CHAPTER 6

Vera’s Point of View

As I opened the door, I was greeted by an array of clothing neatly arranged, each outfit seemingly tailored to its proper place.

"What style are you aiming for?" I asked, peeking at the branded polo shirts one by one. You really feel like saying 'I wish I had it all' when you see Ares' clothes and belongings up close.

"That polo shirt you're holding, is that good?" he inquired about a particular polo shirt I had in my hands.

It was navy blue, so I took it and walked closer to him, shielding my eyes from his bare upper body that was on full display.

"Yes, that one's good. Go ahead and put it on," I said, feeling my cheeks warming slightly as he chuckled again.

Is he teasing me?!

"Surely you have underwear, right?" I retorted in mild annoyance while grabbing a khaki shorts for him to wear.

That attire was perfect. They're just here at Clara's house, so he doesn't need to put on fancy clothes.

"Of course, I won't call you in here while I'm half-naked," he responded, making me breathe a sigh of relief.

I approached him, handing over the khaki shorts. He didn't make any comment, simply accepting them with ease.

"I'll wait for you outside," I informed him, and he raised his gaze to meet mine. Our eyes locked for a moment before he nodded in acknowledgment.

It's good that things are slowly improving between us. It's a relief that he's not being unfriendly to me anymore, unlike when I first arrived at their house.

Stepping onto the floor of his room, I closed the door of his walk-in closet and made my way to his slightly messy bed. I couldn't blame him; he's still recovering from the accident.

Being kind-hearted, I straightened his bed, fixing his displaced pillow.

Once I was done, he finished changing. He was wearing the outfit I'd picked for him. He had just slippers on his lower half, which was appropriate since I might worsen his injury if he tried to wear shoes.

"Well... how do I look?" he asked, curiosity lacing his tone, and I nodded.

"You look fine," I replied briefly, giving him a subtle smile.

He rolled his wheelchair toward me, and I met him halfway to make it easier for him. Just as I was gripping the wheelchair handle, his room door swung open, revealing Olivia. She raised an eyebrow at me before fully stepping inside.

I can really feel that she doesn't like me. Well, I have no problem with that. I don't need her approval, as I won't be with them forever.

"Madam Mila asked me to call you because you've been taking too long for breakfast. And Ares, Clara is here..." she declared, but as soon as those words left her lips, she quickly vanished from my sight, as she never even appeared. 

"She is here?" Ares double-checked, one eyebrow raised. Even without telling the name, I knew whom he was pertaining to. 

"Yes, why?" I asked, as I let out a sigh. 

"Why didn't you tell me earlier? I would've hurried!" He seemed to be reverting to his grumpy self.

"Well, you didn't ask, duh. How would I know if you wanted me to spoil it for you by telling you they're already here?" I retorted, and he rolled his eyes at me, causing my jaw to drop.

So sassy! He even rolled his wheelchair on his own and left me behind. Look at this!

"Hey, wait for me!" I called out, lengthening my strides to catch up with him.

When I reached the wheelchair's handle, he finally gave in and let me push it. Seriously, he's raising his pride even though he always looks for me whenever he needs help.

"Does Olivia also know Clara?" I inquired as I pushed his wheelchair.

"Yeah, and she also knows about me and Clara," he replied casually, making my eyebrows shoot up as I fixed my gaze on him.

"Why didn't she tell your parents when they informed you about our planned marriage?" I asked, my tone filled with bewilderment.

"It's as simple as she knows her limit so well. Olivia may be talkative, but she knows how to keep secrets that should stay hidden," he stated in a calm tone.

"You two must be really close," I commented upon hearing his response. He didn't reply further, letting me guide him to the dining room.

Upon arriving at the dining room, Clara took him from me, and Sandra followed her lead. Breakfast began with the four of them sitting side by side: Sandra, Clara, Ares, and Olivia.

I was the only one on the opposite side of the table, facing Sandra. Judging by this child's demeanor, she seems talkative and restless. Taking care of her must be quite a challenge.

Breakfast ended smoothly, and, of course, Ares and Clara had their moment in the garden and by the pool. I kept a watchful eye from a distance, sitting on a stone chair with a stone table in front of me. I had my juice on the table along with the chips I'd been munching on but couldn't seem to finish.

While I was gazing at the pool, lost in thought, I heard Ares' voice calling my name. Despite my reluctance to break away from my trance, I stopped and walked over to Ares.

"Verania, can you watch over Sandra for a bit?" Ares asked, making my eyes widen as I glanced at Sandra, who was darting around under the scorching sun.

"Ares, I told you it's fine for me to watch over my sister—" Clara objected, but Ares silenced her, then turned to me.

"Alright, just continue with your lovey-dovey moment there," I responded with an inward sigh, masking my true feelings.

"Are you really okay with this, Vera? My sister can be quite a handful. And you might be busy," Clara questioned, and I nodded, giving her a big fake smile.

"She's not causing any trouble," Ares interjected, causing me to grit my teeth in frustration as Clara diverted her gaze to Sandra. This allowed me to relax my defiant gaze.

"Sandra, come here!" Clara said, calling her sister.

Clara had to call her a few more times before Sandra finally listened and followed her. This caused me to wince internally. You're in for it later, Ares. I struggle with all the child-related work, and you had to put me through this? I’m going to put my revenge upon you later!

"Sandra, this is Ate Vera. She'll be looking after you, okay?" Clara introduced me to her sister.

Sandra simply nodded and ran off again. Ares and I exchanged glances. He gave me an annoyed look, while I shot him a glare. How dare he look at me that way, when he’s making me do this thing?

I rolled my eyes and went to the kid I am babysitting. I followed Sandra to the edge of the pool, where she ran into. 

"Hey, Sandra, don't go there!" I warned her, but as she turned to face me, a wide grin formed on her face, and she pushed me into the pool.

"Old Sister Vera, let's swim hihihi!" she giggled as water splashed everywhere, as I felt my whole body being slapped by the water. 

I wiped my face as I resurfaced and immediately directed an annoyed gaze towards Ares, who wore a surprised expression.

"You Montero, you're in trouble later!" I muttered just loud enough for me to hear, followed by Sandra jumping into the pool, beside where I fell. 

Ugh! Why did I agree to babysit a kid who was not even related to me? This is all Ares Montero’s fault!

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