Chapter 5 5

"Cordaphia Pov.

(Brothers)

"Hey, wake up!" a rough voice kisses me, soft lips almost sinking into mine.

I wonder, unable to move, am I dead?

Am I in a new body, being kissed by a guy?

"Sh*t, finally!" his face brightens; I see him again with rapid breaths. "Are you okay?" I nod in a daze; he helps me sit up, wrapping a white towel around me.

Señorito Stuart saved me.

He's my night in shining armor.

"What happened?" I'm still a bit dazed, recalling his kiss, but as I remember how I almost died, I take a deep breath.

"Señorito Stevan wanted me to clean the pool, remove the fish."

"Fish?"

"Yeah, I put fish in here earlier..." he trails off, troubled, before facing me again. "Forget the fish; I'll have someone else clean it."

I nod. "Th-thank you."

"It's okay; I'm just glad I found you."

"Thank you; I owe my life to you."

"Don't think about that; go change." I shyly nod, still looking at him as he pulls out his cellphone.

He calls someone to clean the pool, but I'm embarrassed because even his clothes are soaked.

"Change your clothes." I quickly nod as he glances at me; he resembles Cobra. But he's more mature, maybe older than Señorito Stevan.

But like Cobra, he's handsome.

I head to my room and quickly change, but I almost sit down when I see how wet the money in my pocket is.

I sadly lay them on my bed, soaked, unsure how to salvage them.

I wipe my face, gather it, and take it before leaving the room. I go to the back and grab the clothespins I saw earlier.

I carefully pin the money one by one to dry and be usable again. I almost cry; these are a significant amount to help Lola.

And because of my stupidity, they got wet.

"What are you doing?" a voice behind me, Señorito Stuart, dressed again. "They're all wet?" His eyes land on the money, blowing in the wind along with Cobra's clothes.

I nod. "I approached Señorito Stevan earlier; I was going to sell them for things, but I got sidetracked."

I notice his sigh; I lower my gaze, embarrassed.

"It's okay; I will help you buy your things." I lift my gaze, quickly surprised.

"Señorito, no. It's embarrassing."

"You're not embarrassed with my brother?"

"Huh?" He smiles, a killer smile, but suddenly, I remember Cobra's smile."

"But his sibling? I'm right that she's older than Cobra."

"You get your advance without hesitation, then you're rejecting my offer, is it unfair?"

"H-hehehe, unfair? H-hindi naman kasi ikaw ang boss ko..."

"I know, but you can consider me as a boss too, I am a Villegas son."

I just stared at his smiling lips, but Cobra's face, angry, emerged in my sight.

"If you won't accept my help, I will buy you new things by myself."

"H-hindi na!"

"Sasama ka?"

"Kasi..."

"Don't worry, my brother is leaving after us." I turned away, took a deep breath before looking at the money hanging.

It probably won't rain, right?

Since I wanted to buy things, I joined Senorito Stuart. It would be embarrassing if I suddenly smelled bad. I didn't have anything to replace, maybe I'll just pay him with my first salary.

"You can get all you want," Stuart said, shaking his head. We were in a huge mall, and almost every price was overwhelming.

"I'll just get some clothes, and I'll return everything to you."

"Tsk, you don't need to pay me back."

"I don't think that's possible; the clothes here are expensive, and I can't afford them for free."

He sighed. "Okay, you'll pay me back, but not with money."

"If that's the case, what then?"

"It's a condition, maybe not now." I was confused by what he said, but since he agreed to let me pay him, I started picking out what I would wear.

I didn't go overboard, just enough for everyday use, and I'll do laundry to avoid running out of clothes.

After Stuart paid, a saleslady approached him with five paper bags whose contents I didn't know.

"Is it complete?"

"Yes sir," the saleslady nodded, smiling at me. He's quite handsome.

"Let's go?" I smiled shyly, but I couldn't escape the intense glare from the saleslady earlier.

Why are they so furious with me?

"I know you can't choose the right undergarments, so I decided to buy you another one." I looked at him as we exited the shop, passing by some smiling salesladies.

Senorito Stuart seemed to be well-known.

"Are you hungry?"

I smiled and shook my head. "H-hindi, I ate earlier." His eyebrows raised at my answer, but my stomach growled, not really cooperative at any time.

