Rule One: Don't Fall

Chapter 1

⚠️ WARNING: This part of the story may contain strong language that may not be suitable for all readers. Reader discretion is advised. All characters and events are fictional. Any resemblance to real persons or situations is purely coincidental.

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I GROANED when I heard my alarm go off. Damn it! I didn't even stay up late last night, but my eyes still want to stay shut. But it’s already seven in the morning—I should be out of bed and getting ready for work by now.

Does this bed have a magnet or something? It’s like my body doesn’t want to let go. Geez.

I had no choice but to turn off the alarm and get up. My eyes searched for my slippers under the bed, and after putting them on, I walked over to the window to open the curtains. Mr. Sun greeted me brightly.

I smiled and stretched a bit.

“Good morning too, Mr. Sun!” I said, as if the sun would greet me back.

I took a shower, then changed into my usual office outfit—blouse and skirt paired with stilettos. I also put on some light makeup to make the whole look come together.

Once I stepped out of my room, I headed straight to the kitchen to toast some bread and make coffee. That’s usually my go-to breakfast when I’m not in the mood for a full meal, or when I’m in a rush.

At least my stomach won’t be completely empty when I leave the unit.

While waiting for my bread to toast, I decided to call Mama. She’s probably already busy baking cupcakes and cookies for her customers again.

When I managed to save up a bit from working as an HR assistant at the company, I bought her some baking tools. I knew she’d love them. It’s always been her dream to open her own bakery. So I gave them to her—because why not?

“Good morning, my beautiful mother!” I greeted cheerfully when she picked up after a few seconds.

She smiled back. “Good morning, my daughter! Looks like someone woke up in a great mood, huh? What happened last night? A date?” I immediately rolled my eyes at her opening question.

Seriously, Ma?

What a way to start the convo!

“Tsk. Come on, Ma. Can you stop with the date talk already? And hello? Just because I’m smiling doesn’t mean I woke up in a good mood,” I said with a scoff. “Good thing my alarm clock actually did its job today, or else I might have thrown it out!” I added under my breath.

It’s not like I hate my alarm clock—it’s just super annoying sometimes. Even when you don’t feel like getting up, it keeps going off like it’s personally reminding you, 'Hey, you’ve got work today!'

Maybe I shouldn’t use an alarm clock anymore!

Kidding. Still, Mr. Alarm Clock is important to me.

“You’ve got one more year left before your age drops off the calendar. Don’t you plan on giving me a grandchild—” I immediately cut her off. Gosh!

“Ma, Ma! Stop! Shh!” I waved my hands, trying to shut her down before she could say more. I just didn’t want to hear that again! “Just because I’m about to hit that age doesn’t mean I’ve given up on relationships, okay? There’s a time for everything—the right time. I’m just waiting for that,” I said defensively, but she just gave me a sour look.

I sighed. She seems to be in more of a hurry to have a grandchild than I am. Marriage isn’t even on my radar right now, but she’s already planning ahead. I’m too focused on work to think about settling down. But sometimes, you really can’t avoid people who are way more concerned about your love life than you are.

“And what if God’s plan for me is to not give you a grandchild?” I added.

She immediately paused what she was doing. “Honey, don’t say that! Fine, fine—just take your time finding ‘the one’.”

I rolled my eyes. “Tsh. Then maybe stop setting me up on dates? None of them even pass my standards.”

“Maybe lower your standards a bit? They're too high, no one can meet them,” she said while pouring batter into a baking pan.

I shook my head as I remembered her and Jesh’s little schemes. Gosh. They keep setting me up on blind dates! It’s not that I totally hate it—actually, I do show up to the dates they arrange. They’re really good at convincing me.

But no matter how many of those dates I go on, none of the guys even come close to my standards.

My first date? Total red flag—he yelled at the waiter who accidentally spilled some wine on him. It wasn’t even a big deal, but he acted like a jerk. That was an instant no from me.

