chapter 1

Arabella's POV

I jolted awake when I felt my mother gently nudging me with her foot. "Ara, wake up! Your flight to Manila is this afternoon, remember?" she called. I slowly opened my eyes and winced, still drowsy from sleep.

"You're only going to Manila to work as a housemaid, yet you're sleeping like you don't have anywhere to be. Your employer might wake up before you do," she added. "Mom..." I complained as I stretched my aching body before sitting up.

"Go take a bath. Your aunt will be here any minute."

"Yes, Mom." As soon as she left my room, I let out a deep sigh. I stood up and headed to the bathroom. I had already packed my belongings the night before. My clothes were neatly folded inside my old suitcase—the same suitcase that would accompany me as I left Mindanao behind.

In just a few hours, I would be flying to Manila.

I was leaving home with one dream—to finish college while working as a housemaid. I knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy, but I was willing to sacrifice everything for the future I had always dreamed of.

My gaze drifted toward my suitcase, and another sigh escaped my lips. I was excited to begin a new chapter in Manila, but I couldn't deny the fear slowly tightening in my chest. For the first time in my life, I would be far away from my family and the only place I had ever called home. I didn't know what was waiting for me there. I didn't know whether my employer would be kind or whether I'd be strong enough to face whatever challenges lay ahead. But one thing was certain.

I would do everything I could to make my dreams come true. So despite the fear and uncertainty in my heart, I forced myself to smile. This was the beginning of a brand-new chapter in my life, and I was ready to face whatever fate had prepared for me in Manila.

After taking a shower, I put on a simple outfit—a pair of fitted jeans, a cropped top, and my slightly worn sneakers. I left my long black hair loose, letting it fall naturally down my back. I knew I wasn't the kind of girl who turned heads wherever she went. I wasn't particularly tall either. But people often complimented my long, thick black hair, and I considered that one of my best features. I stood in front of the mirror and smiled. "You're actually pretty, self," I whispered with a grin.

A second later, someone smacked the back of my head. "Wake up, Ate!" a familiar voice laughed. I quickly turned around and saw my younger brother, Lian. Without hesitation, I smacked him back. "I'm your older sister."

He rubbed the back of his head and looked ready to retaliate, but the moment I shot him a warning glare, he immediately backed away. Not long after, Aunt Rose arrived. I grabbed my suitcase and backpack while hanging my jacket over my arm before stepping outside. Mom was already waiting.

"What took you so long?" she shouted. I pouted.

"I'm already leaving, and you're still yelling at me."

I heard Mom turn to my aunt. "Rose, I'm entrusting Ara to you." At the same time, our luggage was being loaded onto the tricycle. "Don't worry, Ate. I'll take good care of her," Aunt Rose replied. "Come on, Ara. The airport is still far."

"Yes, Aunt." Before leaving, I walked over to my family. "Mom, I'm leaving now. Please take care of yourselves."

I hugged them one by one. Dad wasn't there because he had already left early for work.

"You be careful too. Don't give your aunt a hard time, okay?" Mom reminded me. "I won't, Mom." I smiled before hugging my siblings. Lian was the last to approach me. I hugged him tightly, but the moment he let go, I quickly smacked the back of his head and ran toward the tricycle. "Ate!"

He cried out while rubbing his head. "Let's go, Mister!" I laughed. I couldn't stop laughing as I watched Lian glare at me, looking as though he wanted to chase after me. Even though leaving home made my heart heavy, my little brother still managed to make me smile.

When we arrived in Manila, we collected our luggage and walked out of the airport. According to Aunt Rose, the driver sent by my future employer was already waiting outside. The moment I stepped out, I couldn't help staring at my surroundings.

So this was Manila.

Towering skyscrapers, giant billboards, and endless streams of vehicles filled the streets. I couldn't help feeling nervous as I took in the city for the very first time. A few minutes later, the driver arrived. He loaded all of our luggage into the car before opening the doors for us.

"Manang Rose, we'll head straight to Sir Ethan's house," he said. "All right, George," Aunt Rose replied.

As we drove away, silence settled inside the car.

I quietly admired the scenery outside the window until George suddenly spoke. "Have you eaten yet?" he asked, keeping his eyes on the road.

"Not yet," Aunt Rose answered. "I'll stop by Jollibee first and use the drive-thru. Those were Sir Ethan's instructions." He paused briefly before adding,

"But please don't eat inside his car. Sir doesn't like anyone eating in here. You can eat once you get to the room where you'll be staying tonight."

"Understood," Aunt Rose replied. I quietly listened to their conversation while continuing to admire the unfamiliar city outside my window.

Everything fascinated me.

Everywhere I looked, there was something new to see. A few moments later, we pulled into a Jollibee drive-thru. I couldn't help smiling. No matter where I went, Jollibee always seemed to be there.

After buying our food, we continued our journey toward Sir Ethan's mansion. The closer we got, the faster my heart beat. I had no idea what kind of person my new employer was. All I knew was that tonight... my new life in Manila would finally begin.