The familiar voice has woken me, and it aroused the fear that I feel.
I was too quick to open my eyes and look at him, who was standing by the door. I got up and fixed myself at the edge of the bed and did not say a thing. After a few more minutes, two women came in.
“Fix her and make sure that she looks like what the boss likes.” It was his only words before he turned around and left the room, leaving the two women beside me.
The other one smiled politely while she approached me while the other one was busy taking out a thing in her bag.
“Miss, I am sorry, but you have to take your shower so we could prepare you. By the way, we have already ordered a meal for you, so after you take your shower, you can eat while we prepare your attire for tonight.” The woman said as she tapped my shoulder. I felt like she was sorry for me, or maybe I was just too sentimental at the moment.
I just noted and gestured to walk in the washroom when she spoke again. “I am Nadia. You can call me Nadia, because from now on I am sure that I will always be around you while this lady with me is Faby.”
I turned my gaze and smiled at the two of them before I finally walked in the shower room. Although they were kind, I don't feel the ambience of the place. Fear and the agonists are still running through my veins. I haven't figured out how to escape yet and it worries me.
When I opened the shower and the water began to fall on my body, I felt comfort. The cold water seems to remind me to come back to my senses and think cleverly.
I intended to stay under it for 10 minutes while I was figuring things out before I finally decided to shut it off and walk out the shower room and as the woman named Nadia said, the food was ready at the bedside table.
“Please suit yourself.” She said again while she was sitting at the couch near the table while sipping a cup of coffee. When I turned my gaze towards the other woman, who she introduced as Faby, she was still busy with the makeup kit right in front of her. She barely smiled ever since they came in, so I could tell that she is not the friendly type.
Following Nadia’s instruction, I went to the table and began to dig in. I have to be prepared for my plans later. While eating, I acted innocently and asked.
“I haven't seen the big boss yet. If in case later will be the very first time to meet with him. What kind is he, if you don't mind?” I asked politely.
Faby cleared her throat before she spoke fearfully. Her expression made me regret asking so I quickly followed up my question.
“Oh, sorry for asking. You don’t need to answer, I shouldn’t have asked about that.”
“Well, thank you for understanding Miss, we are really not allowed to talk about the big boss to you.:
After Nadia explained that I confirmed my guess. The boss might be someone who is so cruel, just by the expression of Nadia that I witnessed.
I continued to eat then went to brush my teeth from the made ready toiletries that I saw at the wash roam. This room is too expensive looking, I am not sure if I am in a mansion or a hotel room because I was unconscious when I was taken here, I only woke up when we arrived in front of this room where I am being locked up.
“Come and sit comfortably.” Nadia instructed when I walked out. So I did it without saying a word again.
They began to fix me while I was staring at the big mirror right in front of me. Most people around me say that I am beautiful, and I can be more presentable when I am groomed. I didn't believe them because I do not see that beauty in me. I mean, I was too busy to mind how I look. Ever since I was young, I worked so hard to help the family and to impress my parents. For me, helping financially is what gets their attention because money is all talk to them.
I didn't even hear my mom say that I am beautiful, needless to say how she looks down on me.
“You are really a Princess!” Finally, I heard the woman named Faby exclaim after I was done being fixed. I stared at her, surprised because I didn't expect her to be a little bit appreciative.
“I told you, she is really a Princess. It just needs her to be fixed.” Nadia exclaimed excitedly. They gave me smiles because for the first time we felt like someone really appreciated how I look after I was placed with makeup and dressed nicely.
I should be happy to hear that I am beautiful, and I look like a Princess, but as soon as I realized that every preparation that was made for me is for the big boss, I suddenly became sad. Sad that this beauty is only for sale.
“Smile again. I have to take a picture of you with that smile. You are so beautiful. Give me your remembrance of your first smile.” Faby requested when she noticed that I suddenly withdrew my smile. However, I couldn't take it back anymore because the filling has totally switched from being flattered to scared.
“Come on, it will just be a smile. Let her take a photo of you. It will be our only remembrance from you. Things will depend on if you stay here or not after you meet the big boss.” Nadia seconded. I was taken aback of what she said. Will I be dispatched when he doesn't like me? If that's the case, then I can leave this place if I will disgust him, right?!
Because they are kind to me, I forced a smile. What do I know if this will really be our first and last meeting? When I began to smile and realized that I had a chance to leave this place, my smile was Heartfelt, just then that the flash off the camera was released.
“You see, I told you you're too pretty when you smile. Now get yourself ready because you will be fetched in a minute.” Faby said while she put her mobile phone back in her pocket.
Nadia came near me too and held my hand before she said sincerely.
“Good luck… We'll pray for you. Try your very best to impress the big boss and never ever plan to run away or escape because you will be in a bad shape. Many women have done that already, and we haven't heard from them since they left this mansion!”
