Chapter 7
1853 Words
I couldn't stay still in my bed because I wasn’t used to a soft mattress, let alone air conditioning. I never expected that my mother’s room in this mansion would be like this, and that we would each have our own bed. It was already deep into the night, and my mother was sound asleep, but I couldn’t sleep at all. My mind was filled with thoughts, and what really troubled me was Jagger. Not just him, but also his siblings.
It would have been easier if they had unpleasant personalities—if they were rude and indifferent, treating me like dirt beneath their feet. But no! From the start, I could already feel that they were good people, just like Jagger. But he hurt me, and he never came back. I needed him so much when something happened to my father. He said he would call me, but he never did, not even once. He never came back for me.
And now, I still haven’t learned my lesson because I continue to long for him—and even for his brothers. He’s still handsome, but I no longer see the sparkle in his eyes when I see him again. His aura now is completely different from when I first met him in the province. My chest tightens every time he looks at me with longing, but what he did to me still hurts. He was my first, my first boyfriend, but he just left me hanging.
I sat up from my bed, quietly left the room, and went to the garden. I sat on a soft chair, pulled my knees to my chest, and let out a deep sigh as I gazed at the blue water of the swimming pool. I slowly felt drawn to the idea of swimming, so I stepped closer and dipped one foot into the water. I sat down completely and let both of my feet dangle in the pool. I will miss bathing in the river and, of course, sharing stories with my friend.
I looked around, and since there was no one in sight, I couldn’t resist anymore and submerged myself fully into the water. It was cold but bearable. I smiled and swam around. For a moment, I forgot all my worries and simply enjoyed my time in the large swimming pool. I might not get to do this again, especially once I’m swamped with work after my mother leaves.
Sigh… I wonder how she would react if she found out that Jagger was once my boyfriend. But we’re over now, and I only told my friend about it. It’s better if this remains a secret, something I shouldn't dwell on anymore. I shouldn't be thinking about the brothers either because, for sure, I’m not the kind of woman they would be interested in. I’m just a simple girl from the countryside, and I only have one purpose here—to serve my employers.
“Poppy?”
I was slightly startled upon hearing that voice. I turned around and saw Sir Janus standing by the pool, staring at me. I smiled at him and quickly got out of the water.
“Sir! It’s you…” I said shyly, walking toward him. “I’m sorry, I just couldn’t sleep. I only wanted to get some fresh air, but I couldn’t resist getting in the water,” I explained, and he continued to stare at me. I blinked and looked down at myself, my face turning round with shock—I was only wearing shorts and a thin T-shirt, making my chest completely visible. I quickly hugged myself to cover my chest, while he licked his lips. How embarrassing! My chest and my n*pples were completely visible—hopefully, he didn’t notice!
“It’s okay, Poppy. You can use the pool anytime,” he said gently. “But it’s late, and I’m sure the water is cold.”
I blinked again and was surprised when he took off his shirt and put it on me. His scent lingered in the fabric, stirring something deep inside me. I also tried to avoid looking at his muscular body, especially the area covered only by his shorts. Among the brothers, Sir Janus had the most built physique.
“I’m used to it, Sir. I love swimming in the river back home. What about you? Why are you here? You should be asleep already; you have work tomorrow,” I said.
He smiled. I watched as his hand brushed my hair away from my face, his fingers grazing my cheek. The hairs on my arms stood on end at his touch—even though it was just a slight brush. Why is my body reacting like this!?
“I couldn’t sleep either… Something is bothering me,” he answered in his deep voice. “What about you, Poppy? Is something on your mind too?” He stared at me intently.
I swallowed hard and shook my head. I couldn’t possibly tell him that he and his brothers were the ones troubling my thoughts. He might think the wrong thing and immediately fire me. That would be terrible for my mother!
“W-What? No, Sir. I’m just not used to soft beds and air conditioning,” I answered. “I should go back now before my mother wakes up and realizes I’m gone. I’ll return your shirt once I’ve washed it.”
“No need. It looks good on you—just keep it as your sleepwear.”
I froze and couldn’t help but giggle in front of him.
“Your shirt must be expensive, and you want me to use it as pajamas?”
He shrugged and smiled teasingly.
“Who knows? Maybe you’ll sleep better wearing it.”
