Chapter 3

“I’ll help make breakfast,” I simply say.

They were all surprised, particularly Gigi and Hana.

“All right,” Manang Tess said, rolling her eyes. “Serve your husband.”

The meal I’ll prepare is primarily for myself, but I’ll add enough for everyone. Acting as if I were a resident of the house is awkward. I know that I am just a visitor here.

That’s how I dealt with myself. Just like a guest. Even though they all claim that I am Veronica, I do not consider myself to be her.

I inquired, “Do you have a ready-mix pancake box?” and walked straight to the cupboards to look.

Because there was a child in the house, I suppose they have. Not that adult doesn’t eat that kind of food though.

When I saw a box, I grabbed it and went to get a large bowl.

I combined all of the remaining ingredients. Gigi wanted to assist me, but I refused because they were already preoccupied with other tasks. Pancakes are also simple to prepare.

Cooking was one of the skills I needed to master in order to be my father’s ideal daughter. In college, I even went to a culinary school to obtain units as my extra subject.

It’s alright, though, because one of the things I never had a problem with when I wanted to be self-sufficient was making my own food.

I slid the pan onto the stove and waited for it to heat up. While doing so, I turned to my companions, who occasionally glanced at me as they watched me cook. My brows furrowed.

“Do you want me to cook, ma’am?” Hana asked carefully

I grinned and shook my head. “Oh no, I’ll handle it. I won’t overcook the pancake. Just grab me a plate, please.”

Hana never spoke to me again after she obeyed my command. Instead of leaving me alone, they stayed behind me, indicating that they were finished cooking.

They have avoided approaching me for the past few days. They seemed irritated by my presence. I understand the behavior, but was it enough to show someone you were furious with them while they did nothing to irritate you even more?

Friend or foe. Stranger or acquaintance. We must all remain civilized in order to demonstrate respect. Show no mercy unless provoked. But, if you’re like me and haven’t said anything, at least respect me as a person.

We don’t have to be outgoing and nice. Simply maintain a formal and civil demeanor.

I did a good job on the first batch. When Manang Tess eventually approached me, I was on my second batch.

“When did you learn to cook? Just last month you said you won’t step in the kitchen any more?”

I grinned as I listened. Don’t tell me Veronica can’t cook. That provides me a strategy for convincing them that I am not Veronica.

I swallowed my saliva and replied slowly. “When I was in college, I went to culinary school because my father wanted me to learn how to cook. He said that all women should know how to cook because they are the light of the home and that if I know how to cook, I can cook for my family. How about you, Manang, what’s your favorite food so I can cook for you and everyone else?” I innocently inquired. That’s right, I’ll prepare Zanarious’ lunch.

Zanarious was in grade school, although he only went to school for half the day. He has his own Nanny, who accompanied him to and from school until he returned home.

Even though Manang didn’t respond, I ignored them. Hah! Take that information. Consider this till you realize I’m not Veronica.

I went straight to the dining area with two plates of pancakes and placed them on the table. When I spotted Rious, I grinned as he jumped out of his chair and kissed me on the face.

“Mommy, good morning!”

“Good morning, sweetheart! How was your night?” I said pleasantly.

“Will you tuck me in and tell me a tale again tonight, mommy?”

While looking at me, his eyes twinkled. I couldn’t help but think of his father’s gleaming eyes. He looks peaceful whenever he stares at his son, not just because he’s joyful. He did well there because, despite having a witch for a wife, he adored his child.

“Sure, sweetie! I’d be delighted.”

Rious and I were so close that I read him a tale every night or played with him in the playroom sometimes. He truly believed I was his mother, and he was overjoyed. Because I didn’t want to hurt him, I couldn’t tell the truth. He was the only one in this house that accepted and was friendly to me. Everybody is… Never mind. Adults are impossible to satisfy. Children were simple to please since they are innocent and trusting of those around them.

We took our seats at the table. I then smirked at Karious.

“So, you know how to make pancakes now? Is that what you practice when you were with that boy?” he asked acidly and sarcastically.

He was barely inaudible. It appears that he meant it in such a way so that the child would not hear him. However, because I was looking at him, I was able to read and understand his lips' movements.

My mouth dropped open. I couldn’t believe he had even considered it. He believed I practiced with Veronica’s boy instead of understanding I wasn’t Veronica? What the hell?!

I abruptly lost my appetite as I glanced at him. He had no right to think badly of me! Excuse me, but cooking is not easy!

Then it’s pointless for me to brag about my cooking skills because he’ll only think I practiced. Whatever, tss! I’ll make another plan next time.

Rious went to school after our breakfast. I returned to my room immediately. I’m not going to hang out in the living room because I know Karious is still there. Hmp! That man was quite irritating. When will I be able to leave this house?

The most important question was how I had ended up here in the first place. What in the world occurred that night?

I awoke in bed, trying to recall what had happened the night before.

I remember erotically dancing with someone. I wanted to try getting wasted because I had finally emerged from my father’s shadow after so many years. That night, I tried to dance, drink, and even smoke! I had simply coughed too much and had to stop. I don’t want to become addicted to it.

I was with my coworkers. Although they were not my pals, they were pleasant. I believe they were intimidated by the fact that I was both their boss and the company’s eventual successor.

I don’t have anyone I could call a true friend. I’m not sure how I managed without a companion. That is one of the reasons why I aspire to be self-sufficient.

That night, I was excitedly dancing on the dancefloor when I accidentally bumped into someone. That’s the last thing I recall. I had no idea how I got into this place up until now.

It’s strange because I feel like they brought me here on purpose. I was refused by my father and lost my identification cards. I believe there was a reason for it. I’m not sure what it is, but I’ll figure it out.

