Jasmine Delgado, twenty-seven, single, is nearing the completion of her college degree with only a few units left. While her IQ is average, she possesses a wealth of work experience. The speaker is considering her for a personal assistant role in their office, expressing concern for Jerome, who reads Jasmine's mind about files. Jasmine's past work includes being a crew member at fast-food establishments, where she earned the title of most outstanding employee.She then checks the files of Aurora Rivera and discovers that her father is a significant shareholder in their company, holding ten percent of the shares. Impressed by Aurora's humble personality, being an interior designer providing decor, she sees an opportunity to build an interior team for hotel projects.The next day, Aurora and Jasmine arrive early, only to be surprised by the presence of Chloe, Blessie, and Lian. Blessie makes a remark about Jasmine, implying she is associating with someone less fortunate. Chloe adds a pl
She opened the door, surprising the women spinning on the swivel chair. They turned to face him."What are you doing here?" Lian reprimanded."Get out before the owner catches you here," Blessie added."They might be cleaning here," Chloe said, picking up tissues and spreading them on the floor. "Pick up your mess; you look like garbage anyway.""Chloe!" a man's voice boomed as he entered."D... daddy," the girl seemed surprised."You're so disrespectful!" he slapped Chloe on the right cheek.Her friends rushed to her aid."Pick up your mess, Chloe," she ordered."And who are you to boss me around?" she remained defiant despite the pain."Yeah, you're so rude," Lian added."Pick it up by yourself!" Blessie shouted.The two girls received slaps from their parents."Daddy, why?" Lian asked, holding her cheek."I made a mistake raising you without manners. It's time to cut off your insolence!" her father yelled."Gentlemen, calm down," she intervened. "We'll discuss this now. Please, hav
They've set up a tent outside the resort, closing specific roads to accommodate the medical mission space. A day before the mission, they distributed stubs to manage the crowd, aiming to assist 500 people daily. The medical team sent pansit and lugaw, and the staff began making sandwiches. The three individuals were summoned by her for a conversation."Ma'am Ricka, the three are here," Jerome opened the door widely.She couldn't decide whether to laugh or feel sympathy for them. The trio seemed quite afraid of her. She strictly prohibited them from wearing heels like other employees."Why, madam?" Lian asked, looking down."Take a seat," she ordered, and they promptly sat. "Tomorrow, there will be a medical mission here. I need manpower outside. The three of you will be scheduled there."They exchanged glances until Chloe spoke up."What will we do there?""You'll assist the people, the doctors, and with food. Lian, you'll take care of the doctors, provide them with water or food, wha
Jasmine was frantic as they searched for AB+ blood, considering it difficult to find. O blood type couldn't be used due to the child's age-related risks. The doctor called Ericka to discuss the child's condition.Leaving the child briefly, Jasmine went to the nurse station to inquire and find Ericka."Miss, I need blood for a 6-year-old patient.""What's your relationship with the patient?" the nurse asked.If I say he's the boss's child, they might not believe me. What should I say? "He's my child," Jasmine decided to respond."Please fill up this form, ma'am," the nurse handed Jasmine a form, which she promptly returned. "Hmmm... this blood type is challenging to find, ma'am. But you're lucky today because sir donates this blood type every six months for those in need."Jasmine followed the nurse and saw a handsome man lying in bed. One arm was raised above his forehead with closed eyes."Is he the donor?" Jasmine asked."Yes, ma'am. And his instruction is to prioritize children in
Everyone is busy for the medical mission. Doctors and nurses have arrived, attended to by other staff. No one took the day off. Many are unaware that she owns the company and has children. She keeps a low profile and isn't into luxury.The three feisty women are now in line, each taking their turn. Even Aurora's group pitched in. With the crowd, manpower is crucial."Good morning, Dr. Lovie," greeted Jerome. "How was the journey?""It was fine, sir. We're excited because we heard that this resort is beautiful. Maybe it's thriving due to the owner's long business experience.""Oh doc, it's only been almost five years. Also, Ms. Ricka is new to the business. She's almost your age.""Really? I should meet Ms. Ricka; maybe we'll become best friends," the doctor said with a smile."I'm sure you'll get along. She's a very down-to-earth and hardworking person.""Will she come here?" another doctor asked."I'll ask her. She's dealing with an emergency right now. But don't worry, you're all we
She attended to her children first before taking a bath. She fed Mico and helped Moneth and Macky with their assignments. Today, she and Dr. Lovie will have lunch together. She wonders if she knows her, but she can't recall where she heard that name. She decided to proceed with her bath. She wore a simple floral dress and beach sandals. The dress was long, backless, and tied around her neck. She applied her favorite cologne and lipstick, opting not to wear full makeup, feeling it wasn't suitable for the occasion."Mama, you look beautiful," complimented Macky."Very well, agree, Mama," added Moneth."I believe in you," she hugged her children. "Behave, okay? We'll visit Mico later.""Okay, Mama. Enjoy your day," the two waved before she bid Molly farewell and left.She encountered Jerome and Jasmine."You look beautiful today," Jerome praised."Only today?" she teased."So demanding," he scratched his head."Are you heading to the office?" she asked."Ma'am, it's Sir Jerome; he's maki