My second date was better than the first, but honestly, too many green flags can be a bit of a red flag too. He was too perfect, and it felt off. As for my third date—my mom and my friend clearly want me to marry a sugar daddy. I swear, it even felt like they were planning for me to be his caretaker or something. So, yeah, another big nope.

The fourth date?

Guess what?

He was actually okay… except he was way too young. I have nothing against age-gap relationships, but that guy was clearly super busy. I'm a workaholic, and he was buried in his studies. Turns out he’s a law student. That was probably the most decent date I’ve had so far.

Now, my fifth date—just like the first—was another red flag. He seemed like a green flag at first and even ticked one of the boxes on my list. But everything turned into a disaster later on. I almost ended up in jail because of him! He was married, and I wouldn’t have known if his pregnant wife hadn’t shown up and caused a scene. We all ended up at the police station to settle things. The wife apologized to me, which honestly she didn’t need to—it should’ve been him!

After that fifth date, I was seriously traumatized. Like, really. And no, I’m not being dramatic. I just didn’t want to go through something like that ever again, so I told Jesher to stop setting me up.

But she and Mom are both so nosy about my love life, so I ditched the last setup and made up an excuse. I think they finally got the hint this time.

After my chat with Mom, I said my goodbye and left. I left my unit at 7:50 AM and reached the office parking lot by 8.

“Good morning, ma’am!” The security guard greeted me even before I could enter the building.

“Good morning!” I replied with a smile.

I’ll probably make it to the 23rd floor just in time. It was already 8:20 AM when I glanced at my watch. I headed straight to the elevator, pressed my floor, then hit the close button.

Everyone greeted me when I arrived at the office. I smiled and greeted them back as I walked toward my own office.

“Good morning, ma’am beauty!” My assistant called out.

I stopped in my tracks. “Wow, that’s the first time you’ve called me ‘ma’am beauty.’ What’s going on?” I asked, suspicious.

She frowned. “Would you rather I call you ‘ma’am ugly’?” she said, so I gave her a look.

“You really are beautiful, ma’am! A lot of people here have a crush on you. Your hair’s basically down to the floor!”

I bit my lip and tucked my hair behind my ear. “Do you have scissors?” I asked.

She gave me a confused look. “I do, but... why? Are you cutting up your clothes?”

“Aish!” Okay, she didn't get it. I stomped my foot in frustration. She flinched, but honestly, I didn’t care.

“By the way, here’s the list you asked from the manager’s office,” she said, handing me the papers.

I sighed, feeling a bit annoyed she didn’t get what I meant about the scissors.

“It’s all complete,” she added.

I nodded. “Okay. Thank you.”

I walked into my office, placed my bag on the desk, took off my blazer, and hung it over my chair before sitting down. I opened the folder she gave me to start reviewing it.

As I went through the documents, I couldn’t help but shake my head and sigh. Another red flag today, I guess.

Someone knocked on the glass door of my office, so I told them to come in. My assistant entered with another folder in hand.

“Ma’am, another list. This one’s for the applicants applying to the Finance department,” she said as she neatly placed the folder on my desk.

I frowned. “Another list? Why are you giving this to me?” I asked calmly. I set down the first folder she gave me earlier and picked up the new one.

She gave me an awkward smile. “Yes, ma’am. He said you should be the one to review it this time. He’s exhausted from all the files you’ve been making him work on. He said if you don’t give him mercy and a break, he might as well just end it all.”

She said it with such detail that I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at the drama coming from that monkey.

This folder came from Miller—the HR Manager. Sometimes, he does his job well, but other times, he acts like a total clown. I honestly don’t know whether I should fire him or just throw water at him.

“Aish. Tch. That i***t,” I muttered with a scowl.

“And he also said that if you give him one more task, he’ll throw himself into traffic,” she added, pressing her lips together.

“He actually said that?” I asked. She nodded, still trying not to laugh. “You should’ve told him to go for it! Then cheer him on for moral support—maybe that would motivate him,” I said, giving her a look.

