I am currently at the house of my friend Thes. Therese Catalina Rivanez. She has a pet house as one of her many businesses. For now, I will entrust my furbabies to her. It's sad, but I have no choice but to have them taken care of here for a while.
"How many pets do you have, Tangi?" she asked me.
"I have 3 cats and 4 dogs. They are well-behaved. They're not a handful. I raised them well, so they're obedient," I said.
Thes raised an eyebrow at my statement.
"Their mom is stubborn and mischievous, I don't believe it," she replied. I rolled my eyes at her.
"She handed me a form, and I glanced at it.
"Fill them out, and also indicate when you'll be picking them up. Because you're my friend, you'll get a discount."
I smiled at her. I took my pen from my bag and started filling out the form. I didn't really want to do this, but I couldn't bring my babies with me.
"Where are you going, Tangi? This is the first time you're leaving your furbabies with me, huh?" Thes asked.
"Just going on a two-month vacation far away. I'm nearing my sentence," I said, and handed her the completed form.
"Sentence?" she inquired.
I nodded, "My dad found a man for me to marry. You know me, Thes, my life is already good with my pets, but dad won't agree. If I insist on not getting married, he'll send me to the States. What about my furbabies? And my businesses here in the Philippines?"
Thes placed the form inside an envelope and tucked it into her drawer.
"He really wants you to get married, huh? Well, I understand that he wants you to have a stable life and someone to take care of you. But I didn't expect he'd actually find someone for you, huh? Your dad is getting impatient," Thes said with a chuckle.
Now it was my turn to raise an eyebrow. Indeed, my dad was quite persistent. I initially thought I'd have to find a man I could get along with to introduce to him, but it turns out he already had someone in mind.
Not only that, but he's already talked to the guy and his parents.
By the way, what's the name of this guy again?
"Oh, I have a meeting to attend to, Tangi. I'll head out first, and I'll have my staff pick up your pets, alright?" Thes said as she stood up.
I also got up, "Oh, they're already in my car; I'll just bring them in."
I bid farewell to my babies. It hurt, but I needed to make sacrifices for our better future. I needed to find flaws in the man my dad wants me to marry. I need to win to pursue the things I want to do in life.
Go and do it!
After leaving my furbabies at Thes's pet house, I headed to the main branch of my flower shop. I named my flower shop "Tinatangi," and it now has three branches.
I've always had a fondness for flowers since I was a child. I inherited it from my mom, so when my dad asked me what kind of business I wanted, I didn't hesitate to say a flower shop.
Dad invested in me, and I grew my business. My siblings supported me as well, leading to the recognition of Tinatangi and the establishment of two more branches.
"Don't worry, Ma'am Tangi, we won't let the flower shop down while you're on vacation," Alma, my manager, assured me.
"Oh, thank you! I'll call you from time to time when I have the chance, but it won't be too often because I want to make the most of my vacation," I told them.
Once I was sure I had given all the necessary instructions, I went back to my own house. I acquired my own place when Tinatangi opened its second branch. My dad didn't want to agree to it back then; he said I, as the youngest, should stay in our mansion. But one of my siblings was there, and because I was Mom's favorite, she helped me convince Dad to get my own place.
I'm happy with my life, and I always tell my parents that. But Dad is really persistent. He wants me to have my own family, which I don't see in the future. I can't envision myself having a spouse and children. I am happy now, and it's difficult because Dad can't understand me.
"Where is it?" I rolled my eyes in my room. I was looking for the simple house clothes I had bought. I couldn't bring the clothes I had here because they were all branded. My plan would be ruined if anyone saw those.
I bought simple house clothes for my plan. One by one, I put them in the bag I bought at Taytay yesterday.
There really is no turning back now...
I needed to change Dad's mind, and that would only happen if I could prove that the guy he wanted me to marry had a bad character.
"I don't know why Dad holds that guy in such high regard," I muttered to myself as I placed my panties inside the bag. Even my adult panties had a Hello Kitty design. But anyway, it's cute.
But when you think about it, the guy Dad wants for me is also wealthy. Like Dad, he's a billionaire too. I still remember what he said yesterday.
