Chapter 1

"Are you ready?"

I examined the massive gate in front of me. It's so gigantic that standing next to it would just make you like a small ant. The gate is simply white with a gold heart engraved on the top. It's not the type that you'll find a nice gate in the subdivision you'll pass through, it's just like a huge gate and that's all. Nothing was special, because beautiful things were all inside.

And I know who lives here.

The Lincolns.

I looked at him and nodded.

Former bosses of my mum, with whom I only met once. My mom didn't bring me here when she was working here because, first and foremost, what am I gonna do here? I would be just a distraction. Secondly, she didn't want to hear stories that she was bringing people into their mansion, and lastly, she didn't want me to become too close to them because they were so high and we were not on the same level.

I can still remember when I was young, I was crying because my mother was leaving again. She would only say that she would just do her work and come back right away, but I didn't listen to her, I chased her to the jeep. I left her with no choice, so she brought me to her work.

"I'm sorry madam, my daughter is naughty. She came with me," I remember my mother saying to Mrs. Gabriella Lincoln, her former boss.

Her eyebrows rose.

"I didn't know you had a daughter. She's the same age as my daughter. Who's the father of that?"

My mother was unable to reply, and I, too, wished to hear it. But she did not respond and simply bowed when Mr. Lincoln arrived.

"Oh, you are here Lory. Oh, a pretty girl," he mentioned as he saw me.

He was half-Filipino and half-German. He was nice to me, and I even recall him buying me a doll. There I encountered Bridget, who was rude to me and even accused me of stealing because Mr. Lincoln had given it to me. I don't remember much from that day because my mom didn't want any trouble so I didn’t go back here anymore. We were just four years old at that time, and now that we are both seventeen, I hope Bridget would be nice to me especially when Brandon, the new driver, assured me that they would look after me.

The letter has been in my possession for a week. Aunt Martha was completely unaware of this; I had just exited the carinderia and contacted Brandon to inform him that I wanted to meet Mr. Monsieur.

Why?

Because I seriously considered my decision for the entire week. Many questions came to mind, such as why? Why are they doing this? Is Mr. Monsieur sincere in what he wrote in his letter? Are Mrs. Gabriella and Bridget aware of this? But I got to thinking about the advantages I'll get. I promised my mom that no matter what happens, I would do everything in my strength to earn a degree. When I asked Aunt Martha about my studies, she said I wouldn't need them anymore, therefore I don't think she'll enroll me. I'm confident that, at the very least, Mr. Monsieur will enroll me because of what he wrote in the letter. I am actually capable of serving them in the same manner as my mom. Even though I will be their helper, it will be okay for me as long as they can continue my education, and give me a place to live, and things to wear. Because to be honest, I couldn't be an independent person yet while I was still underage because who accepts minors? No one. Thus, I couldn’t provide for myself unless I worked at the bar, which I don’t want to happen.

"Their house is too big, so if you ever get outside, just let me know. You can't get out of here without getting tired of walking,” Brandon reminded me.

I just watched the whole place as we entered the gate, admiring the interior designs. There were too many trees and too much space that you could use for your morning walk or jog. If you think that when you enter the gate, you will see the house right away, then you will just disappoint yourself. Just presume that you have to ride a tricycle from your home to the squatter camp. Yes, that is how enormous the land is.

We came to a halt at their massive main entrance. Brandon rushed down and opened the door for me. Just as I hopped out, another man came and Brandom handed up the key to him. I just observe what they are doing. The man entered the car and started the engine, then drove away. Great, they are so disciplined. So, Brandon and I were left outside, and all I could do was stare at their massive brown front entrance, which had a crystal design on either side.

When I initially arrived here, my anxiety arose. This is the exact spot where Gabriella asked about my father’s name. Until now, I still don’t know the answer.

"Oh, he's already inside. I'll take you to boss Monsieur. He'll take care of talking to you."

I smiled at Brandon as I glanced at him. Then I followed him into the house. I was astounded by what I saw when he opened the door. Almost everything is so beautiful that you will be terrified to touch it for fear of breaking it. The flooring, corners, and appliances are all spotless. Very different from where I used to live.

Some helpers were still cleaning, they were just looking at me while smiling at my older brother Brandon. I also saw Brandon waving and smiling at them as well. Before I forget, Brandon was a handsome old man, and his beard suited him. No doubt why he still got the attention of these beautiful old ladies.

Because their house was so big, we took the elevator to the 4th floor since Mr. Lincoln’s office seemed to be there. A vast hallway awaited us when we exited the elevator. The gray-hued wall was adorned with amazing artwork. It looked like a museum. I could spend my whole day appreciating the beauty of the works since I love staring at paintings. 

