šµš¶I couldn't,Ā
I couldn't erase you in my head
I shouldn't,Ā
I shouldn't love you the way now I did
and now I'm hurtin',
hurting my heart and self instead.
Can you hear me?Ā
Hear the tears that silently flowing on my bed.
Baby!Ā
I'm in love with you but you're in love with her~
Listen to the sad melody,
as I strum my guitar.
Baby I close my eyes,
as I sing, you're in my mind.
Your image here won't go away,
chasing me on my dreams,
I can't fall asleep easily. š¶šµ
The universe planned to make us fall.
"I'm sorry," he uttered softly, his gaze fixed on the stars above.
"It's fine, Raze... I mean, seƱorito. Sabrina's waiting for you; you should go," I said, trying to sound composed and not pushing him away, just being honest.
He checked his wristwatch with a sigh.
"It's already 9:00pm. She's probably already asleep. She's used to going to bed early, and our parents are visiting tomorrow," he explained, his tone tinged with a hint of sadness. But I refused to let that affect me, instead, I put on a wide smile.
"Congrats!" I exclaimed, trying to sound genuinely happy for him. Yes, that's it. I had to move on.
It was a bittersweet experience, feeling something for my boss. It was painful, yet exciting.
Just imagine, so many people loved him, and I had the chance to be near him. I had the opportunity to talk to him, to gaze upon his lovely, intimidating face. I had the privilege to work for him, and for a brief moment, I was even able to stand beside him and enjoy those fleeting moments where we felt like more than just boss and employee.
Our first meeting, I'll never forget it.
"Hey, Chump! You're spacing out," he snapped his fingers, pulling me back to the present.
"Huh? What did you say?" I asked, slightly confused.
"I said, are you pushing me away?" he questioned, his tone sharp.
"Ha? I-I'm not. I'm just thinking that she might feel bad if see you with me," I replied, the truth stinging as it left my lips. The truth was painful, especially since it meant someone else rightfully owned his affections. I sighed, feeling the weight of reality.
"I'll go inside now," I said, ready to escape the uncomfortable situation. I couldn't bear the thought that he might have kissed me on a whim, making my first kiss seem like a joke to him.
"Can't you stay for a while? Can't you seize this moment?" he asked, his voice colder than before, leaving me unsure of his intentions.
"Why are you making things hard for me? You're the boss, but please, my feelings are not a toy that you can play with, and my heart is pretty sensitive. It falls and cries so easily. Are we clear?" I said firmly, though my heart was screaming inside.
I heard him feign a gasp, but it didn't sway me.
"What if I really like you? What if I laid my eyes on you the first time we met?" he said, causing me to stiffen for a moment.
"It's because you have eyes, it's natural that you laid your eyes on me!" I retorted, turning my back to him.
"I-I love you," he coldly whispered, his words catching me off guard. It was the first time I heard him stutter.
"Hey!" he called after me.
"Read this later," he said, placing something in my hands.
"What's this?" I asked.
"Just read it later before you sleep," he whispered, pulling me closer suddenly and placing a kiss on my forehead before disappearing into the night.
I sighed, feeling frustrated. He was really playing around.
"Good night, Chump. Te amo!" he whispered once again. Why did he never fail to make my heart thump like crazy?
Why did his simple actions always have such a profound effect on me? It was maddening.
"Okay," I mumbled, still dazed.
Damn him for making me feel this way!
As expected, it was hard to fall asleep. I kept replaying every scenario that had happened today, and it left me feeling a mix of emotions.
I opened my Instagram account, which was set to private. I noticed a lot of follow requests.
Oh? Razekhen. My heart skipped a beat as I read the name, so I decided to check out his account. It was also private! Damn! How did he manage to have 40 million followers even though his account was private? That man was a beast.
I couldn't resist my curiosity about his posts, but I felt shy about following him back. After hesitating for a moment, I confirmed his request. Suddenly, I felt self-conscious seeing that he had so many more followers than me, almost like a celebrity.
A message popped up from Razekhen: "Follow me back."
I hesitated for a moment, my pride getting in the way, but ultimately decided to follow him back. I scrolled through his posts.
Woah! Texno was having a 20 PC lucky giveaway. He really is a billionaire.
His feed was filled with hot pictures, including one of him by the pool. He was half-naked, and before I could stop myself, I unintentionally hearted his photo. Shit!
Another message from Razekhen appeared: "It's obvious that you're stalking."
My phone slipped from my hands and hit me in the face.
"Holy shit! Ouch! My nose hurts!" I complained, massaging my nose.