***flashback*****POV: Lovie**She invited Monte to join her at E.R Resorts. She wanted him to see with his own eyes the beautiful place and the affordable prices, especially the inexpensive food inside. She had been singing to him about it for a month now."Come on, baby," she pouted while looking at Monte, who was combing his hair and just finished showering."Lovie, I have meetings. Plus, I can't rely on Marie for everything. She's pregnant. Bernard might beat me up.""You rarely come with me. We've been together for years, but you never bring me to your house. What's the problem?""Lovie," Monte approached her, "you know the situation. I'm still married, right?""But everyone else thinks he's dead.""What if he comes back? What will I do if he sues us?""We don't have a child, right? We won't have children."Monte paused. His expression changed, hurt by what she said."Go to sleep. I'll visit Bernard first," he stood up to get dressed.She felt guilty."Sorry, baby," she hugged hi
POV: Ericka"What do you mean?" she asked Lovie.Lovie took a sip of water before speaking, "I never expected to see you here, Ericka."Surprised, she felt a shiver as Lovie mentioned her full name. "You know me?""Yes. Do you know Monica?" Lovie inquired. Memories suddenly flooded back."Monte used to have a mutual understanding with someone, Lovie de Luna. But she suddenly disappeared." Monica's voice echoed in her mind."Lovie de Luna? Monte's college sweetheart?" She was astonished."Your hotel and resort is known in Manila, Ericka. I invited Monte here several times, but he refused. When I saw this place, I was mesmerized by everything, especially the services. I didn't expect you to be the owner. Our meeting wasn't intentional. Perhaps Monte didn't want to come because the Lord made him think he wasn't ready to face... wasn't ready to see.""How... where is Almira?""Maybe civilization hasn't reached your area yet; Almira left seven years ago. She kidnapped Monica and Grandpa be
That incident caused a major scandal, making headlines worldwide, especially in the business world. Mrs. Dominguez was caught attempting to leave the country for Singapore.The news about Monye's involvement in the scandal was abruptly cut. The company took swift action to protect its reputation.Numerous complaints flooded the police station where the suspects were held.Many families were affected by the fallout, and initially, there were support for Shaina. However, the men who gathered at the police station were shocked to find not just two of them, but five! Shaina had left them all, leading to an unexpected twist in the story.According to the report, the suspects will be charged with syndicated e****a to prevent them from getting out of prison.*******The car horns outside their gate were continuous. Everyone was outside grilling food, getting ready for a pool party. She pressed the remote to open the gate, and those who arrived without cars entered."Did you guys ride in taxi?
The NBI plugged in a different USB and played the video.The suspects were engrossed in their conversation, oblivious to what was unfolding."Watch a movie," he called their attention.As they looked at the screen, their faces turned pale, as if they had seen ghosts."W-what's that?" Erick asked."That's you... when you set me up," he replied. "You all look so handsome and beautiful in prison. You'll be even more handsome and beautiful when you're behind bars."They all stood up simultaneously, about to flee. The NBI agents came out and prevented their escape."I-I'm innocent...You raped me!" Shaina screamed.The door opened. Ericka entered with her friends."What did you say to my husband?" his wife asked, her eyes glaring with anger."I-I was ra--"Paaaal!!! paaaak!!!Ericka delivered a couple of slaps to Shaina."You're not the kind of woman my husband would have. He doesn't fall for sluts!" she exclaimed in rage."Who are you to insult me like that?" Shaina exclaimed, trying to bre
Monte discreetly attached a small camera to his coat, neatly concealed in a brooch. He also had a tiny recorder attached to his glasses.He was set to meet Shaina at Mi Unica Hija, a restaurant. After a few minutes of waiting, she arrived, confidently striding toward him."Hi, my dear," she greeted, attempting to give him a cheek kiss, but he blocked her. "You're so unfriendly. Do you have a nice surprise for me?""Why?" he asked."Why what?" She rolled her eyes."Why did you do this to me?""Hey, I didn't do anything to you. Is it my fault you got too drunk? I just took you home, but you undressed me. I could have filed a rape case against you, but I enjoyed it. It was delightful.""I have a high alcohol tolerance; I don't easily succumb to a little drink.""Did you bring me here just to interrogate me?""Why did you pass our pictures to my wife?""You're difficult to talk to. I just submitted my proposal, and you rejected it right away. We wouldn't be in this situation if you had gi