"This floor is exclusively for Mr. Monsieur only so that no one can disturb him if he is working from home. As you can see, there is only one room and it is located at the very corner." He pointed the room at the corner of the floor.

I, then, nodded my head. 

"But on the second floor, there is a music room, libraries, movie or theater room, billiards or you can say sports room, gym, guest room-- everything that you want, you can see it on the second floor. While on the third floor, you can see Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln's master bedroom, Bridget's room, and also your future room. "

I was about to speak when he stopped at the office door of Mr. Lincoln.

"Here we are, I'll just wait here so that I can tour you around after." 

"Thank you so much." I smiled and bowed my head to show respect.

"Good evening, Mr. Lincoln," Brandon greeted as he opened the door. Mr. Lincoln is currently having a call, so Brandon let me in and sat me on the waiting couch first and then left. It looked like Mr. Lincoln was busy talking over his phone, thus I took my time looking and scanning his office.

His office was just a typical office of a businessman where there was a lot of paperwork on the table, a mini-library at the side, a picture frame of his whole family, and also there were boxes on the floor. His room was so messy, but I understand since mom once mentioned to me that Mr. Lincoln doesn't want others to touch his office room. He's a businessman and CEO. He is always loaded with work, thus I understand that nobody can touch his things to avoid hassle at work.

I stood up when I saw something that caught my attention. It was them in the picture in the garden. However, not just a picture, because mom was behind their back. I wanted to pick up the picture frame on the table but I chose not to and just lowered myself to look at it. She was just standing... ah, no. She was walking because her feet were kinda blurry and seemed like she stepped in. She was so pretty in her maid's uniform, never have I thought that mom could still be this beautiful at an early age and the uniform suited her. Looking back at Lincoln's family, Mrs. Gabriella was holding a baby that I assumed was Bridget. 

"She was 4-months-old back then."

I automatically stood up straight as I heard someone's voice behind me.

I turned around and saw Mr. Lincoln smiling at me. He was wearing his gray suit and gray pants paired with black shoes. It was so formal that you won't dare to step on him because he might throw you in jail for staining his attire. 

"Ahm, sorry, I didn't touch it." I immediately apologized and bowed my head. 

"Good morning, by the way, sir."

"Monsieur. Just call me Monsieur," he corrected "It's fine. I was talking about Bridget because it seemed like you were looking at her," then he chuckled. "Come on, have a seat," he continued and started walking back to his chair.

I followed him until he sat down on his swivel chair, and so did I. “How are you?” He asked as I sat down in front of him. 

“I’m okay. Thank you for asking,” I answered honestly. 

I understand how difficult the last several have been for me. When I woke up, I hadn't gotten used to not having a mom, like everything was new to me. I'd just lie down in bed and cry all night, mourning about what happened, missing my mom, and wishing I could see her face when I opened my eyes, but… that didn’t happen anymore; there was no longer a cheerful mother greeting me at the door when I go home, at the kitchen when I was hungry, or even beside my bed when I needed comfort. It was difficult, but I had no choice but to move forward– to accept the situation as it is. 

I have realized that accepting the things you don't want takes a strong heart, but it takes even a greater heart to keep living and moving ahead.

I know mom would not be okay if I would not take care of myself, thus taking this opportunity will truly help me to become the person I should become. 

"You are brave. I assumed you were here to accept it." He smiled at me.

"I hope you don't find this creepy, but Lory made a big impact on our lives. So when I heard the news that she died, I felt so sad that my heart couldn't accept it."

I don't know but his smile went bigger as he mentioned my mom's face, then slowly faded away as he finished his words.

"I know that we don't know each other, like the last time I met you was when you were 9 years old, right? Bridget's birthday.”

No, we already met when I was four years old. I guess you don’t remember it.

“You were so little back then, I remembered I asked Lory to sponsor you in your studies but she refused, however, we made a deal that when you turn to college, I will enroll you in a prestigious school. Here are the documents she signed because I know that she didn't want others to pay something for her or her child, so I made her sign before she changed her mind," he chuckled. "I knew Lory too well. We both knew each other well. Unfortunately... yeah, that happened." 

He got something out from his drawer and gave it to me. It was a green envelope and there was paper inside of it. I opened it and took a look at it and saw that mom agreed to the agreement that someone will sponsor my studies in college and it was Mr. Monsieur's name.

I took a deep breath and I looked at him.

