Chapter 3

I hugged him tightly around his neck because I was afraid of drowning since I didn't know how to swim. I tried to move my legs just to stay afloat somehow. I held on even tighter to his neck, fearing I might drown. This is one of my fears, being in a swimming pool.

"Easy baby!" Look at this annoying guy! He really knows how to tease. I slapped his abs—oh shoot! Why did I hit his abs? "You're still trying." He grinned. "But don't worry baby you're free to touch me." Then he winked at me. Sometimes it's hard to keep up with his attitude.

I could feel my face turning red from embarrassment. I feel like I'm as red as a tomato now. I just want to disappear.

"You're so rude!" I was about to hit him again on his abs—thank goodness I stopped myself, who knows what else might come out of this guy's mouth. "Let go of me." He did let go, and I hurriedly swam, realizing I really didn't know how to swim. I struggled to move my legs just to stay afloat.

I closed my eyes because of extreme nervousness and fear. I don't want to die yet! I might be drowning. I still have dreams in life.

"Laxer!!!" I shouted, almost swallowing water from this swimming pool, with my head bobbing in and out. I'm also struggling. It feels like I'm running out of breath... like I can't---

"Shit!" Suddenly, I felt his arms around me. "Glad I caught you." He whispered while he held me. I can't explain what I'm feeling anymore. I can feel his heart beating fast. Why? I can't speak because I'm still catching my breath, along with the rapid beating of my heart and the strong pounding in my chest... maybe it's because of the panic earlier, thinking it might be the end.

"It's your fault for letting me go. And you're so rude." I teased him. I tried to pass it off as a joke.

"I was just joking. So I'm not rude. I just love seeing your face turning red. And I'm sorry if I let you go... but what matters is I came back for you." He said seriously, as if he had something else to imply. What happened to him? I examined his forehead to feel if it's warm.

"Do you have a fever?" I have never thought I would be this close to him again one day.

"I don't have a fever. Come on, you might get sick. I might lose a maid." There! So in the end, he's still thinking about himself. I was supposed to be getting all mushy, but it got cut off. Some things are really just temporary. There it is, the moment, we're in the middle of the swimming pool, just the two of us---Jearri stop! These thoughts are driving me crazy.

He helped me out of the swimming pool. He's actually a nice gentleman, at least a little. "About the deal---" I didn't finish what I was going to say because he just kept walking away. Ugh! I take back what I said! He's not a gentleman!

I watched him leave until he gradually disappeared from my sight.

I hugged myself because of the extreme cold as I entered the mansion. I didn't know where Laxer went, and I didn't care anymore. The less I care, the more I won't be attached. I'm just saving myself from future heartbreaks.

"Ma'am, I'll be on a three-day business trip so I won't be able to come home," I heard Laxer bid farewell to Manang Agnes, my mother's close friend and colleague.

Since childhood, I grew up with my mother and Manang Agnes, no father, none... I don't know if he's still alive or if he's already gone. And I don't care which one it is, he left us before I even entered this world.

Sometimes, I don't really get it. Why can't some people own up to the mistakes they made in their youth? Why does someone have to leave? It's the man and woman united to be responsible for their actions. The child shouldn't be the one bearing the consequences. The child shouldn't carry it all. It shouldn't have happened in the first place if it couldn't be stood by. But then again, I'm still thankful that my mother gave birth to me. Even without a father around, it's alright because I'm content with just my mother.

But sometimes, I also wished to see him, even though I knew it was impossible.

I still remember, whenever my classmates would boast about their fathers, I would just stay quiet on the side. But sometimes, I can't help but long for what it feels like to have a father. I wished there was someone to pick me up from school when I was a child.

"Cray, ride with Jearri. You might end up fighting again," my mother instructed as I sat next to Laxer in the backseat. Laxer nodded to my mother and smiled. He's obedient, especially to those older than him, especially to my mother.

We said our goodbyes to my mother before she closed the car door. "You're lucky with your nanny," he commented as the car stopped in traffic. I was a bit surprised because this was the first time he didn't start with teasing.

"Why, do you also want my mother to be your mom? That's fine, so we can be siblings." I teased him. "So I can have a big brother." I added, grinning at him.

