Chapter 1

Ericka took a moment to assess herself in the mirror, satisfied with her appearance for the day. As the executive secretary to the president, she had held this position since her graduation. Her parents, including her father who was once the right-hand man of Señor San Miguel, perished in an accident that left Señor San Miguel disabled.

Following the tragedy, he took on the responsibility of her education and placed her in a boarding school, where she graduated with honors. Despite tempting offers from other companies, Ericka chose to stay loyal to the San Miguel family due to a sense of gratitude. Initially thinking she would be the personal assistant to Señor, her fate changed when Monte, Señor's eldest grandson, selected her. There was a mysterious attraction she felt, perhaps stemming from a crush since their school days. Monte had always defended her from bullies, earning him the nickname "popper fish" due to his unique traits.

She took another look in the mirror, revealing a stern expression. Satisfied, she headed out, each step resonating on the staircase. Ericka proceeded straight to the kitchen.

"Ah, Miss Ericka, i'm so sorry, we do not change the bed sheet. I did not know that you're coming back," explained Nanang Perlita.

"I was also surprised when Sir Monte picked me up last night. He mentioned it's more convenient for us to be under the same roof so he can easily ask me questions or vice versa. Besides, he said I really live here, this is my house too," she clarified.

The older woman teased, "Maybe you still have a crush on him, huh?"

"This is purely work-related, Nanay," Ericka responded.

"Ericka..." they heard the call from the elderly San Miguel.

"Oh, it's you, sir," she smiled, approaching to bow. "Allow me to push your wheelchair."

She guided him to the center of the table. She signaled Nanay Perlita to start serving.

"How are you, hija?" he asked.

"I'm good. Getting beautiful... hahaha," they shared a laugh at her joke.

"Your term is incorrect. It's not just getting beautiful; it should be getting even more beautiful," he corrected playfully.

"You and your jokes," she chuckled. "How are you, sir?"

"I'm glad you're back home; at least, I have someone sensible to talk to. Monte is always busy with work. I think he was surprised to realize that he's truly taking over the company, and I won't be involved anymore."

"I could have stayed elsewhere, i have my home, but sir insisted," Ericka explained.

"I personally asked him to bring you back here."

She felt a sudden sadness, realizing it wasn't Monte who wanted her back.Indeed the man seemed oblivious to others' feelings.

"I would have been content at my own home, Señor. Yet here I am, letting you feed me again. I eat a lot, you know."

"That's fine, hija. I'm used to you eating a lot, hahaha," Señor chuckled.

"Coffee?"

"Yes, please, and make it your way. I've had enough of Perlita's inconsistent brew."

Ericka briefly left the elderly man. As she entered the dirty kitchen near the sink, she overheard a conversation between an older house helper and Leona, the new helper.

"It's true that she's the señor's daughter." the elderly helper said with envy in her tone.

"Ow?, some say she's the señor's mistress," replied Leona.

"Her mother is the señor's mistress; that's why she's always around. She didn't finish school but got hired as a secretary. I guess her mother's beautiful looks played a part."

"Sir Monte is her boss now, right?"

"She wants to seduce him to become wealthy."

"So, she's flirtatious?"

"Yes, she is..."

"Eheeem.." their conversation was abruptly interrupted, and they both looked surprised.

"Uhm... Have you been there the whole time, Ericka?" Manang Lorie recognized her.

Manang Lorie worked alongside Ericka's mother and, being naturally intelligent, became the señor's secretary. The rumors about Ericka's mother being the señor's mistress had circulated for a long time, but they chose not to entertain such issues. For her parents and the señor, such stories were superficial. Perhaps that mindset still persisted today. She felt Manang Lorie's intense gaze, sensing that she was being judged.

"Not really... I just arrived," she smiled at them, grabbing the coffee condiments.

"I'll do it, Miss Ericka," Leona offered.

"Don't call me Miss... we all receive the same salary here," Ericka replied.

"The señor might get upset," warned Leona.

"Even Manang Lorie just calls me Ericka. You can do the same, or maybe 'ate' so you'll feel more comfortable, as I'm staying here again."

"Huh? You're coming back?" Manang Lorie asked.

"Yes, is that okay with you?" Ericka faced them.

"Well, um, yes. I'm happy that you're coming back."

"I'll just bring this to the señor. He prefers the taste of my coffee."

As she turned away, she caught a glimpse, out of the corner of her eye, of the two whispering. She promised herself she would talk to them later. Her once peaceful parents' lives were disturbed by idle people. If only she could wake them up and make the household staff realize the truth.

She found Señor and Monte engrossed in what seemed like a serious conversation. They glanced at her as her heels tapped on the wooden floor. Señor's face was shadowed, a sign that he might not be pleased with whatever he and Monte were discussing.