"Assuming!" I quickly replied, deciding to log out to escape from his playful replies. I didn't know how to explain why I was looking at his posts.
Aish!
~FLASHBACK~
After dinner, I wandered over to the pool area. It was brightly lit, with the only light coming from the pool and some Christmas lights on the trees.
Maybe this could be my new place to hang out and relax.
Meanwhile, Raze and Sabrina were up in the attic, having their dinner there. I wasn't sure who had set it up, but it looked romantic. Rose petals scattered on the floor, romantic music playing... It was like a lovely candlelight dinner. They were probably onto their next activity now, stargazing.
I looked up at the sky. There were so many stars tonight, it felt like they were celebrating something, glowing like gems. How did I know what the attic looked like? Because I helped serve their food. That was torture, right?
I sat at the edge of the pool, dipping my feet into the cold water. Around 8:30 pm, I wandered over to the man-made falls, only then noticing the fish pond nearby.
"Ahem!"
I turned around, startled. It was the boss. Quickly, I stood and slightly bowed, as was customary when encountering him.
"SeƱorito, I'm sorry," I said in a monotone voice, staring at the ground, awaiting his response.
"No, I'm sorry," he said, causing me to look up in surprise. Why was he apologizing?
"I'm sorry because I humiliated you earlier without clarifying if you really did it! I was just angry because those were personalized heroes I made. I spent years creating all of those," he explained, his tone heavy with regret.
"Why did you let her clean my room?" he continued, his voice softer now. I was taken aback.
"I'm really sorry... b-because she wanted to," I stammered, unable to meet his gaze.
"D-did Mother Sharn tell you?" I asked nervously.
"No! I checked the CCTV footage today. I'm really sorry, I didn't stay cool earlier," he admitted, his tone contrite.
"I understand! You personalized those, and you worked hard on them. You have the right to get mad," I whispered, feeling relieved.
Later that night, I woke up feeling better. My phone was beside me, although I usually put it on the side table. I sighed and stretched my body before fixing my bed. I decided to do some exercises to prepare for the day ahead. It's been a week since I started working here, and I'm glad for the experience.
Around 5 am, I took a quick shower and dressed in our black and sky-blue themed uniform, as it was our designated free uniform day. After getting ready, I swung the door open and stepped out.Ā
To my surprise, Sabrina was just opening the door to her room at the same time. What a nice coincidence.
Sabrina looked stunning in her expensive dress and heels, but I couldn't help but notice she was shorter than I expected. Even with her heels, we seemed to be about the same height.
Well, at least I have one victory when it comes to our height.
Her hair was perfectly straight, but I couldn't help but think curls would suit her better. Maybe I'll let my curly hair loose tomorrow when I go shopping and meet Cynthia.
Sabrina's confused gaze met mine, but I couldn't decipher what she was thinking.
"You're sleeping in that room? Why didn't you sleep with the other maids?" she asked, her tone laced with annoyance.
"I don't know! I figured we're on the same level," I replied, aiming for peace but couldn't resist adding a touch of sarcasm.
"Same level, your face!" she shot back before storming upstairs, presumably to wake up Raze. I, meanwhile, headed to the babies' room to let them out.
"Good morning, babies! Want some food?"They barked. The ragdolls are sleeping in Raze's room, so they're not here, but fortunately, the huskies don't mind them.
Each husky has its own bowl, but Vyan likes to share food with Red. They're so adorable that I grab my phone and snap a picture. Kyaahhh! They're just too cute.
After that, I hurry to clean because visitors are expected around 7 AM, and I've heard they'll be having breakfast here.
I've also heard that we won't be eating with Razeāah, SeƱoritoālike yesterday, because his parents are intimidating and prefer not to dine with the helpers, much like Sabrina does.
They're quite strict, and it makes me realize that Raze is different from other rich people. I salute you, Raze.
I'm done cleaning all the rooms except RazeāSeƱorito's room! Aish! I have to train myself not to call him by name; others might misunderstand!
I check my phone to ask if I need to clean his room. Seeing that he's online, I send him a message.
To Razekhen: Do I need to clean your room?
I wait a couple of minutes before his reply arrives.
Razekhen: Good morning. Just bring the vacuum!
Suddenly, I feel a pang of shame for forgetting to greet him properly first. I'm the maid, after all.
To Razekhen: Sure, good morning :)
I reply, then put my phone back in my pocket.
As the door opens, I see no one, but I hear an argument.
"I never told them to come!" Sabrina's voice is defensive.
"Mom told me she received your invitation to come here since you're here!" another voice, presumably Raze's, retorts.
"Why are we fighting about this? We already talked about this yesterday!" she yells.