My face suddenly felt hot at his words, and I just smiled. He stepped closer to me, bringing his face near mine, and I almost lost my composure. His gaze was full of teasing and desire, and I couldn’t look away.
“You should go inside and change. You might catch a cold,” he murmured.
I nodded and took a step back. Otherwise, I might end up doing something reckless with how close he was.
"Okay, thank you, Sir Janus. Goodnight."
He nodded, and I walked back inside the mansion. When I returned to the room I shared with my mother, I saw that she was still sound asleep. I entered our bathroom, took off Sir Janus’s shirt, and sniffed it. It smelled so good and was absolutely intoxicating. Ugh! He shouldn’t be flirting with me like this because I don’t want to be weak. I had already been weak for Jagger, and now Sir Janus was teasing me too. How could I resist when he was so handsome and well-built—so many abs, I’d be full every day! I giggled quietly to myself, then changed out of my wet clothes.
I returned to bed, hanging Sir Janus’s slightly damp shirt on a hanger. I lay down with a smile on my face and finally fell asleep.
The next morning, my mother and I woke up early. As usual, I prepared breakfast and made coffee for the two of us and for our employers. Even their coffee here tasted expensive, and I was so thrilled to use their espresso machine. At exactly seven in the morning, the four brothers came downstairs. Unlike yesterday, they were already fresh from a shower and dressed in their office attire.
They looked incredibly handsome in their formal outfits, and I couldn’t help but admire all four of them. I was especially taken aback by Jagger—his suit suited him perfectly. I imagined myself helping him put on his tie like in the TV shows. I could almost picture us as a married couple… but all those thoughts crumbled when I remembered how he had left me.
"Good morning, Mrs. Calla, Poppy!" Sir Jozer greeted us as he was the first to take a seat at the table. "It smells delicious already!"
His brothers followed, and I handed them their coffee.
"Have you eaten yet? Join us again," Sir Jordan offered.
"My mother and I already ate, Sir," I replied. "I hope you like the food I made again." I smiled warmly at them.
"Of course, we will. We loved your cooking yesterday. I really liked your ‘kaldereta’ last night," Jagger said, making me lower my gaze as I quietly thanked him.
"How was your sleep, by the way?" he suddenly asked.
I froze and glanced at Sir Janus, who was staring at me with a teasing smirk. I quickly averted my eyes and cleared my throat.
"It was fine, Sir. I slept well," I answered softly.
"That’s good to hear. We want you to be comfortable in this house," Sir Janus said.
My face burned with embarrassment, and I turned away for a moment to compose myself. I excused myself and went to the kitchen, grabbing a glass of cold water and drinking it to calm my nerves. I could hear them talking, but I couldn’t make out what they were discussing. Once I felt composed, I returned to the dining area to serve them water.
"By the way, Sir, may I take my mother to the terminal later?" I asked, and all of them looked at me.
"That’s fine, Poppy. But do you know how to get back here?"
"Yes, Sir Jordan, I do."
He nodded, told me to be careful, and they resumed their meal. Once they finished eating, I walked them to the door as they headed to their luxury cars in the garage. After they drove away, I returned inside and helped my mother clean the rooms.
I told her I would handle everything and helped her carry her bags. She reminded me of so many things as we rode a taxi to the terminal. She already had her ticket, so she could board right away. When she stood at the door of the bus, I hugged her tightly, unable to stop my tears.
"Oh, come on, child! You can visit us on your day off! Take care of yourself, okay? Don’t forget everything I told you."
"Yes, Mom. You take care too. And please update me about Dad."
She nodded and hugged me again before boarding the bus. I stayed there until the bus left, watching it until it disappeared. Then, I took a jeepney back to the subdivision.
I entered the house with a heavy heart, my steps dragging. Now, I am truly alone.
I wiped away the tears trickling down my cheeks and sniffled—
"Did your mother leave already?"
Startled, I turned around, my eyes widening when I saw Jagger casually sitting on the large sofa.
Last night, it was Janus who surprised me. Now, it was Jagger!
Wait—what was he doing here? I thought they had all gone to work.
He stood up and walked toward me, but I instinctively took a step back. I could see the sadness in his eyes, mixed with frustration.
"Babe, Poppy, we need to talk…"
- Writer