"Shut up. I won't take you as my little sister." He snapped at me irritably. "I don't want you as a sibling. It's not allowed." He said firmly and didn't speak to me after that. I looked at him in surprise, but he didn't even glance my way.

I suddenly remembered that incident. Laxer didn't talk to me for two days after that. He sometimes has big problems. I raised my gaze to Laxer. He said he won't be around for three days. I fell silent. Three days. It kept replaying in my mind. What am I feeling?

He adjusted his necktie a bit and started walking towards the garage. I hoped he'd say goodbye to me. I chuckled at the thought. Why would he do that anyway? It's impossible for him to do that.

This feeling is just so weird. Why am I feeling this way?

I let out a deep sigh. I was about to turn away when I felt the warmth of his hand on my arm.

"We'll talk about the deal when I get back," he said as he faced me. For the first time, a sweet smile graced his face, which prompted me to reciprocate with a similar smile. "Take care. I'll be gone for a couple of days, but I'll be back." He said tenderly. "Stop being stubborn, baby..." He winked at me and teased me with a grin.

Seriously! What's gotten into him today? "Bye." And with that, he left me with my mouth agape in surprise. Until I noticed the automatic gate closing on its own. He was gone. I was still in shock from that brief encounter.

"Jearri dear, let me be the one to change Cray's bedsheets." Manang Agnes said. Am I the only one who calls him Laxer? Because almost all the workers in the mansion refer to him as Sir Cray.

"Manang Agnes, I'll do it." I smiled at her. Don't think too much about it, I'm just feeling industrious today, and I don't have anything to do since Laxer isn't here.

Why didn't he take me with him? After all, I am his personal maid, right? Okay Jearri, don't be demanding! I just let out a sigh.

I've been thinking about all sorts of things lately.

"Are you sure?" While in the past, I used to feel reluctant whenever Laxer would tell me to change his bedsheets, now it's different.

I can't really explain the feelings I've been having these past few days. It's like everything is happening so fast.

"Yes." I politely replied, and she nodded. I took the replacement bedsheets and headed to Laxer's room.

I glanced at the picture frames on a table. They're all family photos and solo pictures of him since he was a child.

Even when he was a child, I already knew that someday, he would be admired like a star in the sky. It may sound profound, but that's the truth.

Even during his teenage years, many already had a crush on him. Well, for others he was that one perfect man, intelligent and looking serious. It was proven ages ago but I don't think now... a lot has changed.

He used to be skinny, and now he looks like a model for a clothing brand. Why have I been paying so much attention to him just starting from the other day? It's not like me.

He looks even more handsome now with his toned body, clearly taking care of himself. Oh no! What am I doing?! I can't help but think about him. About things related to him.

I should be changing his bedsheets now, but here I am, thinking about him. It's strange.

After I finished changing his bedsheets, I headed to his office in the mansion. I don't know why, but I always sneak in here just to go straight to his bookshelves.

His office looks like a library because of the number of books related to business. There are also books not related to business like romance and action English novels on a separate bookshelf.

"Did he buy any new books?" I asked myself as I scanned the books. It seems not, I've read all of these. I enjoy reading English novels, and someday I dream of having bookshelves like these, filled with my favorite books.

Oh well! If only I had finished my education.

But I'm saving up now because next school year, I plan to continue my studies. If all goes well, I'll be a second-year college student. I just haven't had the chance to ask Laxer yet, I really hope he's in a good mood so he'll let me.

As others would say, education is something that no one can steal or take away from you. It's better to have finished, to have your own degree someday. It's just right for everyone to walk across a stage and receive a diploma. No one should be denied the chance to finish their studies. Poverty shouldn't be a hindrance to getting an education. If you have dreams, go for it, set goals all the time.

I was about to leave his office since I didn't have anything else to do here, when I noticed a picture frame that stood out from the rest.

A picture of the two of us when we were kids, he had his arm around me with a wide smile, while I looked at him with a slight frown.

And then I think my heart just skipped a beat.

I only noticed it now, maybe it was slightly hidden among the other picture frames, you'd only spot it if you looked closely. I found myself smiling, my face turning a bit red.

After three days, Laxer finally came back from his business trip. He went straight to his room, probably exhausted from the trip.

I remembered the picture frame I saw in his office. I decided not to bother him because he seemed tired and worn out.

