The Billionaire's Playmate

Thaliana Tangi Dela Vezca

"You are not getting any younger, and I want grandchildren, Tangi! What are your plans for your life? I've always told you that having your own family would make your life happier. You never listen. This is what I've been telling you! You are already twenty-nine years old!"

I am Thaliana Tangi Dela Vezca, the youngest child of George Romualdo Dela Vezca, a billionaire with numerous businesses both in the Philippines and abroad. Our family is renowned because our last name consistently appears on the list of the wealthiest families in the Philippines. Moreover, my father is quite sociable; he has befriended nearly every prominent figure in this country, giving us valuable connections.

And here he is again, pressuring me once more, talking about marriage. I'm 29, yes, but marriage has never been on my mind because the truth is... I don't want to get married. I don't want a man. I'm incredibly content with my life right now, and I couldn't ask for more.

"Are you listening, Tangi?"

I don't know why marriage is deemed so important. The happiness of your life depends on you. Even if you choose to live your life without a man or children. As for me, I'm already content with my furbabies! I enjoy spending time with my pet dogs and cats in my house. But my dad insists that I get married because he wants to have a grandchild from me!

He thinks his grandchildren from my three brothers are not enough. He wants one more from me. As I've said before, I don't want to get married, and I don't even want to hear the word 'marriage.' I never dreamt of having a family or children-on second thought, I already have children: my dogs and cats.

"Dad, with the number of children I have, I can't bring them all to the US. Plus, what about my three branches of Tinatangi? I can't leave my flower shop, Dad..."

That's the name of my flower shop, Tinatangi. In love, it means, 'Special someone.'

"And actually, my second name is 'Tangi,' a Tagalog word that, in English, means 'Special,' 'Favorite,' or 'One and Only.'"

I continued to try to convince Dad. I leaned on his shoulder, but his arms remained tightly folded. He had been like this since last month.

"Come on, Tangi! I want real grandchildren! Can I talk to the children you're talking about? They'll just pee on my shoes, and their fur will be everywhere!"

"Hey, Dad! They're well-trained not to just pee anywhere! Hmp! And as for their fur? I can clean it!"

"Tangi," he said, his voice carrying a warning tone.

"A-And how about my business, Daddy..."

I winced.

"Please, don't insist. Do not force me to do things I don't want to do. You already have a lot of grandchildren from Grecion, Grand, and Griz. Aren't your eight grandchildren enough for you?" I asked. I almost mentioned my furbabies again.

I wanted our talk about marriage to be over. When would my father stop? This was why I had been avoiding him since last week. I knew he would bring up this dreaded topic.

"Thaliana Tangi."

My lips pressed together when I heard him call my full name. It meant that Daddy's patience was about to run out.

But what could I do? This was me, this was my decision, and I didn't like what he wanted me to do... I was happy with my life now. One more thing, what if the man he wanted for me will just fool me?

"Tangi, you've never introduced me to any man. I want to believe that your standards are very high, but it's taking you quite a while to settle down! Can you be honest with me, are you a tomboy?"

My lips parted. This conversation wasn't going to end. I simply haven't found a boyfriend, and I'm not interested in the idea of marriage. Now, he's thinking that I prefer girls?

Dad looked at me seriously, and I backed away. Alright, Tangi, there's no time for jokes.

"Tell me, be honest with me, are you a tomboy?"

Dad's question left me stunned. I don't know what to do with my life!

"I don't think you like women. You are smart, independent, and an amazing daughter. I want you to have a good life like your brothers. Look at them; can't you see how happy they are because of their own families? I also want you to experience that. What if your mommy and I are gone? Who will take care of you when you are old?"

I swallowed hard and bowed down. He always tells me this. He says he doesn't want to leave me alone, that if I get sick, my so-called children or my pets won't be able to take care of me.

I understand, Dad, but it's not really on my mind.

"Dad, my life is fine now... I am okay," I said in a low tone.

I bit my bottom lip when I heard him let out a heavy sigh. It seemed he had run out of patience with me.

"I know nothing will happen in our conversation, Tangi. I've wasted my time again. Next week, pack your things. Whether you like it or not, you will go to the States and live there."

I looked at him in horror. What?

