Lisa's POV
For some unknown reason, I’m nervous. My nerves right now might as well be shooting up to the heavens! He’s staring at me. Looking at me. Studying me. His actions made me even more nervous. A white folder rested under his clasped hands on the table. “So, Lisa, I want to tell you that I have a business proposal for you.” I blinked at what he said. I didn’t understand it right away. Is that why he called me into his room? “W-what? But I don’t have a business,” I asked, confused. I really couldn’t figure out what he was trying to say. He laughed, raising both eyebrows in front of me. “No. I’m the one offering you a job. Okay! Okay! Let me rephrase it… Lisa, I have a job offer for you that I’m sure you’ll like.” He adjusted his posture in his seat and looked around. We were on the balcony of his room. That’s where he told me to go when he opened the door for me earlier. I thought he was just going to ask me to do an errand like he usually did. He had me wait a bit before he came and sat with me. “Ah! Okay!” I said, laughing a little as I held my hair that the wind was blowing around. “This is not an ordinary job, Lisa.” From his relaxed position in the chair, he leaned forward and opened the folder he was holding. “A maid? Laundry lady? I can totally do that!” I replied cheerfully. I smiled at him, even though he wasn’t looking since his attention was on the papers. “No. In this offer, you won’t need to do laundry, cook, or anything like that. I can provide everything you need. Everything! Just do what we’ll discuss today well, and the rest—it’s all mine.” He raised his hands as he said the last part and stretched his neck. What kind of job is that? Where I don’t have to do anything? Does he want me to just be a statue!? I looked at his serious face in disbelief. He didn’t look playful or mischievous at all. He seemed like he was in an important meeting or business deal. “W-what exactly is the job you’re offering me?” I asked curiously. Oh, Em! Could it be something illegal? Maybe he wants me to be a drug dealer!! I screamed fearfully in my head. “Be my wife, Lisa.” He lowered his gaze to me and pushed the folder toward me. I stared at it, brows furrowed. When I looked back at him... I saw nervousness in his expression. He blinked several times when I met his eyes. He looked surprised, even! “W-wife? A wife? Why are you asking me to be your wife?!” I asked, my voice raised. Has he gone crazy? “Is this another prank? I have a lot to do, sir.” I stood up, annoyed that he delayed my tasks for this prank. Ugh! “If you accept my offer, Lisa. I’ll take care of all your needs. Everything.” He clasped his hands on the table again. “Everything we’re discussing now is documented and recorded. Just sign it and you can live like a dream. Money. A dream house. Cars. Expensive things. I can give you all of that. Anything! If you want to study abroad... then go! If you want your own school after you graduate, I’ll build one for you!” He tilted his head. “Be my wife, Lisa. My wife on paper.” He looked into my eyes, saying it with such confidence like he was offering the easiest job in the world. But—why not? The offer is amazing. But… I didn’t say anything. Just stared at the paper he had pulled out from the folder. I read it. It was a marriage contract. A marriage contract with his signature, dated today! “Just pretend, act, and do what I say. After a few months or a year—we’ll file for annulment. Depends on when I get my inheritance. Everything I promised, I’ll give you. If you want something, just tell me. I’ll take care of you and your mom,” he continued. “Ahm, so we’ll have to… uh, do the… thing…” I couldn’t finish my sentence. I didn’t know if what I was thinking was right. I was embarrassed to say it. I heard him laugh and shake his head, making me look down and bite my lip. Ugh! Embarrassing! “Have sex?” he continued my thought. I nodded shyly while looking down. “We can talk about that. Do you want to?” I quickly looked up at him. He was grinning at me, head slightly tilted, clearly amused by my reaction. I heard his laughter again. “You’re so cute. You’re blushing like a teenage girl. I like that.” I looked down again, speechless at what he said. “If you want—don’t worry. I can teach you if you like. I’m willing to please you. It’s obvious that—you’re still a virgin. Am I right, Lisa?” I blushed at his question. The embarrassment doubled. I knew I wasn’t like his friends. Not in looks. Not in body. Not in wealth or status. Not even close! I once saw how he kissed Sabby by the pool. I couldn’t believe people kissed like that. With tongues and even some biting! It stuck in my mind for days. My virgin eyes! My mind and soul! My goodness! How do they even do that? They looked like starved pitbulls! Even that other one—together with Ma’am Kat. All of them by the pool. Kissing