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 st
POV: MonteHis grandfather wanted him and Almira to get married, unaware that they were no longer together. This morning, as he descended, he heard his grandfather asking Ericka to prepare coffee. He approached when the woman left."Good morning, Lolo," he said, taking a seat beside him."How was your sleep in your own house?" his grandfather teased."Lolo, I came back, and your question sounds sarcastic.""You're too sensitive," his grandfather chuckled, ruffling his hair. "Coffee?""You're already having Ericka prepare it; she probably brought a thermos.""When is your wedding with Almira?""Lolo, I'm not ready to get married.""You're at the right age, Monte. I want to see some little ones running around before I leave this world.""What if I just adopt?" he joked."Ah, this kid is crazy," his grandfather playfully slapped his hand. "That's not good.""Just kidding.""I want Almira. You've been dating her since college, and she comes from a prominent family. It would be better if y
POV: Ericka"Sir, I think Sir Monte is upset," she paused in devouring shrimp."Just let my grandson be, he's already thirty-two, might be going through menopause," the old man chuckled."You really are quite the joker," she laughed. When it's just her and the old man, she can converse playfully. But in front of others, it's a whole different story. Dealing with an authoritative figure."Alright, go ahead, eat. My grandson might develop veins waiting for you," he chuckled at what he said.After eating, she brushed her teeth and washed her hands before going out. She's annoyed with her braces. It's hard to clean.Before she went out, she pushed the old man's wheelchair into the garden and instructed the gardener to call the nurse if the old man wants to go inside.When she went out, she found Monte with a dark expression again. Like the weight of the world's problems is on his shoulders."Are we leaving, sir?" she called his attention."My car broke down, so we'll use the other one. Ge
POV: ErickaThey were immediately greeted by other assistants outside the building. Everyone greeted them as they passed by. Many were in line for the elevator, but they used it first. No one attempted to join them and the two male assistants. Their office is on the 26th floor. Monte resides in the penthouse, but he was sent back home for an unknown reason.The door opened, and there were few employees on that floor because Monte disliked crowds. The cubicles had ample space, with cabinets on each side.They stood up when they arrived."Good morning, Sir, good morning, Ma'am," they greeted.She smiled and nodded to them while Monte maintain a focused gaze alongside the other assistant. They reached the door, and nearby was Marie's cubicle, her secretary. She was at her desk. "Good morning, Sir, good morning, Ma'am.""Good morning, Miss Marie, could you please bring the files I assigned to you?" she asked."Okay, Ma'am," she smiled.She was affectionate with her colleagues, unlike oth
POV: MonteHe couldn't stay calm during the meeting. He's worried about Ericka with Almira. His ex's girlfriend is a notorious bully, and Ericka is the type of girl who doesn't fight back even when someone stepped on her. He can't focus on their meeting."Sir San Miguel, are you okay?" Mr. Amado asked."Yeah... I mean yes... yes, I'm alright!" he adjusted his seating."Do you want to reschedule this meeting?"His face suddenly brightened."Really, uncle?" he sought confirmation."I know you, Monte. I can tell if something's bothering you. I saw Almira earlier. That's why I thought you might want to reschedule our meeting.""Thank you, uncle. I'll make it up next time, I just couldn't stay calm. I'll go.""Go ahead, son."He hurriedly left the conference room and practically sprinted to the elevator. It took forever. He kept pressing the up button.Finally, it opened, but it was crowded."It's sir..." people whispered in the elevator.The three men inside exited."Sir, please go ahead.
Ericka was surprised when Señor called her. He had apparently arrived and was currently in the lobby. She knew he had been accompanied by his nurse, but she thought his arrival was scheduled for lunch. It seemed to be earlier than expected, and Almira happened to be there too. After rescheduling a meeting with Mr. Diaz, she went to meet Señor.He smiled brightly upon seeing her, sipping his coffee. She greeted the nurse before addressing Señor. "Isn't it a bit early, Señor?" she asked, taking a seat on the adjacent sofa."Almira called me, hija. She said she has good news," the old man replied."What is it?" she wondered, sensing there might be some mischief behind his words."Never mind, I'll tell you later... Where is my grandson?"She called Monte, and the old man was directed to the penthouse. "I'll take you to the penthouse, and I'll make sure Sir is attended to when the food arrives," she said with a smile, pushing the old man's wheelchair herself.She pressed the elevator's ope
POV: MonteHe was surprised that this is how the girl has become. In the eight years they've been together, he hasn't seen her speak like that. He couldn't find bad in her character. He was amazed earlier. She's not afraid anymore, unlike before. The day isn't even over, and she already impressed him.The elevator to the penthouse opened. It's very neat. Many times he has come here to rest, but today is different. He was impressed. Everything was in order.He saw his grandfather sitting in a wheelchair, while the nurse rested on the couch on the side."Grandpa," he grabbed his attention.The old man faced him and smiled."Lo," Almira approached and kissed him, "how are you?""Señor," Gov greeted along with his wife."How are you, my future in-laws?" the old man asked with a smile.He winced at what was said. The old man truly believes he will marry Almira."We're good Señor," Miranda replied. "Theres a lot of food.""Let's eat," the Señor said. "Please prepare the table," he ordered t
POV:ErickaShe is proud of herself. Because she has finally let out the resentment she's been holding in for a long time. She won't allow them to step on her again. She's ready to fight. As she contemplates, her phone rings. This one is persistent."Hi beautiful...""What do you want again?" she replies, with a hint of irritation."You seem angry again, love... maybe you miss me?" he laughs."Tch!! What do you need?"'The date I've been requesting from you, it's been three years..."You know I don't want to, okay? You're like a father to me. Have some shame!" she's losing patience with Felipe.He also has businesses and manages the bank where she deposits. He always bugs her. They exchanged numbers for fast transactions, but she didn't expect he would have a hidden agenda. He's about to become a senior citizen. His head is balding, but he's tall with a good physique.It showed interest in her a few years ago. He just didn't want to be rude, but when she's angry, don't play games with