CHAPTER 1

Valerie's POV

Who would expect that by giving my mother the chance and freedom to remarry, it would cost me my role in her life as her daughter.

Ever since my father died, my mother’s life had taken a turn for the worse. She was always angry, unable to control her emotions, as if she was no longer herself. So I granted her the freedom she desired—to meet someone new—only to find out that this “new” person would also replace my place in our home.

And me? I'm no longer part of it. Her new husband and daughter replaced my place. Why didn't I make it an issue? Because I think that she deserves happiness too. I'll find mine soon.

Wanting to finish what I started in college, I had to divide my time just to earn money—money I needed to pay for my tuition and the house. It was something I had to do for myself, because my mother had already started her new family. She had no choice but to leave me behind, along with all of my father’s properties, which were all named after me. It was just a house anyway, and I was sure she could afford to buy a new one with her new family.

I gave her that freedom, because she had the right to it—even if the world had denied me mine. I gave every bit I have for her to be happy.

I was resting when I received a call. It was Ms. Fernando, our department head. She never seemed to tire of assigning me tasks, while others were busy gossiping. I don't know why she hates me that much. They knew more about our company’s CEO’s life than how to actually move properly around here and to do their work.

“Valerie, you’ll be taking over room 307. It was supposed to be Ynna’s, but she didn’t show up, so you’ll be filling in.” she said with a smile on her face which I knew was fake. She's just trying to convince me.

Room 307? Isn’t that the one with the guy everyone says is arrogant, like he thinks he’s someone important? They even said that every cleaner assigned there never comes back the next day. So I guess they had no choice but to send me instead just because they knew I wouldn't resist. These people are unbelievable.

“But ma’am, that’s a VVIP room. I was specifically instructed not to be assigned there, since I only handle regular clients.” I complain.

“You were chosen by our department because of how they observed you,” she said with a smile. I couldn’t tell if she was proud or just messing with me.

“O-okay. I’ll head there now.” I made my way to the room Ms. Fernando mentioned to begin cleaning.

I still can't believe I said yes. You can say no Nial!!!

And now, I'm talking to myself like crazy.

While walking, I was still counting my fare for later. A few more hours and I’d be heading home. I’d probably need to borrow again for the fare, as usual. We agreed that whatever I borrowed would just be deducted from my salary. But sometimes she took more than what I actually borrowed. I never complained though, because I wasn’t in the position to, and I didn’t want to lose my job over fifteen pesos.

Two pesos, three, four, five, six… fifteen.

Exactly. I’ll make it home tonight without borrowing. I stuffed the coins into my pocket and entered the room but still feeling like my head aching because of hunger. I haven't eat my lunch because Ms. Fernando keep commanding like she's the one paying me.

I knocked on the door even though I was already inside to make sure no one was there. I scanned the entire room with my eyes.

Oh my gosh. It's beautiful.

One day, I’ll be in a luxurious place like this—not just to clean, but to stay and enjoy. We’ll be the one paying and lying on the soft bed. Not just cleaning, but having someone to clean for us. That day will come.

I sighed at that thought and continued my work.

After entering the room, I called out to double check that no one was inside.

“Hello? Anyone there?”

Well, no one answer so I guess there's no one in here.

I started cleaning the room. I only tidied up the reception area since I was told not to touch the bed.

Once done, I moved to the bathroom. As I opened the glass door, there's a man in front of me, undressing. He still had his pants on but no shirt.

Hello, abs. Just kidding.

This is what happens when you're too careless. I can smell the scent of getting fired. Nuh-uh.

“Sorry, sir. I’m really sorry. I called out but no one answered so I thought no one was in here.”

I wished the ground would swallow me whole from the embarrassment. I really didn’t want to get fired—I have debts.

He didn’t respond so I looked at his face and he was crying. I saw his bowed head and broken expression.

“Sir, I didn’t—”

I couldn’t finish my sentence when he suddenly kissed me but I pushed him away but he only moved closer.

“Why? Don’t women like things like this?” His gaze was sharp.

I didn’t understand what he meant, but one thing was clear—he’s in pain.

“S-sir…”

“Isn’t that right? One kiss, money. One hug, money. One night, money,” he said bitterly and with scorn.

I hated what he said so I slapped him. Even though my mother didn’t raise me well, I still had dignity and I knew my place.

“Not all women are like that, sir. But yes, you kissed me without my consent so I guess you owe me.”

Damn. That was my first kiss.

“I knew it,” he said, laughing.

But instead of backing away, he came even closer and I found myself backing up until I fell onto the bed like it's intentional.

“Sir, I still have work to do. Excuse me,” I said, avoiding his gaze and turning away.

But he hugged me from behind, turned me to face him, and tried to kiss me again. I kept trying to push him away but he only deepened the kiss.

“100 thousand. If you agree to what I want, I’ll give you that amount every day,” he whispered.

My ears burned at his words. I needed that—for my tuition.

He kissed me deeply again while his hands trailing down my neck and waist. It was a kiss I couldn’t stop, and in the end, I had no choice but to respond. This was the first time I’d ever done something like this so I had no idea how to continue.

I pushed him away so he stared at me intensely like he was left wanting.

“What?”

“T-this is my f-first time,” I said, head down.

“Follow my lead,” he said with a smile.

I followed the rhythm of his kisses as his hands began to wander.

I no longer knew if this was right or if it should be happening. But for some reason, I couldn’t stop myself from giving in to every movement of his body. I didn’t know where the dignity I was proud of earlier went. It seemed to have melted away and consumed by the longing and desire brought on by this man.

Damn I want more.