Chapter 5

Misha’s POV

As I stepped out of my room, I heard Mama crying. I just woke up, and it seems like another problem is waiting for me. I ran down the stairs to check what was going on downstairs. I was worried that she and Papa might be fighting again. I stopped halfway down when I saw Papa signing papers again. It seemed like he had mortgaged one of our remaining farms to someone else. The situation with our properties was worsening day by day.

After those people left, my parents looked at me sadly.

“We lost the pigs, goats, chickens, fish, cows, and carabaos from one of our most profitable farms. It’s been mortgaged too,” Mama said, as if she were confiding in me. I couldn’t help but feel like the misfortunes of our business were somehow my fault.

“We only have one farm left. And in the next few days or weeks, we might have to mortgage that one too,” Papa said, his eyes seemingly on the verge of tears. He was trying hard not to cry, holding back his sadness, and I couldn’t help but sigh.

Why do they want me to be the one to save this problem? Don’t they know that what they’re asking me to do isn’t easy? What they’re making me do feels like prostitution. They’re practically turning their daughter into a prostitute. That’s what comes to mind when I think about what they want me to do.

But it seems like I have no choice. I know they’ve given me so much love and everything I ever wanted. I’ve been spoiled by them. So maybe it’s time I repay them. But why does what they’re asking me to do have to be so hard?

“If I try to seduce Godfather Everett, do you think he’ll agree? Would he agree to have a relationship with his goddaughter? What do you think, Mama, Papa?”

Papa immediately stood up when I asked that. “I don’t think he’s even aware that you’re his goddaughter. Besides, it’s just for fun. You’re close in age, so it shouldn’t be that awkward if you end up together. If you do end up marrying him, your future will be bright. These days, pride is set aside; life is all about strategy now. And who knows, you might actually fall in love with each other in the end. We can save ourselves from this downfall, and you’ll have a handsome and wealthy husband.”

Mama came up to me and held my hand. “I know you think we’re bad influences as parents. And you’re right. What we’re doing isn’t right. But, my child, even if this doesn’t work out, that’s okay. What’s important is that you listened to us. I’m sorry, my child, that you’re caught in this situation. You’re really the only hope we have left to lift us out of this poverty,” Mama said seriously.

“If we can’t get anything out of this, then there’s nothing else we can do. Even this house might get mortgaged. We’ll have to live in a small house. We can manage that, right?” Papa asked Mama and me. Hearing that made me sad. I was used to living in a big house like this, with a princess-sized bedroom and a closet room, only to end up in a small house. What would my friends say if that happened? They might leave me because they’d know I’m poor now.

“No, Papa. I can’t let that happen. I don’t want that to happen, so I’ll agree. You figure out a way for us to meet. Whatever happens, happens,” I replied, even though I hadn’t told them yet that something had already happened between me and my godfather. It’s embarrassing that we’d be face-to-face again. What am I supposed to say when we see each other again? But I didn’t even know it was him. I honestly thought it was Jake I was with that night.

“Dear, Misha, Everett and I have been talking for a few days now. I’ve been trying to get you to talk to him, so I can finally tell him that you’re willing to meet him. The truth is, he wants to talk to you too. It’s strange; it seems like fate is working to bring you two together. You should find out why he wants to see and talk to you,” Papa said, surprising me.

“He wants to talk to me?” I clarified.

“Yes, because you never listen when I speak. I’ve been telling you since the other day that he wants to talk to you,” he replied, making me even more nervous. I already knew the reason why he wanted to see and talk to me. I’m sure it’s about what happened between us that night. I got even more anxious.

Would he scold me? Would he tell my parents? Oh no, I’m really nervous. I feel like he’s going to be angry. I mean, what godfather wouldn’t be mad if he found out the person he was with that night was his goddaughter?

Damn it. We haven’t even met yet, but my heart is already racing.