at the same time. Not caring about the others who were also doing weird stuff. Or about us maids who might catch them. As much as I didn’t want to think about it, my brain... So dirty! I even tried mimicking it with a pillow. Tried kissing it, moved my lips like they did while hugging it to my chest. Pretending it was on top of me, kissing me. Am I crazy? Am I a perv for doing that? “Okay! If you don’t want to, it’s fine. I’m not going to force you. I have lots of options for that, just so you know.” He laughed again when I didn’t respond. Proud of what he said. “It’s not like that, Sir.” I said softly, still not looking at him. I knew he was just staring at me. I could hear his playful smirks in front of me. “Alright. I give you a day to decide. I know it’s a lot to take in.” He smiled at me. “Keep that contract for now. Read it. Everything you can get and the privileges while we’re married are listed there. If you have questions, just come to me. But—this deal is confidential, Lisa. No one else can know. Just us. Understand?” he added. I looked at his handsome face. His dreamy eyes with soft lashes. I nodded slowly, which made him smile. He revealed his white, perfectly aligned teeth. “Are there any rules to this deal?” I asked, making his brows furrow. “Yes. Just one.” He nodded once and leaned back in his chair. “Wow! Just one but I get all of this?” I said in amazement, scanning the papers in my hands. There were bank account application forms from various banks. There was also a passport application and a check with his name and signature but no amount written. “Yes, just one. I hope you can follow it,” he said simply. I nodded in response, continuing to look through the papers. I was fascinated by them. It was my first time seeing documents like this so I wanted to read them all. “What is it?” I looked up at him, still calmly seated and watching me. “Don’t fall in love with me.” I blinked at what he said. I couldn’t see any emotion in his eyes. Clearly, he wasn’t joking. But why? I have no reason to fall in love with him, right? And even more so, he with me. I laughed. He frowned at my reaction. “Okay! Deal!” I said, which raised his eyebrow. “You’re agreeing?” he asked, incredulous, even straightening up in his seat. I nodded and placed the marriage contract on top of the other documents. “Yes! On one condition.” This time, I got serious. I gave him the same look he gave me earlier. I saw he was surprised. He pouted slightly then smiled before nodding at me. He raised his hand, signaling me to speak.Lisa’s POV Even though Mom was clearly confused and full of questions after what I told her, I invited her to eat. If I’m right, he might be arriving today. I wanted to go with Mom to the doctor to confirm everything. Whatever Fier or Sir Fier decides, I’ll take Mom with me to Manila for her treatment. Even if it’s embarrassing, this will be the first thing I’ll ask from him—to help me and my mother, especially her. Right now, he’s our only hope. I had to do a bit of convincing before Mom finally agreed to have a check-up. She said she’d just tell me everything afterward. But I’d rather hear it from the doctor, so I know exactly what to do. I also planned to ask which hospital in Manila would be best for her condition. We returned home in the afternoon. We had lunch at a fast-food chain in town—a rare treat for us. Good thing I had just received my final paycheck, which allowed me to treat Mom and do a little shopping. We bought fruits and groceries for the house too. While we we
Lisa’s POVI stood there with my head bowed, hands clasped nervously in front of me. I wasn’t sure if it was fear, embarrassment, or something in between, but my heart was pounding. He was here—right outside our humble bamboo house—holding a bouquet of flowers and a box of chocolates like some romantic scene out of a teleserye. Our neighbors were already peeking out from their windows and peering over fences, whispering, giggling, even shrieking with glee like they'd just been zapped with electricity.One of them was Marie, my supposed demure best friend, who was clearly holding back an excited scream as her lips quivered and her eyes sparkled with delight."Good morning! Hi, Lisa!" he greeted sweetly as he approached our wooden gate. He gave a slight, courteous bow that made him look even more charming—too charming, if you asked me."Lisa, introduce us to your handsome boyfriend!" teased Aling Minda, who was sweeping the yard with a broom made of twigs."You didn’t tell us you had a
