POV: Monte
He 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 the two waiters who brought the food.When they have visitors, the restaurant really provides two servers for their order, and because they appreciate the effort, they compensate them well.The fragrant aroma of the food filled the air. Just from the smell, it's delicious. There's cutlery, bulalo, rice, stir-fried vegetables, buttered seafood, and mixed fruits. It's really mouthwatering."Looks delicious lolo," Almira remarked."Of course, Ericka prepared that," the old man smiled. He didn't notice the frown on the mother and daughter's faces. "Alright, let's eat."He attended to his grandfather. They didn't bother the nurse so he could rest well. Perhaps he's tired because his grandfather can be quite persistent."Señor, what important matter are we discussing?" Gov asked while eating."Well, your only daughter called me earlier, she said she has good news," he smiled at Almira."What's the good news?" Gov asked."You, my dear, should tell them," he instructed."Well," she looked very happy, "I'm getting married!""Really?" he asked casually. "Congratulations to both of you!""You're getting married?" Gov asked. "Who? We should go there." He went along with what she said."Daddy," Almira pretended to be a child, pouting. "Of course, it's Monte.""Grandson, they said you proposed to Almira." his grandfather held her by the arm."Wow, the merging of our families is really pushing through," Miranda happily said. "When's the engagement party?""Me?" he asked. "But I didn't say anything like that to her.""Monte, baby, what are you doing? Don't embarrass me here," Almira whispered to him. Every word she spoke had emphasis."But what you're saying isn't true," he emphasized in his words."Just go with it, okay?""I don't want to.""Do you want to disappoint Grandpa?"He fell silent. That's the last thing he wanted to happen, to hurt his grandfather. Almira really always gives him a headache.Almira smiled when he became silent. For her, it meant he agreed to what she said.They had a happy conversation while eating and planning the wedding. He didn't interfere anymore. Until Almira's family bid goodbye, he couldn't manage to be happy. He just opened the elevator card, no longer insisting on escorting them.His grandfather noticed his lack of response."Monte, are you okay?" he worried. The nurse was eating, so only the two of them were in the living room."Nothing, Grandpa," he replied."I know you, I know you have something on your mind.""I don't want to get married, Grandpa.""What? Why?""Almira and I have been separated, Grandpa, since last year," he answered."But why didn't I know?""Because, Grandpa, you're happy when you talk about us getting married, so I don't say anything. I didn't expect Almira to do something deceitful.""You didn't propose?""Never, Grandpa... I don't want that woman. Her attitude is too harsh... and...""And what?""I have a hunch she's involved in Montana's death.""They said it was just an accident.""Grandpa, I know how careful my sister was. And she wasn't drunk at that time."His grandfather also pondered. But Almira was truly what he wanted. From a young age, he had been paired with her—beauty pageants, Santa Cruzan, escorting—in everything. So others thought they were really a couple.He admits that he tried to be in a relationship with her. They didn't go through courtship. They had monthsaries and anniversaries that he couldn't figure out how happened. She became Montana's best friend, so he truly came to love her. As long as he saw his sister happy, he was happy too.They had been together for several years, over ten years. Marriage was the next step they needed. Before the tragedy with Montana, he had really planned to propose to her. However, this became the turning point for him to open his eyes to the long period they had been in a relationship. He had tolerated all her temperamental behavior and even bullying others. But now, he really doesn't want it anymore. He won't be tied down to her no matter what happens."What are your plans now?" echoed in his grandfather's mind."I won't marry her, grandpa," he replied with determination."Give me reasons why you don't want her, and you might convince me," his grandfather challenged."She's too childish.""She's affectionate but a bit spoiled.""She's insensitive in her speech.""Almira is just too straightforward.""She's a bully, grandpa.""You think she's a bully just because she's playful.""I have a feeling she's involved in my sibling's death.""You're accusing again, grandchild, that's not good."His grandfather had response to everything he said. Every point he raised had its own logic. What could be the best excuse now? He thought for a moment before surprising the old man with his words."I already love someone else, grandpa. That's why I can't love Almira anymore.""Repeat and clarify what you're saying, Monte.""I'm in love with someone else, grandpa.""Who?" his grandfather asked with a furrowed brow."Just someone. I'll introduce her to you later.""What kind of girl did you replace Almira with?""A good woman, grandpa," he replied.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
POV: Monte"Lolo, I'll just talk to someone real quick, be back in a moment," he said to the elderly person."Who are you going to talk to?" the elder asked."Just someone, I'll be gone for a short while,""Alright, take Jeremy with you. What milk tea does Ericka want?""Avocado, please.""Okay, Jeremy, go with Monte to get the milk tea. Buy some for us too. And you, dear, do you want one?""I'll get mine on my own," Monte said, exiting the door ahead."Sir, should I pass it to Miss Ericka?" Jeremy asked."No need, just bring it here,""Alright,"Monte waited for Jeremy outside the elevator. He seemed in a hurry. Monte swiped the key card, and they both entered. He pressed the button for the ground floor."How is Lolo?" he asked Jeremy."There's a significant improvement, sir. I think he'll be able to walk soon," Jeremy replied."Why hasn't he mentioned anything to me?""He wants to surprise you. I'm sorry for spilling the beans. Can we keep it a secret?""Don't worry, i will not tell
