Val's POV
I didn't expect that in giving my mother the chance and freedom to marry again, it would be my role in her life as her daughter that would be the price.
Ever since Papa died, Mama's life had taken a turn for the worse. She was always angry, unable to control her emotions, like she wasn't herself anymore. So I gave in to her desire to meet someone new—only to find out that this "new" person would also change my place in our home.
Because I wanted to finish what I started in college, I had to split my time just to earn money. Money for my tuition.
Something I had to do for myself, because Mama had already built a new family of her own. She had no choice but to leave me with what Papa had left—because everything was named under me. Just the house, really. And I'm sure she can easily afford to buy a new one with her new family.
But even so, I still love Mama. She's all I have left, even if to her, I was the easiest to throw away.
I granted her freedom, because that was her right—even if mine had been taken away by the world.
I was resting when someone called me. It was Ms. Fernando, our department head.
She didn't even seem tired of ordering me around, while the others? All they do is gossip. They know more about the CEO's life than how to actually move around here.
"Valerie, you'll be assigned to room 307. It was supposed to be Ynna's, but she didn't show up, so you'll be taking her place."
Room 307? Isn't that where they say that arrogant guy stays? They say everyone who's ever been assigned to clean that room never comes back the next day. So I guess they had no choice but to throw me in there. These people are unbelievable.
"But ma'am, that's a VVIP room. I was strictly told not to go there because I only handle regular customers."
"Our department picked you because they observed your performance," she said with a smile. I couldn't tell if she was proud or just messing with me.
"Y-yes ma'am. I'll head there now."
I made my way to the room Ms. Fernando mentioned to begin cleaning.
On the way, I was counting the change I had for fare later.
Only a few hours left until I can go home. I'll probably have to borrow money from her again if I fall short.
We agreed that whatever I borrow would just be deducted from my salary. But sometimes, she takes more than she should, and I never complain because I'm not really in a position to argue. I also don't want to lose my job over fifteen pesos.
Two pesos, three, four, five, six… fifteen.
Just enough. Looks like I won't have to borrow later after all.
I slipped the coins back into my pocket and entered the room.
I knocked on the door even though I was already inside, just to make sure no one was there.
I scanned the entire room.
Oh my gosh. It's beautiful.
One day, I'll be the one in a place like this. The kind where I'm the one paying to lie on the soft bed—not just cleaning it. The day will come when I stop borrowing money all the time.
I let out a deep sigh at the thought and got back to work.
Before I entered the bathroom, I made sure no one was inside.
"Is anyone there?" I called out.
Clear. No one.
I started cleaning the room. I only touched the receiving area because I was told not to touch the bed.
After finishing the front room, I moved on to the bathroom. When I opened the glass door, I was greeted by the sight of a man undressing. He still had pants on, but was shirtless.
Six-pack alert. Just kidding… oh no.
This is what happens when you don't double-check everything. I can already smell the possibility of getting fired. Please, no.
"S-sorry, sir. I'm really sorry. I called out earlier and no one answered so I thought it was empty."
I wanted the ground to swallow me whole from the shame. I don't want to get fired, not with all the debts I have. Please no.
He didn't say anything, which made me look at his face.
Was he… crying?
His face was bowed and he looked completely downcast.
"Sir? I'm sorry. I didn't—"
I couldn't finish what I was saying because he suddenly kissed me. I pushed him away, which only made him step even closer.
"Why? Don't you women like this sort of thing?" he said with a sharp look that refused to be disobeyed.
I didn't understand what he meant, but one thing I was sure of—he was in pain.
"S-sir…"
"Don't you? A kiss, money. An embrace, money. Sex… money." he said with a broken and contemptuous tone.
I didn't like what he said, so I slapped him. Mama may not have raised me well, but I have dignity. I know my place.
"Not all women are like that, sir. But yes, you kissed me without my permission, so you should pay me for that."
Damn it. That was my first kiss.
"I knew it," he said and laughed.
But instead of backing off, he stepped even closer, forcing me to retreat until I hit the edge of the bed and sat down—probably part of his plan.
"Sir, I still have work to do. Please excuse me," I said, bowing and turning around.
But as I turned, he wrapped his arms around me from behind, pulled me to face him, and forced a kiss on me again.
I tried to push him away, but the kiss only grew deeper.
"One hundred thousand. If you agree to what I want, I'll give you that amount every day," he whispered.
My ears rang at what I just heard. I need that—for my tuition.
He kissed me deeply, one hand on my neck, the other on my waist. A kiss that I couldn't resist anymore, and all I could do was respond.
It was my first time doing something like this, so I didn't know what to do next.
I pushed him away. He looked at me with an intense stare, like he was unsatisfied.
"What?"
"T-this is my f-first time," I said as I lowered my head.
"Follow my lead," he said with a smile.
I followed the depth of his kisses as his hands began to explore.
I no longer knew if this was right. If this was something I should allow. But I didn't know why I couldn't stop myself from yielding to every movement of his body.
I don't even know where the dignity I was just proudly talking about went—it melted away in the heat of longing and the desire ignited by this man.