CHAPTER 2:

JILLIAN'S POV

Despite that guy's rude attitude, I still chose to be thankful. At least he added a lot of money to my savings.

New York City was really something-apparently, if you just sat in a corner, people would hand you money. How fancy was that, right? For a second, I almost thought about becoming a beggar just for the cash. But of course, I was only joking. My mother would probably fly here just to yell at me.

"Ma'am, I'll have the beef stew and one rice, please," I said as I ordered at a small food stall.

After walking for a while, I finally found a place to eat that fit my taste and my budget. Most of the places I passed earlier were fancy restaurants for rich people. I couldn't afford to eat there.

To put it simply, I had to save my money. Life here was going to be hard. Since I was new, I wasn't used to the fast pace yet. I needed to know my limits.

"Hmm... delicious!" I whispered when the food arrived.

I didn't waste any time and ate immediately. I needed to move fast because I still had to find my boarding house. I didn't want to be out when it got dark. I planned to ask for directions to make the search easier.

"Here is my payment, Ma'am. Your food is great. Thank you!" I said, handing over the money. I made sure to give the cook a nice compliment.

I walked fast and asked people for directions to the house my uncle mentioned. He was the one who told my father about a relative in the city who rented out rooms. But it took me a few minutes, until I finally found it.

It was a success; the house looked nice and clean. It was very pleasant to look at.

"Your name is Jillian?" a woman asked. She was old, and I guessed she was the owner. She looked very strict.

"Yes, Ma'am. I'm Jillian Bartolome," I replied quickly. I didn't want to make her wait.

"Then come inside so I can show you your room," she said loudly.

I felt a bit nervous. Just by looking at her, I knew we wouldn't be close.

"Hurry up. I have a card game to play," she added, and I followed her.

We went up to the second floor.

"This is the girls' room. There are four of you in this home. Also, in this house, therr is only one bathroom. So, learn how to get along," she explained. "Power and water are free, but there is a curfew every night." She didn't stop talking as she told me the rules.

She said a lot, but only one thing stayed in my mind.

"Wait... a curfew?" I asked.

"Yes, a curfew. I don't want girls staying out late and getting into trouble. Is that clear?" she asked with her hands on her hips. She was very honest and direct.

She probably thought I was a wild girl. But I have been single since birth, so she had nothing to worry about. Besides, I didn't plan to find a boyfriend in the city. After meeting the guy from earlier and this lady, I was already tired of how people acted here. Everyone was so quick to judge.

"Yes, Ma'am. Clear," I answered. I wanted to say more, but I got scared everytime she stared at me.

When I was on the bus, I even prayed my landlord would be kind. I guess I was wrong. She was like a scary dragon.

"Good. The rent is five hundred dollars a month." She held out her hand for the money right away. "Maybe you want to pay now so I can use it for gambling later?"

I frowned. She was so fast-no small talk, she just wanted the money. Unbelievable!

"Huh?" was all I could say. Because I was scared of her eyes, I quickly took three hundred from my wallet and gave it to her.

"Here it is. I will pay the other two hundred later," I said.

She grabbed it without saying thank you. I shook my head, realizing my money would be gone soon. I really needed to be careful with my spending.

"She charges so much. I thought I would get a discount. I feel like I'm being scammed," I whispered to myself.

Just then, a girl came out of the bathroom. She had just finished a shower. She was pretty, and I felt better just seeing her. She smiled at me, and I smiled back. I could tell she was friendly.

"Are you the new roommate?" she asked.

"Yes. Hi there," I said.

"I'm Roxane. Nice to meet you. I hope we become friends!" she said, offering her hand.

"I'm Jillian. And yes, I want to have a friend here. It's my first time in the city, and everything feels so different since it's a big city," I said.

"Yes, the city is huge. But it's not always safe. There are thieves and bad people, so you have to be brave," Roxane warned.

Her words made me a little scared. In my small town, "trouble" was just neighbors shouting at each other.

"Well, don't worry. Even if bad things happen here, there are many handsome guys too in this City. Maybe you will find a boyfriend. But anyway, why are you here? Are you looking for a job?" she asked while brushing her hair.

"Not really. I'm here to study. But if I can, I might look for a part-time job," I told her.

