Chapter 5: Dignity Over Millions

The next morning, I could already hear Trina outside the house.

"Girl! Open the door if you don't want your fresh bread to get cold!" she yelled while knocking furiously.

I let out a heavy sigh as I slowly got out of bed. The sleepiness was catching up to me because I hadn't slept well last night. I must've spent almost the entire night thinking about everything that happened.

Still yawning, I opened the door and saw Trina holding a paper bag of fresh bread.

"Straight from the bakery!" she said proudly as she headed straight for the table.

"I came early because I was afraid you might not be here later. So... what happened at the De Leca party last night?" she asked as she sat down.

I gasped and rolled my eyes. I grabbed two cups and poured hot water to make coffee.

"What do you think happened? It felt like I dove into gold only to drown in it," I told her.

She burst out laughing, so I sat on the plastic chair and leaned back.

"Wow! That's deep. So what really happened? Did you meet his family? Did they like you?" she pressed.

"Of course not! This was the first time Rafael ever introduced a woman to his family, so they were shocked. They couldn't believe he was actually serious," I explained.

"His mom was incredibly intimidating, and his brother Leandro... ugh, so judgmental. Can you believe he called me a gold digger?!" I continued.

"But their grandfather is different. Don Severino is kind. It's just so irritating how Leandro thinks so highly of himself. He acts like he's perfect," I said with obvious annoyance.

Trina was still laughing as she listened to my rant.

"So... is Leandro handsome too? What do you think?" she asked with a teasing grin.

"Girl! No matter how handsome a guy is, if his attitude is trash, it doesn't matter!" I shot back, rolling my eyes again.

"Oh my gosh! So he is handsome! Maybe you can introduce me to him?" she teased again before laughing.

I knew she was joking, but I still glared at her.

"Just kidding!" she immediately said in defense.

We kept chatting until Grandma woke up. I fed her, and Trina was about to leave, but only a few moments after walking out, she came back.

"Did you forget something?" I asked with furrowed brows.

She shook her head quickly.

"No, but Jose said someone's looking for you outside. In a car. Looks like Mr. Handsome," she explained.

"Mr. Handsome? Who's that, Gigi? Do you have a suitor already?" Grandma asked.

I quickly shook my head and widened my eyes at Trina.

"N-No, Grandma. Maybe it's just one of my clients. Someone's picking up some accessories today," I lied.

I immediately grabbed my phone from the table to see if Rafael had called me, but there were no missed calls. I sighed in frustration. It seemed like he wasn't sticking to what we agreed on.

"I'll just step outside for a bit, Grandma. Please eat first," I said.

"I'd come with you, but I still have things to do here. Bye!" Trina called out as I stepped out of the house.

From a distance, I could already see the luxury car. I squinted, realizing it wasn't Rafael's, but since he's rich, I assumed he must own several cars.

As I got closer, the car door opened. I was about to scold Rafael for not calling before showing up, but my eyes widened when I saw it wasn't him.

It was Leandro. He was wearing a suit and clearly on his way to work. He removed his shades and gave me a cold, assessing look.

"W-What are you doing here? And how did you know my address?" I asked immediately.

He didn't answer right away. He looked around the area first before fixing his eyes on me.

"How much do you want to stay away from my brother?" he asked, his voice dripping with judgment.

"H-Huh?" I stared at him, confused.

"I know you're just playing him. You're using him for money, aren't you?" he said bluntly.

My heart pounded at the false accusation.

"Three hundred thousand. You got it so easily without lifting a finger. I don't know how you managed to convince Rafael that fast," he went on.

I clenched my fists, anger bubbling inside me. I had no idea how he found out Rafael gave me that much money, but one thing was clear: he had no clue about our actual arrangement.

I took a deep breath and forced myself to stay calm.

"If you have nothing good to say, you can leave now," I said firmly.

He smirked like my words didn't affect him at all.

"Name your price, Miss Cuevas. Five hundred thousand? Or let's make it two million? I'm sure you're planning to get even more than that from my brother, but I won't let that happen. Let's end this now," he said in one breath.

My jaw almost dropped. I thought he was done insulting me after last night, but apparently not. He even came here just to throw more hurtful words at me.

He raised an eyebrow at my stunned expression.

"What? Are you too overwhelmed by two million? Should I make it three?" he asked mockingly.

I was so furious I could barely breathe.

"Is that really how you see poor people like us?" I asked him sharply.

"Just because I'm not wearing designer clothes and I'm not as rich as you, I'm automatically a gold digger?!" I shot back, my voice shaking with anger.

He didn't respond, but the smug look on his face only made my blood boil more.

