Make Him Fall In Love (English version)

CHAPTER 1

BRIELLA’S POV

I stretched my arms above my head, finally relieved that I had finished my assigned chores early today at the Salvador mansion. I’ve been working here for almost a year now. The pay is good, and since I’m a stay-out helper, I’ve managed to stay this long even if the job sometimes becomes too heavy. My employers are kind, except for the youngest Salvador, Ms. Callie. She’s often in a bad mood, and we, the helpers, always end up on the receiving end of her anger. That’s why whenever I hear she’s around, I do everything I can to avoid her.

“Ella, are you done with your tasks?” Miss Baday asked, the mansion’s head housekeeper.

“Yes, Miss,” I replied with a smile.

“That’s good. You can go home early today. Here’s your salary.”

She handed me a white envelope containing my pay for the last two weeks. I accepted it happily. I had plans to take my mother and my two sisters out for dinner tonight—that’s why I made sure to finish my chores early.

“Thank you, Miss. May I go now?” I asked excitedly.

“Go ahead. But be early tomorrow—there’s a lot to do,” she answered gruffly.

“Of course, Miss. Thank you.”

Miss Baday is already in her senior years, so it’s no surprise she’s become a bit cranky. My co-workers say she never married, choosing instead to dedicate her life to the Salvadors. She’s been with them for nearly 30 years, which is why the couple trusts her with everything about the house.

Most people keep their distance from her because of her attitude. But I can feel the kindness in her, no matter how cold she seems. That’s why I treat her warmly, even if she doesn’t return the gesture.

I headed to the maid’s quarters to change. I was alone—my co-workers were still finishing up their tasks. I told them earlier that I couldn't wait for them since I had plans with my family.

“You’re heading home?”

I jumped, startled. Stepping out of the maid’s quarters, I was met by none other than Sir Gael—the eldest Salvador child. He laughed when he saw my reaction.

“Sorry, did I scare you?” he asked, grinning.

I looked around quickly to make sure no one else was nearby before I rolled my eyes at him. “You always do this. Nothing new,” I said, trying to sound annoyed.

Gael Salvador was my classmate and friend back in high school, which is why we talk casually like this when no one’s around. He even helped me get this job, so I owe him a lot. After we graduated, I didn’t pursue college because we couldn’t afford it. So when Gael offered me work, I didn’t hesitate to accept it.

“You’re really going home? Want me to give you a ride?” he asked, still smiling.

I quickly shook my head. “No, Gael. You know that’s not okay, right? Don’t even try.”

No one knew we were close. Gael didn’t want any issues to come up at the mansion, and I agreed. I couldn’t afford any gossip—this job meant so much to me.

“Just kidding. Go ahead, head home,” he said, waving me off.

I laughed. “Will you be able to come on Sunday?”

I was referring to our friend Freya’s birthday celebration. Back in high school, there were four of us—me, Gael, Freya, and Jayden. The three of us were scholars at High-End School, while Gael, coming from a wealthy family, could easily afford to be there. We still don’t understand why someone like him chose to hang out with us. But it was a secret he kept from his parents, afraid they’d disapprove.

“I’ll make it happen,” he said simply.

I just nodded. When he says he’ll make it happen, it means he’ll find a way to come—even if just for a while. Gael’s gotten busier now, studying while also working for his father’s company.

“Okay, I’ll see you at Freya’s, then.”

“Take care. You’re still as clumsy as ever,” he teased.

I glared at him playfully before tugging at his hair and running off. I knew he wouldn’t chase me—someone might see us. I smiled to myself, feeling like I’d won that round.

As I walked out of the exclusive subdivision, I couldn’t help but admire the houses I passed. They were huge—clearly owned by people blessed with wealth. I used to dream of lifting my family out of poverty, but in this harsh reality, that dream felt so distant. Some are simply born lucky. Others, like us, are born poor.

Lost in thought, I didn’t notice the speeding car approaching. It missed me, but the shock made me fall backward—right onto a large rock.

The car screeched to a halt. A tall man stepped out, his expression hard and cold as he looked at me. There was something in his presence that made it hard to even move.

“Are you alright?” he asked flatly.

I nodded, unable to speak. He seemed even more intimidating up close, and despite the tropical heat, his aura sent a chill down my spine.

“What were you even doing, standing in the middle of the road?”

His emotionless tone was now laced with irritation. My fear evaporated instantly—replaced by annoyance. I was sure I had been on the side of the road.

“Excuse me! I was on the side. You were the one speeding like you were in some race. For your information, this is a subdivision, not a highway,” I snapped.

“You don’t recognize me?” he asked incredulously.

I smirked. I knew this type—the entitled rich boy. I graduated from a school full of them. I’d grown used to their arrogance.

“I don’t care who you are. You’re wasting my time,” I said, turning my back on him.

As I walked away, I heard him chuckle. I didn’t bother looking back. I needed to get far away from that arrogant jerk.

“I’ll make sure we meet again, Miss,” he called out.

I didn’t know if he was trying to intimidate me, but I didn’t care anymore. I simply quickened my pace, desperate to put as much distance as I could between myself and that arrogant man. I was almost certain he wasn’t a resident of the subdivision—after all, it was the first time I’d ever seen that car. I swore to myself that his words wouldn’t come true. I didn’t want to see him ever again.

After almost half an hour of walking, I finally reached our neighborhood. Strangely, Nena’s store was unusually quiet. No idle folks were hanging around, no familiar gossips gathered by the roadside, trading stories about everyone else’s lives.

“Ella? What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be at the hospital?” Rico, one of our neighbors, asked me with a concerned look.

“Hospital? Why?” I asked, my voice shaking.

“Didn’t your sisters call you? Your mom… they rushed her to the hospital.”

My knees almost gave out, and I would’ve collapsed onto the pavement if Rico hadn’t caught me in time. I took a deep breath, trying to steady the panic rising in my chest before I spoke again.

“Which hospital did they take her to?” I asked, my voice trembling.

“The Public Hospital. Do you want me to go with you?”

A small, grateful smile touched my lips. Our neighborhood might be chaotic, and we didn’t have much, but the people here—people like Rico—were kind. Dependable. No one had ever dared to mess with me or my family because of them.

“Thank you, Rico, but I don’t want to trouble you. I’ll go on ahead.”

“Be careful, Ella,” he said gently.