"D-Dad, you can't do this to me. My businesses are here... what about my dogs and cats? D-Dad, my life is meant to be here," I said to him, but his face showed no pity. He looked at me seriously.

"You've pushed me to make this decision, Tangi. I will call my secretary for your ticket," he said and pulled out his cellphone.

I stood up, unable to believe what my father wanted.

"D-Dad, I can't go. Please..."

"You may not want to, but you will because I said so. This is final, and our conversation is done," he said, and as he was about to turn his back, I called out to him.

"W-Wait, Daddy..."

I took a deep breath. This is my last card.

"I-I will try..." I saw his lips rise. He is happy!

"But, Dad, it's not that easy to find a man in life. Give me some time. Let me find the right man for me. I've never had a boyfriend, Dad. It's normal to be afraid to have a relationship. I don't want to be fooled by some asshole or–"

"And you think I'm going to let my only daughter get fooled? Have you forgotten who you are? You are a Dela Vezca, the only daughter of George Romualdo Dela Vezca. Any man would be afraid to hurt you because they will face my anger. And no one dares to be my enemy, Thaliana Tangi."

I-I know...

"But don't worry about looking for a man to marry. If you think that you might end up in the hands of a cheater, because I know a refined man who will take care of you," he said with a smile.

"W-What?! Dad, is this an arranged marriage?"

I couldn't believe him. He looked at the table, and there was a brown envelope there.

"Why didn't you tell me earlier that you just wanted me to meet a boy, Dad? We've talked about this for a long time!" I said to him.

"Because I know you very well, Tangi. I just need to make sure you agree with what I want. Do you also think I'll just let you find a man? No. I've already picked someone for you," he told me.

Oh, riches! This is one of those crazy arranged marriage things!

I took the brown envelope and opened it. Why is he so prepared?! He already has a man he wants to introduce to me!

"He's Rozzean Cyron Valleje. I've known Rozzean for a long time, Tangi. I'm sure he'll be a good husband to you. He grew up in a decent family, he has no record of cheating, he's a noble man. He was featured before in the Billionaire Bachelor Magazine. No woman was seen around him either. I haven't heard bad things about this young man, and I really admire his dedication as a CEO. I can't say enough about him."

From what I heard and saw in the sparkle in my father's eyes, it felt like he was the one who wanted to marry that Rozzean. Okay, funny. But honestly, he really likes the man to praise him this much. Wow. Just... wow.

"And what if he cheats on me, Dad? T-that he is a playboy? A f*cker? You'll not know everything about him!"

"Your words, Thaliana!" he roared.

What? If he is a CEO, a young billionaire, it is possible. My brothers had their share of relationships before they got married.

He met my gaze and folded his arms. My dad inherited a habit, so he really had a hard time with all his children. Like him, I am stubborn and headstrong.

"That won't happen, Tangi. Rozzean is a good man. I'll bet my name on that."

The confidence was so high, Mr. Dela Vezca! What did that man feed my dad, and why does he trust him like that?

"Dad, you can't blame me. He is still a stranger, and what if he fools me? What if he's a playboy like the ones I read about in novels?" I asked again.

Dad's eyebrows met, forming a line.

"Alright, to end this conversation, if he's a playboy and you prove it to me, you can do whatever you want in your life. But, Tangi, that man is not what you think he is. Rozzean is a great man."

I almost smiled because of what my father said. If I prove to him that that man is a playboy, I can do whatever I want in my life.

"Hmmm, okay, but can you give me three months before I meet this person, Dad? I just want to prepare myself," I said.

"Three months? That's a long time, Tangi," he answered.

"Dad, I am considering your choice for me. Just give me some time for myself. Three months and then-"

"No, two months are enough. Three months is too long, Tangi. I don't know what you're up to, and what if you run away? That's possible."

I got this attitude from you!

"I'll give you two months. Period. And never, ever make a move that will embarrass me and the Dela Vezca family, Tangi. I've already talked to Rozzean about you. I've talked to his parents as well, and we're actually just waiting for you."

Earlier, Dad was forcing me to get married and find a man, and now he's telling me he has already met that man's parents?!

But then he agreed to what I wanted. That means I have more reason to carry out the plan I thought of... hmm...

"So... you talked to him, and he agreed?" I asked.

"He's 33 years old, Tangi, and he also wants to find a great woman. We have also talked to his parents, and they want to see you."

