Chapter 2

Tessa's POV

It was Senyorito Darius' birthday. Everyone was celebrating outside, while I was here in a corner of the kitchen, mourning my dead heart.

"Condolences, friend."

I turned to the speaker and saw Sasa, one of the maids who was also my friend. We were the same age, and she knew how I felt about Senyorito Darius.

"I was so excited for Senyorito Darius to come home, Sasa. I thought I could finally tell him my true feelings."

She approached me and put a hand on my shoulder. "You know, you've been together your whole lives. But you never thought to confess to him sooner?"

"Who am I to do that, Sasa? I'm just a maid in their family. I'm nothing compared to the women who like Senyorito."

"That's why you're hurting now because of that mindset."

Tears streamed down my face as I heard the happy laughter from outside. I don't think I can bear to see the only man I loved marry someone else.

"I love him, Sasa. I love Senyorito Darius so much." A tear escaped my cheek.

My chest tightened as I thought about him being gone from me forever. I wasn't even given the chance to confess my love.

"Friend, if I were you, I'd forget about Senyorito. Even if you confess to him, there's no guarantee that he'll reciprocate your feelings."

"I know," I replied softly.

Sasa sighed. "Forget about him, friend. He's not suitable for someone like us who are poor. It's a long shot for Senyorito Darius to like a maid."

I was silent for a long time after Sasa said that. Even after she left, I was still thinking about what she said. I stood up and went to the window. From there, I could see the guests in the spacious garden.

"Who are you looking for?"

My neck was stretched as I searched, but I couldn't find what I wanted to see.

"Senyorito."

"Senyorito? Which senyorito?" The voice talking to me seemed amused.

I rolled my eyes. I turned around, annoyed, to the person asking. "Senyorito Darius—he's a mushroom!"

I screamed when I saw Senyorito Darius standing in front of me. He had a sweet smile on his lips, his eyes sparkling as he looked at me.

I swallowed hard. "S-senyorito."

"Why are you looking for me?" His voice was deep but gentle. It was pleasant to hear.

He approached me, smiling as his gaze wandered over me. I swallowed again. My heart was pounding so hard, I was afraid he might hear it.

"Senyorito Darius... "

He stopped right in front of me—a few inches away. His hands were in his pockets, and he seemed amused as he looked at me. If it was nothing to him, then it wasn't for me. I was melting with every gaze and smile of his.

"Tessa, right?"

I swallowed again. Senyorito remembered my name? I couldn't help but smile.

"Yes, senyorito."

"You've grown up. You're beautiful."

My heart almost stopped beating. Did I hear that right? Senyorito Darius called me beautiful?

A wide smile spread across my lips. "Thank you, Senyorito Darius."

"Do you have a boyfriend?" He lowered his face and leaned closer to me.

I laughed and turned my face away. "Not yet, senyorito."

I felt my cheeks flush. I couldn't believe it. Even though we were together here at Hacienda Altagrasia before, we never talked to senyorito like this.

"H-happy birthday, Senyorito Darius."

He smiled the sweetest smile. "Thank you, Tessa."

I was about to open my mouth to speak, but Martha suddenly came in. My expression changed immediately when I saw her.

"You're here. Let's go outside? Your guests are looking for you."

"Sure." Before leaving completely, Senyorito Darius looked at me again. I saw admiration in his eyes when he smiled at me to say goodbye.

They were about to leave the door when Martha turned to me. Even though I didn't like her because she was taking Senyorito Darius away from me, she was still a guest of the Altagrasias, so I tried to smile. But she glared at me and rolled her eyes.