Indebted: A Debt-Payment Romance (English Version)

Chapter 2: Rude

The mentioned Ate Ime was a lady around her late forty. She led me upstairs and into my room. She kept her smile on her round face. It was genuine, but I couldn’t return it. If she knew about my condition here, I think she would understand.

Despite the complete exhaustion and my body pain, I couldn’t help but feel awe after seeing the room. It feels like a Deja Vu, a dream. A very long time passed. The pictures I only saw in magazines came to life. The furniture, upholsteries, and everything was as if they came out directly from a house magazine. It’s been a long since I smelt expensive leather furniture and musk. Something warm tugged at my heart as memories lingered in my mind. As quickly as it occurred, I dismissed it immediately.

I looked around and first thought it was a guest room, but then it was too spacious, and the furniture all looked expensive. Even my grandfather won’t make a guest room for an unimportant guest as intricate as this one.

“This will be your room. You will stay here every time Barron pleases to,” the lady explained as she placed my things beneath a queen-sized bed. It was only one travel bag my cousin so kindly prepared for my life.

“B-Barron?” I asked, wondering who among the two was Barron. I guess it was the father, but I wanted to make sure.

She sweetly smiled at me again. She wanted me to see her happiness despite being part of this household. Yet, something in her eyes she was unaware of was showing itself. Emptiness. No wonder I would feel the same way as her during my stay here. Or if I can survive staying here for long.

Why Tara? Do you know any way out of here?

I wouldn’t know if I didn't try.

“You're working here?” I hesitated to ask the question, but my curiosity got the best of me. Are we in the same situation here? Is she forced to go and work here like me? Am I here to work, anyway?

She nodded, breaking the trail of questions in my mind. “Yes.”

I waited for her to say more, to explain more, until a moment of silence passed, and no explicit words came.

“Mr. Barron Montevalles, right?”

She nodded before looking away, “Yes.”

I suddenly felt how she wanted to avoid any more questions from me. She walked to the neat bed and arranged the pillows.

“You need to rest. You have to wake up early in the morning. The two are in the dining room sharp at seven a.m. You need to be in the kitchen earlier than that to help me prepare their breakfast.”

She waited for an answer, but I could only blink an eye after she looked at me. So I am to be a maid here. Somehow, I was at ease. At least they wouldn’t do anything to me, like what I imagined around human trafficking or anything related to it. Working here as a maid and as a payment for my cousin Dion's debt, I think it’s not that bad. After all, debt is still debt.

“I’m here as a maid,” I voiced my thoughts as if to confirm it out loud.

Instead of confirming it, the lady just smiled and opened one of the doors on the left. “This is the closet room. There are some dresses here you can wear. Barron will ask one of his men to buy all your necessities.”

I barely nodded. I am to help prepare breakfast tomorrow for the two, she said clearly. But why do I feel she avoided telling me why I am here? Except for the debt of my cousin, what could be the reason I am here? It’s an excellent question for me. Why would Mr. Montevalles agree to use me as a debt payment for what I’m sure are millions of Dion’s debts? To be a maid? Nothing special about me would be worth a hundred thousand, what more millions.

But right, I will make myself believe I am here to be a maid. Whatever that would put me to sleep tonight.

Sighing, I slumped down on the mattress. It was soft and comforting. I used to sleep in this kind of bed, relax, and lay all day, not knowing that one day, the huge turning point of my life would come. In one blink of an eye, I had no choice but to live in an old, cheap apartment Dion and I could afford. He was never happy having to live with me, nor am I. Except for the fact that I have nowhere to go, I still need to take care of him as he slowly pushes himself to his ruin.

I sprawled on the bed and stared at the golden ceiling. This is a complete silence I never thought I would experience again. There was not a night in the apartment Dion wasn’t drunk and not making a commotion. If he was not home, I was worried to death, wondering where he had been and if he’ll be a madman again if he returned. He would curse all his frustrations out on me until he was drained and exhausted and collapsed in his room. The following day, the whole apartment was quiet, with nothing but the sound of the utensils as we ate our breakfast. It was all the same scenario again at night—all the same frustrations and throwing of blame.

Sighing, I closed my eyes and prayed he was okay wherever he decided to bring himself into again or whomever he was with. Mr. Montevalles told him to stay far. I wonder where he chooses to stay.

I was used to waking up early before the sun showed itself. I have to prepare for our breakfast and also for work. Besides, I like the cool breeze and dew in the morning. I sat on the bed to make a small prayer. I was ready for my usual morning when I suddenly felt confused about where I was suddenly pushed into. Then it all dawned in on me. All I could do was give out a soft sigh.

Of course, it was easy to accept how my life made another turning point. Dion using me as his debt payment was the last thing I thought he would do to me. And everything worsened when he gave me these kinds of people.