I was frozen when I heard Nadia. What does she mean that they haven't heard from anyone? Does that mean that I am not the only woman who was taken here forcibly by the beat bosses’ men?
My eyes opened wide fearfully. I didn't expect those reminders from the makeup woman, Nadia. When I glanced at Faby beside her, her face was gloomy as well, and it gave me creeps even more!
What the hell am I into?!
All their kindness has suddenly turned into a nightmare for me. They obviously know something that I don't know so I pulled courage and answered back.“Did you mean that it was not only me who was taken here? What happened to those women when the big boss didn't like them?”Before they were able to answer, the door was pushed open, and a familiar man came in.“Come on, the big boss is waiting for you in his room!” I clearly heard him say that the big boss is waiting for me, so this means that I am ready to be served to a monster.I heaved a sigh before I turned to him and faked a smile. I don't know what will happen, but I will do all my might to escape from the hands of the big boss!I stood up and followed him towards the room where he was headed. While I was taking every step, my heartbeat raced. But I am adamant to my plan. However, we suddenly heard a loud scream from a man at the door fronting us. It came from a man who seemed to be in pain. My eyes were wide open because I wa
I quickly nodded as soon as I heard Arnold, I didn't want to offend him. My only goal now is to be able to get out of this building and find my way from that.“I promise I won't run away. You can send me your man if you don't trust me. They can tail me all they want.” I added just to convince him.“That is not the order of the big boss. You are free to go because we have your family as the collateral just in case you think of running away.”I smiled in my heart when I heard him. For me, that is an indication that I can finally set my feet off at this place and disappear!“The big boss doesn't want to see you in your old clothes, so he ordered that he take everything in that closet with you.”I know that before he gestured the two ladies with me to pack the clothes. I didn't disagree because I just wanted to get out. That's it.After a few more minutes everything was ready, so the driver showed me the way to the vehicle and drove me home. When we arrived at the driveway, I asked the dr
Not only me, but even me, Celestine was scared that her employer would arrive in 30 minutes. I cannot think of a way to help her make an alibi for my presence, so I slumped on the floor and held my head. My brain is so empty that I couldn't think of a solution.“OK. Your arrival is just in time. Anyway, since you didn't come last summer and I was not able to go home to the Philippines, I will tell my boss that you will be here in replacement for me. What do you think about that?” Miss Celestine suddenly suggested. That surprised me even more. If that's the case and our employer will agree to her, then that means that I couldn't go to the Philippines as well. And my very main purpose for hiding here is just to buy some time to live as soon as possible.“Madeline, tell me something… We have to go out and meet the sir once he arrives.” She urged me so I nodded abruptly. What can I do if I don't say yes rather than I will be sent out of this mansion, then I don't have any place to go.“OK
“Sir, please don't be mad at me. I decided without informing you, but of course, you still have the say in this matter. There is an emergency back home and I had to call Miss Madeline to substitute for me for three months because I have to go home. I hope that I get your approval.” Miss Celestine’s voice was shaking, but I know that she was used to the boss already, so she already knows how to speak with him in a convincing manner.“Even if you had to go home, who gave you the permission to choose on my behalf? I don't even know this woman.”The sir in front of us was a little bit frozen when he turned his gaze toward me. Our eyes met. I was frightened, so I quickly withdrew my eyes from him and stared at the floor, bowing my head. I am praying in my heart that he will agree for me to stay here. Miss Celestine has already taken the sacrifice of volunteering to leave for me. Although she has an important matter at home, I didn't expect her to lie about the emergency that she has to att
The first time he talked about my clothes, I was insulted. I know that I wear cheap clothes but look at him. Anyway, who am I to disagree with him? I am just a new employee who just signed a contract that I have not even read. Well, who knows if clothing is one of its contents of it? I'd better just shut it and not argue about it since he is my boss.I forced a smile and nodded as I finally stepped out of his study room. Only then that I was able to breathe freely. I calmed myself before I started to look for me, Celestine.“Over here!” She took my attention. Miss Celestine was seated in the garden area of the mansion. She was with a gardener, chatting, probably waiting for me. I walked fast to approach them, then sat beside her with a heavy heart.“How did it go?” She excitedly inquired, but I was in no mood to share what just happened. I didn't speak for a few moments then said with a frown afterward.“I signed the contract.”“Well, what was in the contract? Was he not joking that I