"Because I can't understand you! I already told you that I don't love you!"
"I know, but you'll learn to love me, right? The engagement will be held soon!"
"I refuse! If you want to be engaged, then go hook up with my parents, especially my dad, because he's the one who badly wants this fucking engagement and me marrying you!" Raze's voice is firm and angry. I can't believe what I'm hearing.
Why do rich people often choose money over everything else? They're so weird!
I try not to listen to the argument and focus on my tasks. I vacuum the room, then change the bed sheets, pillowcases, comforter, and curtains.
"Hello? Can I ask someone to bring a laundry cart here to Raāah, I mean SeƱorito's room?"
"Lorence! Is that you? This is Lian... Yieee! Your voice sounds great as ever," she chirps, always so hyper.
"Thanks, Lian!"
"Sure, see you!" she replies before the line cuts off.
I'm folding the fabrics when Lian arrives. We leave the room quietly, making sure Raze and Sabrina don't notice us. They're too busy arguing. Raze's parents want Sabrina for him because she's the heiress of a famous clothing industry. It seems like Raze can't do anything against their wishes.
That's such a selfish idea, right? Message me @10th_hoshi if you guys agree.
We head to the laundry room and leave the cart with Jane, Trish, and Diane since they're assigned to do the laundry.
I'm watering the indoor plants when I see Raze walking downstairs. It feels like the first time I'm seeing him, he's as handsome as ever, making everything seem to move in slow motion. His hairstyle looks like that of a K-pop idol, yet he carries himself like a boss. Well, he is a boss.
I suddenly remembered the handwritten note he gave me. It says, "Wait for me."
"Hey! You're only watering the floor!"
"Ah! Hi, Nely, ohā I'm sorry!" I say, smiling awkwardly.
"I feel bad for SeƱorito. He ended up with the wrong girl," she starts.
"Why?" I ask out of curiosity. They look good together, which makes me a little sad, but it's the truth.
"She used to stay here before. We don't like her because her attitude sucks!" Nely says.
"Ah!" I respond, understanding a bit more.
"Hey! You two! Please help put out the food in the dining area. Their parents have arrived already!" calls Mother Sharn.
"Ah! Wait! Lorence! Please hide the dogs and the ragdolls. Sabrina is allergic to dogs, and Madam Elyora is allergic to cats."
"O-okay!" I reply, realizing the urgency. So, Sabrina is allergic to dogs.
I rush to find the huskies first since the ragdolls usually stay on the sofa, the cozy cushion nest swing outside, or often in their dad's room. Cats do love soft and warm spots.
"Baby! Come on! Where are you guys?"
"Baby! Baby!" Raze says in unison with me, suddenly appearing by my side.
"Let me help you!" he says, and I stiffen, surprised by his presence.
"O-okay!" I froze for a second, looking at him, wondering why he calls his pets 'baby.' Why baby?
"Brix! Baby!" I see him running towards me, while Ruth and Cyan head straight for Raze, leaving paw prints on their dad's slacks.
That's cute, though.
"Come on, boys! Baby!" I call, and Raze whistles as he walks, his girls running after him towards the cage.
"Why are we bringing them to the cage?" I ask, puzzled. It's their doghouse either way.
"Mom doesn't want to hear any barking," he explains, and I just nod in understanding.
"And what about the cats?"
"I'll put them in my room, they love it there." We walk slowly until we reach the cage. No one tries to speak, but the silence sends a message, and the atmosphere hints at his sadness.
After securing the huskies, we move to get the ragdolls.
"SeƱorito! Ma'am Sabrina asked you to go back!" my co-helper informs him.
"Tell her I'll go back in 10 minutes," he replies.
What does the note mean? It's driving me crazy! Why do I have to wait for him?
"Cally! You're here. Yieee! You're so lovely!" Nely exclaims, smearing her fur on my shoes, trying to catch my attention. I picked her up, and she's a bit heavy.
"She loves you, huh?" Raze suddenly says.
"M-maybe," I answer.
"She chose you, like I did," he whispers, now carrying his two ragdolls, both of whom seem to love his embrace.
"This is Rain, and this is Raisins, babies. Greet her," he says, and they meow softly, offering a warm welcome. Then, Cally licks my fingers, as if asking for my attention too.
I smile and gently touch Cally's fur.
We walk back, and he's talking to Rain and Raisins like they understand him. The cats meow in response, and I can't help but laugh. They're so cute. I never knew a guy who loves both dogs and cats so much.
There's something about his personality. Even now, I can't believe I'm here in the city and in love with someone who's really hard to figure out. I sigh.
"Just put them here!" he says as we arrive at his room.
