Ms., Your Identity Has Been Exposed: From Nobody to Somebody

Chapter 5: The One and Only

The next morning, Ara was jolted awake by a soft knock at her door. Groggy, she rubbed her eyes and shuffled toward the door, still in her pajamas.

"Good morning, young lady," came the familiar voice of her grandfather’s secretary, Lance.

Ara yawned, stretching her arms as she squinted at him. "Good morning, Lance… Why are you here so early?" she mumbled, rubbing her face in an attempt to wake up.

"Your grandfather left early this morning. He had to attend an auction abroad. But before he left, he instructed me to inform you that you’ll be attending an event tonight on his behalf," Lance explained, his expression calm and professional as always.

Ara’s drowsiness vanished in an instant. Her eyes widened in alarm. "Wait, what? Me? Secretary Lance, what if I mess up? I don’t have any experience attending these kinds of events!" She looked at him like he had just told her to deliver a speech in front of the United Nations.

"No need to worry, miss," Lance reassured her. "It’s just a birthday party for one of your grandfather’s business partners. Your grandfather holds the largest shares in their company, so they value his presence. This is a good opportunity for you."

Ara blinked, digesting his words. Like it or not, this was her life now. She had to step up and learn how to carry the Guevara name.

She sighed, nodding. "Alright, I’ll go. I still have time after the competition anyway."

"Oh, and one more thing," Lance added, pulling something from his suit pocket. He handed her a sleek black card, the kind that only the Guevara family had the privilege of owning.

Ara’s jaw dropped. "A… black card? Secretary Lance, are you kidding me? I barely even spent the $200 you gave me last time!" she exclaimed, holding the card like it might burn her fingers.

"Young lady, just accept it. If you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to call me," Lance said, leaving her there, staring at the black card in disbelief.

After he left, Ara glanced at the clock. Crap. She was running late. She rushed through a quick shower, threw on her uniform, and hurried downstairs. The maids were already preparing her breakfast.

"Young lady, your breakfast is ready," Nana Lorie said as she approached.

"Nana, I’m late. I’ll just grab something at school," Ara said, snatching a bottle of milk before dashing toward the waiting car.

The driver, Uncle Jonny, quickly opened the door for her. "Good morning, young lady," he greeted, amused by her usual morning chaos.

Ara slid into the car, breathing heavily. "Uncle, I’m running late. Can you hurry a little?"

"No worries, miss. You’ll make it on time," he assured her with a chuckle before pulling away from the mansion.

Twenty minutes later, the car rolled up to the gates of West Academy. The moment Ara stepped out, she was greeted by Marie, arms crossed and one eyebrow raised.

"So… care to explain all this?" Marie asked, eyeing her suspiciously.

Before Ara could answer, Kevin and Alicia appeared out of nowhere, looking as smug as ever.

"Oh, look who decided to show up," Alicia sneered. "I thought you quit school after what happened."

Ara had no patience for this nonsense. She grabbed Marie’s wrist, ready to walk past them, but Alicia just wouldn’t shut up.

A loud slap echoed through the courtyard.

Everyone froze. Alicia clutched her cheek, eyes wide with disbelief.

Ara’s voice was deadly calm. "If you dare humiliate me again, believe me, I will drag you across the ground."

Marie’s jaw dropped. "Wait, what was that?" She poked Ara’s forehead. "Did you drink the wrong medicine this morning?"

Ara simply laughed. It felt good to finally fight back.

Marie burst out laughing, wrapping an arm around her. "I like this version of you."

Later that day, an announcement came over the speakers. The school competition had been postponed.

"Ara, are you busy?" Marie asked.

Ara glanced at her phone. "Yeah, a little. Why?"

Marie pouted. "Come on, the competition’s postponed, and you still don’t have time for me?"

Ara sighed. "Alright, alright. You can come with me."

Marie grinned but quickly narrowed her eyes. "But promise me something first, whatever you see, you keep it to yourself. No telling anyone."

Marie’s eyes widened. "Wait… are you… don’t tell me you sold yourself to an old man and ran away?!" She grabbed Ara’s shoulders, shaking her.

Ara smirked, deciding to mess with her. "Actually, I do live with an old man now."

Marie gasped dramatically. "Oh my god, Ara, why?! No, you need to leave now!" She tried to drag Ara away, pure panic on her face.

Ara burst into laughter. "Relax, Marie. Let me explain."

But before she could, Jonny pulled up. "Miss, let’s go."

Marie stepped in front of the car, arms spread. "No! She’s not going anywhere with you. Not on my watch!"

Ara chuckled, shaking her head. Marie was a full-on drama queen. To avoid making a scene, Ara pushed her into the backseat. "Get in. I’ll explain later."

Marie hesitated. "Ara… are you really going to live with that old man?"

Ara finally decided to end her suffering. "Marie, my grandfather found me. That ‘old man’ is my grandfather."

Marie’s mouth fell open.

"Wait… what?"

Ara sighed. "Uncle, let’s go back to the mansion first. I’ll bring Marie later when I pick up my dress for the dinner party."

When the car pulled up to the Guevara mansion, Marie was stunned.

She slowly turned to Ara, mouth still open.

"Flies might enter your mouth. Close it," Ara teased.

Marie blinked. "Ara… pinch me."

"What?"

"Just do it. I think I’m dreaming."

Ara smirked and pinched her hard.

"Ow! Stop! Okay, I’m not dreaming. Holy crap, Ara. You’re rich now."

A young servant approached. "Young lady, will you be having lunch here?"

"No, Maya. We’re heading out for lunch," Ara replied casually.

Marie was still struggling to process everything when her eyes landed on a portrait inside the mansion.

She turned to Ara, shaking. "Ara… please don’t tell me your grandfather is... " She pointed at the portrait.

Ara nodded slowly.

Marie almost choked. "This… This is Leonardo Guevara. Your grandfather?! Holy cow!"

Ara shrugged. "The one and only."

Marie dramatically collapsed onto the couch. "How many shocks am I going to get today?"

Ara just laughed.