Miss Celestine quickly hugged me and walked away without looking back. I wiped my tears as I watched her walk away.This time facing the reality that I will be left alone with our arrogant boss of ours.“You're having a lot of dramas there. It's time to come here and be familiarized with my medication schedules.”I heard him. Yes, he was already instructing me to begin my work. I shrugged the idea of pitying myself, then walked upstairs where he was seated in his wheelchair staring at me. His eyes were too sharp looking at the prey. This is the reality and I have to accept it.When I was already standing in front of him, I waited for another instruction.“What are you looking at? Why don't you push me towards my bedroom?” He nailed it again this time. This man is the cruelest I’ve ever met in my entire life. Not to mention my father who sold me, of course, he was the very reason why I'm here right now!“I am sorry, Sir. It is just that I am not familiar with the things that I need to
I was very scared and confused but I tried to reach for his medicine to give him to drink. I easily positioned him before reaching for his pill."Please open your mouth, sir." Scared but I still ordered him.After he yawned and swallowed the medicine, he closed his eyes, and because I wasn't satisfied that the medicine would help him, I decided to call an ambulance."What are you doing?" Even though he was weak, he still managed to sneeze after noticing that I reached for my cell phone from my pocket."Ah, I was going to call an ambulance sir, we'll be surer when the doctors take a look at you," I answered with concern.He pulled one of my hands before speaking again. "Don't lead me on, wait ten minutes and I'll be fine. Don't ever take me to the hospital because I won't like it."Because of his scary look, I just nodded in obedience, I was nervous because after he told me, he closed his eyes again and didn't move. "Sir?" I patted him but he seemed to have lost consciousness. After a
Even though he is sick, he is undeniably handsome except for the fact that he doesn't know how to smile and always seems to be hot-headed."What are you just standing there? Are you going to stare at me only?""Sorry, sir.""Are you feeling okay, sir? Do you need anything?""I just want to drink water.""Okay sir, I'll take it. Sorry!"I immediately went down and got some water. My hands are still shaking. Why am I panicking, especially when the boss is looking at me?My gosh! Madeline, you will lose this job if you will not concentrate. Remember when you get kicked out of here you have nowhere to run and you will be seen by the person who bought you. This always plays on my mind."Here’s your water, sir.""You can go out," he answered.I just bowed and immediately went out. I walked into the garden to get some fresh air. I'm crazy thinking about what I should do especially since Celestine is not here to come with me. Suddenly, I thought of my family. I’m sure they will be angry
GINO'S POVNine months later......This is the second time I've seen Hanna give birth. She has now given birth to the carrier of my bloodline. And I think I fell in love with her again, even though she looks extremely tired. She's still the most beautiful woman on earth for me, and of course, my Rain. Speaking of the second most beautiful girl on earth, she is being taken care of by Janice. They are at Greensouth. We took Janice back one week after the wedding so that she could help Hanna take care of Rain. Because of me, I can't be a full-time stay-at-home dad to help her because after the wedding, dad asked me to work in the company. He said that no one else would inherit it but me and my future children, so I should prioritize that over my bar and resort. But the bar and resorts are still open. I hired someone to manage them and report to me. I still visit them when I have time. "Because our child is a boy, Rainbow doesn't suit him," Hanna said as she looked up at me. The doctor wa
HANNA'S POVWe were planning to go out of the country with Gino for our honeymoon. Just the two of us. But it seems unlikely to happen because now that he can speak, Rain doesn't want to be separated from him. Since we were at the reception in a well-known restaurant here in Greensouth to celebrate our wedding and his birthday, Rain didn't want to let go of Gino. He didn't want to come down. He wanted Gino to carry him all the time and kept asking questions. He wouldn't stop asking questions. Gino was running out of answers because every time he answered, Rain would ask why again. "Dayyie, where are we going?" "Yes, baby." "Where?" "To another country, baby." "Why, dayyie?" "So we can talk." "Why?" "Because I want to talk to you. And I want to tell you I love you and I miss you." "Why, dayyie?" "Because I love you." "Do you love mommy too?" "Yes. Very much. Both of you." "Why?" "Of course." "Why didn't you tell me and mommy right away that we're going to another country?" "Because I w
HANNA'S POV After getting dressed and having my makeup retouched, I decided to peek through the back door, despite feeling nervous, to catch a glimpse of the event happening in the neighboring house. Phoenix had mentioned that the venue was right in front of Gino's house, a beach wedding. He also said that Gino had decided on a beach wedding and chose to have it here in Greensouth since this was where we met again after two years. I didn't open the door too much, just enough to see them outside. I was even more nervous because everything was in place. Everything was perfect. The first thing I noticed was the white carpet below my deck, leading to the venue. The carpet was scattered with pink rose petals. Pink, because that's the motif I saw. Maybe he remembered that pink is my favorite color. The chairs were also adorned with pink ribbons, and in the middle, there was the place where Gino and I would be seated. It looked like an open booth with a neatly arranged pink and thin curtain,