Her upper lip curled, sneering. “Are you crazy, ma’am? He might smack me with whatever he’s holding!”

I gave her a glare. Crazy? Is that how you talk to your boss? Good thing I’m such a kind-hearted person or I’d have her cleaning the pantry right now.

“So, should I give this back to him?”

“No, no. It’s fine,” I replied.

“Alright, I’ll be off then,” she said, turning to leave, and I went back to what I was doing.

“Yeah, and take your stuff with you,” I added, making her glance back at me.

“Wow, ma’am, can't you take a joke? It’s just me!” See that? Really, Amy?

I just shook my head at her antics.

“Do you need anything, ma’am? Coffee, tea, juice?” She offered.

“No, but thanks!” I said. But before she could open the door, I called out again.

“And Amy, next time Miller tries to dump work back on you, don’t accept it. Slap the folder on his face if you have to.”

She stared at me for a second, like she was trying to figure out if I was being serious. Of course I was! If it were up to me, I’d have her throw it from the rooftop.

“And if he fights back, fight him back. If you cry, tell me—we’ll fire him for being bad at his job,” I added. She blinked at me like she didn’t know how to react.

“kMa’am, are you trying to turn me into a criminal?” she asked, brows furrowed in disbelief.

I pressed my lips together and nodded while blinking innocently.

She scratched her neck. “Ma’am, are you nuts? I might be the one who ends up getting fired!”

“What are you saying? I got you, dear,” I replied with a playful but reassuring smile. “Even if you push him onto the highway, I’ll back you up.” I winked at her.

Of course I’m just kidding, dears. But if it were actually possible... well, one less headache to deal with.

But hey, Miller’s my friend. I still have about 1% sympathy left for him. That’s enough. And if he complains again, I’ll just give him more work!

I was busy signing the documents the Chief gave me earlier when my phone suddenly rang. I immediately checked the screen and let out a deep sigh when I saw the caller’s name.

“Hello, my wife! I missed you so much!” Jesher’s voice blasted through the speaker, forcing me to pull my phone away from my ear.

Why does she always sound like she’s on speakerphone at full volume, even when she’s not? My lips curled in mild annoyance. It’s too early for this chaos. Doesn’t she have a job?

I set my phone down and turned on the speaker so I could keep working on the papers in front of me.

“What is it now?” I asked, slightly irritated.

She reacted dramatically. “Wow! No ‘I missed you too, my best friend!’? You’re so cold-hearted!”

I rolled my eyes. “Whatever. What do you want this time? Money? I don’t have any! And by the way, you still owe me ten pesos!” I figured I’d get ahead of her in case she was planning to borrow again.

She laughed sarcastically. “Wow, really? Is that how you see me? You’re so rude!”

Another eye-roll. “Why? Is that illegal now?” I said.

“You’re really mean! That’s what you get for not having a love life! Go find yourself a boyfriend already!”

I curled my upper lip in annoyance. “Look who’s talking—like you have one!”

“At least I’m not a vir—” I cut her off immediately.

I stopped signing and glared at my phone. “You little sh*t! That mouth of yours is disgusting! And you’re even proud of it?! Come here and let me yank your hair out!”

She just laughed. “No way! Who’s dumb enough to show up just to get dragged like that?”

“Don’t you dare show your face to me! I swear, I’ll smack you with my bag!”

She's just laughing.

Maybe I should just toss her off the rooftop. She and Miller can go together—both of them are walking disasters in my life.

Jesher is a full-blown playgirl. I’ve lost count of how many guys she’s been with just this month. She practically lives in bars and clubs. I think she’s been to every one in the city. She doesn’t even care if it’s a guy or a girl—if they’re up for it, she’s down.

Honestly, the day someone manages to straighten her out, I’ll throw a party. I’ll have her face printed on a billboard with a background full of condoms.

I’ll even treat her to a whole stash.

