Chapter 1: Haciendera

Cassandra's PoV:

"Good morning Ma'am" I heard one of the workers greet me while riding on Snow, my female dun horse. I just started to ride on her, reined it, and walked my horse towards the people working in the rice field.

"Good morning!" I greeted back with a smile before ordering Snow to move faster.

I love riding with Snow especially early morning because I could get to explore the whole hacienda. Looking at our six-hectare rice field and diligent workers give me a sense of contentment. 

After hours of exploring every corner of the hacienda with Snow, I decided to go back. 

A few minutes past noon, the sun felt almost hot on my back and the air was deadly still. But I am still observing our people who are working diligently and currently harvesting rice grains. I don't know but I am amazed at how they handle the heat of the proud sun. Wearing their usual attire- sleeves, pants, boots, and a round hat, it looks like they don't care about the hot weather, no sweat at all!

Looking at what they are doing right now, it seems like their work is simple. They're just gonna reap the grain from the plant and set it aside properly. Just repeat the process until all the grains are reaped. As simple as that but honestly? It is hard work! Just imagine, you'll have to slouch all day to extract the grains from its body. It will give you a hell of a backache if you don't know how to do it properly. 

We may not be close to perfection when it comes to handling people but my family is responsible and sensitive enough to provide them with their needs. 

I am just lucky that I don't have to experience those things for a living. Modesty aside, I am born and raised in a wealthy family. I am an only child and so is my mom, which made me the sole heiress of the Regaña family. Owning a ten-hectare land and different businesses in Palo.

Yes! Being 'me' has its privileges. I can do whatever I want and go wherever I pleased but that doesn't mean that I am a spoiled brat. My parents also taught me that I can't get all that I want without earning it. That I have to deal with the consequences of my so-called freedom.

Yes. I earned everything that I own. Well not literally, of course. Take my Ferrari as an example. I have to be good at school and become a consistent part of the top three during my High School days and Dean's list in my college days. So when I graduated as class Suma Cum Laude, that Ferrari is my reward.

I took the Bachelor of Science in Accountancy and I am now a licensed accountant. I can work at any accounting firm here in Palo but I chose to stay here in our hacienda to assist my mom in handling our people.

There's nothing wrong with staying here than getting a job in the city. For me, it feels more fulfilling seeing our people happy and satisfied with their work, their salary, and how we treat them.

My thoughts disappear as I saw old Danny walks toward me. He is the head of the worker's guild and is sixty years old, with lots of gray hair on his head. Years of hard work are seen on his face. He is wearing his old grey fitted sleeves and black pants and just slippers. Before speaking, he removed the round hat from his head and placed it on his chest. 

"Good morning ma'am. We are happy to inform you that our crops are very healthy. The harvest of grains this season is two times more compared to last year. " Danny said happily.

"I am delighted to hear that good news and I want to hear more." I glanced at my Rolex wristwatch before I continue. "It's already twelve-thirty in the afternoon. Why don't we relax for a moment and head for the resthouse? Tell everyone to stop what their doing and grab their lunch. For sure, your wife, Susan prepared us something delicious for lunch." I said that with a smile.

"Right away ma'am. Just meet me at the rest house, for sure you and Snow are tired and hungry, too. I'll just inform everyone to have their lunch." Danny said as he puts his hat back to his head and headed towards other workers.

I led my horse towards the tall big mango tree. I dismounted, loosened her saddled cinch, and tied the rope around the tree. I'll just walk my way to the rest house, it's not far from here anyway.

Just outside the rest house, I could smell fragrances from different flowering plants in the garden. It is creatively landscaped and breathtakingly beautiful. 

The two-story nipa house is made from bamboo. It is well-designed and very comfy. A perfect place to find refuge. The chairs and the small center table in the living room were made from rattan which adds to the relaxing vibes. It has a guest room where I can sleep and rest. It also has a mini-kitchen and is complete with cooking and baking materials. The small fridge is full of fresh poultry products. To say it simply, this small house rocks!