"Hey!"
"Huh!? Ah! Yeah!" I responded, though I didn't hear clearly what he said.
I noticed our portrait. Why didn't I notice it earlier? Or did he just put it up after I left? He's displayed it near his bed.
"I see. Never mind that. I'll go first; they've been waiting for me for too long,"he said and I just nodded before he left.
"Why did your dad guys display that portrait? My face really says I'm in love," I comment.
"Do you think so?" he asks.
"Holy shit!" he startles me.
"Why are you here?" I inquire.
"This is my room!" he replies.
"I hate philosophy."
"Okay! I forgot something. Well, I love it when you don't directly tell me what you're thinking," he whispers, removing his coat.
I look away.
"I forgot to change my coat. Mom hates to see cat fur on it."
"Okay! I'll go now." I said, feeling flustered.
"Lorence!"
"Hmmm?" I look back, wondering.
"You can call me Raze. When it comes from you, it sounds the sweetest," we both say seriously.
Here he is again, confusing me. I already told him that my heart isn't a toy, right? How can he forget that so easily, or did he not listen at all?
"I've already trained myself to call you SeƱorito. That's more appropriate, right?" I say with a smile before leaving.
I don't know why, but I'm smiling as I walk downstairs.
"Hala! Bag-o palang ko ka kita salakyan nga limousine," Ghera says. It sounds good and funny at the same time because I've never heard that tone before.
"What do you mean, Ghe?" Nely asked her.
"I mean, it's my first time seeing a limousine. I used our dialect. I'm Ilongga, and I speak Hiligaynon," she proudly shares. I see, she's from Iloilo City. (Iloilo City, Philippines is definitely worth visiting one day!)
"How do you say 'I love you' in Hiligaynon?" Rina asks her.
"Palangga taka. See, it sounds sweet," Ghera says, with a thrill in her voice.
They're really having fun.
"Yieee! I'm gonna tell SeƱorito that 'palangga ta ka, SeƱorito,' yieee!" Teresa says, and Erika playfully strikes her head.
"He's mine!"
"Yeah, but Ma'am Sabrina owns him. Huhu! My fantasy now dissolves into thin air like *pop*!" Teresa says, making a funny sound like a balloon popping.
I continue walking and find myself in the kitchen, where Mother Sharn is also present.
"Good morning, chefs!" I greeted.
"Good morning, pretty!" Kyle responds.
"Good morning, Cath. Want some Dalgona coffee?" Markus asks.
"Yey! Sure, Chef Markus," I reply eagerly.
"How about a burger?" Kyle offers.
"Mother Sharn, can I?" I ask, giving her my best puppy eyes.
"Eat a lot, you're too skinny!" she laughs. Am I skinny? I think I'm fine.
Chef Markus starts preparing my Dalgona coffee, while Kyle begins frying a patty.
"Here! Try these onion rings!" Kyle offers.
"Wow! My favorite!" I exclaim.
"Oh? You love those too? SeƱorito requested them," Kyle informs me.
"I see. Yeah, I always used to cook onion rings back in the province," I reply, smiling awkwardly. Why do they have to bring Raze into the conversation?
Conscience: Because he's the boss.
:I don't care!
Conscience: Crazy!
:I know!
Conscience: I'm not asking.
:So? Why do you sound like you hate me?
Conscience: I'm not!
Then suddenly, Raze's voice saying "Chump" echoes in my mind. Hell!
"Here's your Dalgona. Enjoy it," Markus says, handing me the drink.
"Yey! Thanks, Chef Markus!" I reply with excitement.
"And here's your burger!" Kyle adds, placing the burger in front of me.
"Thanks, Kyle. Chef Kyle," I say with a wink.
"My pleasure!" he responds, continuing his work.
The Dalgona tastes great, like a strong, sweet drink. It's moody, if I were to compare it to a person.
"I want to be a cook this time, so every time I cook, I can also eat. There's no hungry moment, right?" I say, and suddenly, the boys burst into laughter.
"Why are you guys laughing?" I pout.
"Here!" Kyle grabs a tissue and puts it on my lips. It doesn't fall; it sticks.
"The Dalgona loves my lips," I joke, laughing along with them, before wiping the Dalgona that spread above my lips.
"You look like a kid!" Kyle comments.
"So, am I cute and irresistible like a kid too?" I bluff, trying to lighten the mood.
"You are!" I hear a familiar voice say, SeƱorito's voice.
"Lorence, you're going to serve the desserts now, please!" he instructs.
"A-ah! Okay! I thought you agreed!" I stumble over my words. I wish he'd say I'm cute and irresistible, my inner me is laughing right now.