It was also debatable whether I looked exactly like Veronica. I don’t see her photographs around the house, not even in the kids’ room, so I’m not sure how similar we are. However, if I go by everyone’s reaction to me, I’d think we were all spewing the same image.

Why was this happening? And how? Was it just a fluke?

I HAD NOTHING ELSE PLANNED for today, so I decided to help Manang Tess with her chores. I’ve been working on things like making my bed and cooking.

I also discovered that the main bedroom was on the opposite side of the house from mine. I stayed in the guest room and did not question it at all. It was more comfortable than sleeping on Karious’ bed. Because he mistook me for his wife, he may crawl on me while I’m asleep. Thank you very much, but no.

‘Perhaps you’ll be the one to crawl him, bitch!’

“As if! I’m still a virgin, and I’m not so crazy to crawl on a married man!” I shook my head, imagining the madness. I was conversing with myself, and we have opposing viewpoints!

After the work inside, I planned to interfere with the work outside.

When the guards noticed me leaving the house, they were instantly alerted. Before walking over to the back where the water hose was, I just raised an eyebrow and smiled at them.

“Be alert. She’ll be in the back.” Tss! As if I could get away from them.

I walked to the back of the house with the water hose. I’ll start by watering the plants there. Of course, I was aware that the plants had not yet been watered, and I had previously informed the helpers that I would do so.

Now that I'm closer to the helpers, we're already talking. Manang Tess wasn't as rude to me anymore, which made me glad. They also convey their belief that I am not their ma'am Veronica because I am not acting like Veronica. Obviously.

The guards were no longer visible. I noticed two alert guards in the back, who may have assumed I was a robber who had broken into the property with malicious intent.

I demonstrated my water hose to them. "I'll just water the plant. Don't get too worked up!"

"I apologize, ma'am. We were only told to keep an eye on you."

"Whatever!" I exclaimed as I rolled my eyes and went back to watering the plants.

I went back inside the home after I finished. Manang had already started preparing lunch. I immediately went to my bedroom to shower. Following that, I proceed to the closet.

My head hurt as soon as I opened the closet door. Is there no other outfit available here but a duster? I didn't complain at first because I just had a few items in my luggage and I wore them all. I knew I couldn't avoid wearing the dusters in the closet as well.

But now, as I stood there watching the flower dusters in front of me, my head was boiling with rage. Every day, I dress like an elderly lady inside the house. I'm not even wearing any make-up! I don't require any make-up, only clothing! I'm dressed incorrectly. I'm not sure if Karious did it on purpose to irritate me, but I recall him telling me I couldn't go shopping, so I guess this was his punishment for his wife!

His wife could not possibly be without clothing. The clothes were undoubtedly in his room.

I exited the room and entered the master bedroom, still wearing the robe. It didn't open when I twisted the knob. Because it is the main bedroom, it is understandable. It should be locked all the time.

To find Manang Tess, I went downstairs to the living room. I found her in the pantry.

“Manang, can I borrow the Master’s bedroom key? I’ll just get some clothing.”

Manang hurriedly shook her head. “You are not allowed into Karious’ room.”

“What?! Why can’t I? I won’t steal anything there! I’ll just take the clothes because I’m out of clothes,” I replied, but she only gave me a stern shake of the head.

“You can’t possibly have nothing because I just got your clothing and put them in your closet.”

“Do you think I’m going to wear that ugly gown?! Who bought it, and why are you dressed even better than I am?”

“Veronica, your husband has already warned you, so just do what he says.”

“I said I’m not Veronica!” I exclaimed, teeth clenched.

“Then the more you won’t be able to enter my boss’s office.”

Because I was annoyed, I marched away from the pantry.

That man isn’t constantly around, yet I sense his presence as if he never left.

I returned to my room and promptly fell asleep on my bed. Karious will see. When he gets home, we’ll have a ‘pleasant’ discussion.

So, when I found out he had returned home from work in the evening, I grabbed the dusters and carried them down. I’m not going to wear this again. Once is enough. Those clothing appear to be for a week. If he wants to irritate me, I’d be happy to annoy him as well.

I noticed him in the living room. As I approached him carrying the pest clothes, I squared my shoulders. When the maids saw me, they walked away as if I was going to bring monsoon to their employer. They’re absolutely correct!

He gave me a cold stare, but I gave him an even colder stare. I was startled when I saw him take off his coat and tie. Why is he removing his clothing here? Just make your way upstairs first!

“What do you need?” he inquired, his deep baritone voice rekindling my rage.

I tossed my clothing on the couch and folded my arms in front of him. “Are you for real?” I questioned cynically.

I noticed his brow furrow. Before staring at my body, he cocked his head to the side. My face began to warm. What exactly was he staring at?!

He said angrily, “Why are you only wearing that? Get dressed. There are guys in the house.” I grinned quietly. I was barely dressed in a bathrobe and had forgotten my tie.

My brows furrowed. “Do you expect me to wear those hideous dresses? No thanks. If you don’t change them, I’ll only wear this robe next time!” I tease. “Or maybe you prefer me in a two-piece?” I smiled seductively.

His voice boomed around the corner of the house, “What do you say?!”

I blinked and used my finger to curl my hair. “I’m easy to talk to. Fine, I won’t wear anything while I’m in this house. I don’t go out, so there’s no problem here.” I act as if I was thinking. “I just water the plants every morning. Sometimes I assist Hana to hang the clothes at the back of the house. I play with your son in the front. Okay, to satisfy you, I’ll only wear my underwear.” I grinned naively before turning away from him.

Tss! I’m easy to talk to. He’ll never win against me. Hmp! I smiled triumphantly as I climbed the stairs, and seeing his surprise was priceless! He probably thought I’d act like an angry monkey if I saw the clothes.

A tug on my arm prevented me from finally entering the room.