Gosh. So fast.

"After two months, I will meet them. Is that okay?"

He nodded.

"Okay, deal," I said and held out my hand. Dad took it.

"Don't do things that will make me mad, Tangi, you know me."

I smiled. He will not be angry with what I'm going to do.

I have 60 days to investigate that man. I myself will find a way to get to know him. I will dig deeper to find a flaw in the good image he has. And when I find out for sure that he is a f*cker and is involved with other women, because that's likely. I will gather evidence to show Dad. That way, once I prove that Rozzean is a womanizer, I will be free to do what I want with my life.

To accomplish this, I must get closer to him. So close... like living in his house.

Yes!

I would pretend to be poor and change my appearance to enter his house as a maid.

Thaliana Tangi will definitely win this!

I am currently at the house of my friend Thes. Therese Catalina Rivanez. She has a pet house as one of her many businesses. For now, I will entrust my furbabies to her. It's sad, but I have no choice but to have them taken care of here for a while.

"How many pets do you have, Tangi?" she asked me.

"I have 3 cats and 4 dogs. They are well-behaved, Thes, they're not a handful. I raised them well, so they're obedient," I said.

Thes raised an eyebrow at my statement.

"Their mom is stubborn and mischievous, I don't believe it," she replied. I rolled my eyes at her.

"She handed me a form, and I glanced at it.

"Fill it out, and also indicate when you'll be picking them up. Because you're my friend, you'll get a discount."

I smiled at her. I took my pen from my bag and started filling out the form. I didn't really want to do this, but I couldn't bring my babies with me.

"Where are you going, Tangi? This is the first time you're leaving your furbabies with me, huh?" Thes asked.

"Just going on a two-month vacation far away. I'm nearing my sentence," I said and handed her the completed form.

"Sentence?" she inquired.

I nodded, "My dad found a man for me to marry. You know me, Thes, my life is already good with my pets, but dad won't agree. If I insist on not getting married, he'll send me to the States. What about my furbabies? and my businesses here in the Philippines?"

Thes placed the form inside an envelope and tucked it into her drawer.

"He really wants you to get married, huh? Well, I understand that he wants you to have a stable life and someone to take care of you. But I didn't expect he'd actually find someone for you, huh? Your dad is getting impatient," Thes said with a chuckle.

Now it was my turn to raise an eyebrow. Indeed, my dad was quite persistent. I initially thought I'd have to find a man I could get along with to introduce to him, but it turns out he already had someone in mind.

Not only that, but he's already talked to the guy and his parents.

By the way, what's the name of this guy again?

"Oh, I have a meeting to attend to, Tangi. I'll head out first, and I'll have my staff pick up your pets, alright?" Thes said as she stood up.

I also got up, "Oh, they're already in my car; I'll just bring them in."

I bid farewell to my babies. It hurt, but I needed to make sacrifices for our better future. I needed to find flaws in the man my dad wants me to marry. I need to win to pursue the things I wanted to do in life.

Go and do it!

After leaving my furbabies at Thes's pet house, I headed to the main branch of my flower shop. I named my flower shop "Tinatangi," and it now had three branches.

I've always had a fondness for flowers since I was a child. I inherited it from my mom, so when my dad asked me what kind of business I wanted, I didn't hesitate to say a flower shop.

Dad invested in me, and I grew my business. My siblings supported me as well, leading to the recognition of Tinatangi and the establishment of two more branches.

"Don't worry, Ma'am Tangi, we won't let the flower shop down while you're on vacation," Alma, my manager, assured me.

"Oh, thank you! I'll call you from time to time when I have the chance, but it won't be too often because I want to make the most of my vacation," I told them.

Once I was sure I had given all the necessary instructions, I went back to my own house. I acquired my own place when Tinatangi opened its second branch. My dad didn't want to agree to it back then; he said I, as the youngest, should stay in our mansion. But one of my siblings was there, and because I was Mom's favorite, she helped me convince Dad to get my own place.

I'm happy with my life, and I always tell that to my parents. But Dad is really persistent. He wants me to have my own family, which I don't see in the future. I can't envision myself having a spouse and children. I am happy now, and it's difficult because Dad can't understand me.

