Chapter 5 What kind of pain

Marimar Oquendo's Point of View

I lost my family when I was eighteen-seven years ago. The pain was unbearable, and I can still see the raging flames that blocked our street.

That morning, Mom woke me up in a hurry as I was late. My brother Domi teased me over breakfast, and we laughed until Mom playfully pulled his ear. She then urged me to focus on my studies, saying finishing school would give me a stable life. I promised her I would graduate.

On my way home that day, I stopped to chat with Elder Perla about her dog. Suddenly, someone shouted "FIRE!" A man told me the blaze was in my neighborhood, so I ran back in panic. Neighbor Angie cried as she said she hadn't seen my family escape. I tried to rush into the flames but was held back, screaming for Mom, Domi, and Dad.

After the fire was put out, I collapsed and sobbed when I saw three charred bodies near our front door.

The pain was unbearable. In a single moment, all my dreams and my entire family were gone. The suffering I endured after that tragedy was immense.

I never went to college. Instead, I chose to work so I could eat. My Aunt Crisma claimed our home and built her own house there. I lived with them and served them like a maid. I endured everything and managed to stay sane despite the overwhelming pain.

But I believe my life has a purpose. I believe God has a plan for me. And I know I will become rich!

Yes, I will be rich!

I smiled bitterly as I stared at the white ceiling of my room. It has been seven years... hasn't it? I'm grateful I survived those hellish days.

"Milk... hmm." My mouth parted in surprise when I felt a heavy arm and hand resting on my chest. I turned to see the source-and there stood the man who would be the key to my fortune!

My handsome, muscular charge with the perfect abs!

My face grew warm when his fingers squeezed my chest. Good heavens-he's asleep right now!

He was sound asleep beside me, so I could clearly see his long eyelashes.

I brushed the hair from his face. "What kind of pain did you go through to end up like this? Hmm? Levi?" I whispered.

I don't know the real reason why he acts the way he does. His brother didn't explain it to me yesterday. But I've heard from other staff that he has a mental illness-and honestly, it shows.

But what kind of mental illness? Was he born this way, or did he experience trauma like I did and simply couldn't cope?

"Co..."

I leaned closer to him as he mumbled something. "Hm?"

"Co... pa..."

I furrowed my brow. "Copa?"

His hand squeezed my chest again. "Cocomelon-papaya... nanny."

My face flushed, and my mouth opened wide at his words.

"Good heavens-I've lost count of how many times you've surprised me with the things that come out of your mouth," I whispered with a laugh, talking to the sleeping Greek God beside me.

I don't know why, but even though I've only been his nanny for less than a week, I can already feel myself growing deeply attached to him.

Would I ever get close to a man like him if he weren't in this condition?

I closed my eyes again. It has been seven years since I last felt this way.

It feels like I'm not alone anymore. Well, of course not-there's a man who loves "cocomelon" who's now part of my daily life, and he'll help me become rich!

-

"I won't be home for the next two weeks."

My ears pricked up the moment I heard Mr. Streeter's voice. I turned to look at him at once, caught completely off guard by how suddenly he had appeared.

He wore crisp business attire and looked as polished as ever. His hair was neatly styled, and both hands rested in his pockets.

I stopped mid-reach as I pulled milk from the refrigerator, shifting all my attention to him.

"O-Okay... sir?" I answered hesitantly. Honestly, it was such a surprise! Why would he bother telling me about his absence in the first place?

I narrowed my eyes as a thought crept in. Could he possibly have feelings for me? I straightened my posture and crossed my arms, fixing him with a steady look. "Woah, wait-sir! I came here to work, not to find a boyfriend."

His forehead creased with confusion. "What on earth are you talking about? I'm telling you because you're my brother's nanny. He might look for me, so I want you to pass along the message."

I scratched the back of my head, flustered. "R-Right, sir. You should have said that clearly from the start, hehe."

"Oh, by the way." He drew one hand from his trouser pocket. "Here." He held out a dark leather wallet, and my eyes nearly bulged when I realized what it was. "Oh my-this is for me?"

"Idiot, it's mine." He cut me off sharply. Why did he have to hand things over without warning? "Use it for Levi's expenses. Take him out, buy toys or whatever will make him happy."

I nodded quickly and slipped the wallet into my pocket. "Yes, sir! You can trust me to take excellent care of your brother," I said with a bright smile. I needed him to believe me after my foolish words earlier. Good grief-I was lucky he didn't lose his temper with me.

He nodded once. "Good. I'm leaving him in your hands. Make sure he stays safe and sound-unless you want to lose a finger." With that, he turned and strode away.

I stood there smiling as I tried to process his words. When they finally sank in, my smile vanished and all color drained from my face. "Good heavens! Did he just threaten to cut off my finger if something happens to pan de sal-I mean, Levi?" I whispered, dabbing sweat from my brow. Jeez, Marimar! Mr. Streeter must hate happiness if he wants to drag everyone else down with him. Why did he have to scare me like that? Now I'm all jittery.

I clutched the refrigerator door for balance, my mind racing between the weight of the wallet in my pocket and the sharp edge of his warning. Pan de sal or not-Levi was my ticket forward, and I'd guard him with every bone in my body. Even if it meant walking on eggshells around his brother, even if my hands still shook at the thought of what he'd said. Seven years of scraping by had taught me one thing: fortune never comes without a price, and I was ready to pay whatever it took.