"We have many senior businessmen who admire Rozzean for her skill in handling businesses, especially in negotiations, Tangi. She is the youngest among the successful ones I know. That's why I chose her for you. I haven't made a mistake in my entire life, so I'm sure about her, my child," he said.
But he didn't ask me if I was sure.
Anyway... I also read in the paper that he's a CEO. But I'm not really impressed by wealthy men. We're wealthy too. Besides, I can make my own money. I don't like the idea of marrying someone rich to buy me the things I want. I have my own money for my indulgences.
"Okay! I'm ready!"
I said goodbye to Dad and Mom, telling them I was going on vacation to Palawan. They won't be looking for me. Besides, what Dad knows is that I asked for two months to enjoy a vacation before facing the guy he wants me to marry.
But he doesn't know I'll be visiting Rozzean.
I need to get into his house and find out about his activities. Dirty ones.
I need to know if he's truly a good guy, because I believe there's no single man who doesn't fool around with women, especially if he's a billionaire. He has a lot of money.
I've read that in novels. Billionaires are into s/x! It's impossible for him not to have women at his side and bring them to his mansion.
And when I gather evidence that he's a womanizer and has many women, I'll go home and show it to Dad.
That way, I can get the freedom I want.
You're really smart and clever, Tangi!
"What do you need here, miss?"I glanced at the guard. I knew I couldn't just enter this village easily, and it seemed like wealthy people lived here. I was about to walk past, but then he spoke. The guard seemed friendly. Could I charm him?"Uh, well... I heard that Mr. Valleje's house is here. I was planning to apply as a maid," I said.The guard stepped down and approached me. I took a step back and tightened the cloth tied around my head. My disguise seemed fine; I had checked myself multiple times in the mirror before leaving home.I was wearing a skirt that went past my knees, black socks, and flowery rubber shoes I had bought from a woman I saw in Taytay yesterday. She said she couldn't sell them, so I bought them.I was also wearing a long-sleeved shirt. It was hot, but I could endure it rather than exposing my smooth arms. I didn't want anyone to believe I was poor and looking for work."Is Mr. Valleje looking for a maid?" the Guard asked his companion.Oh no, I didn't think
I can't move. I can feel him behind me. As I'm about to leave, I see out of the corner of my eye that he's reaching for the towel on the sofa. Oh my, I think I might have a heart attack. If I get accepted as his maid, it looks like my blood pressure will always be high because of him."So, tell me..."Why is this man undressed?! He's not wearing any underwear! Nothing at all!"How old are you?" I heard him ask. But due to the shock, I couldn't immediately respond. My hands covered my eyes, and I wasn't moving at all. It felt like a moment ago when I saw his jolly massive hotdog, my soul briefly left my body.So, that's what it looks like.But is it a normal size?I don't know! It's the first time I've seen a hotdog! I haven't even watched adult films! What do I know about hotdog sizes?!"You seemed surprised. How old are you?""Y-Yes, Sir Hotdog?" I was shocked when he spoke again, and I didn't even realize what I had just said. What the hell, Thaliana Tangi! I swallowed hard. I coul
"What did you say?"I raised one hand and flashed a peace sign at him when I saw the anger forming on his face. Seriously, my dad said he's a good person?! Why is he getting mad so quickly?!"I-I was just joking, sir. You don't seem to have a sense of humor! H-hehe..."I lowered my hand and clasped them together."Don't worry, sir. I will never develop feelings for you. You're not my type anyway. I prefer guys with chinito features, and you're not chinito. Besides, you're kind of scary," I said.Especially that hotdog of yours. It looked like it was ready to attack at any moment."By the way, I am Rozzean Cyron Valleje. I just want to clear things before I accept you, Tali—what I mean is I want that rule in my house clear to you," he said.I nodded and smiled. I gave him a thumbs-up, which I quickly lowered when I saw no reaction from him.I'll note down in my notebook later the good and bad about him, I need to note his attitude! But of course, I prefer to write down the bad things a