"Your tummy is disappointed with your answer," she grinned at me. It's possible that the women watching me, likely envious, have thought I've been lifeless here for quite a while.

But they're just spectators.

"Maybe because you have something else to do..."

"I don't have paperwork today, and besides, I want to know more about you," her smile remains on her lips. I compare her to Steven because she's really different from her older sibling.

She's cheerful, while Cobra seems to have been hit by a truckload of unhusked rice.

"Where should we eat?" My shyness disappeared; I can't handle the hunger. Honestly, I only had breakfast this morning because I got busy with Cobra and cleaning his room.

I won't be surprised if I turn into a stick soon.

"Follow me..." she turned around; I followed because she said "follow me." So I followed the handsome guy with blue eyes that everyone here fantasizes about.

She entered a beautiful restaurant; like some salesladies in the shop, she was greeted by a few waiters here. The waiter guided her to a nice spot; she looked at me before sitting. It's quite natural for them to stare at me because of my maid's uniform. I haven't changed since earlier; I didn't try on the things I bought because I thought maybe Señorito Stuart had other plans. If he had just said we were going to eat, I would have changed.

She pulled out the chair for me, Señorito's smile doesn't fade even when he orders. He didn't ask me, but from what I overheard, he said a lot.

"What is your name, by the way?" My lips lightly touched as I looked at her; she waited for an answer with her hands folded on the table.

"Daphia..." I chose the name Cobra mentioned; I don't know why I have to be so sure. But they probably don't ask for birth certificates, right?

"Where did my brother see you?"

I was puzzled. "Someone brought me to his company..."

"Did you agree to what Steven wanted?"

"I have no choice because he already decided..." She sighed, not taking her eyes off me.

"Stevan is just not an ordinary man; he's hard to talk to, and you might find it difficult with him." I didn't answer what she said; I already knew that. I'm already experiencing the difficulty right now; I almost died earlier.

"You don't need to work as Stevan's servant; you can quit if you want."

"But I've received an advance..."

"I'll give you money; I'll take care of you." I avoided eye contact and thought deeply; I also feel sorry for Steven's true nature. But he looks kind, and you just have to be calm and follow what he wants.

I want to know his real side, and whatever it is, I want to uncover his dark secrets.

"I want to serve Señorito Steven..." She couldn't speak after what I said; she didn't comment until her order arrived.

I don't know why that came into my mind; I don't know how far I can go to truly know him. I'm confused about myself but also excited about the new adventure in my life.

"It's already night when señorito Stuart and I arrived home; I honestly had a great time. He even took me to some parlor games, and we ate at a few stalls.

I smiled as I got out of his car; he mentioned having other plans and won't be sleeping at the mansion tonight. I didn't inquire further, as who am I to meddle in his affairs?

"You can go to your room and rest," I nodded, smiling.

"Yes, thank you. I had a good time."

"We share the same feelings, Daphia. I hope we can bond again next day."

I gave a reserved smile, hoping for a repeat, so I nodded. "If not too busy."

"Okay, I'm looking forward to that day."

He still smiled as he left; I even caught a glimpse of his sparkling blue eyes.

He's handsome, but why did I immediately think of Cobra? Is he here already?

I entered the gated mansion with a vigilant guard; he recognized me, allowing me to enter.

I walked softly until I reached the slightly ajar front door. Perhaps, Aling Mercy is still awake and hasn't closed the door yet.

I opened it and saw the dark living room, only the light from outside illuminating the dim surroundings.

I walked quietly, carrying numerous paper bags. I intended to go to the maid's room but halted when someone spoke behind me.

"Where are you coming from?" It's Cobra, his voice.

Instead of fear, I was oddly impressed. Cobra spoke Tagalog for the first time.

I turned to him; I couldn't see his face in the darkness, but his body shape was unmistakable, his shoulders strong.

"He just helped me pick my things," I said with a smile, sensing jealousy from his tone.

"Why didn't you tell me first? I am your boss."

I pouted. "You're always busy. Besides, it's fine now; don't think too much about it."

"Stop making up things with my brother. I don't want to see you with him!"

"Why?"

"You don't have the right to question my command, Daphia."

