POV: ErickaIt's been a month since she last talked to Monte. It's also been a month since she last saw Señor. She hasn't been home to their mansion; she has enough things in her house. It feels like she committed a grave mistake. Señor doesn't answer her calls, and even Monte only communicates with her through calls.What did she do to make her life this quiet? Tears fell as she typed on the computer. Her body slumped from working too much. Up until now, she's still contemplating Monte's offer. "Ten million, Ericka, not including your monthly allowance of fifty thousand as my wife. You'll handle my money, and every year that we're together, I'll add ten million for you. You'll also receive a salary because you'll still be working. I know you're not easily enticed by money since you already have some, but this assistance you're giving me, I owe it to you. The money is just a form of consolation.""You will have rights to everything because Grandfather won't be deceived. You'll get th
POV: MonteHe really thought Ericka had already accepted Bernard's proposal. He thought Bernard was just showing off, but he didn't realize his friend was genuinely serious about Ericka. That explained why Bernard wasn't entertaining advances from others. Love indeed works in mysterious ways. Perhaps if he and Ericka ever break up, they could end up together. Bernard is a good person, and Ericka is caring. If he didn't need the girl's help, he would have supported their relationship.It's really a complicated situation. His grandfather, being old, had Ericka in mind. If not Almira, whom they know, especially his grandfather, then who else could be his wife?The wife of his grandfather's assistant visited their house when he was just ten years old, while Montana was only nine. Back then, Ericka was seven, a chubby and lively child with a brown complexion. Her crooked teeth looked peculiar, and he didn't know where they came from. All he knew was that his grandfather was close to Ericka
POV: ErickaShe's nervous about what Monte said. What if señor rejects her? Or scolds her? What will she do? She finds herself lost in deep thought.Señor is kind, but he dislikes being deceived. What if he discovers that everything is just an act? But she can't bring herself to disappoint Monte. She suddenly hesitates.Her thoughts are interrupted when Marie calls."Ma'am, there's a call from the salon, they said they want to speak to you, Sir is asking you to call back.""Thank you, Miss Marie." She glances at the clock; it's already three. The phone rings again, "Oh, hello, Miss Marie?" her voice sounding a bit irritated."Hi, Ericka. Seems like you're not in a good mood, huh?""Monica?" she's surprised. "Why didn't you contact my private number?"Can I come in?"Oh, come in," she laughs.The door opens, revealing a goddess-like woman. She confidently approaches, followed by two flamboyant assistants."Just place the stuff on the sofa," the woman orders. "Start assembling what we'l
POV: MonteHe's excited. Before leaving Ericka earlier, he told her he'd pick her up and formally introduce her to his grandfather as his girlfriend. Many thoughts are swirling in his mind:Did Monica successfully help Ericka prepare?What will be the outcome of Monica's efforts?This girl will be in trouble if she couldn't accomplish what he asked her to do. She charged him a hefty amount. What will she do with the money? She's not in need. He wondered to himself.Monica has been his friend since grade school, along with her cousin Bernard; they've been close friends. They all studied hard to be classmates.Their friendship is purely platonic. He never thought of having a romantic relationship with Monica; she's quite boyish.*flashback*High school. They have a JS prom. He's a bit distant because Monica and Bernard, who are neighbors, are going together. As he's about to leave the gate, they bump into Almira, all dressed up. She steps out of the backseat after the driver opens the d
POV: Ericka"Monica, do I look okay?" she asked."Absolutely! You look gorgeous, right, girls?" The girl turned to her fellow friends."Absolutely, madam," they chorused."Have some self-confidence; you're way more beautiful than Almira. Maybe that's why that girl is so insecure around you," Monica said."That seems a bit much," she blushed at the comment."What happened?" she asked."That girl suddenly went abroad and never came back.""Oh?" she seemed saddened. "Why though?""Some speculations circled, Almira and her gang threatened her, so she decided to keep her distance. Rumor has it she was paid a hefty sum.""I never heard about that," she pondered."They didn't allow gossip to spread outside the campus, and you were still in boarding school back then.""Ah, that explains it... What's her name?""Lovie de Luna.""Have you tried searching for her online?""Nothing comes up... maybe out of fear. It's tough for them, so they don't fight back like you do."She fell silent. If that'
Monte rushed up to the office to pick up Ericka. He had a diamond ring and a necklace in hand. He nervously entered the elevator, noticing only the cleaning staff inside.As he opened the door, he caught Monica and Ericka in an embrace, looking like a couple. They were surprised to see him.They quickly separated and laughed. Monte, with a furrowed brow, asked, "What's going on here?"Monica replied, "Nothing, we're just happy. Stand up, Ericka."Ericka followed Monica, slightly turning away from Monte. When she faced him, he was awestruck. Was this really Ericka, or an angel descended from heaven? A definition of beauty beyond any painter's skill.He gazed at her from head to toe, swallowing hard. He hadn't expected her to be this stunning, the woman he spent the whole day with at the office. He was speechless, his heart pounding."Is my appearance okay?" Ericka asked."Hhhmmmm.. ye...yes... I mean, yeah..." he stammered."So, was the amount you paid worth it?" Monica proudly inquire
Ericka's heart pounded heavily. It felt like she couldn't move as Monte's face slowly approached hers. She closed her eyes tightly. The elevator suddenly made a relieving sound, and she couldn't quite understand it, but it seemed to disappoint her. Do I want to kiss him? It's embarrassing. She scolded herself. Just stop it, you're being too forward. You might end up falling for him, and then he'll just deceive you.Monte guided her towards his car. She wondered why Mang Arturo wasn't there."Uh, sir... I mean Monte, where's Mang Arturo?""I drove alone. I want to talk to you, just the two of us.""Uh... What are we going to talk about?""About us."And there, they began weaving their stories – how they fell for each other, the courtship, the start of their relationship, and much more. Remembering was easy for her; each milestone aligned with their birthdays.As the car moved, they delved into conversations about everything. Favorite activities and foods were already known to each othe
POV: MonteHe teased his friends, who had also grown close to Ericka, making them believe that a genuine wedding was about to take place. It was true, but only on paper. He brought them to their house and assisted in the preparations.Ericka's hands were noticeably cold as he held them. She shared every detail about the two of them. This woman had a sharp memory, making it easy for her to recall everything.He guided her into their home, planning to surprise her as his grandfather, now able to walk, enjoyed his meal. Observing her happiness during the meal, he sensed the joy Ericka felt. After they finished eating, she excused herself to the restroom. Casually, he followed and engaged in a conversation."Anyway, we've discussed everything," he whispered."Yeah, I know," she replied.They kept their mouths close to each other's ears to avoid being overheard. To their surprise, someone spoke up."Hey, what are you two doing there?" Monica's voice interrupted. "There's a meeting, not a h