"Agreed to what?" he asks.
"Nothing, right boys?" I glance at Kyle and Markus for support.
"Yeah!" they answer, laughing along.
Kyle transfers the strawberry sliced cakes, already distributed onto six plates, onto the food cart, along with the shakes.
Rich people are weird, why do they love cold stuff in the morning? Well, I don't have to meddle in their taste. It's their choice anyway.
"I'll be back!" I say, pushing the cart away, with Raze walking beside me.
"You seem very happy!" he observes.
"Yeah!" I replied.
"What did Kyle do?" he asks.
"He cooked the food I got perfectly, the taste lingers on my tongue. He's sweet and funny too!" I answer.
"I see."
We arrive at their private dining area, and the tension is palpable, the atmosphere not good.
"Where's mom?" Raze asks.
"She's gone to the restroom," Sabrina responds.
"Okay," he acknowledges and helps me place the desserts.
"Raze! That's not your job!" his dad scolds him, his voice alarming and intimidating, somehow different from Raze's.
"I just want things to work faster!" he coldly answers.
Does he mean I'm a slow worker? Damn him!
"Excuse me!" I say after we finish placing the food, and I head for my exit.
"Where's Mother Sharn?" I ask them.
"She called the others to have our breakfast here together," Chef Markus answers while transferring the chicken adobo to another food container.
"Yey! I'm really starving!" I comment and take a sip of my Dalgona.
"I miss this!" I say and have a bite of onion rings.
"I'll cook for you every day then," Kyle says and takes a bite of fried chicken.
"As if! Hey, is that spicy?" I ask, referring to the fried chicken.
"Yeah! Want some?" he offers.
"Sure!" I nod eagerly, feeling like a kid.
I open my mouth, and he feeds me some.
"Hmm! I love it," I say after tasting the spicy fried chicken.
"You always love everything, Bro! She's kidding you," Chef Markus comments, laughing.
"Oh? I'm not! I swear!" I respond with a smile.
"Good morning, girls!" Chef Markus greets the newcomers.
The kitchen is wide enough, with an extension, so we all fit inside, but there aren't enough chairs.
I see the guards bringing their own chairs, while others say they'll stand while eating to get full more easily. I laugh at that idea.
After that, we eat happily while sharing the food. It reminds me of why I miss the workers at the farm and my family. We used to be like this back in the province.
"Cath, try this!" Kyle offers.
"What's that?" I ask.
"Milkfish belly, you'll love it," he says, giving me some. We hear a heckle afterward, someone saying that we look good together.
After that, the day goes smoothly. I come to feed the huskies because Arron isn't here yet. I don't know where he went, and I never ask.
Raze leaves with his family, probably to settle the engagement party, but I don't know why Sabrina was crying before they left.
Then, afterward, I just have fun scaring myself at the mini Zoo. I tease the monkey and the lion, the latter roaring loudly as he sees me laughing and sticking my tongue out.
Today is kind of boring. We also eat dinner without waiting for Raze.
Speaking of him...
Raze is here. I see him park his car and I noticed he looks sad as he loosens his necktie. Maybe he's stressed from work.
I'm sitting on the nearby swing, enjoying its comfort.
"Catherine!" someone calls out.
"Yes?" I responded.
"Sharn is calling you!"
"Okay!" I reply, getting up to head inside.
"Mother Sharn?" I ask as I arrive at the living room.
"SeƱorito needs you, he's in his room," she says.
"Why?"
"Just don't ask! Hurry!"
"Okay!"
I head upstairs.
"SeƱorito?" I call out as I enter his room.
"Hey! I'm here!" he responds.
He's standing across from his closet, taking off his socks and now removing his coat.
"What do you need?" I ask.
"I'm tired," he replies.
"So?" I questioned.
"I need you," he says, taking a step closer. I can't even step back.
"Crazy!" I exclaim.
"What's the meaning of 'palangga ta ka'?" he asks seriously, so I suddenly laugh.
"Where did you hear that?" I ask, still laughing as I imagine Ghema's face earlier.
"Ah, downstairs. Why are you laughing? Answer me seriously!" he cuts me off.
"What's the meaning of 'palangga ta ka'?" he repeats, his voice carrying an unexpected softness.
"T-that means 'I love you,'" I stammer.
"Ah! I love you too," he answers sweetly.
"Huh? That's the English of palan--"
"Yeah! I know. I love you," he interrupts, suddenly hugging me tightly.
"This day was rough, but every time I see you, everything turns out fine. I love you, Lorence." He whispers, and I feel my heartbeat in a way it never has before.