My pout deepened. "Señorito Stuart is so kind," I whispered, not intending for him to hear.

"Did you understand me?"

"Yes, sir." I avoided eye contact, disheartened that I can no longer talk to Señorito Stuart.

It's sad, but do I really have to follow Cobra's orders?

"Why don't you prepare a pair of sleepwear for me?" I looked up; he was right in front of me. He's tall, and his eyes are intimidating tonight. Why do they seem reddish? Or maybe, I'm just imagining it because I think he's a kapre.

"I can't sleep because of you."

"B-because of me?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"You can't ask a question, woman, just ready my sleepwear." It passed me; it walked quickly, so I ran to my room. I unpacked all my purchases and quickly went up to Cobra's room.

As he sat on the bed, I entered, and he was wearing what I prepared earlier.

"Just a moment..." I nervously approached his wardrobe, grabbed his pajamas and a black shirt. I presented them to him as he sat, his face no longer wrinkled but devoid of emotion.

"You can clean yourself, and after that, go back here again." He took what I gave him, entered the bathroom without looking at me.

Should I come back after I shower?

What does he want, should I iron it for him to sleep, or maybe he wants me to breastfeed?

My eyes widened; I slapped myself for such thoughts. I'm not a lewd woman, but why am I thinking like this suddenly?

I left his room, went to my room, and quickly found something to wear.

Everything smelled good, branded and expensive. Señorito Stevan made sure I had everything, even perfumes, lotions, and personal items. But I never saw a receipt; I wonder how much all of this cost?

I chose a simple blouse and pajamas; I always prepared such attire every night. There were a few shorts and dresses, just in case it gets hot sometimes.

I took a shower outside, near the laundry area at the back, as my room didn't have its own bathroom.

After cleaning up, I dressed there, feeling fresh and breezy. The sky was full of stars, and I wasn't worried about rain. I could even see the money I clipped as if my roommates here hadn't noticed it.

I walked towards it, grabbed Cobra's clothes that were hanging. They weren't put away by my companions, but that's fine. It's better if I put them away; they might see the thousands hanging.

With Señorito Stevan's clothes in hand, I headed to his room. I didn't catch him on the bed, and there was no sign of him anywhere in his room. But the bathroom light was still on, visible because the door was slightly ajar.

Not even locked.

I placed his clothes on the sofa; I'll just iron them tomorrow since my body aches. It can wait until tomorrow, right?

Cobra came out wearing the clothes I prepared, and it suited him perfectly even though it was just simple attire. Rich people really don't choose their clothes.

"Let's sleep..." My eyebrows raised at what he said. He dried his hair with a towel and sat at the edge of the bed.

"I thought you had something to say?"

He looked at me; his face was fine, and his eyebrows weren't furrowed.

"You can sing, right?"

"Ha?"

"I want you to sing with me until I fall asleep."

He stood up, placed the towel on the side, and returned to bed. He glanced at me before lying down, waiting for my response.

"Come here," I hesitated before approaching him, something I had never done. I had never shared a bed with another man, except for my brother.

He lay down, patting the space beside him, signaling for me to lie there. Uncomfortable, I positioned myself beside him, keeping a careful distance. My legs were straight, avoiding any chance of our faces being close.

"Sing for me," he said, facing me and patiently waiting. I knew how to sing, but choosing a song took time. Eventually, I started singing.

🎶You're the one that never lets me sleep🎶

🎶To my mind, down to my soul, you touch my lips🎶

🎶You're the one that I can't wait to see🎶

🎶With you here by my side, I'm in ecstasy🎶

🎶I'm all alone without you🎶

🎶My days are dark without a glimpse of you🎶

🎶Now that you came into my life, I feel complete🎶

🎶The flowers bloom, my morning shines, and I can see...🎶

I glanced at him before singing the chorus, but when I saw his closed eyes, I stopped singing. Smiling, I observed him.

"You look handsome when you're asleep," I wanted to touch his face but restrained myself, turning away.

Thinking of leaving to go to my room, I attempted to stand up, but a hand wrapped around me, pulling me back towards him.

Señorito Stevan was still awake; he embraced me, burying his face in my neck. Before I could catch my breath, he uttered words that disrupted my thoughts.

"I love you, Dahlia."