Chapter 8 MOUTH-WATERING DISH

I stumbled, "Y-yes, of course, father, I'm okay."

Rafael promptly arrived at my side to assist me in putting the shattered bowl's parts away after I hurriedly grabbed a dustpan and wiped the floor.

"What did Jennifer do to you yesterday, and you seem to be thinking a lot, sister?" Are you having a nervous breakdown? " Rafael looks worried as he stared directly into my eyes.

Rafael seemed to have an odd impression of me and could tell that I was thinking deeply, which startled me a little.

I tried to make up a falsehood to comfort myself that I had nothing to worry about, "You're not here, I was only astonished earlier."

I was a little taken aback when Rafael appeared to have an odd impression of me and could tell that I was thinking deeply.

I tried to act normal and answer him.

"It is nothing, I was just surprised earlier." I was only astonished before, persuading myself that I had nothing to worry about.

I took a slight backward step and locked my gaze on him. "Are you sure? Or maybe you know Miguel's sponsor, or maybe you too fantasize about him? " He asked while observing my actions.

How can I tell my brother about the experience I had with a billionaire last night, who gave me a kiss and a calling card as a token of gratitude for saving his life? I'm not sure how to start the story, and after everyone learns what happened, there will undoubtedly be a massive problem. I merely bit my lip and opted to keep quiet because I wasn't even certain that Guillermo was the Guiller to whom my brother was alluding. They might assume I made up a narrative because I exposed my false identity, making me appear even more absurd.

Rafael chuckled loudly. "Don't condemn that man. I'm sure you're not his type of lady and he's allergic to virgins."

Rafael chuckled heartily while making fun of me.

All of a sudden, I grabbed my brother's ear.

"I'm allergic to males who only want sex because I never imagined falling in love with a man who would only use my body and another virgin who is revered and worshipped like me."

I yanked on Rafael's ear hard, and he lifted.

Damn it, sister, you're too impulsive. I'm just kidding. Damn it.

I was yanking on his ear so hard that it was almost crimson when I abruptly released it.

I apologize if I have damaged your ear, but it would be better if you could just assist me in fixing the recipe I was about to cook.

He rubbed the inflamed ear and mumbled, "Oh, okay."

The broken bowl's parts have been collected and disposed of in the trash. I watched the rice cook in the rice cooker, and after it was done, I started getting the other items ready to cook. I rarely store leftover fish for longer than a day. The exception is this dish. I can leave the dish at room temperature for many hours if I tightly wrap it in cling wrap. It does not quickly go bad. For up to two days, this can also be kept in the refrigerator. My leftover Paksiw na Bangus is often fried. It tastes a lot like marinated daing na Bangus, which I like.

I adore all fish and seafood meals, but milkfish stew has never actually been one of my favorites. I enjoy milkfish, but the strong vinegar flavor of the stew never appeals to me. I was introduced to the mouthwatering milkfish stew by my father's sister in Ilocos when I was a little child. Simply steamed or boiled local produce, chicken, fish, and meat, dipped in their copious and delectable bagoong, or shrimp paste, is what they love. Because the vinegar doesn't hide anything and instead accentuates the flavor of the fish, freshness is a requirement for this meal, which made me even like it more.

A common dish in Filipino cuisine is paksiw na bangus, or milkfish in vinegar stew. Like milkfish, it is simple to make. The stew recipe is simple to follow in vinegar, which is why many Filipinos adore it.

We all know that vinegar is a liquid element that helps food last longer; therefore, there is no need to be concerned even if you store Filipino Paksiw in the refrigerator for weeks. Additionally, vinegar pairs well with all fish since it eliminates the unpleasant fishy smell that everyone detests.

In tropical offshore marine environments on islands and along continental shelves, milkfish are frequently found at depths of 1 to 30 meters. They frequently swim in rivers and estuaries as well.

Rafael put the ingredients in order on a fresh, wide plate. In the pot, he placed eggplant, long green peppers, peppercorns, okra, ginger, garlic, and onion. I added water and vinegar to the saucepan as I was removing the Bangus from the cutting board, turned on the heat, let it boil for a while, covered it, and cooked it on low to medium heat for 15 minutes. As soon as we caught a whiff of the delectable aroma, my stomach began to growl with hunger. I added salt to taste, and the soup only got better and better. I move the prepared Paksiw na Bangus to a serving plate before serving.

At the dining room table, we all ate the same dinner. I serve it with steamed rice to create a tasty, affordable supper that I can feel good about offering to my entire family.

My younger siblings are incredibly supportive and considerate, even though we tease each other a lot and still love each other very much. And even though we live in poverty and frequently eat fish every day at the dinner table, we don't demand it either. Even though we live in a modest house, we have strong relationships and a deep regard for one another.

I keep eating delicious food and rice, but I still can't shake the fear that Guillermo knows where he can find me. I also need to talk to Jennifer as soon as possible because I'm becoming increasingly annoyed by how she's acting, and she even managed to trick me in exchange for the charm and good looks of that billionaire maniac.

She has a lot to confess and explain to me and I don't know whether I can live a normal life now that the course of my life is like a twisted whirlwind every time I meet with Guillermo.

My mind began to wandering again as I ate but it's a good thing my siblings maintained their promise to wash the dishes after lunch.