Chapter 03 Six years after

***Present Day***

“Are you listening to me now, Cassandra?”

I looked away from the beach and turned my attention back to my father. Dad was already in his sixties. He had a square jaw, a wrinkled face, long facial hair covering his pale skin, and hair that had turned completely white since the last time I saw him.

He gave me a firm look. There was no warmth in his eyes like I had hoped to see.

I smiled and nodded. “Yes, Dad. I’m listening.”

He sipped his tea while glancing at his expensive gold watch, then placed the cup back on the glass table.

“Then listen carefully. Our agreement still stands, Cassandra. Everyone here believes I sent you to America for college. That’s the story, and that’s the story you’ll stick to. I won’t have you dragging our family name through the mud again. Do you understand?”

He was still as authoritative as I remembered—strict and controlling. But despite everything, I couldn’t bring myself to resent him, even when he disowned me six years ago.

I ran my fingers along the arm of the chair I was sitting on. I inhaled the fresh air through my nose and slowly exhaled.

“Yes, I understand,” I answered.

An uncomfortable silence followed. While he ignored my presence, I looked around the balcony where we were sitting.

We had arrived three hours ago at his beach resort in Pangasinan, around six in the morning. No one else was awake at that time. It had only been the two of us walking toward the beach house that I didn’t recognize.

Dad mentioned that the house was only completed last month, which explained why there were still very few things inside. The interior design was beautiful, and the house was so large that it almost looked like a mansion. We were on the second floor, sitting on the balcony and discussing my stay here to work as an employee.

“Are you sure you want to work here? I thought you’d prefer staying at home, being taken care of, and going shopping,” he asked as he stood from his seat and faced the balcony railing.

His assumption was understandable. I wouldn’t deny that I used to be childish, naive, and somewhat spoiled. I always wanted to be taken care of and to have everyone’s attention. But I think I have changed, especially after six years.

“I’m sure, Dad. I don’t want to keep depending on you. I also want to repay you for supporting me and Catherina.” I reached for the tea mug, holding its small handle while supporting the saucer with my other hand.

I inhaled the scent of the tea. It smelled earthy with a light floral sweetness.

“How did you learn to make tea?” he asked, glancing at me over his shoulder.

“Does it taste good?”

He looked at his empty mug, raised a brow, and nodded.

“Surprisingly, yes.”

I smiled and took a sip of the tea. Compared to green tea, this one had a deeper aroma. It tasted stronger but smoother, with less bitterness and a hint of sweetness.

I had learned many things since he disowned me six years ago. I became pregnant by a man I didn’t know. I ran away after waking up beside him without clothes. I was scared, confused, and couldn’t remember anything. I didn’t even look back at him. I simply dressed myself and left.

I remembered begging and crying to my parents because I wanted to go home. After I told them about my mistake, they immediately brought me back. They were furious when we returned to Manila. Dad had warned me that he would disown me if I ever got pregnant—and I did.

He wasn’t joking. When it was confirmed that I was pregnant, he threw me out of the house. At least he cared enough to buy me a small apartment to live in.

“So you worked in a well-known hotel in Manila as an assistant manager?” he asked.

It felt strangely comforting that he was asking about me. It had been a long time since we last saw each other. When I received his message asking me to come home, I didn’t hesitate. I was happy that he reached out to me. I was even happier when he said he was willing to accept me back into the family.

I placed my tea down on the table. “Yes. I started as a receptionist, actually. The owner helped me a lot, and we eventually became good friends. He understood when I resigned.”

“That’s good. So you know how to manage hotels. Is that the reason you want to work here?”

I nodded. “Yes, Dad. I really do want to help. I’m willing to start anywhere—even as a receptionist again, or something lower if necessary.”

“No, that would be inappropriate for you,” he said immediately. He returned to his seat and crossed his legs. “I already decided your position. You’ll be the resort’s assistant manager.”

My eyebrows lifted in confusion. “Aren’t you also the general manager? Am I assisting you?”

"No. I have other businesses to run besides this resort. I only step in when necessary. I assigned someone else to manage things here. Adrien is reliable—very hardworking and determined. I’ve already told him about you. He should be here any moment.”

“Adrien?” I repeated. The name sounded unfamiliar. “I don’t recall him.”

“He started at the bottom like you did. In fact, he’s one of the reasons why the resort has been doing well.”

I nodded slowly while processing everything he said. I bit my lower lip to hide my smile of excitement. I would be an assistant manager again, just like in my previous job. And it sounded like Dad trusted the manager he had assigned here.

“I won’t let you down, Dad. I promise.”

“I expect a lot from you, Cassandra,” he replied seriously.

We both heard the door behind us creak open.

Dad and I exchanged looks. He motioned for me to go ahead first, and I followed his silent instructions. I stood up properly, lifting my chin with confidence.

I was wearing a beige floral V-neck blouse with soft sleeves tucked into a belted black pencil skirt. My hair was tied in a high ponytail, and I had done my makeup carefully, finishing with red lipstick. My three-inch stilettos clicked softly as I stepped out of the balcony.

I suddenly stopped.

My shoulders tensed when I found myself face to face with a stranger.

The first thing I noticed about him was his large brown eyes.

It took me a moment to recover from the surprise. I blinked twice before studying his appearance.

He had a symmetrical face, defined cheekbones, and a sharp jawline. His nose was straight, and his tan skin looked warmer under the sunlight that slipped through the thin curtain.

I quickly stepped back and laughed nervously while placing a hand on my chest.

“God, you scared me.”

He didn’t respond. He simply looked at me with a blank expression, as if studying me. I tilted my head slightly, waiting for him to greet me.

Instead, his eyes slowly moved from my head to my feet before returning to my face. His stare was intense, almost challenging.

Trying to regain some control of the situation, I spoke again.

“Uh, good morning! You must be Adrien?” I offered my hand for a handshake.

My eyes widened when he brushed past me without acknowledging it and walked straight toward the balcony.

For a moment, I just stood there in disbelief.

When I turned around, Dad and the rude man were already greeting each other. Dad was even smiling and tapping his shoulder.

I remained standing near the balcony entrance, hiding the annoyed look on my face as I stared at the man’s back.

Even though I didn’t want to, I couldn’t help noticing what he was wearing.

He had on a white long-sleeved shirt that hugged his broad arms and upper body. It was paired with simple denim jeans and dark brown leather sandals.

“Adrien, how are you?” Dad greeted him warmly. When Dad’s eyes met mine again, his expression became serious. “I’m sure you already met my younger daughter, Cassandra. Do you remember her?”

The man turned to face me and slipped both hands into the pockets of his shorts.

“Yeah, I remember her,” he said simply before looking around the place.

He really didn’t seem interested in me.

“Do you think it would be alright if Cassandra works as your assistant? She says she misses this place and wants to help out.” Dad placed an arm over his shoulder before introducing him properly. “Cassandra, this is Adrien Faust Villanueva. He used to be one of the bellboys at the hotel before. Have you met him before?”

I folded my arms over my chest and shrugged.

“I don’t remember. I’m not sure.” I took a breath and tried to ignore his earlier rudeness. “I’m looking forward to working with you, Mr. Villanueva.”

“Likewise, Ma'am Cassandra.”