Chapter 2

I gathered all the clothes from my parents' room and my own room that morning. I planned to do the laundry before I got overwhelmed with dirty clothes. There was still a lot of work to do on the farm, and I helped my father and older brother plant rice and vegetables. We owned a small farm, and the income was decent when it was harvesting season.

I wouldn’t say that our life was luxurious, but we were happy as long as we could eat three meals a day. Our mother wasn’t with us because she worked as a housemaid in the city. She was lucky to have kind employers, and since she had two days off, she sometimes visited us. She decided to work there to help with the expenses on the farm. She even planned to take me with her to work as a housemaid. I only finished high school, and aside from the fact that we couldn’t afford college, I decided not to continue studying. I wasn’t as smart as others, and of course, I also thought about our additional expenses.

My father and brother had already gone to the farm ahead of me. I locked our house, carried the large basin, and walked toward the river. On my way, I ran into my friend Lyka, who was already carrying her freshly washed clothes. She looked happy and excited as she approached me.

"Oh, you look so happy and even giddy! What happened?" I asked her, and her smile widened even more.

"There’s a handsome newcomer in our village, Poppy! I saw him while I was doing my laundry at the river earlier. He had a camera and was taking pictures. My goodness! He’s so handsome! I almost dropped my underwear when I saw him!" she squealed, and I laughed.

"Well, at least he’s here to help you forget about your cheating boyfriend," I replied. She scowled at the mention of her ex, who had been deceiving her for a long time. She thought he was working hard in the city to save up for their wedding and future family, but it turned out he already had a wife and child. He had only been giving her false hopes.

"Don’t remind me about that jerk!" she huffed. I quickly apologized, and she smiled again, continuing to tell me about the guy she had seen near the river. According to the gossip she had heard, he was from the city. He was here to take beautiful nature photographs. He had also set up a tent under the big tree near the river, which was why he was there. She was thrilled when he greeted them and asked where he could find scenic spots to photograph.

"He’s handsome and kind! So dreamy! He’s not like those rich city guys who are snobbish. But I know he wouldn’t be interested in someone like us. We’re always under the sun and not like those sophisticated women in the city."

"We have natural beauty, and we are hardworking. I'm sure some rich boys will be interested in us." 

"Yeah, right! You’re only saying that because you’re the prettiest girl in our village. You always won beauty contests before!" she teased, making me laugh.

"That was before, back when I was still confident in my looks. Anyway, where’s this newcomer you’re talking about?"

"He’s near the river, under the big tree. He’s taking pictures right now. Hurry, you might still catch him. Show off your charm!" she joked, and I just shook my head, laughing. I said goodbye and walked toward the river.

When I reached the big tree my friend mentioned, I saw a large tent and some equipment set up on a table outside it. But the newcomer wasn’t there. I continued on and saw the clear waters of the river. There was no one else around, meaning I had the whole place to myself for laundry. That was good. It meant I could lay out my clothes to dry on the big rocks.

After washing and spreading the clothes out to dry, I couldn’t resist taking a dip in the river. The water was clean and cool but not too cold. It was always my habit to swim after doing laundry. I was only wearing a thin dress with no bra underneath, but since no one was around, I didn’t mind. I happily swam in the clear water, enjoying the peacefulness. I even brought soap and shampoo, so I bathed there too. I had an extra set of clothes to change into, and there was a small hut nearby where I could change in private.

I was caught off guard when, as I emerged from the water, I saw a man standing nearby, pointing a camera at me. I quickly covered my body as my wet dress clung tightly to me, revealing my curves and underwear. I instinctively crossed my arms over my chest, my eyes narrowing at him.

He was tall, with a well-built body that was evident even under his clothes. He had no facial hair and was undeniably handsome. None of the young men in our village could compare to him. This must be the newcomer my friend was talking about. What was he doing here? Was he taking pictures of me?

"Uhm, sorry, miss. I couldn’t resist capturing this moment. You’re just so beautiful," he said, stepping closer. "I’m really sorry. I can delete it if you want."

I studied him carefully before responding. I could tell he wasn’t a bad person, so I nodded.

"Next time, ask permission first," I told him. "And let people know if you’re taking their picture. Otherwise, you might get beaten up if the villagers find out."

He just stared at me, and I swam closer to him. His eyes followed my movements.

"Why don’t you take a dip too? The water feels great," I invited. He didn’t respond right away, just kept staring.

"Are you just going to stare at me, Mister?" I teased.

"Mister? Hey, I’m not that old! We might even be around the same age!" he said, making me laugh.

"I was just joking. So, are you joining me or not? This is way better than the pools you city people have."

"Wait, you’re not a siren, are you? Luring handsome men into the water and drowning them?"

I was momentarily stunned before bursting into laughter. I saw his sweet smile, and it made my heart flutter. I was content with my simple life in the province, but I had always dreamed of having a city boyfriend. Aside from being handsome and rich, my friend once told me that city guys were also experts in s3x.

I was still a virgin at 22, and I was curious. My friend always raved about how good it felt whenever she was with her ex-boyfriend. I wanted to experience it too. And if I could choose someone to be my first, why not this guy? That’s why I was doing my best to catch his attention. Even if he didn’t become my boyfriend, as long as I got to experience it with him, that would be enough. At least I’d have some experience before I got married.

"Of course not! I’m human!" I laughed as I stepped out of the water again, noticing him lick his lips. I walked up to him and extended my hand. "I’m Poppy, by the way." I introduced myself. He looked at my hand for a moment before shaking it. A strange sensation, like electricity, ran through my body, making me gasp and quickly pull away.

He looked at me, and his gaze became more intense. His eyes even seemed to sparkle, and his slightly parted lips looked incredibly tempting.

"You’re human, alright…" he murmured. He blinked a few times, then chuckled. "Sorry, you’re just so beautiful."

I blushed and playfully hit his arm.

"Stop that! I won’t be swayed by compliments. But thanks for thinking I’m pretty. So, what exactly are you doing here? There are plenty of other beautiful places to photograph, besides me," I teased, and we both laughed.

"Do you know any good spots? Maybe you could show me around. I don’t want to get lost if I wander too far. By the way, I’m Jagger."

"That’s a weird name, but it suits you," I said, making him laugh. "I can show you around, but only when I have free time. I still have chores to do, you know."

"Do you have a job?"

"No, but I take care of all the housework. I was doing laundry earlier, and I’m just waiting for the clothes to dry. Kind of like a housewife, but without a husband. Still single," I added playfully.

"You don’t have a boyfriend? With beauty like yours?"

"Hey! I’m nothing compared to the city girls. They’re all fair-skinned, sexy and classy."

I hugged myself, feeling a little cold. He must have noticed because he took off his jacket and wrapped it around me.

I shyly thanked him, and he smiled. Then he gently lifted my chin, making me look up at him. Our eyes met, and for a moment, I felt like I was under a spell. My whole face and body heated up as our faces got closer.

"Beauty isn’t just about fair skin and a perfect body, Poppy. You’re already beautiful, inside and out," he said with a smirk. His hand slipped around my waist. "Can I make you my model while I’m here? You look so stunning surrounded by nature."

I blinked in surprise. "Really? You want me as your model?"

He nodded. "Of course! And don’t worry, I’ll pay you for it."

"Are you sure? What if I ruin your shots?"

"That won’t happen. You’ll make them even more beautiful. Come on, Poppy, the extra money could help with your family’s expenses."

I thought about it for a moment, then nodded. This was my chance to get closer to him. Plus, I’d be earning money, too. Why not?