"You're a student? Wow! Congrats! Most people from the provinces come here just to work for high pay. I'm glad you're studying. So, where?"

"At Gardon University. I got a scholarship," I replied, sitting down next to her.

Roxane looked very shocked. I tapped her shoulder and laughed. "Hey, why that face?"

"Are you serious? You're at Gardon? Oh my god! Don't you know? The students there are children of famous leaders and rich businessmen. They are the elite."

"I know. That's why I feel lucky. How about you? Are you still studying?" I asked her.

"I'm not. I work at a call center. I wanted to go back to University, but I like my job now," she said.

Roxane and I talked for a long time. She was a good person. She talked a lot just like me, so I knew we would be close.

Like I promised my mom, I called them to say I arrived safely. I missed them already, but I had to be strong for my future. This was just the start. I had a lot to face, and I would be brave.

"I love you, Ma. Don't worry, I will tell you everything. Just please... take care of my water buffalo. He must be alive when I get back," I joked, trying to hide that I was homesick.

I didn't want my parents to think I was weak, or they might make me come home. They always worried too much when I cried.

That is how it is when you are an only child, you are loved very much.

CHAPTER 3:

JILLIAN'S POV

​Three days had passed since I moved to the city. My stay was going well, mostly because Roxane had become my best friend. Enrollment at Gardon University was only a few days away, though classes hadn't started yet.

​"Hi Roxane, have you eaten yet? I cooked breakfast. You might be hungry," I said to her.

​She usually came home in the early morning, right when I was waking up at 5:00 AM. To thank her for being so kind to me, I had made it a habit to cook for her. We shared our food budget, so while I had no classes yet, I chose to do the cooking at the boarding house. I was used to waking up early back home anyway, so I did it every day.

​"Thanks, Jillian, but I'm so sleepy. Maybe I'll eat later," she replied before throwing herself onto her soft bed.

​Roxane's job was really tough. Working at a call center meant she never got enough sleep. You really need a lot of patience for that job if you want to earn your own income. Since she was tired, I ended up eating my fried eggs and garlic rice alone. I rarely got to eat with Roxane at this hour because she was always exhausted.

​I decided that since school hadn't started yet, I would try to find a temporary job. I didn't want to spend all the money my parents had given me. I felt bad relying on them; we are not rich, and their budget was tight. I didn't want them to work so hard while I just waited for them to send money. I couldn't let that happen, so I went out to look for a part-time job.

​After breakfast, I took a bath and put on a simple outfit: just a T-shirt and jeans. Even though my clothes were simple, I felt confident. Many people back home had told me I was pretty, so I kept that in mind to stay positive.

​It was exactly 7:00 AM when I left the boarding house. I immediately smelled the exhaust from the cars. Smelling the city air made me miss the fresh breeze of the province.

​"Where should I apply?" I asked myself. "Maybe a small shop? Or a fast-food place? Well, I'll see where I get lucky."

​I walked around, keeping my eyes open for "Hiring" signs. While walking, I saw an old woman who was having a hard time crossing the street. I didn't think twice; I went over to help her.

​"Good morning, Ma'am. I don't mean to meddle, but it's dangerous for someone like you to walk here alone. The cars drive very fast," I told her.

​I felt a bit shy saying it, but I was worried about her. She was old and shouldn't have been crossing in this street by herself. The people around here didn't seem to care; no one else had offered to help.

​"Thank you, dear. But I'm not crossing the street," she said.

​I was shocked. I felt a little embarrassed. I had tried to be a hero, but she didn't actually need my help to cross.

​"Oh? You're not crossing? Then what are you doing here, Ma'am?" I asked. This old lady had really given me a scare for nothing!

​"I'm just waiting for my son. He's taking a long time, so I keep looking at the cars, hoping he sees me," she explained.

​"I see. But please be careful. Don't stand too close to the road," I advised her.

​"Thank you," she replied simply.

​"You're welcome. Well, I'll be going now. Take care, Ma'am! And please tell your son he shouldn't leave you waiting like this. If I were your child, I would go with you everywhere," I said, waving goodbye.