The huge veranda of this nipa house overlooked the whole rice fields. From here, I could get to see anyone, especially our workers. I also got to see the view of the majestic mansion and the remaining four hectares of land. To say it simply, this is my favorite part of the rest house. 

Fifteen meters away from the rest house is the quarters for the helpers. It is a huge house, with lots of rooms that can accommodate more than fifty people.  The quarters are complete with things they need - a Television set, fridge, everything. Everything is taken care of to make sure that they are comfortable.

While sitting at the rattan chair here on the veranda, I could see happy farmers slowly walking towards a long table full of different foods. Susan served them Chicken Adobo, Sinigang, a vegetable salad, and fruits for dessert. They are enjoying their meal while chit-chatting with each other.

"Ma'am? Your lunch is served at the dining table." The maid said. I just nodded and head my way to the kitchen.

*  *  *  *

"Ma'am, our farmers harvested six hundred sacks of grains from the six-hectare land. Compared last year, we only got three hundred and twenty sacks of grains." He excitedly stated. He can't contain the happiness his feeling, his eyes also glowed with gladness.

We are in the living room, discussing the newest update about the harvest. Old Danny is seated on one of the loveseats and I am sitting next to him.

I raised the teacup, sipped my chamomile tea, and put it back before speaking. "That's great news for everybody! All of our hard work paid off. You did a great job, Danny." I tapped his shoulders as a sign of appreciation.

Like him, I can't contain the happiness I am feeling. It feels like, I wanted to have a feast!

"Thank you, Ma'am." He replied and slightly bowed his head.

"Now that the harvest season is over and done with, we'll just have to make sure that it is well-stocked in the stock room. And after that, tell everyone that we will have a small feast." I said that full of excitement.

"Thank you so much, Ma'am. For sure, the farmers will be glad to hear this news." He tightly grabs his round hat while saying those words. He seems excited about the celebration.

"You don't have to thank me, Danny. I am the one who wants to thank you. Without all of your help, we won't be able to sustain the hacienda. Besides, it will be just a simple celebration. A simple 'thank you' gift." I smiled.

"Then, I'll better be going Ma'am. The stocking of grains may take time. We will make sure that before five in the afternoon, all is taken care of. We don't want to be late for tonight's celebration." He said that while chuckling at his joke.

"Well then, your wife Susan and I will prepare for tonight's feast," I replied, giggling.

* * * * *

After a long and tiring day. At last, we have prepared everything for the celebration. From the food, drinks and disco lights. Everybody will enjoy this evening, I'm sure of that. If you'll look at it, it feels like a reception area!

Just outside the resthouse, we placed a long table for the buffet of food and drinks. Next to it are tables and chairs, this is where the farmers will be seated.

Around the corner is where everybody can dance until their heart's content. The small tent is decorated with flowers and disco lights. I even invited a local band to entertain us.

Past six in the evening and everyone is here, already seated at the table they're assigned together with their families. They wore their casual attires and it makes me glad. At least, they could get to wear their casual dresses once in a while.

If you're going to ask me about my parents' reactions to this, well, they don't know any of this. I am the one in charge of the hacienda, so they won't mind this simple celebration.

They are handling our other businesses in the city. I'll just tell them about this when they come home. But as of now, we will just enjoy the party!

* * * *

"Hahaha! I remembered Cassandra climbing a tree and not knowing how to climb down. She's whining, asking for our help. She's in her toddler years at that time." Susan laughed at the memory. 

It's already past eleven in the evening but we're still enjoying the night. I am with Danny, Susan, Martha, and Beth-  Martha's daughter. They are our helpmates.

We are currently drinking coconut wine. A famous local wine that came from coconut. 

"Really?! Wow! I don't remember any of those moments." I also laughed.

"Of course, you won't remember because you're just a kid." Susan said after drinking the coconut wine from the shot glass. 