Lisa’s POV“Just admit it to me, are you pregnant?” my mother said calmly, but her eyes were red with anger. What have I done? She might get a sudden high blood attack right here.“Nanay, please have some juice first. Hold on, calm down.” I stood up to pour her a glass of juice.“Why? So it’s true? Lisa, you barely even know that man. And you already gave yourself to him!?”She shook her head and rubbed her temple. I handed her the glass, which she just looked at but didn’t take. I stood in front of her, looking at her flushed face. I was worried seeing the anger and disappointment all over her weary expression.“I know you’re an adult now, you can think for yourself. But—my child! I never stopped you from being in a relationship as long as you introduced the guy to me first. Get to know him well. Think carefully if he’s really the one before you give everything, especially your…” She bowed her head and covered her forehead. “Lisa, it’s not easy being a mother, you know that. So many
Lisa’s POV“Forget about it, kuya. Come inside.”Lara helped me carry my things. I glanced once at Liro, walking away from their house with his guitar slung over his shoulder, his head low, shoulders drooping.“These are all the notes we wrote. There aren’t any quizzes.” She gestured toward the notebooks that I’ll just copy later.There were four notebooks stacked on their table. It’s been taking me longer to finish school because I only took ten units this year. I’m already in my second year of college, lagging behind my peers who are graduating this year. Marie also shifted her course, so we’re both still in our second year. She originally took HRM, but her parents didn’t approve because it was too expensive. So she ended up choosing my course—education.Copycat, even though she doesn’t like it and has no patience for teaching. She’s so grumpy with kids!Ever since I was little, I’ve wanted to teach. Even with my playmates, I always pretended to be the teacher, even if we each had o
Lisa’s POV“I know this may be too late, but I wanted to do it the right way. Lisa and Mrs. Cortez, forgive me for being selfish—for proposing marriage to your daughter without your blessing, all because I loved her so much. Now, I want to make everything right.” He swallowed hard and took a deep breath.“Lisa, like I told you before, you're the only woman who ever caught my attention. The woman who appears in my dreams every night. The woman I look for first thing in the morning. I don’t know how or when it started—before, I just wanted to tease you. Laugh at your silly moments. But—I didn’t realize I was falling for you. And now, I want to ask you, in front of the mother you love the most. The mother who brought Lisa into my life.”He slowly opened a red box. Inside was a ring that sparkled every time it caught the light.“Lisa, will you be my companion for the rest of my life? Will you be my source of happiness? Will you marry me, Babe?”I saw a gleam in his eyes. He gave me a hesi
Lisa's POVIt’s been a few days since Mom was confined in this hospital. The nurses taking care of us are amazing. I found out they were topnotchers in their board exams. Apparently, not just anyone can work here—you either have to be a top passer or have studied abroad. I was in awe. No wonder the rates for staying here are so high. Thankfully, Mom's test results came out well. Good thing we brought her in early—it lessened the complications and the pain she could have felt.She already started chemotherapy along with several medications she has to take. I never left her side during those days. I even sleep on the couch here. Everything is here—food, clothes, and someone even picks up laundry. Fier arranged all of it.Someone also arrived to stay with us—Mom's assistant, who also runs errands for us. She’ll also be our house helper in our new home here in Manila. She’s been helping me look after Mom every day.But tonight, I had to leave to go with Fier to a party hosted by his frien
Lisa’s POVI sat quietly at our table while the rest laughed and chatted cheerfully. I smiled every now and then, only speaking when someone asked me a question. I couldn't keep up with everything they were talking about. I was having a hard time understanding, especially since most of them were speaking in English—and too fast at that.It’s not that I don’t understand English at all, but I’m just not used to hearing it spoken that quickly and casually, like it’s their everyday language.We’re at a bar tonight. There’s a band playing live up front, and I think you can even request songs from them. It’s actually okay here—better than I expected. The only kind of bar I knew before was the noisy, wild kind, with drinking, flashing colored lights, and, if the rumors were true, even half-naked dancers. That’s what people back home usually say.But this place is calm. We’re on the rooftop of a building, the wind is cool, and the stars above us are clearly visible. There are only a few table
