CHAPTER 1 .....
I'm Joy, 25 years old. I may look fierce, but deep inside, I'm soft-hearted… just kidding. My life isn't as glamorous as others, but I can say I'm happy. It was already 5 PM when I got home to my mom's sibling's house.
They're not rich, but they're rich in love. They were never blessed with a child, so when I told them I'd come stay for a vacation, they were overjoyed. They've been together for almost 10 years but never had kids. "Tita," I said over the phone. "Oh yes, iha, what is it?" "I'm planning to take a vacation there." "Of course!" she said, her voice full of excitement. "Okay, Tita. I'll be there on Monday afternoon." "Alright, iha. I'll wait for you. See you soon.
To be honest, I don't usually visit them. But this time, I had no choice. I needed to leave… because I was hurt. My aunt didn't know the real reason, I just said I wanted to visit, but deep inside, her niece was trying to escape pain. His name is Jason a doctor. Handsome, tall, intelligent. The kind of man who makes people stop and stare. He comes from a prominent family. His father is a doctor in a well-known hospital in our town, and his mother is a respected lawyer.
We met by chance. One day, I was walking along a street in Sta. Rosa, heading to a friend's house, when suddenly a car splashed mud all over me. "Shiiit! OMG! Look what you did to my clothes! What am I supposed to do now?" I almost cried in frustration.
Then suddenly, a guy stepped out of the car. He looked like a celebrity handsome, tall, neat, with his shirt perfectly tucked in. "Miss, I'm so sorry. I didn't see the pothole. Are you okay?" Okay?! Do I look okay?! I thought to myself. But my heart… was already falling. (Just kidding!) "Well," I replied, trying to stay calm. "Why weren't you careful? I was going somewhere, and now look at me!" "Okay, let's fix this," he said. Oh wow, English talaga? I thought. "Well, you have to help me find something to wear. I can't go like this." But instead of helping me, he handed me his card. "Call me or send me your GCash number. I'm in a hurry. Sorry, Miss." And just like that… he left.
I was annoyed, but I sent my GCash number anyway. Then suddenly, my phone beeped ₱10,000! My eyes widened. My shirt only cost ₱25 and my shorts ₱15! I literally jumped with joy. "If getting dirty means getting this much money, then go go go!" For the record, I do have a job,I'm a nurse in a well-known hospital. Just one month in, so everything still feels new. I found a store and saw a dress worth ₱1,500. I hesitated because I'm used to thrifted clothes. I didn't grow up rich. My mom was a single parent who passed away after giving birth to me. I grew up with my grandmother, aunt, and uncle and they loved me so much.
After fixing myself, I looked in the mirror,"Wow, not bad." I'm fair-skinned, petite eyes, tall… I can say I've got some style. Anyway… "Hey! Where are you? Everything's ready!" my best friend Alison called. She's my college best friend rich, beautiful, funny, and kind. The heir to a big company, but never arrogant. I arrived at her house full of guests and cars. The party was grand.
After some time, I finally got to eat (which I was most excited about 😆). While I was enjoying my food, suddenly "Sis!" I choked when I saw a familiar face. It was him. The same guy who splashed mud on me. "Sis, this is my cousin Jason the one I told you about," Alison said. Wait… what?! "Joy, this is Jason." "Why did you leave me earlier?" I blurted out. Jason looked shocked. Alison looked confused. "But I already paid you. More than enough," he replied. "Well… thank you," I said, trying to stay calm. "Yeah, you should thank me. You look more human now than earlier," he added. I was about to punch him when Alison stopped us. We ended up laughing it off.
The next morning, I went to work early. Everyone seemed busy decorations, balloons, people fixing themselves. "What's going on?" I asked. "The boss's son is arriving today from America. He's handsome and kind," someone said. I shrugged. "Let's see." Then suddenly… he arrived.
Everyone was staring. I didn't care until I looked up. It was him. Jason. "Hi, Miss Joy," he said casually before walking past me. My heart raced. I didn't even drink coffee, but I felt like fainting. Then my supervisor told me: "Miss Joy, the boss wants to see you." I was dead. Fired, for sure. I knocked. "Come in." "Good morning, sir… I'm sorry for earlier.
Please don't fire me. I need this job." He laughed. "Afraid of me?" Then he said, "I need someone to be with me 24/7… and I choose you." "What?" "You'll be my personal assistant." I had no choice but to agree. "I'll pay you ₱50,000 a month." "Deal!" I said instantly. "Start now." And just like that… my life took another turn.
To be continued…