"I also remember Seb. He's one of your childhood friends, right? You used to play together, went to school together. I miss that kid. I hope he's okay." Martha said that out of curiosity.

"Seb? I haven't heard of that name before. Who is he?" Beth curiously asked. She was just thirteen years old back then so she won't remember.

"Kyle Sebastian, Seb for short, is the only son of the former right-hand of Senior Enrico. He was their scholar."

"What happened to him? How about his family? Where are they now?" Beth asked out of confusion and curiosity.

After hearing his name, the smile on my lips faded and turned into a frown. I became speechless for a moment and I don't know what to think. After almost ten years of not hearing any news from him, hearing his name now brought chills into my system.

"We don't know, either. They just vanished ten years ago. What happened to them was a mystery. No one knows where they are and how are they coping right now." Martha answered her daughter. 

She just shrugged at the thought and changed the topic. They eat and drink as if nothing happened.

They didn't notice my reactions and my silence, which is a good thing because I don't want to let them know about what happened in the past.

"Susan, Martha, Danny, Beth, I will excuse myself from the celebration. Enjoy the rest of the night." I said that trying to sound cheerful.

"No worries, Ma'am. You must rest now. Thank you for this night." Mang Danny said with a smile. "Do you want me to accompany you on your way home?" He sincerely offered.

"Nah! Don't mind me. I can manage." I answered while untying Snow's rope around the mango tree.

"Why don't you stay here at the resthouse for tonight?" Susan worriedly asked.

"Don't worry about me, Susan. I'll be fine. The mansion is just five minutes ride away from here." I said that to take their worries away. They're so sweet.

"Okay, keep safe." They said as I mounted myself on Snow and reined it. "I will," I replied then ordered my horse to run.

* * * * 

After five minutes of riding, I unmounted myself and gave the rope to Robert, who is the caretaker of my horse.

I walked fast as I enter the hall. The maids are still awake. It seems like they're waiting for me.

"Do you want to eat or drink something, ma'am?" Sheila asked. She's wearing her nightdress and she looks cute in that pair of shirts and pajamas with floral prints. She's still in her twenties and the daughter of one of the maids.

"No, thank you. Where is mom?" I asked while walking towards the grand staircase. It leads to the second floor.

"In her room, ma'am." She said then went to their room.

I am so excited to tell mom about the good news. For sure, she'll be glad to hear it. I hurriedly walked into her room and knocked.

I know that she's still up because I could hear the sound of the t.v. from the door. I just waited for a few minutes before going in. I wanted to surprise her but I am the one surprised as I saw her packing her things.

"Mom? What's going on?" I nervously asked her as I walked towards the bed. She didn't answer me and just kept on folding her things. I sat beside her and grabbed her shoulders so she could see me. "Mom? What happened?" I asked her calmly this time though my heart wants to jump outside from my chest.

She looked me in the eye. Her eyes are telling me that something is wrong but her mouth is still shut. I waited for her to speak. But even before she could utter a word, she began to cry.

I hugged my mom and slightly patted my hands on her back. I let her cry for a moment though seeing her cry makes my heartache. 

Minutes later, she let go of my arms and heaved a loud sigh. "Care to tell me what happened, mom?" I asked her while wiping her tears.

She heaved another loud sigh before speaking. "An attorney and a police officer visited me here around seven pm. They gave me a piece of paper stating that we have to leave the hacienda at once because the owner wanted us out." She said that while sobbing.

I can't believe what I just heard. Us? Leaving the hacienda? New owner? Am I dreaming or what?

"H-how is that even possible, mom? We have all the rights on the hacienda. We are the owner, for Pete's sake!" I am now confused.

"Your father lost everything we own in a gamble, including the hacienda. And now, we don't have a choice but to leave our home first thing in the morning." She said that as she folds her dress, tears streaming down her cheeks.

If this is a bad dream, I just want to wake up.