Three Month Agreement (ENGLISH)

Chapter 9

"Errol? why are you looking at your cousin like that? Are you two fighting?" Lianna asked again.

Instead of understanding them, I approached Seya, holding her right hand.

When Errol glanced at me, I saw him exhale. The irritation disappeared from his face, and as he approached me, Lianna's gaze followed. I felt embarrassed; why did this have to happen here?

"I'm sorry, Zehra," Errol said to me.

"Uh, no, it's okay."

But inside, what was he apologizing for? His reaction when Thauce and Lianna arrived? When I briefly looked at Lianna, I saw her serious face as she looked down. Her eyes were fixed on her hands. I suddenly remembered their conversation at the bar.

She loves Errol, and not just for two or three years, but for ten years. It's not easy to love someone for that long.

"Zehra, Thauce and I will leave now. If you have any problems, don't hesitate to call me," Lianna said. She approached and then handed me her card.

"That's my number. I'm willing to help you and your sister," she said, looking at Seya.

"Thank you very much, Ate Ganda," my sister replied.

I'm surprised by their offer to help me. I wanted Errol's help, and now Lianna is offering hers. I only met Lianna last night, and I can say she's kind and a good person. I can feel the sincerity behind her smiles.

I can also see the pain in her eyes whenever she looks at Errol.

For my part, I feel sad about the agreement I have with Thauce.

I've already signed, and I need to follow what we've agreed upon. Within three months, I have to make Errol fall in love with me.

"By the way, Zehra, Thauce told me that you are going to be his personal assistant on our vacation."

"This is good, Zehra. At least you have another job. Thauce is really kind. He knows that you need work to pay for your sister's medicine and hospital fees. But I think he'll take care of the expenses since Seya will be admitted to his brother's hospital. I'm glad," Lianna said with a smile.

I saw Errol quickly glance at Lianna. I, on the other hand, looked at Thauce. Did he also tell Lianna that? And... personal assistant? I wanted to cringe. He's acting alone. What other lies did he tell Lianna to make himself look good?

"Oh, well, we're leaving now," Lianna looked at me again. She approached and kissed my cheek. "I'll be going home to Cebu before the vacation. I am excited, Zehra!"

"O-Okay, take care, okay?" I said. "Thank you so much for visiting my sister."

I glanced at Seya, and it seemed like she understood what I wanted.

"Thank you again, Ate Ganda! Take care!"

Lianna smiled at my sister. She approached Seya and gently held her cheek.

"You'll get better, Seya. Doctors from Martini's Hospital are geniuses. They are called miracle doctors. I can't wait to see you fully healed."

Before Thauce and Lianna left the room, the latter glanced at Errol.

"Errol, we're expecting you to come on vacation. This is a one-time thing. Surely you have no excuse now?" Lianna asked.

"I will come," Errol replied. His voice sounded serious when he said that. Lianna just smiled and didn't respond further. As they left with Thauce, I felt Errol's hand on my arm.

"Am I missing something, Zehra? Tell me, does Thauce have feelings for you? I know my cousin, Zehra. He doesn't just offer help easily."

The agreement shouldn't be known by Errol. Nobody should know, and it needs to remain a secret between Thauce and me. I smiled discreetly at Errol, quickly thinking of what to say to his questions.

"Thauce doesn't have feelings for me, Errol. You saw it, didn't you? He's into Lianna. His looks towards Lianna are different. And besides, I think you also know that your cousin loves Lianna."

"He offered to help me when I was working at the bar. Thauce isn't a bad person."

He's just really bad.

"I am a bit... jealous."

I was surprised by what I said. Errol sat on the sofa. When I glanced at Seya, there was a teasing smile on her face. She smiled and suddenly covered herself with the blanket.

I suddenly felt embarrassed that my sister could hear our conversation with Errol.

"You accepted his offered help, while you declined mine. What's the difference between us, Zehra?"

I couldn't find the words to say. I didn't want to accept his help because it involved money, and he probably wouldn't allow me to pay him back. Plus, I felt embarrassed about Errol. With all the help he's given me, I couldn't bring myself to ask for more help from him.

It's different with Thauce. I have to do something for him in exchange for the money he'll give me.

What hurts is that Errol is involved in all of this. I can't do anything about it. In the end, if Errol hates me for it and I have to accept it.

"Errol..." I said. Nothing came to mind that I could say to him.

He sighed and reached for my hand. He pulled me closer to him. I didn't like where my thoughts were going and why he was acting like this. And why he was jealous because I accepted Thauce's help.

In our agreement with Thauce, I want Errol not to fall for me in those three months. So I won't hurt him in the end... but with what he's showing now...

"I don't plan on joining that one-month vacation because I intend to accompany you in taking care of Seya."

My lips curved at his reason.

"But, I can't let you be alone with Thauce in that island, Zehra."

His eyes were serious as he said that.

The employees at Thauce's company have been staring at me ever since I arrived. I tightly held the strap of my bag and the white folder that I was holding. Do they think I am someone who is going to apply for a job here?

I kept taking deep breaths as soon as I got inside the elevator because I really couldn't shake the nervousness that I am feeling right now. My heart beats faster than normal, my hands are sweating, and I feel cold, even though the temperature around the building is normal.

Thauce's office is located on the highest floor of the building. The elevator opened at the other floor, and employees entered as they went to their specific destination.

I stayed quietly at the back, listening to their conversation.

I couldn't help but notice.

They wore nice, ironed clothes. I think they are the same age as me.

So here I thought, if I only got the chance to go to college, maybe I would also be like them. Attending a good company and doing a good job.

But life is not fair for everyone.