POV: ErickaShe watched Monte from the window of the room. He remained motionless, kneeling for what felt like half an hour.Noticing the rain starting to pour, she observed Monte still not moving.As the rain intensified, he just extended his hands. Suddenly, her conscience pricked.She grabbed a towel before gently leading him inside, ensuring her husband had something to wrap around himself as they entered the house.Ericka went downstairs, grabbed the hanging umbrella, and silently walked out of the house.She shielded her husband from the rain. Monte lifted his gaze."Come on, it's getting cold there," she smiled at him.He smiled back but struggled to stand. Ericka supported him."I thought you'd let me freeze," he said, visibly shivering."I'm not that cruel. Besides, you're my husband. The father of my children. Would I want you to disappear?" she replied. "Let's go inside; you need to warm up.""She handed him the towel. Then, they entered inside."I really thought you could
Monte was taken aback by the discoveries about his supposed bar buddies. Little did he know, they harbored dark intentions towards him. He found a newfound admiration for his wife, realizing her intelligence. Over the years, he hadn't noticed Shaina's true nature, but Ericka, whom he had met only once, quickly uncovered the deceit of those around him.They watched the video detailing how he was deceived by those shameless individuals. Monte San Miguel felt the sting of betrayal. As he observed, he saw a blank expression on his wife's face—she seemed unwilling to show them her pain.The NBI began, "Shaina Alfonzo is the niece of Mrs. Dominguez, Khaye Dominguez's mother. They've run out of clients, hence their desperate actions. They've deceived not just a hundred people, but many more." They laid out photos that had circulated online, revealing the extent of their deceit."What's our first move, sir?" Ericka asked at the NBI."We'll expose them with their own tricks. Their deceitful ac
"Really?" She was genuinely surprised by what she learned. "So, most likely, they're seeking revenge against us?""Yep," Bernard confirmed."That's why Shaina and Khaye have different last names. Shaina's father's sibling is Khaye's mother," Monica explained."Does Mrs. Dominguez have something to do with this?" she inquired."They started a business after Monte kicked her out. However, their equipment is expensive, so Shaina and the others in the office do setups like this. Due to shame, some remained silent, especially the elderly. They made a mistake with Monte; there's a detective in the family," Monica shared."I won't allow anyone to ruin my children's lives, Monica. So, whoever it is, I'll fight back," she declared, pointed her."But your husband is also foolish, right? Didn't even communicate properly," Bernard pointed out."If you two are together, there's no problem," she responded."He won't be able to leave the house. Marie will handle that," Monica assured."He's brave, l
At the bar they visited, the security was friendly, and after a call to the manager, Molly's charm worked its magic to convince them to view the CCTV footage."Come on, it's for my sister's family. It'll be ruined if we don't find out the truth," she said, holding onto the manager's arm."It's against our policy, unless it's urgent," he replied."Can you take it? The kids losing their dad? She's pregnant with twins, for heaven's sake.""Bu—""Come on, handsome," Molly even pinched the guy's cheek."Alright, let's go inside," he finally gave in.Molly winked at her sister, "Let's go, sis.""You and your flirting," her sister scolded."It's okay, it got us what we needed," Molly chuckled in response.They focused on the CCTV, and the manager quickly located the video they were looking for."So, sir entered here around 7, and he passed out around 9," he pointed out her husband's in and out times."Which table were they at?" she inquired."Hmmm, let me see..." he scrolled, "there... five
"Where are we going, sis?" Molly asked. "Why are we in such a hurry?""We're heading to your brother's office," she replied, "we just need to check on something.""Your husband must have done something foolish, right?" Molly teased her."Hhhaaah" She let out a heavy breath, "park on the side."They stopped by the roadside. She took out her cellphone and showed Molly a picture of her husband with Shaina."Holy shit! Is that for real?""Yes, Monte admitted it to me. Someone sent it just now. I know that place, the penthouse in the office building. We're going there." She answered."Legit? Did he fool you?""He claims he doesn't remember, but I'll find out the reason. I didn't come back here to be fooled by anyone. Let's go!"Molly started the car. The parking attendant approached them. As they got out of the car, the guard stopped them."Why?" she asked."Do you have an appointment?" the guard inquired."No. She's the wife of the owner!" Molly answered.The two guards, who seemed new, c
Her husband hasn't messaged, perhaps busy. She doesn't bother him; she's the type of spouse not demanding of time.After lunch, she bids farewell to the kids and Molly before heading to rest."Okay, Mom, take a rest," Macky hugs her, followed by Moneth and Mico."Don't give Tita Molly a hard time, okay?" she advises them."Don't worry, Ate, I'll take care of them," Molly smiles at her. "Just rest, you've tired yourself cooking.""Thank you, Molly. Alright, stay there," the kids wave as she climbs the stairs.Entering her room, she takes her book, sits on the edge of the bed, and leans against the headboard.Her cellphone rang. She picked it up without looking, and upon opening it, her face turned red with anger!A picture of her husband sleeping next to Shaina, both without any clothes.Quickly, she grabbed an ice bag from the mini-fridge, placed it on her head, and returned to leaning against the bed's headboard."So, working overtime, huh? You're in trouble with me," she said, but sh