Standing on the room's balcony, I stared at the slightly dark outside. I love how comforting this kind of time is. It’s dark but not the kind of dark that would scare someone because, anytime soon, the sun will show up to give light to the world. And one thing is the fresh air and the relaxing silence. The railings were cold under my touch. I leaned on it and closed my eyes as I breathed the fresh air. I like to stay this way until I feel the sun on my skin, but then I remember Ate Imelda, like what she told me last night about what I should be doing today.

I am still wearing my uniform from work. I had just got home from work when Dion revealed his plan for me.

I moved to the walk-in closet and was in awe after turning on the light. It’s as spacious as the bedroom with all the necessary furniture, the drawer, vanity table, white sofa, and full-length mirror. There are drawers by the wall with all the expensive shoes and bags carefully laid on. In the middle is a long counter covered with soft white cotton where jewelry and accessories were carefully laid.

I used to live a wealthy life, but less expensive and extravagant than this. If Dion gets to do everything here, he’d surely be interested. Not because he is into female stuff but because these things probably cost millions.

A series of questions again played in my mind. If I were here to work as a maid, I should be in the maid’s quarter and not in this room, right?

The lady only told me there were dresses and things I could use here. But I don’t want to use anything. I bet even the simplest of dresses cost a fortune here. And I’m sure there’s someone who owns everything, not mine.

Once again, I was in awe when I got to the comfort room. All the sets of toiletries are all expensive based on their brand and the smell of the whole room. I bitterly smiled as remnants of the old past occurred to me. But it is long gone now.

I watched my reflection in the mirror. Mr. Monevalles’s rough hand left a red and black mark on my face. My eyes were bloodshot and puffy. My nose was red, contrasting my lips and the rest of my skin―pale.

I saw an unused toothbrush and used it. Instead of wearing things not mine, I suit myself in my creased uniform. I straightened some of the folds and dusted some dirt off. I can’t believe I slept with this. Whoever owns this room will surely get mad at me for bringing dirt here.

It was deadly quiet when I walked out of the room. The modernized Spanish-inspired mansion is so huge that I must stop and remember the way to the grand staircase. I found it and tiptoed. It was not hard to keep the silence because the steps were covered with carpet, and my feet were bare. When I was at the last step, I felt the cold floor against my feet.

The only light was coming from the kitchen at the far end of the hallway. When I walked closer to it, that’s when I heard the sound.

“Is Lala’s not yet back from the market, Suzeth? It was Ate Imelda’s voice. “Be quick there; it’s almost sunrise.”

I revealed myself to them. Everyone’s eyes turned to me.

“Iha! You're up so early.” She walked with her welcoming eyes, but her steps faltered as she looked me up and down. “What is this look? You didn’t change last night?”

My cheeks flushed in embarrassment as I imagined the huge and comfortable bed. “I’m sorry, I fell asleep last night.”

“Oh! It’s fine. Go back to your room and make yourself look presentable… Suzeth, come with her.”

Suzeth immediately walked to us. Another maid went out of the back kitchen. She puts the placemat on the long table. She only took a glance at me before going back inside. I blinked my eyes to Ate Ime. I barely shook my head and smiled.

“Thanks for the help, but I can't help myself alone. I just went down here because you told me to help prepare breakfast today.”

“Yes, but it’s still too early for you. We are only used to preparing early for breakfast if there’s a guest here. So, go, let Suzeth help you with what to wear.”

Will they have a guest today? Who?

Suzeth smiled at me. She looks the same age as me. She has short-length hair, brown eyes, and tanned natural skin. In contrast, I have fair skin, like I don’t have blood.

“I’ll help you then,” I volunteered.

The lady shook her head no. “Later, you’ll help us. But right now, you have to fix yourself. Barron must not see you looking like that.”

My tight smile faded, and I looked down to see myself. It doesn’t look that bad. “Maybe I can wear my uniform now? I’m not comfortable with the dresses inside that room.”

Ate Imelda’s eyes widened. She looked around and over her shoulder before she held my arms. Behind her, I saw Suzeth step back as she bowed her head. “Don't say that when Barron is here, or more safely, never said something about you not being comfortable with everything he is giving you. You should always be thankful for everything.”

“What… What does that mean?” I was more confused about why she suddenly panicked with what I said. “And those things inside that room are not even mine.”

“They are all yours now!” she firmly said, squeezing my arms once as if to prove her point that it should be like that.

Those dresses are mine? How? Those things came here first before me. Yes, they are all my size, but I’m sure it’s not mine.

“Go, Suzeth, accompany her upstairs.” Manang Imelda insisted. “Rica will help me here. I’m sure Lala is on her way back.”

I didn’t do anything because Ate Ime was already shooing us away. Suzeth was silent when she followed me to the room I slept in last night. I followed her to the bathroom as she prepared my bath. I told her I could do it, but she insisted by telling me Ate Imelda told her.

The comfort room alone is so relaxing and comforting. But I did not let myself stay there any longer, mainly because I knew Ate Ime would be waiting for me to help them in the kitchen. I was wearing a bathrobe as I walked out of the bathroom. A shriek nearly escaped my throat when I saw Suzeth still there. She was waiting and standing at the end of the bed. She smiled after seeing my reaction. She gestured me to the bed where a dress was carefully lying.

