Make Him Fall In Love (English version)

CHAPTER 3

BRIELLA’S POV

“I’m sorry, Ma’am Callie, but I don’t think I understand what you mean,” I stammered, barely able to look at the woman in front of me.

Her eyes narrowed dangerously, sending a chill down my spine. I knew that look all too well—whenever she looked like that, it meant she was angry, and she wouldn’t let things slide. I bowed my head, bracing myself for whatever harsh words she would say next.

“My God! How slow can you be?” she snapped, her tone sharp and cruel. “But since I need you, you don’t get to say no. Here’s what you’re going to do—you’ll make my ex fall in love with you. Seduce him. And once you’re sure he’s completely in love, you’ll leave him. No explanations. No goodbyes. Is that clear?”

I took a deep breath. I understood what she wanted from the beginning. What I couldn’t understand was why me, why she chose me for something like that. And frankly, looking the way I did and considering my status in life, it felt impossible that anyone would fall for me.

“I’m sorry, Ma’am Callie,” I replied quietly. “But I don’t think I can do what you’re asking. Your ex can’t fall for someone like me.”

“You do have a choice,” she hissed. “Either you accept my offer, and I’ll pay you well—money that I know can help your mother—or I will fire you. You’ll lose your job and have no way to pay for her hospital expenses.”

My head snapped up. She was staring straight at me, her face devoid of emotion, but her words hit me like a slap. She meant it. And the truth was, I couldn’t afford to lose my job. Not now. Not when I needed money for my mother's surgery.

“Ma’am Callie…” My voice broke, tears threatening to fall.

“Callie! What are you doing out here?”

We both turned at the sound of a familiar voice. My heart jumped when I saw Gael walking briskly toward us. His eyes flicked to mine for a moment before focusing on his sister.

“You took so long, Gael. I can’t stay inside that hospital for too long,” Callie said, pouting like a child.

Gael looked at me again, concern flickering in his eyes. I quickly shook my head, silently asking him not to say anything. His sister couldn’t find out how close we really were. We had to keep up the act—we were strangers.

“Nyx already called and explained everything,” he said firmly, turning back to his sister. “You need to stop chasing him, Callie. It’s over.”

So Nyx must be the ex that Ma'am Callie was talking about. The one she wanted me to make fall in love with me. I hadn’t agreed to her twisted plan yet, but it wasn’t like I had a choice. If I refused, I’d lose everything.

“Yeah. I’ve made up my mind, Gael.”

“You’re Ella, right?” Gael asked, ignoring his sister’s comment. I could see how badly he wanted to know what I was doing here.

Gael was a good friend of mine, and I knew he’d tell the others about this. He knew how much I kept things to myself, especially when they were serious.

“She’s our maid,” Callie cut in, clearly wanting to take control of the situation. “Her mom’s in the hospital. She needs money. Can we pay their bill?”

“What happened?” Gael asked me gently.

I couldn’t meet his eyes. I lowered my gaze and answered politely, “My mother needs surgery. It’s appendicitis.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll take care of the bill. And you don’t have to report to work tomorrow. Stay with your mom,” he said sincerely.

I quickly shook my head. “You’ve done enough already, sir. I won’t abuse your kindness. My sisters will stay with Mom. I’ll still report to work.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. Thank you, sir.”

“Gael, let’s go,” Callie interrupted, clutching her brother’s arm.

“Go ahead to the car. I need to speak with Ella for a minute.”

Callie didn’t argue. She followed Gael’s instructions, but not before giving me one last glance. I knew that look—like she had me trapped. There was no turning back now.

“Are you okay?” Gael asked once we were alone.

“I’m fine,” I replied softly.

“Don’t worry about the hospital bill. I’ve got it covered,” he said again.

“Gael, you know me. I can’t just accept that. I’ll pay you back—little by little,” I said, my voice firm.

“Ella, don’t worry about that now. We’ll talk at the house tomorrow. But are you sure you’re okay with work?”

“Of course. You know I can’t afford not to.”

He nodded slowly. “Just call me if you need anything, okay?”

“Thank you.”

When Gael finally left, I let out a long, shaky breath. In truth, I didn’t need to accept Callie’s offer anymore—not with Gael helping me. But I didn’t want to owe him such a huge amount. The only way to pay him back was to accept the job.

I came home with my shoulders slumped. The house was painfully quiet without my mother. I was alone, so I decided to clean up the mess my sisters left. A few empty beer bottles were still on the table—no doubt theirs. That explained the alcohol in their breath at the hospital.

I shook my head, helpless. My sisters lived their lives without worrying about bills or responsibilities. I didn’t want to complain—it would only lead to conflict. I didn’t want Mom to worry about us fighting, so I just kept everything to myself.

After cleaning, I collapsed onto the chair. My phone rang. I dug it out of my bag, thinking it was one of my sisters—but it was Freya.

“Ella, I heard what happened to your mom. How is she?” her voice came through, laced with concern.

“She’ll be okay. She just needs surgery,” I replied quietly.

I wasn’t surprised she knew. Gael probably told her.

“What about you? Are you okay? Gael is worried sick.”

“I’m okay now. Gael helped me with the hospital expenses. Mom's surgery is scheduled. I feel a bit more at ease.”

“How will you pay Gael back? Surgery isn’t cheap,” she said, her voice sad.

I inhaled deeply. “I’ll worry about that later, Freya. What matters now is that Mom gets better,” I said, my voice cracking.

“Where are you? Do you want me to come over?”

I shook my head, even though she couldn’t see me. “No, I’m fine. Don’t worry about me.”

I tried to keep my voice light so she wouldn’t hear the tears threatening to spill. She was busy with her studies. I knew exams were coming up, and I didn’t want to distract her.

“Briella Jane Dizon,” she said gently. “You know I’m always here for you, right? You don’t have to carry everything on your own.”

I closed my eyes tightly. I knew that. Ever since we were young, Freya has always been my anchor. But things are different now. We had our own lives. I didn’t want her to be dragged into my problems.

“I’m fine, really. Don’t worry. You study well, okay? I’m tough,” I said with a forced laugh.

“Alright. But promise me—call me, or Jayden, or Gael if you need anything. Promise?”

“Yes. Thank you, Freya.”