chapter 2

The mansion of my new boss was breathtaking.

It was enormous. As we stepped inside, my eyes wandered around in awe. The interior was even more stunning than I had imagined. When we reached the living room, I saw a handsome man sitting on the sofa, completely focused on the laptop resting on his lap. As soon as we stopped in front of him, his driver spoke.

"Sir Ethan, they're here." Only then did he lift his gaze and look at us. "Manang Rose, does your niece know the rules in my house? She'll be the only housemaid working here."

"Yes, Sir. I've already explained everything to her," Aunt Rose replied with a smile. His eyes slowly traveled from my head to my feet before he finally spoke. "What is your name?"

"Um... Arabella, sir," I answered with a polite smile.

"Good. Manang Rose, stay here tonight so your niece won't be alone on her first night in my house." Without another word, he picked up his laptop and headed upstairs. "Yes, Sir," my aunt answered. Before disappearing, he added, "You can leave tomorrow afternoon. Make sure you teach her everything she needs to know first."

Then he went upstairs. "Come on, Arabella," Aunt Rose said. "Let's go to your room." I quietly followed her. "Aunt... you're not staying here with me?" I asked with a pout as soon as we were alone. After dinner, we both went to rest. This was the beginning of my journey toward my dreams. You can do this, Ara, I told myself. Work hard, stay strong, and one day you'll become successful too.

But despite my encouragement, I couldn't hide what I truly felt. I already missed my family.

On my very first night away from home, loneliness filled my heart. I hugged my pillow tightly while holding back my tears. I missed them so much.

Before I knew it, I had fallen asleep. The next morning, I woke up to Aunt Rose gently tapping my shoulder. "Oh, Ara! You can't be lazy in this house. I'm telling you, you won't last long here if you keep sleeping like this," she scolded.

I slowly opened my eyes and rubbed them.

"Here. Put these on. Take a shower first—you still smell like drool," she said, handing me a set of clothes. I sniffed myself before pouting. "I don't smell that bad," I complained. I got out of bed and walked into the private bathroom inside my room.

A small smile spread across my face.

Wow... I even have my own bathroom now.

While taking a shower, I couldn't help humming happily. I was genuinely excited to begin a new day and embrace the new life waiting for me.

Aunt Rose patiently taught me everything I needed to do every day—from preparing breakfast for my handsome yet grumpy boss to organizing his clothes and taking care of the household chores.

She also explained every rule I had to follow to avoid making mistakes. She even taught me the exact way Sir Ethan liked his coffee.

There were so many instructions that my head started to ache, but I forced myself to remember every single one. After all, I didn't want to get scolded on my very first day.

While we were having lunch, Aunt Rose continued giving me reminders. "Ara, I'm leaving this afternoon. Once Sir Ethan comes home, you'll be in charge."

"Yes, Aunt. You'll visit me sometimes, won't you?" I asked hopefully. "It depends. Only if Sir Ethan needs me. And remember... never do anything inappropriate in this house." I pouted.

"Come on, Aunt. Do I really look like someone who'd cause trouble?" I joked. She sighed.

"Ara... whatever you do, don't flirt with Sir Ethan. The two of you come from completely different worlds. Besides, his mother has a terrible personality. You'll only end up getting hurt."

I let out a soft sigh.

"Do I look flirtatious to you? My only goal is to finish my studies. Besides, I don't even like him. That Ethan is way too grumpy." I even raised an eyebrow after saying that. "Who's grumpy?"

My eyes widened. I immediately covered my mouth. Great job, Ara. Your big mouth is going to get you into trouble. I forced an awkward smile.

"U-Um... the mouse, sir. It's... very grumpy."

Judging by the look on his face, he clearly didn't believe my excuse. "One more thing," he said coldly. "I don't allow overly talkative people in my house. Manang Rose, remind your niece. Otherwise, I'll send her back to wherever she came from." His voice was so cold that I immediately lowered my head.

Aunt Rose pinched my side.

"Ouch, Aunt!"

"You're too talkative. Tone it down, or we might both lose our jobs. Don't forget your cousins are still studying," she whispered. I bit my lip and nodded. "Yes... I'm sorry." After saying his piece, Sir Ethan turned around and walked away.

I secretly pouted as I watched him leave.

My boss is unbelievably grumpy.

Just wait until you fall in love with me someday.

I'll make you work hard to win my heart.

Let's see if you won't regret being so cold to me now. I couldn't help smiling at my own thoughts before continuing my meal. "Ara," Aunt Rose warned, "I know you too well. Don't bring those mischievous smiles and your playful attitude into this house."

I simply smiled. So... she had figured out exactly what I was thinking. After lunch, I cleared the table, washed the dishes, and cleaned the kitchen. Then I tidied up several parts of the house to make everything spotless. When we finished, Aunt Rose started packing her belongings in preparation for her departure. Watching her made my heart ache. She was the only person I knew in this city.

Once she left... I'd be alone with my grumpy billionaire boss. You can do this, Ara, I silently encouraged myself.