I squeezed myself tightly and even leaned back just to avoid getting too close to Rozzean in front of me. Apparently, he tasted the dish I cooked using his finger. But did it have to be in this position?Take a deep breath, Tangi. Don't let that guy affect you. You're here in his house to investigate, you can't fall for his trap. It looks like he's testing my patience and checking if I'm interested, just like the helpers he kicked out."Sir, if you're hungry, I'll prepare something for you," I politely said.He stepped back. I breathed a sigh of relief. Does he really walk around his house without anything on his upper body?"Where's Selya?" he asked me."She's probably outside," I replied while scooping rice for him. I also served the viand.I felt uneasy. It's as if he's watching my every move.I opened the refrigerator and took out some juice. I poured it into a pitcher and placed it on the island counter. I could see Rozzean from the corner of my eye, closely observing me. He had
Time passed, and Rozzean didn't come out of the room again. It was eight o'clock in the evening, and I had already cooked dinner. I asked Manang what he might want for dinner, and she said that our boss's favorite is "Tinolang Manok", a famous Filipino-style chicken soup.So I immediately cooked it. However, he still hasn't come downstairs. It's tiring to go up to his room because this house is so huge.Now I'm here in the living room with Manang. We're watching a show on TV. It's good that we are allowed to do this; not all housemaids have this privilege."Manang, how about you? Haven't you eaten yet?" I asked her.I was starting to feel hungry. I haven't had lunch. I had forgotten to eat before leaving my house."I won't eat until Sir eats," she replied.I pursed my lips. Was that Rozzean's rule?But to be honest, I have already noticed a few things about him in the few hours I've been here.First, he had a short temper, which isn't really good for me, because I have pets who can be
After we finished checking the appliances, they were still plugged in and closed all the windows and doors. Manang told me that I could finally rest. But when I went up to the second floor, I glanced at the stairs leading to the third floor---the master's bedroom. Rozzean."He still hasn't come down to eat," I said to myself.I took a deep breath and went to my room. Manang's room was far from mine, downstairs, so I couldn't chat with her now, and I would ask the things I wanted to know about this house tomorrow.I became curious about what she said, that perhaps sadness might be the reason why Rozzean has so many plants here. Like, it's his therapy."Why would he be sad?" I thought. In reality, this house is huge and beautiful. It's a dream house for many, and he has so much money. He can buy whatever he wants. What could be the reason for him to be sad?"Wait, why am I even thinking about this?"I stood up and headed to the bathroom in my room, but before that, I made sure to lock t
He looked away from me and glanced in another direction. I followed his gaze and immediately stood up when I understood what he was trying to convey. There was another room connected to this one. I walked towards it. When I saw clothes, shoes, watches, and jewelry, I was truly amazed. This man is incredibly organized!I quickly grabbed some black clothing. His casual wear consisted mainly of black, gray, and white. When I returned, I approached him."Sir, please put this on," I said, placing the clothes on the edge of the bed. His eyes were closed."Are you going to sleep again, sir?""D-Do you... c-can you... help... me... dress?" I heard him say, even though it was faint.He's already sick, and yet he's still so grumpy!He sat up and leaned against the headboard of the bed. When he was about to get his clothes to put them on, I saw that he was having difficulty lifting both of his arms. I took a deep breath and approached, kneeling on the bed and reaching out to take the clothes fro
I suddenly woke up when I heard a loud noise. I rubbed my eyes and sat up, trying to locate the source of the sound. It wasn't the same cellphone that Rozzean used to call me last night.The sound resembled that of an alarm clock."Where is it?"As I looked around, I spotted the source of the noise. I let out a sigh of relief and climbed onto the chair. The time was displayed clearly; it seemed like there was an alarm in each room, and it was already five o'clock.It was earlier than my usual wake-up time. I usually woke up at six and then went to Tinatangi at eight to tend to the flowers.I turned off the alarm clock, went to the bathroom, and washed my face. While I was drying my face, I couldn't help but think about what happened last night.I wonder how he's doing now. Is he still sick?"He looks pitiful when he's sick, but when he's not, he looks like a demon with that attitude."I took a deep breath and began brushing my teeth. I needed to get ready; Manang Selya was probably aw