"Where is it?" I rolled my eyes in my room. I was looking for the simple house clothes I had bought. I couldn't bring the clothes I had here because they were all branded. My plan would be ruined if anyone saw those.

I bought simple house clothes for my plan. One by one, I put them in the bag I bought at Taytay yesterday.

There really is no turning back now...

I needed to change Dad's mind, and that would only happen if I could prove that the guy he wanted me to marry had a bad character.

"I don't know why Dad holds that guy in such high regard," I muttered to myself as I placed my panties inside the bag. Even my adult panties had a Hello Kitty design. But anyway, it's cute.

But when you think about it, the guy Dad wants for me is also wealthy. Like Dad, he's a billionaire too. I still remember what he said yesterday.

"We have many senior businessmen who admire Rozzean for her skill in handling businesses, especially in negotiations, Tangi. She is the youngest among the successful ones I know. That's why I chose her for you. I haven't made a mistake in my entire life, so I'm sure about her, my child," he said.

But he didn't ask me if I was sure.

Anyway... I also read on the paper that he's a CEO. But I'm not really impressed by wealthy men. We're wealthy too. Besides, I can make my own money. I don't like the idea of marrying someone rich to buy me the things I want. I have my own money for my indulgences.

"Okay! I'm ready!"

I said my goodbyes to Dad and Mom, telling them I was going on vacation to Palawan. They won't be looking for me. Besides, what Dad knows is that I asked for two months to enjoy a vacation before facing the guy he wants me to marry.

But he doesn't know I'll be visiting Rozzean.

I need to get into his house and find out about his activities. Dirty ones.

I need to know if he's truly a good guy because I believe there's no single man who doesn't fool around with women, especially if he's a billionaire. He has a lot of money.

I've read that in novels. Billionaires are into sex! It's impossible for him not to have women on the side and bring them to his mansion.

And when I gather evidence that he's a womanizer and has many women, I'll go home and show it to Dad.

That way, I can get the freedom I want.

You're really smart and clever, Tangi!

"What do you need here, miss?"

I glanced at the guard. I knew I couldn't just enter this village easily, and it seemed like wealthy people lived here. I was about to walk past, but then he spoke. The Guard seemed friendly, could I charm him?

"Uh, well... I heard that Mr. Valleje's house is here. I was planning to apply as a maid," I said.

The guard stepped down and approached me. I took a step back and tightened the cloth tied around my head. My disguise seemed fine; I had checked myself multiple times in the mirror before leaving home.

I was wearing a skirt that went past my knees, black socks, and flowery rubber shoes I had bought from a woman I saw in Taytay yesterday. She said she couldn't sell them, so I bought them.

I was also wearing a long-sleeved shirt. It was hot, but I could endure it rather than exposing my smooth arms. I didn't want anyone to believe I was poor and looking for work.

"Is Mr. Valleje looking for a maid?" the Guard asked his companion.

Oh no, I didn't think about that, did I? What if that man isn't actually looking for a maid? I'm in trouble.

"I'll check in the system, just a moment," the other guard replied.

I could feel my cold sweat as I waited for what the guard would say. But when he looked at his fellow guard and gave a thumbs-up, my smile widened.

Thank you, Lord! It worked out perfectly!

"Where's your resume?" Kuyang Guard asked me.

R-Resume?

Darn it. I didn't have one.

"R-Resume, sir?"

Think of an excuse, Tangi. Why didn't I make a resume in the first place?!

"Yes, how can you get accepted without a resume? And which agency are you from?" the guard asked me again.

"An agency?"

Was there even such a thing as an agency?! I should have asked the maids at Dad's mansion before coming here! It looks like I'm going to fail today!

"G-Guard, what's a resume? I'm sorry..." I knelt in front of them and pretended to cry.

"Ev-Even in elementary, I didn't finish school... I have no parents... h-huhu, what is a r-resume?" I asked again.

I peeked at the two guards who were scratching their heads. I improved my acting even more and knelt down on the cemented ground at the entrance of the village.

"M-My life is so miserable... huhuhu, I'm all alone, I don't know how I'm going to survive now... huhuhuhu, I haven't even tasted a single grain of rice all day... I'm starving... I n-need a j-job..." I continued, sobbing.

I lifted my face and pretended to wipe my eyes. The two guards were still scratching their heads.

"Miss, please stand up, a car might come and run you over," one of the guards said.