I cleared my throat as I reluctantly walked towards it. “I will wear that?”

The dress was so beautiful. It looks simple, but you will notice how it was made with care once you look at it closely. I am only staring at it, but I can already feel the fabric's softness. What's more, if I am wearing it. Oh, how soft would it be against my skin! It's been a long since I last wore a dress as beautiful as that. The dress is strictly for a formal occasion only, not for work in the kitchen.

I could not have the confusion when Suzeth carefully got the dress. I can’t believe I am wearing it!

"D-Don't you have an extra uniform like yours? I don’t need an expensive dress for kitchen work.

I don’t know what’s wrong, but her eyes widened after hearing my words. She glanced at the door. That’s when I remember the reaction of Ate Imelda earlier. Odd knots form in my stomach.

“The Don must not hear you say it,” she reminded me. “Wear this, please.”

She called Mr. Montevalles Don while Ate Imelda addressed her as Barron. And I am uncomfortable paying me so much respect when we are at the same age and, I guess, the same status here.

"I'm only here for work. I think it's just right if I wear a uniform appropriate for my job and not an expensive dress like that." I gestured to the dress she was holding.

“You are not here to work, madame.”

Madame! What?

I was staring dumbfounded at her. My train of thoughts only halted when she tried to take the bathrobe off me in an attempt to help with the dress. I immediately stopped her.

“We have to be quick. If Don and the Señorito are not home, you can stay in your room as long as you want. That is why Ate Ime did not disturb you last night because they both were out, and she thought you needed a rest. But if they are, you must join them for a meal.”

“And that's supposed to be my job?” I asked absent-mindedly. Maybe that is my job here: stand on the corner while they eat and as I wait for the orders. That was the situation of the maid at my grandfather’s home before. I don’t pay much attention to them. Maybe whoever lives in this mansion with Don and the Señorito will also not pay attention to me.

If that is the case, I do not have to wear such an expensive dress, right?

Sighing, I decided I should wear this one now, mainly because Suzeth looks determined to make me wear this. I also want to use only what is necessary to ask her questions to which she does not know the answer. I let her do my hair, though. That was after I told her I could also do it alone. She was silent as I watched her from our reflection in the mirror.

“How long have you been working here?” I asked to break the silence somehow.

“Four years,” was her simple answer.

I nodded to myself. “Who owns this room? Can I not stay in your room instead?” Like the maids’ quarter?

She barely shook her head before she put the comb down on the vanity table. I watched in confusion when she took a few steps away from me. “Miss Imelda is waiting for us.”

Biting my lower lip, I nodded as I tried to read her reaction. I could not get anything as we walked out of the room and headed to the empty hallway.

“Who else lives here with Mr. Montevalles and his son?” I could not help but ask the question out loud again. I stopped to wait for her, a few inches behind me. My eyes furrowed when she stopped instead of standing next to me. She wants to stay behind me like my shadow/

A nod was her answer to my question. I nodded in reply even when my eyes landed on the floor as I wandered again. A few seconds passed before I realized she was waiting for me to continue our way down to the kitchen. I stood straight and cleared my throat. I was about to turn when I heard the door next to my room open.

Suzeth glanced at it, too, but quickly returned her gaze to the floor. While I stood there paralyzed as our eyes met―the son of Mr. Montevalles. Instinctively, my fists clenched as if my body had recognized him and what happened last night.

What he did last night almost took over me. I want to run to him and shake the hell out of him for what he did. He betrayed me, and I was so dumb for trusting him that easily; for believing he was my savior.

He still looked emotionless and nearly bored. He closed the door behind him as if my glare was nothing to me. I badly wanted to hurt him, but I knew very well, mainly because I was trapped in their den. Our eyes did not once break their contact until he lazily started his steps to the hallway.

Suzeth stepped on her side to give him the way. “Good morning, Señorito."

He sighed as he halted in front of me. I did not dare to step on my side, just like Suzeth. He could still make his elegant way even if we both tried to block his way. Their hallway is spacious enough for him to pass through.

Then my angry eyes traveled down to his body. That’s when I noticed he was not wearing anything but his gray sweatpants. If that is the reason why Suzeth refused to look up at him, I could not tell. But if not for what happened last night, I think I won't have the audacity to check him out. His hair is messy because of the bed, or he made it look like that, I don’t know.

All I know is I am aware I am boldly looking back at him.

Yes, he is also looking back rather than staring and scrutinizing me. I don't want to show I'm affected by how he does it, but I guess I'm not brave enough to ignore it, so I looked away.

I only glanced at him through my peripheral vision when he continued his steps.

A sigh of relief was planning to get out of me, but a gasp escaped my lips when he intentionally shrugged my shoulder, bumping into me. If Suzeth were not quick to help me with my balance, I would have landed on the floor with my butt.

I dramatically spun around, only to stare at his retreating. My attempt to shout at him was caged in my throat as he turned left and out of my sight.

What is that? He is so rude!