CHAPTER 1

“Karen! Karen!” shouted Ms. Bridget Augustus as she rushed down the grand staircase of their mansion. Despite being in her silk pajamas, she looked stunning, like she had just wrapped up a luxury photoshoot for a high-end brand. Well, with her half-American lineage, who wouldn’t? She had the kind of beauty that turned heads—a face that could launch ships, as they say, and a body so graceful even the stars might fall for her. But her beauty came with a sharp attitude, one that scared people away. Employees walked on eggshells around her, and no one stayed long in her employment. Honestly, you’d think she was the reincarnation of a tiger, cursed by some forest goddess to live among humans but never learn how to chill and relax. It seems like she had a disaster running through her spine.

“ Karen! Where have you been? I’m going to be late! Get my stuff ready and call Bado to prepare the car!” she snapped, her voice cutting through the air like a whip.

In the kitchen, Manang Karen, who had been arranging a tray of freshly cooked breakfast, froze. She quickly wiped her hands on her apron, grabbed Bridget’s designer bag, and hurried to the bottom of the stairs. Her face was a mix of fear and apology. “H-here, Ma’am Bridget... So-sorry,” she said, handing over the bag. Bridget, however, wasn’t interested in apologies.

Snatching her bag, Bridget glared at her watch. “Ugh! Where’s Bado?! What’s taking him so long?”

Manang Karen hesitated, then bit her lip before answering. “Ay, Ma’am, sorry for not informing you sonner. I forgot to tell you about Bado’s absence today. His wife’s in the hospital—she’s about to give birth.”

Bridget froze mid-step, one manicured eyebrow arching high. “What?! Ugh, Manang Karen, why did you let him take a leave? His personal problems are not my problem! Now, I’m going to be late! This is so unprofessional!”

Manang Karen looked like she wanted the ground to swallow her whole. “I-I’m sorry…” she muttered, bowing her head.

“Call him and tell him he’s fired, okay? Ugh!” Bridget barked, grabbing her oversized sunglasses from the coffee table. “And give me the car keys! I’ll drive myself. This day is already a disaster!”

Manang Karen fumbled with the keys in her apron pocket and handed them over. “Take care, Ma’am Bridget,” she said softly, though Bridget was already halfway out the door.

Bridget marched to the driveway, her heels clicking against the marble floor. The sleek, black sports car waiting for her was a testament to her wealth and status. She slipped into the driver’s seat, adjusted her sunglasses, and revved the engine. Even in a hurry, she oozes elegance, her designer coat flowing as she sped down the driveway.

But as soon as she hit the city traffic, her frustration boiled over. “Ugh! Can’t anyone do their job properly? Their works are so simple, and yet they manage to mess things up! If this keeps up, I’m seriously moving back to the States!” she muttered, gripping the steering wheel tightly.

Reaching for her phone, she quickly dialed her secretary. “Katty, call the Red Publication Company and tell Don Francisco I’ll be late. Make sure he waits,” she said curtly.

“Uh, Ma’am Bridget,” Katty replied nervously, “you know how strict Don Francisco is about time, right?”

Bridget rolled her eyes. “I don’t care, Katty. Just handle it! Ugh, this traffic is unbelievable.”

“Yes, Ma’am. I’ll take care of it,” Katty answered quickly.

“You better,” Bridget snapped before hanging up. She exhaled sharply and turned on her favorite classical music playlist, trying to calm her nerves.

“This meeting is crucial,” she thought. “I can’t afford to mess this up.”

Bridget wasn’t just a CEO; she was the face of K Newspapers and Magazines, a media empire known worldwide. At only 28, she had built her company’s reputation with sheer determination, but the weight of her responsibilities was immense. Her family was back in the States, leaving her alone in the Philippines to manage everything. And as much as she hated to admit it, there were moments when she felt the crushing loneliness behind all her success.

By the time she reached her office, the tension was visible in her every step. Employees scrambled to look busy as she strode through the lobby, her high heels clicking on the polished floor. The energy in the building was at its peak—department heads were gathered for a high-stakes meeting.

Inside the conference room, Don Francisco and other executives from the Red Publication Company were already seated. The room fell silent as she entered, her commanding presence impossible to ignore.

“I apologize for being late,” she said, adjusting her coat and bag. Her tone was calm, though her exhaustion showed. “The traffic was horrendous. Well anyways, let’s get started.”

As the presentation began, Bridget transformed into the epitome of professionalism. Gone was the fiery, impatient boss from earlier. In her place was a confident, articulate leader who commanded the room with ease. She delivered her points with precision, her arguments backed by flawless data. Even Don Francisco, known for being hard to impress, nodded in approval several times.

When the meeting ended, she let out a sigh of relief. She had nailed it, securing a crucial partnership for her company. But the victory felt oddly hollow.

Later, she stood on the rooftop of the building, a coffee cup in hand. The city skyline stretched out before her, a breathtaking view she barely noticed.

“Being successful is harder than I thought,” she murmured. “Everyone expects me to be perfect, but no one ever asks if I am okay.”

Her phone buzzed. It was Manang Karen.

“Hello, Manang Karen. What is it now?” Kyla asked, her voice softer than earlier but still impatient.

“Ma’am Bridget, sorry to bother you, but I just wanted to let you know—Kuya Bado’s wife gave birth to a healthy baby boy,” Manang Karen said.

She paused, her expression unreadable. “Really, Manang Karen? And I’m supposed to celebrate this after the mess he caused this morning?” she snapped. “Tell him he’s fired. And start looking for a replacement. I need someone reliable.”

“Yes, Ma’am…” Manang Karen replied, her voice shaking slightly.

Bridget ended the call with a sigh, rubbing her temples. “This is why I hate relying on people,” she muttered.

Back in her office, she called for her secretary. “Katty, check my schedule for the rest of the day.”

Katty scanned the planner on her tablet. “The meeting’s done, Ma’am Bridget. You’re free for the rest of the day.”

“Good,” She replied, standing up and grabbing her sunglasses and coat. “If anyone asks, tell them I’m busy.”

As she stepped into her car and sped away from the office, Bridget couldn’t help but wonder if all her success was worth it. Sure, she had everything—a thriving business, a luxurious lifestyle, and unmatched beauty. But deep down, she knew something was missing.

Maybe it was family. Maybe it was someone who truly understood her. Or maybe, just maybe, it was the simple warmth of people who didn’t fear her but genuinely cared for her. Or maybe she just wanted more.