And he was right; suddenly, a black car arrived, swerving swiftly and honking at me. I was so startled that I almost lay down on the hot road.

"Ahh!" I shouted.

"That's what I've been saying!" the guard said and approached me.

The guard helped me stand, and he was getting angry, but my attention was on the man who had just stepped out of the black car. He was wearing a suit, and the top three buttons of his polo were undone.

His sharp eyes were fixed in our direction, but that wasn't what caught my attention.

He was so handsome! Who could he be?!

"What's happening here?"

Oh sht. His voice is so deep. So manly.

"Sir, you're here already. She's here to apply as your housemaid. We also saw in the system that you're hiring for a housemaid. But she doesn't have a resume, only elementary education, and she doesn't know how to make a resume," the guard explained.

When I realized who was in front of me, my jaw dropped. This incredibly handsome man in front of me was Rozzean?!

The man Daddy wants me to marry?!

"Let her in, I don't care if she doesn't have a resume. I need a maid right now," he said in a deep voice and returned to his car.

I couldn't speak anymore. I was taken aback by what I heard, that he was allowing me in.

"Congrats, miss, it looks like Mr. Valleje is in a good mood today. You can go in now; his house is at the very end. It has three floors and no neighboring houses, it's black in color. You'll see it right away."

I nodded at the two guards and quickly expressed my gratitude. I felt like I was floating as I slung my flowery bag over my shoulder and watched the black car drive into the village.

Holy sht. He was so handsome. Are you sure that was the Rozzean my dad was talking about?

But there was one thing I noticed. The tone of his voice... it was cold. Dad said he's a nice guy, but from the way he spoke and interacted with the guard, I wasn't convinced that he was a nice person.

"Okay, Thaliana Tangi! You can do this, just two months! Whether the result is positive or negative, you need to come back within two months and fulfill whatever you and your father discussed!" I told myself.

Two months would pass quickly. My only mission was to discover the true personality of that man.

But I was hoping that he would turn out to be a demon.

I hoped he had a bad character.

I hoped he was a womanizer.

So I could finally get the life I wanted!

When I reached the house that the guard mentioned, I was left in awe. It was huge, and the garage alone was extravagant. Are you sure a bachelor lives here? It looks like a house for three families!

"Miss, are you the one Sir mentioned who's applying as a new maid?" an older woman asked me. She immediately approached me.

"Yes, ma'am..."

"Come in," she opened the gate.

"Follow me."

As she instructed, I followed her. While walking, I couldn't help but look around. The yard was so spacious, sht! And his garage could fit around six cars! And this! This was what caught my attention!

He had a wide garden with a variety of flowers. It looks like I already know where I'll be spending my time!

"Sir said he'll meet you in his room," the elderly woman told me.

W-Wait? Why in his room? Is that where they usually interview housemaids? I suddenly felt a shiver down my spine.

"Ex-Excuse me?"

The woman smiled at me and pointed to the stairs.

"Go ahead, his room is on the third floor, at the far end. He's waiting for you there."

I didn't immediately move. When the woman smiled at me, I finally took a step and started climbing the stairs. Is this really how it's done when applying as a maid? You're interviewed in the employer's room? Sht. I didn't know! It's my first time applying!

I really should have interviewed Dad's maids at home first!

When I saw a mirror on the third floor, I adjusted my clothes. I checked if my bangs were still in place. I pulled my skirt down further and straightened my long-sleeved shirt. My mole was still on my left cheek; I used super-duper magic glue to make sure it didn't easily come off. I also applied some fake freckles.

"They said at the end... does this mean here?" I asked, looking at the black door. I raised my hand and knocked. When no one answered, I knocked again. Still, no response. Feeling a bit tired from knocking, I finally entered.

The room was spacious, with a black and white theme. There was a towel draped over a long sofa in the room. I placed my bag on the sofa I saw and was about to turn around to sit when I heard the door open.

I immediately turned to look and my eyes widened, letting out a scream at what I saw.

Holy sht. Huge fckng sht. Why is he naked?!

"Oh my gosh! That hotdog is massive! I'm still a virgin! Please, no! "

I couldn't believe it! It was the first time I had seen a guy's hotdog in real life!

"What the fck are you saying?"

My hair stood on end when I felt him behind me.