Still, Jesh is a good friend—reliable in her own chaotic way. Same with Miller. Even if most of what they bring into my life is nonsense and debt, I’d still want friends like them in my next life—minus all the drama, hopefully. Maybe next time they’ll be a little more serious.

“Treat me later!” she suddenly said.

I frowned. “Who are you?”

“You forget me the second I ask for a treat? You’re heartless!”

I rolled my eyes again. “Pay me back that ten pesos first! Have some shame!”

“It’s just ten freakin’ pesos! Fine!” Her response made me smile a little. “But seriously, treat me later, okay? Bye!”

“Nope! Bye!” I said before hanging up.

I set my phone aside on the table so I could continue what I was doing. A few minutes later, I finally finished, so I stood up to hand these papers over to the Chief. I grabbed my phone from the side of my desk before heading out.

I was on my way to the Chief's office when my phone vibrates three times—someone texted. When I checked it, my eyes widened.

“What the hell is this girl up to now?!” I exclaimed, staring at the amount I just received from Jesh!

You have received PHP 10000.00 via GCash from JE***R A*A**A MO*****E. 0909******* w/ MSG:. Your new balance is PHP 18666.23. Ref. no. 987********.

This girl is seriously insane!

The money I have on GCash is just for Shopee—it's my personal spending fund.

I mean, even though she borrows money just to buy candy, I know she’s filthy rich. I even joked once that she should buy me a unit in Monville Heights Tower so we could be neighbours—and guess what, she actually did it! I should’ve known better than to joke with someone like her. She's completely unhinged!

I’m well aware she’s a Monville—yes, that Monville. The family’s a powerhouse in the business world, both here and abroad. Obviously, they own the company I work for, Monville Heights Corporation.

My debt was literally just ten pesos, and she turned it into ten thousand! Is she that bad at mathematics?

I quickly dialed her number to call. “What the hell were you thinking?!” I blurted out as soon as she answered.

“What?!” she asked, like she had no clue.

“Don’t ‘what-what’ me!” I snapped, hands on my hips.

“Okay, so… what is it?”

“I said ten pesos! I never said ten thousand, my gosh!”

“Oh? I probably hit an extra zero by accident,” she said innocently.

I rolled my eyes. “Oh, really?”

“Mm-hmm. Bye!”

And just like that, she hung up on me. So I refunded the money she sent—but just a few seconds later, it came back! And this time, it was PHP 10001.00. She added a freaking peso! Really?

A moment later, she called again.

“By the way, I set you up on a date tonight,” she said, making me frown.

I put my hands on my hips again. “Are you nuts?! You know I’m still traumatised from the last one!” I snapped.

“Oh, come on! It’s not like you’re marrying them right away.”

“Hey! Did I ever ask you to set me up?”

“Nope. But I decided for you,” she said, like it was no big deal. This woman! “Come on! Who knows, he might be the one?”

“Why should I care?! Stop setting me up, seriously. I’m not going!”

I pursed my lips.

“It was your mom’s idea, actually.”

“Mama?”

“Yeah. She said she’s excited to have grandkids, so she scheduled five dates for you this week.”

I instinctively rubbed my forehead.

“You know what? I’m gonna eat. Bye!”

“Jesh!” I'm not yet finished!

I shut my eyes tight when she ended the call. I immediately dialed Mom’s number. My gosh—these two stress me out more than my actual job.

“Ma! What’s this about another date?!” I said, annoyed, as soon as she picked up.

“Yes, dear?” she answered, pretending not to know.

I rolled my eyes. “Come on, Ma! I already said ‘no more dates’, right? Do you want me to end up being the other woman?”

“What are you saying? Don’t be so dramatic, dear. Not everything repeats itself.” She even had the nerve to scold me!

Does my mom even love me?!

“Come on, honey. You’re not getting any younger. And very dry too—”

“Ma, seriously!” I cut her off before she could finish that sentence.

“Bye, my dear daughter!”

She hung up on me too!

I stomped my foot in frustration but quickly composed myself when I noticed people staring. I scoffed and went back to walking toward the Chief's office.