Lisa’s POV“Nanay, let’s eat now!” I called out to my mother, who was still working on handmade fans even at this hour. I frowned when I heard her coughing again and again.That cough… it’s been going on for so long. Why hasn’t it gone away?I placed the plate of freshly heated food on the table before heading to the backyard, where we usually worked on the fans.“‘Nay, come on, let’s eat,” I said, walking up to her.I held the box where we stored the finished fans. She had already filled two boxes! The buyers would be coming soon to pick them up. They usually ordered three boxes at a time. That’s more than a thousand fans made in just one month.“Let me just finish this last one, anak,” she said.I looked around at the remaining materials—there were only a few left. We’d need to restock soon. I glanced back when she coughed again.“Are you really okay, ‘nay? That cough’s been bothering you for a while now.” I walked over with concern and gently rubbed her back. She kept coughing, hol
Lisa’s POVI sat quietly at our table while the rest laughed and chatted cheerfully. I smiled every now and then, only speaking when someone asked me a question. I couldn't keep up with everything they were talking about. I was having a hard time understanding, especially since most of them were speaking in English—and too fast at that.It’s not that I don’t understand English at all, but I’m just not used to hearing it spoken that quickly and casually, like it’s their everyday language.We’re at a bar tonight. There’s a band playing live up front, and I think you can even request songs from them. It’s actually okay here—better than I expected. The only kind of bar I knew before was the noisy, wild kind, with drinking, flashing colored lights, and, if the rumors were true, even half-naked dancers. That’s what people back home usually say.But this place is calm. We’re on the rooftop of a building, the wind is cool, and the stars above us are clearly visible. There are only a few table
Lisa's POVIt’s been a few days since Mom was confined in this hospital. The nurses taking care of us are amazing. I found out they were topnotchers in their board exams. Apparently, not just anyone can work here—you either have to be a top passer or have studied abroad. I was in awe. No wonder the rates for staying here are so high. Thankfully, Mom's test results came out well. Good thing we brought her in early—it lessened the complications and the pain she could have felt.She already started chemotherapy along with several medications she has to take. I never left her side during those days. I even sleep on the couch here. Everything is here—food, clothes, and someone even picks up laundry. Fier arranged all of it.Someone also arrived to stay with us—Mom's assistant, who also runs errands for us. She’ll also be our house helper in our new home here in Manila. She’s been helping me look after Mom every day.But tonight, I had to leave to go with Fier to a party hosted by his frien
Lisa’s POV“I know this may be too late, but I wanted to do it the right way. Lisa and Mrs. Cortez, forgive me for being selfish—for proposing marriage to your daughter without your blessing, all because I loved her so much. Now, I want to make everything right.” He swallowed hard and took a deep breath.“Lisa, like I told you before, you're the only woman who ever caught my attention. The woman who appears in my dreams every night. The woman I look for first thing in the morning. I don’t know how or when it started—before, I just wanted to tease you. Laugh at your silly moments. But—I didn’t realize I was falling for you. And now, I want to ask you, in front of the mother you love the most. The mother who brought Lisa into my life.”He slowly opened a red box. Inside was a ring that sparkled every time it caught the light.“Lisa, will you be my companion for the rest of my life? Will you be my source of happiness? Will you marry me, Babe?”I saw a gleam in his eyes. He gave me a hesi
Lisa’s POV“Forget about it, kuya. Come inside.”Lara helped me carry my things. I glanced once at Liro, walking away from their house with his guitar slung over his shoulder, his head low, shoulders drooping.“These are all the notes we wrote. There aren’t any quizzes.” She gestured toward the notebooks that I’ll just copy later.There were four notebooks stacked on their table. It’s been taking me longer to finish school because I only took ten units this year. I’m already in my second year of college, lagging behind my peers who are graduating this year. Marie also shifted her course, so we’re both still in our second year. She originally took HRM, but her parents didn’t approve because it was too expensive. So she ended up choosing my course—education.Copycat, even though she doesn’t like it and has no patience for teaching. She’s so grumpy with kids!Ever since I was little, I’ve wanted to teach. Even with my playmates, I always pretended to be the teacher, even if we each had o