HANNA'S POVWe left Jake's studio without Phoenix even bothering to help me change. I was already wearing the wedding gown that I liked the most, which was also for the final shoot. I asked him earlier if I could just change at my house, but he didn't agree. He said it would be a waste of time. He wanted us to start shooting as soon as we arrived. He said we needed to hurry because not only was my husband and child waiting for me, but he was too. Especially since Kia was used to having him at home. We arrived at Greensouth at two o'clock. We were still using Phoenix's car. There were three cars in a row because we also had the cameramen, makeup artist, and some organizers with us. The cars parked right in front of my house, except for Phoenix's car, which I drove inside the yard. I had the key to my house, so as soon as I opened it, I invited them in. We were going to pass through the back of my house to get to the beach. "Your house is really nice," Phoenix said, nodding as he looked
I woke up in Gino's room, but I was alone in bed. Rain and Gino were not there. I looked out the window and saw that it was already bright outside. When I checked the time on my cell phone, it was already seven in the morning. They must have gone out. Instead of getting out of bed, I paused for a moment to reflect on what happened last night. Gino and I finished what we were doing in the other room at three in the morning. I still feel the soreness in my body and the lingering sensation between my thighs. After we finished in the early hours, we quickly showered before joining Rain in bed. I ended up in the middle of them last night instead of Rain. I don't know why Gino did that. He said he wanted to hug me. And when he hugged me, he also reached Rain to hug her because his arms are long. When Rain is in the middle, he finds it difficult to reach me. I smiled as I got out of bed and went straight to the bathroom to do my morning routine. Even though his voice hasn't fully returned, I
She stood there for several minutes, still looking at my hand holding her wrist. She wasn't looking up at my face. We were both shivering, our breath coming out in white puffs due to the cold weather, compounded by the fact that we were right by the sea. And then it hit me. Hanna had been holding in the emotions of my absence for three long months, and my return had opened the floodgates. I knew what it felt like when emotions, bubbling to the surface, made you feel sick, out of control - I knew better than anyone. But now, I'm back. And now it was my turn to be strong for her. Now, I was finally able. I brought my hands up and signed, "Let's go inside, babe. It's cold out here." "In the three months that you forgot about me... did you have someone else? Another woman?" Her eyes were still red. I leaned in and spoke with my hands right against her body, looking into her eyes as she glanced between my face and my hands. "Since the day Rain was born, you and her have been the only women
HANNA'S POVMy heart leaped into my throat, and I let out a loud gasp, bringing my hands to my mouth. Pure happiness filled every cell in my body as I saw him standing there, looking like a god. He seemed somehow taller, bigger, exuding an authority he didn't have before, yet still retaining that beautiful gentleness in his eyes. I blinked, mesmerized. His dark hair was longer, curling over his collar, and he was dressed in a black suit and tie with a light-colored dress shirt. His shoulders appeared even broader, his frame larger, and his beauty more intense. I drank in his appearance, my heart beating triple times. I vaguely noticed that people were watching us as I took a step toward him, and he moved toward me, as if we were being drawn together like magnets by a force neither of us could control. The people on the dance floor made way for him, and I stood waiting. The lights twinkled around me, and the music swelled as Gino approached me on the dance floor. When he reached me, we
HANNA'S POVThe days dragged by. My heart felt like it had cracked open and lay heavy in my chest, and the tears constantly threatened. But I tried to avoid crying whenever Rain was around or when he was still awake, because I didn't want him to worry. Especially when Gino left without saying goodbye one morning, I was caught crying in the living room by Rain, I didn't realize he was awake and had come down from his bed alone. He was worried and asked me why I was crying. He also asked where his daddy was. And all I could tell him was, "He's gone for a while, son. He's looking for his voice. Once he comes back, he'll have his voice again," even though I wasn't sure if his voice would come back. I missed him so badly that most days I felt like I was underwater- looking at the world around me and wondering why I couldn't connect, why everyone and everything was cloudy and distant, inaccessible. Even at work, I couldn't focus, I was always absent-minded. Because I worried, too what was h
HANNA'S POVI took advantage of the opportunity when Gino was in the bathroom taking a shower. I grabbed his black leather pouch, which was quite large, from the top of the bedside table. He only brought that when he arrived here last week. I didn't notice it right away because he left it in the car. He only took it out the next morning. The one time he opened it, I didn't see much of the contents because I was leaving the room at that time. I caught a glimpse of it and saw what looked like a charger wire. I didn't see the other content.While Rain was asleep in our bed, I took the pouch and sat on the edge of the bed to open it. Inside, I found an iPhone charger and some medicine bottles. There were three bottles of ascorbic acid. I had seen these before at Greensouth, on top of his refrigerator. But back then, I didn't pay attention because I thought they were just vitamins. But now, I wanted to open them. When I opened the bottles, I found different contents. And I don't think thes