It was around six in the evening when I saw him coming down the stairs. "Jearri..." He said my name, and for some inexplicable reason, my heart raced. "Let's talk... about the deal." Oh right! We still have to discuss that deal, which I have no idea about.

"Hmm... now?" I replied, feeling a bit hesitant.

"Yeah." He simply answered. I don't know why, but with his simple response, it felt like a slight twinge in my heart.

Here is the English translation:

"Okay." This is so awkward. I'm not used to this. I'm more accustomed to yelling or arguing with him.

"Come with me," he said, and I followed him. It looks like we're heading back to his room. "Lock the door." I instinctively covered my chest, crossing my arms.

"We're not going to do what you are thinking." I could feel my face turning red. How embarrassing! "Just lock the door," he repeated.

I just followed his request. I wouldn't want him thinking anything else.

"What kind of deal is this?" I asked him, a bit irritated. Wow, Jearri, suddenly you're so assertive!

"Come here." I sat beside him. "Be nice to me." Huh? What did he say? "For 3 months, just be nice to me and I'll set you free. I'll disregard your 5-year contract as my personal maid and you're free to go..." My eyes widened. Is he serious? This isn't a joke, right?

"I'm dead serious." He must have read my thoughts.

"Hmm... 3 months?" He nodded. Can I handle that for 3 months? "If you're nice to me, then I'll be nice to you."

"It still depends, Jearri." Oh no! "I'll still treat you how I treat you from the beginning, but you have to be nice to me this time." That's not fair!

"I don't want to, you're being unfair!" I snapped at him and stood up from the side of his bed where we were sitting earlier. I headed straight out of his room, feeling his hands brush against my arm.

"Artzell Jearri Lacsamana." He mentioned my full name with a hint of a threat. I halted in my tracks.

Well! Even though I always yell at him, there are times when I still fold like a deck of cards when it comes to him, but it's very rare. "I'll repeat the deal. You'll just have to be nice to me within 3 months, then that's it, you're free to go. What do you want... stay by my side for 5 years? I know you're already at your wit's end with me. I also know that you're already sick of me in your mind. That's why I'm giving you a choice. Accept the deal or stay with me for 5 years." And he grinned.

"Unless you like staying with me for the next coming years..." There was a mocking tone in his voice, so I frowned.

"Well, you won't be nice to me. Am I supposed to just be overly nice to you even if I'm just forcing myself?" I couldn't help but roll my eyes. His deal is pointless.

"Exactly. You got my point, baby..." Just as I thought! "That would be challenging. I'll see how far your patience goes." And he even smiled at me.

"No way." I replied firmly.

"Why not? Does that mean you really wanted to be with me?" He teased me again. This guy really has some nerve.

"Fine, okay!" He grinned again. Ugh! He actually managed to pressure me.

"So deal?" And he slowly approached me until I could feel the door at my back.

"Hmm... de-deal." I answered a bit hesitantly.

His face was so close to mine, and I could also smell his cologne. It was so nice!

"Our deal will start tomorrow," he said, and I thought he was about to leave. "But before that... let's seal our deal with a kiss." And before I knew it, our lips met. It was a slow, gentle kiss that made me feel weak and trembling.

I instinctively held onto his neck for support, feeling like I might just collapse. The way he kissed me felt like he was an expert at it.

Suddenly, I came to my senses. Shit! That was my first kiss! Wait... did I just kiss him back? I touched my lips. Realization hit me... Along with the rapid beating of my heart. I have no idea why I kissed him back!

"By the way, I assumed you're now liking it. You kissed me back, baby..." I was startled when he returned and headed straight for his bed.

I looked at him, confused. "I th-thought you were leaving..." I didn't mean for him to hear that.

I noticed the smirk on his face while he grinned. I admit, he's handsome, but he looks even more handsome in my eyes.

"I think I'll get addicted to your kisses." He said it seriously, causing my heart to race even faster. "Shit. You're driving me even crazier for you." My eyes widened. It was so sudden, I didn't know what to say.

"What are you even talking about?! You act like a child!" I tried to sound annoyed. Then I turned away to hide the blush on my face.

"I'm just kidding," he said. I know he's serious when he says that. Why do some people always treat things as a joke, even when they're not?

But then I realized jokes are half-meant, and yet that doesn't mean I'll have the reason to assume.