POV: ErickaIt's been a month since she last talked to Monte. It's also been a month since she last saw Señor. She hasn't been home to their mansion; she has enough things in her house. It feels like she committed a grave mistake. Señor doesn't answer her calls, and even Monte only communicates with her through calls.What did she do to make her life this quiet? Tears fell as she typed on the computer. Her body slumped from working too much. Up until now, she's still contemplating Monte's offer. "Ten million, Ericka, not including your monthly allowance of fifty thousand as my wife. You'll handle my money, and every year that we're together, I'll add ten million for you. You'll also receive a salary because you'll still be working. I know you're not easily enticed by money since you already have some, but this assistance you're giving me, I owe it to you. The money is just a form of consolation.""You will have rights to everything because Grandfather won't be deceived. You'll get th
POV: MonteHe really thought Ericka had already accepted Bernard's proposal. He thought Bernard was just showing off, but he didn't realize his friend was genuinely serious about Ericka. That explained why Bernard wasn't entertaining advances from others. Love indeed works in mysterious ways. Perhaps if he and Ericka ever break up, they could end up together. Bernard is a good person, and Ericka is caring. If he didn't need the girl's help, he would have supported their relationship.It's really a complicated situation. His grandfather, being old, had Ericka in mind. If not Almira, whom they know, especially his grandfather, then who else could be his wife?The wife of his grandfather's assistant visited their house when he was just ten years old, while Montana was only nine. Back then, Ericka was seven, a chubby and lively child with a brown complexion. Her crooked teeth looked peculiar, and he didn't know where they came from. All he knew was that his grandfather was close to Ericka
POV: ErickaShe's nervous about what Monte said. What if señor rejects her? Or scolds her? What will she do? She finds herself lost in deep thought.Señor is kind, but he dislikes being deceived. What if he discovers that everything is just an act? But she can't bring herself to disappoint Monte. She suddenly hesitates.Her thoughts are interrupted when Marie calls."Ma'am, there's a call from the salon, they said they want to speak to you, Sir is asking you to call back.""Thank you, Miss Marie." She glances at the clock; it's already three. The phone rings again, "Oh, hello, Miss Marie?" her voice sounding a bit irritated."Hi, Ericka. Seems like you're not in a good mood, huh?""Monica?" she's surprised. "Why didn't you contact my private number?"Can I come in?"Oh, come in," she laughs.The door opens, revealing a goddess-like woman. She confidently approaches, followed by two flamboyant assistants."Just place the stuff on the sofa," the woman orders. "Start assembling what we'l
POV: MonteHe's excited. Before leaving Ericka earlier, he told her he'd pick her up and formally introduce her to his grandfather as his girlfriend. Many thoughts are swirling in his mind:Did Monica successfully help Ericka prepare?What will be the outcome of Monica's efforts?This girl will be in trouble if she couldn't accomplish what he asked her to do. She charged him a hefty amount. What will she do with the money? She's not in need. He wondered to himself.Monica has been his friend since grade school, along with her cousin Bernard; they've been close friends. They all studied hard to be classmates.Their friendship is purely platonic. He never thought of having a romantic relationship with Monica; she's quite boyish.*flashback*High school. They have a JS prom. He's a bit distant because Monica and Bernard, who are neighbors, are going together. As he's about to leave the gate, they bump into Almira, all dressed up. She steps out of the backseat after the driver opens the d
POV: Ericka"Monica, do I look okay?" she asked."Absolutely! You look gorgeous, right, girls?" The girl turned to her fellow friends."Absolutely, madam," they chorused."Have some self-confidence; you're way more beautiful than Almira. Maybe that's why that girl is so insecure around you," Monica said."That seems a bit much," she blushed at the comment."What happened?" she asked."That girl suddenly went abroad and never came back.""Oh?" she seemed saddened. "Why though?""Some speculations circled, Almira and her gang threatened her, so she decided to keep her distance. Rumor has it she was paid a hefty sum.""I never heard about that," she pondered."They didn't allow gossip to spread outside the campus, and you were still in boarding school back then.""Ah, that explains it... What's her name?""Lovie de Luna.""Have you tried searching for her online?""Nothing comes up... maybe out of fear. It's tough for them, so they don't fight back like you do."She fell silent. If that'
Monte rushed up to the office to pick up Ericka. He had a diamond ring and a necklace in hand. He nervously entered the elevator, noticing only the cleaning staff inside.As he opened the door, he caught Monica and Ericka in an embrace, looking like a couple. They were surprised to see him.They quickly separated and laughed. Monte, with a furrowed brow, asked, "What's going on here?"Monica replied, "Nothing, we're just happy. Stand up, Ericka."Ericka followed Monica, slightly turning away from Monte. When she faced him, he was awestruck. Was this really Ericka, or an angel descended from heaven? A definition of beauty beyond any painter's skill.He gazed at her from head to toe, swallowing hard. He hadn't expected her to be this stunning, the woman he spent the whole day with at the office. He was speechless, his heart pounding."Is my appearance okay?" Ericka asked."Hhhmmmm.. ye...yes... I mean, yeah..." he stammered."So, was the amount you paid worth it?" Monica proudly inquire