"I hope you don't mind my question but ahmm .. can I be your helper too so that I can pay you? Sorry, I won't decline your invitation to enroll me in school because, to be honest, I am very desperate to get a degree. So, for me to pay all of the future expenses that you will give, I will be your maid here in this house in exchange. I promise you that I know how to cook, wash the dishes, do the laundry– everything! My mom taught me, so rest assured that I can perform well, too! " I even raised my right hand to make a promising sign.

But later on, he laughed so hard.

"You reminded me of Lory."

His eyes sparkled.

"That... what you did was so like your mom. That is why I love to give you everything because someone like you deserves all of the things in the world because you don't know how to abuse someone. I like people like you, and I didn't regret offering you to stay here.” He paused.

“Can I ask you straight questions?" He asked seriously.

Slowly, I nodded my head.

"Can I be your dad?"

I felt like I had a knot in my throat that was blocking me from speaking. My pulse was pounding, my hand was sweating, and my eyes were welling up.

I see myself nodding in response to his question.

"S-sure, if you insist," I responded.

Who wouldn't? This is the moment I've been longing for. Why would I turn it down? I'm being hypocritical by saying I don't like the notion when this is exactly what I've been hoping for, that I’ve been praying to God when I was still a kid.

I burst into tears when he stood up, came over to me, and held me.

“Thank you, thank you for accepting me.” That was all I could say before I cried so hard.

It was lunchtime, and we were called to eat. Mrs. Gabriella was in the mall with Bridget, so currently it was only the two of us, but we expect them to join us at the table now that they are on their way home. I couldn't sit still in front of Mr. Lincoln, not because I was afraid of him, but because I didn't know how Bridget and Mrs. Lincoln would react to the announcement. I’m afraid that they might not like me, or they don’t like the idea of adopting me. I’m overthinking too much and I can’t stop. 

Back to the adoption thing, Mr. Lincoln also stated that her secretary will process the necessary adoption paperwork the following morning. He also wanted to change my last name, but I refused because it was the only thing I had from my mother. It was fine for him, but I still should mention his name when someone asks who my guardian is. Brandon also escorted me on a tour of the entire house before sending me to my room, which is next to Bridget's. This house is indeed a mansion. It's incredibly large and overflowing with elegance. Even though Mr. Lincoln told me that I should now treat this as my home, I still couldn't walk around freely because I am afraid of damaging something.

"Are you okay?" I looked at Mr. Lincoln who just finished talking over his phone.

I instantly nodded. "Yes."

"You looked anxious."

I smiled a little to hide my anxiety. "Y-yeah .. sorry Mr. Monsi--"

"Dad. I told you to just call me dad. If you are not comfortable yet, then okay I am letting you pass for now, but I want you to call me dad. "

"Sorry."

"Don't be. If you are anxious about Bridget and my wife's reaction, don't worry about it. They knew about this. What they didn't know is that you are here today."

"Really? So, is this okay with them?" I couldn't stop myself.

He smiled at me. 

"Of course. So, smile now and breathe. Okay?"

"O-okay."

We heard noises from the living room shortly after we finished talking. Then I saw Bridget, who was dressed in a white silk sleeveless dress with silver cigarette heels, enter the dining area. Her hands are loaded with paper bags, while she has a Shanel purse on her shoulder. Let's just say she's stunning. In her long wavy and curly hair and flawless makeup, she looked so elegant and costly. She is everything you wished for to be in the next life.

"Hello, dad--- Oh my gosh!" She reacted as soon as she saw me.

Her mom followed after, and just like her-- her eyes widened, too.

"OMG. You're getting her now?" Mrs. Gabriella asked Mr. Lincoln.

I immediately stood up and bowed my head to show my respect.

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Lincoln and Bridget."

"There's no good afternoon now." Bridget rolled her eyes.

"Bridget." Mr. Lincoln called her.

They went to the dining table and Mr. Lincoln introduced me to them as part of the family. I didn't hear any complaints from them. Besides, Mrs. Lincoln smiled and hugged me to welcome me into the family. I felt relieved when she did that to me because I worried too much about her reaction. However in Bridget's case, based on her reaction, I can sense that she doesn't like the idea of ​​me being here.

After lunch, Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln left us for they will be talking. As I was about to approach Bridget, she spoke.

"I want to get this straight, okay? Listen, I don't want you to be here. Leave."

"Bridg--"

She then left me alone without giving me a chance to talk to her.

I let out a long sigh.

Sav, understand her. Just bear with her for now. Everything will work out in the end, everything will be alright in time; you will become close and at least, be friends.