of Mr. Lemington's secretary. "You must be Joy. Follow me."
They walk a long hallway before reaching the main office of Don Rafael Lemington.
''Ang lawak naman nito , maliligaw yata ako rito kung bababayin ko iyo ng mag-isa.'' Joy said to herself.
The secretary knocked three times before opening the door, revealing a spacious and elegant office. Don Rafael Lemington sat behind his desk, looking at Joy with a curious expression. Joy took a deep breath and walked in confidently, ready to seize the opportunity that lay before her.
"Ah, Joy Santos. You're the new maid for Audrey. I expect nothing but excellence from you," he said, his voice firm but cold.
"Yes, sir. I won't disappoint," Joy replied, trying to sound confident.
Don Rafael handed her a folder containing her contract and apartment keys.
"Audrey can be... difficult. You'll need patience and discretion." Joy nodded, unsure what to expect.
Twenty minutes later, Joy arrived at Audrey's luxurious apartment, her heart racing with anticipation.
She rang the doorbell, waiting for Audrey to answer, hoping she could live up to Don Rafael's expectations and handle whatever challenges came her way.
Meanwhile..
Audrey wanted rest, as she had not slept before. As she lay there, her eyes were starting to drift off to sleep.
When her doorbell rang .
At first she ignored it, but ringing won't stop .
"Per Déu, per sant! Mataré a qui sigui que ets." As Audrey fumingly walked towards her door, she swung the door open to reveal herself, looking stunning but frazzled. "Què vols? ''Audrey asked curtly, eyeing Joy's uniform.
"Hi! I'm Joy Santos, your new maid," Joy stammered, awkwardly indrocing herself in a joyful way. Audrey raised an eyebrow. "No vaig demanar una minyona," Joy hesitated, unsure how to respond.
''Ano raw? '' Joy asked herself, not understanding a word the stunning woman has said to her.
''Ah, ehh, ano I'm——ah anu..kasi ano...'' Joy tried to construct a word, but it's hard, especially when this gorgeous woman is eyeing her from head to toe.
"Si no tens res a dir, vés-te'n. ''Audrey was about to close the door.
"Your grandfather, sir, he—" Joy held the door. '' He wanted me to come here and help you with the housework," Joy blurted out, hoping to salvage the situation and hoping Audrey would somehow understand English .
Audrey's expression got more furious hearing Joy's words before slamming the door shut in her face. "I don't need any help." '' Tell him I don't need babttinysig. She spat, leaving Joy standing there feeling embarrassed and rejected.
Joy's eyes widened.
Joy stood frozen, her eyes fixed on the shut door.
She couldn't believe the icy reception. "Well, that went smoothly," she muttered to herself.
Determined not to give up, Joy recalled Don Rafael's words: "Audrey can be... difficult." Joy smiled wryly.
That's an understatement." Undeterred, Joy pulled out the apartment key Don Rafael had given her and let herself in.
She slipped off her shoes and began to tidy up the living room, humming to herself. Meanwhile, Audrey stormed into her bedroom, slamming the door behind her. She flopped onto her bed, arms crossed, and soon drifted off to sleep.
Hours later, Audrey woke up to the heavenly aroma of Pa amb tomàquet wafting from the kitchen. Her stomach growled, and her curiosity piqued. Who could be cooking? She walked into the kitchen, bleary-eyed, and found Joy expertly rubbing garlic cloves on toasted bread, then topping it with juicy tomatoes, drizzling it with olive oil, and sprinkling salt.
I figured you might need some rest." Audrey's eyes narrowed. "I told you to leave." Joy shrugged.
"You said you didn't need help, but I thought you might need food. And a clean kitchen." Audrey scowled, but her stomach betrayed her, growling louder. "Fine. Eat and leave," Audrey said, grabbing a plate. Joy chuckled.
"Sorry, miss. I'm not going anywhere. I have a contract with your grandfather."
Joy read the contract loudly in front of Audrey.
'' That I be doing your laundry, cleaning your house, and making sure you eat properly. So, enjoy your meal, and I'll take care of the rest." Joy paused and continued ,'' Her favorite foods are."
Seafood:
1. Grilled fish (e.g., sardines, mussels, squid)
2. Paella de mariscos: seafood paella with shrimp, mussels, clams, and squid.
3. Fritura de pescado: Fried fish, often served as a snack or appetizer.
Traditional Catalan dishes:
1. Pa amb tomàquet (Bread with tomato): Fresh tomato rubbed on toasted
2. Escalivada: Roasted vegetables (eggplant, peppers, onions) served as a side dish or appetizer.
Tapas:
3. Tortilla de patatas: Spanish omelette made with potatoes, onions, and sometimes ham.
Sweets:
1. Churros con chocolate: Fried dough sticks dipped in rich, thick chocolate. 2. Melindros: Fried dough pastries coated in sugar, typically enjoyed with coffee or hot chocolate. 3. Xuixo: A sweet pastry filled with crema catalana.
Her clothes must always be clean and neatly pressed to maintain a professional appearance. It is important to choose appropriate attire for different occasions to make a good impression.
Her underwear must be:
''Stoppp!!!''
Audrey's scowl in anger hearing what her grandfather's saying in the contract. "I don't need you to tell me what to wear," she snaps. "I'm perfectly capable of dressing myself."
Audrey's eyes flashed, but Joy continued, unfazed.
"Besides, someone's got to keep you from starving. And your grandfather will be pleased to know I'm doing my job."
Audrey's stomach growled, but Joy heard it but didn't say anything to not embarrassed Audrey , instead focusing on cleaning up the kitchen. "I don't need a babysitter," Audrey muttered under her breath, but Joy just smiled and handed her a plate of food. "Consider me your personal chef, then," Joy replied with a wink.
Audrey huffed but took a bite of the Pa amb tomàquet. Her eyes widened in surprise. "This is actually good... almost as good as my mother used to make," she said to herself. There's no way she's going to tell this maid/spy of her grandfather.
"Thanks! I'll make sure to cook for you every day," Joy said with a satisfied smile.
Audrey's eyes widened, and to hide her embarrassment, she glared at Joy.
''Oh, I didn't hear anything, I promise.'' Joy quickly zip her mouth.
''I don't want you here." Audrey tried to maintain her tough exterior.
Joy grinned mischievously. "Too late for that, miss. I'm already home."
As Audrey's eyes sparkled with frustration, Joy knew she had won this small battle. But the war was far from over.
"Welcome to our interesting life together, miss," Joy said, giggling.
And with that, the unlikely duo began their tumultuous journey, with Joy determined to win Audrey over, one delicious meal at a time.