Chapter 3: The Gentle Giant

Dalia’s POV

“What did you say, ma’am?” the officer repeated, looking straight at me.

I scratched my head, my brain spinning in panic.

Damn it, Dalia—think!

You can’t get caught over something this stupid!

“Ah—uh, yes, I do have it!” I said, pretending to check my bag pockets. “Oh! How silly of me. I must’ve left it upstairs in my room! Can you wait a second? I’ll just go back and get it!”

The two officers exchanged a suspicious glance.

And before either of them could answer—

I ran.

I dashed to the nearest elevator like my life depended on it—because, well, it kind of did.

Inside, my hands were trembling as I fumbled for my phone. I dialed Jessie again, praying she’d finally answer.

“Come on, Jessie, pick up! Please!” I hissed. “This is not the time for your do-not-disturb era!”

No answer.

“Damn it, Jessie, answer the phone!” I whispered harshly, just as I heard the elevator behind me ding.

The doors slid open—and my heart dropped.

It was them.

The police.

I bolted out of there, no longer caring about dignity, direction.Somehow, by sheer panic and muscle memory, I ended up right back on the floor I came from.

And before I could think twice, I found myself standing in front of his unit again—Sir Giant Man.

““Great,” I muttered, while pressing the numbers on the screen as I hurriedly unlocking the door. “From cleaner to fugitive. Can’t wait to see what my next job title’s gonna be.”

Click!

I slipped inside, locked the door, and leaned against it, panting.

But not a second later, I heard the pounding.

They’d followed me.

“Ma’am, open the door!” one of the officers yelled from outside. The knocking grew louder—more urgent. My chest tightened. Tears pricked at my eyes.

“Oh God, I’m doomed,” I whispered, voice cracking. “I just wanted to clean bathrooms, not end up on a wanted list.”

“Stay away from the door.”

The deep, husky voice made me freeze.

I turned—and there he was.

Sir Giant himself.

Still disheveled, shirt slightly wrinkled, but more sober now. His sharp gaze was on me, assessing, steady.

“S–Sir…” I stammered, tears welling up. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to—I just—”

“Filipina?” he asked suddenly.

“Yes, sir…” I whispered.

He sighed, rubbing his temples. He still looked tired and hungover, but his tone had softened.

“Who are those people?” he asked, nodding toward the door that was now shaking from all the knocking.

“Police,” I said quickly, panic in my voice. “Please, sir, I beg you—don’t let them take me. I swear I didn’t do anything wrong! I’m just trying to make a living. I came here to clean, that’s all! I have dreams, sir! I still have a family back home counting on me. I can’t—I can’t be deported now!”

My voice cracked at the end, my words tumbling out between fear and desperation.

He looked at me quietly, eyes searching mine—as if trying to see if I was telling the truth.

Then, with a long breath, he said, “Come here. Move away from the door.”

“Sir… please don’t—”

“I said move away. I’ll talk to them.”

“But—”

“Stay in my room,” he said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument. “I’ll handle this.”

And just like that—despite my trembling knees and racing heart—I obeyed.

I slipped into his bedroom, my mind swirling with fear, confusion, and the tiniest spark of disbelief that this man—this angry, drunk giant from earlier—was now about to save me.

I tiptoed toward his room like a thief sneaking into a crime scene—

except I was the alleged criminal, running for being undocumented piece of nobody.

My heart was pounding so loud I was sure the officers could hear it through the walls.

From outside, I heard the door unlock.

Voices.

“Good afternoon, sir,” one officer said.

“We’re looking for someone—a woman, small build, Filipina. Ran this way. Did you—”

“I haven’t seen anyone,” Sir Giant voice cut through, calm but commanding. “You sure she didn’t take the stairs?”

My breath caught. I pressed my ear against the door.

There was a pause. Then muffled replies.

I couldn’t make out the words, only that his tone stayed steady, professional, dangerously smooth.

After a few seconds, the door clicked shut. Silence.

I waited.

One second. Two. Five.

Was it safe?

Then—

“You can come out now,” his voice said from outside the door.

I cracked it open just enough to peek—and there he was. Leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, brow raised like a disapproving dad slash reluctant hero.

I stepped out slowly, clutching my bag like it could protect my dignity.

“They’re gone?” I whispered.

“Yes. They left “

That was all it took for my tears to break free. Relief and self-pity collided in my chest, and before I knew it, I was clutching my tote bag, sobbing quietly into it.

“Th-thank you so much… I owe you my life for saving me today.”

He let out a long sigh. When I looked up, he had sunk into the couch, leaning back like all the energy had drained out of him.

“You don’t have to thank me,” he said flatly. “I just threw them off your trail. But they’ll still arrest you once they see you outside.”

He turned his head toward me, his gaze calm but cutting.

“This isn’t a light case, miss. Especially not with how strict the administration is right now.”

I couldn’t say a word. He was right, and I knew it. He didn’t say it to scare me—just to remind me of the truth I’d been trying to run from.

Sure, I might’ve escaped today. But next time? I probably wouldn’t be as lucky.

Still… I just wasn’t ready to be caught now.

I was so close to finally reaching my goal. Just a little longer, and I could send my siblings through school. That’s all I’ve ever wanted—to give them a future better than mine.

That’s why I worked myself to the bone, cleaning strangers’ messes in a country that didn’t even know my name.

“If you want to stay and cool down, that’s fine,” he said suddenly, snapping me out of my thoughts. “I’ll let you. But don’t take too long.”

“Are—are you sure that’s okay, sir?” I asked hesitantly.

“Yeah. Just don’t do anything stupid inside my room.”

I nodded so fast my head almost fell off. “N-no, of course not! Just thirty minutes, then I’ll leave.”

“Good.” He yawned, stretched lazily, then started walking toward his bedroom.

“Sir… thank you again,” I said softly. “For saving my day.”

He stopped, gave a short nod.

“Don’t mention it. I just didn’t want to add to the mess I made earlier. I was harsh with you before—I didn’t want to look like a complete monster by handing you over to the police. I do still have a conscience, you know.”

I swallowed hard.

So… he remembers.

Guess he wasn’t that drunk after all.

“Now we’re even,” he said, turning back toward his room, “I’m going to sleep. When I wake up, I hope you’re gone. Do we understand each other?”

“Y-yes, sir. I promise. This will be the last time you’ll ever see me. Thank you so much again, sir.”

He gave a small wave, then disappeared into his room, leaving me alone in the quiet living room—with my heart still racing, my face still wet, and one very obvious thought running through my head:

“Wow, Dalia. From cleaner to fugitive… and now an unexpected guest. Love that for you.”