"You don't know me, Mr. De Luca. You have no idea what I'm going through. No matter how much money you offer, I won't take it-especially if it's coming from someone as arrogant and self-righteous as you!" I snapped.

He blinked, clearly not expecting me to fight back.

"Now, if you're done, you can leave. And if you have a problem with your brother's decision, talk to him. I'm not the problem here," I added, rolling my eyes before turning my back on him.

I walked away without looking back. Even with my back turned, I could feel the weight of his stare, like he was sizing me up and couldn't figure me out.

That man was infuriating! Three million just to stay away from his brother? Even if it were five million, I wouldn't take it. My arrangement with Rafael was only for one month anyway. Once that's done, I'll make sure our paths never cross again!

"Oh, what happened? Where are you and Rafael going now?" Trina asked the moment I stepped back inside the house.

I glanced at Grandma, who was quietly watching TV, before answering Trina.

"That wasn't Rafael," I said, still fuming.

"H-Huh? Then who was it?" Trina asked, confused.

"Who else? That arrogant Leandro," I snapped.

"What?! Mr. Grumpy?! What was he doing here? And how did he even know where you live?"

I sighed and shook my head. I honestly had no idea either, since Rafael would never tell him.

"I don't know. But he pissed me off so much I couldn't stop myself from snapping back. He even offered me three million just to stay away from Rafael! What's worse is he thinks I'm just after his brother's money!" I said, my anger bubbling again.

Trina's eyes widened like she couldn't believe what she was hearing.

"Three million?! Girl, that's instant millionaire status! Does he think you're the villain in their lives?" she asked, laughing.

"Exactly! Just because he's rich, he thinks he can insult and judge me?" I continued, frustrated.

"Why don't you just tell Rafael? So at least he knows what his brother is doing. I'm sure Rafael will defend you," she suggested.

I rolled my eyes. Like Rafael would even care.

"No. They might just end up fighting, and things would get more complicated. Besides, Rafael doesn't care about how I feel," I said with a shrug.

"You've got a point, but still, no matter what his concern is, Leandro has no right to judge you," she said.

I nodded.

"Exactly. That's why I'm not backing down from him. If he thinks I'm just going to let him walk all over me, he's wrong."

Trina clapped her hands, making me roll my eyes at her.

"That's my girl! Don't let him belittle you!" she said.

I smirked and nodded. Somehow, her support made me feel a little better about the whole situation.

"Anyway, don't you have plans today? Aren't you and Rafael going anywhere?" she asked.

I shook my head and shrugged. Rafael hadn't messaged me.

"Perfect! Since you're free, we have a gig!" she said excitedly.

I frowned.

"And what kind of gig is this?" I asked.

"At Mr. Daez's! They have a big catering event and they still need more staff. He called me this morning to ask if we could go," she explained.

I smiled and nodded. It had been months since we last worked with Mr. Daez. He managed a food and beverage company that often catered to rich clients.

"Why would I say no? Of course, I'm in!" I said, and we both laughed.

I quickly got ready because I knew the job would be tough. I also texted Rafael to let him know I'd be busy today. He might need me and I wouldn't be there.

From Rafael:

No worries, babe. I also have an agenda today.

I gripped my phone tightly after reading his message. I grimaced, annoyed that he was still staying in character even over text.

I quickly typed a reply.

To Rafael:

Babe your face!

After sending it, I turned off my phone. The event would start in the afternoon, but we had to arrive early to help set up.

"Take care, you two. Don't worry, Gigi, I'll look after Grandma," Aunt Amelia said.

I smiled and nodded. I was so grateful that even though life was hard, I still had people like Trina's family to lean on.

Time flew by once we got to the venue because we immediately got to work, and before we knew it, the event was about to start.

"Gigi, you're assigned to the hot foods area. Did you review the ingredients? Some guests might ask, especially those with allergies," Nico, one of the waiters, reminded me.

I nodded quickly. I was already aware and made sure to memorize everything served there.

"Of course, Nico. Who do you think I am?" I said smugly.

He laughed and nodded. We'd worked together before and I'd never messed up.

"I know. That's why I have a crush on you!" he said teasingly.

I groaned and rolled my eyes, which only made him laugh harder.

"Hey, Nico! Enough flirting. Get moving, the guests are starting to arrive," one of our coworkers said.

I laughed, grabbed some food trays, and headed toward the hot foods area.

"You're just bitter, bro! Fine, I'm going. Is it true one of the guests tonight is a De Luca?" Nico asked.

I froze at the mention of the name.

"De Luca? Which De Luca?" I asked, my heart pounding.

"We don't know. Why?" Nico asked in confusion.

I quickly shook my head, though nerves were creeping up my spine.

What if the De Luca they were talking about was Rafael's mom?

Oh my God. I'm doomed.