Lisa’s POV“Just admit it to me, are you pregnant?” my mother said calmly, but her eyes were red with anger. What have I done? She might get a sudden high blood attack right here.“Nanay, please have some juice first. Hold on, calm down.” I stood up to pour her a glass of juice.“Why? So it’s true? Lisa, you barely even know that man. And you already gave yourself to him!?”She shook her head and rubbed her temple. I handed her the glass, which she just looked at but didn’t take. I stood in front of her, looking at her flushed face. I was worried seeing the anger and disappointment all over her weary expression.“I know you’re an adult now, you can think for yourself. But—my child! I never stopped you from being in a relationship as long as you introduced the guy to me first. Get to know him well. Think carefully if he’s really the one before you give everything, especially your…” She bowed her head and covered her forehead. “Lisa, it’s not easy being a mother, you know that. So many
Lisa’s POVI stood there with my head bowed, hands clasped nervously in front of me. I wasn’t sure if it was fear, embarrassment, or something in between, but my heart was pounding. He was here—right outside our humble bamboo house—holding a bouquet of flowers and a box of chocolates like some romantic scene out of a teleserye. Our neighbors were already peeking out from their windows and peering over fences, whispering, giggling, even shrieking with glee like they'd just been zapped with electricity.One of them was Marie, my supposed demure best friend, who was clearly holding back an excited scream as her lips quivered and her eyes sparkled with delight."Good morning! Hi, Lisa!" he greeted sweetly as he approached our wooden gate. He gave a slight, courteous bow that made him look even more charming—too charming, if you asked me."Lisa, introduce us to your handsome boyfriend!" teased Aling Minda, who was sweeping the yard with a broom made of twigs."You didn’t tell us you had a
Lisa’s POV Even though Mom was clearly confused and full of questions after what I told her, I invited her to eat. If I’m right, he might be arriving today. I wanted to go with Mom to the doctor to confirm everything. Whatever Fier or Sir Fier decides, I’ll take Mom with me to Manila for her treatment. Even if it’s embarrassing, this will be the first thing I’ll ask from him—to help me and my mother, especially her. Right now, he’s our only hope. I had to do a bit of convincing before Mom finally agreed to have a check-up. She said she’d just tell me everything afterward. But I’d rather hear it from the doctor, so I know exactly what to do. I also planned to ask which hospital in Manila would be best for her condition. We returned home in the afternoon. We had lunch at a fast-food chain in town—a rare treat for us. Good thing I had just received my final paycheck, which allowed me to treat Mom and do a little shopping. We bought fruits and groceries for the house too. While we we
Lisa's POV For some unknown reason, I’m nervous. My nerves right now might as well be shooting up to the heavens! He’s staring at me. Looking at me. Studying me. His actions made me even more nervous. A white folder rested under his clasped hands on the table. “So, Lisa, I want to tell you that I have a business proposal for you.” I blinked at what he said. I didn’t understand it right away. Is that why he called me into his room? “W-what? But I don’t have a business,” I asked, confused. I really couldn’t figure out what he was trying to say. He laughed, raising both eyebrows in front of me. “No. I’m the one offering you a job. Okay! Okay! Let me rephrase it… Lisa, I have a job offer for you that I’m sure you’ll like.” He adjusted his posture in his seat and looked around. We were on the balcony of his room. That’s where he told me to go when he opened the door for me earlier. I thought he was just going to ask me to do an errand like he usually did. He had me wait a bit
Lisa’s POV“Nanay, let’s eat now!” I called out to my mother, who was still working on handmade fans even at this hour. I frowned when I heard her coughing again and again.That cough… it’s been going on for so long. Why hasn’t it gone away?I placed the plate of freshly heated food on the table before heading to the backyard, where we usually worked on the fans.“‘Nay, come on, let’s eat,” I said, walking up to her.I held the box where we stored the finished fans. She had already filled two boxes! The buyers would be coming soon to pick them up. They usually ordered three boxes at a time. That’s more than a thousand fans made in just one month.“Let me just finish this last one, anak,” she said.I looked around at the remaining materials—there were only a few left. We’d need to restock soon. I glanced back when she coughed again.“Are you really okay, ‘nay? That cough’s been bothering you for a while now.” I walked over with concern and gently rubbed her back. She kept coughing, hol