​I couldn't stand the thought of a parent waiting like that. Why couldn't the son just stay with her? In my mind, that son had a very bad attitude. But then again, why was I worrying about that? I was starting to act like a gossip.

​As I continued my job hunt, I found a fast-food place. The manager was about to interview me, but there was a problem-the owners arrived. The staff had to hurry to serve their boss.

​So, my interview was canceled. What a bad luck! I almost had a job, but it slipped away.

​"Just come back and apply another time, okay? Maybe tomorrow. Our bosses are here, and we need to serve them. It's rare for the mother and son to visit," the manager told me.

​"Sure, no problem," I replied.

​It was such bad timing. But who were these owners? They must have been very rich. The restaurant was beautiful and looked very expensive.

​"Sir is here! Hurry, Madam is with him!" I heard the manager shout.

​I wanted to see who they were, but it was too crowded. I didn't get a chance to see them, so I decided to just head back to the boarding house.

​But as I walked out the exit, I accidentally bumped into a man. I hit my head against his chest. His body felt like stone-he clearly spent a lot of time at the gym.

​"Ouch! Watch it! That really hurt. You should learn how to look where you're going!" I snapped at him.

​I didn't know if he was just confused or being rude. I was clearly at the exit, and he had tried to come in through there even though there was a separate entrance! But the guy didn't even say sorry. He just walked straight inside.

​Unbelievable! I didn't even get to see his face, and I didn't care to know him anyway. What a rude person!

​"You're lucky I'm applying here tomorrow. If not, I would have punched you," I muttered angrily.

​That was the second time I had met a man with no respect and no manners. I walked home in a bad mood, and Roxane noticed it immediately. She was awake and eating when I got back.

​"What's the problem? Did you get into a fight?" she guessed.

​"Not exactly. I just don't understand the men in this city! On my first day, a guy judged me and thought I was pregnant. Now, another guy bumps into me and doesn't even say sorry! It's too much!" I complained.

​Roxane just laughed at my reaction.

​"You're cute, Jillian. I don't know if I should feel sorry for you," she chuckled. "Anyway, I told you the city is different from the province. People here are different. You'll get used to it. If a man won't respect you, then punch him to wake him up."

​I nodded in agreement. She had a point. The problem was, I didn't even see the guy's face.

​"Fine. I won't let any man look down on me again. They'll taste a punch from a province girl. I have a strong grip," I said bravely.

​My body was used to hard work, so I knew my punch would be strong enough to knock someone out. I wasn't a fighter back home, but here in the city, I was ready to show my tough side.

CHAPTER 4:

ZACH GARDON'S POV

"Mom, didn't I tell you not to go out alone without me?" I asked seriously while we were at our own restaurant.

We weren't supposed to eat here, but she had been very stubborn. I had no choice but to follow her and pick her up. I still had so much work to do; I was busy preparing for enrollment at Gardon University. As the owner of the University and a professor, I needed to be there. But my mother didn't seem to understand my job; she just wanted us to be together. She was always reminding me of things, which only added to my stress.

"I just went to get groceries, Zach. And I also looked at some baby clothes at the mall," she explained.

She never ran out of explanations. It was hard as my parents got older; even when they were wrong, they still wanted to be right.

"That's the point, Mom. You went out at a time when I was fast asleep. You didn't even ask the driver to go with you. You even took a taxi," I said, feeling annoyed.

I didn't want to lecture her, but sometimes she went too far. It was like she was turning back into a child. I knew this was part of growing old, but with my career, I couldn't handle taking care of her and being a professor at the same time.

"Son, I'm sorry. I just wanted to have some fun. I'm bored at home. That's why I've been asking you to get married. That way, you can give me a grandchild," she said, slipping in her long-time request.

She made it sound like finding a wife was easy. She didn't realize how hard it was to enter a relationship. I was already struggling to find a decent woman, yet she wanted me to get married right away. I had high standards when it came to finding someone to share a home with.

"I don't want to get married yet, Mom. I've told you many times that I'm not ready for that life. I'm too lazy to even look for a girlfriend, now you want me to look for a wife," I told her.

It was the truth. I didn't want a relationship yet. I could barely handle taking care of her; I didn't want to deal with another woman. I wasn't an expert on women, but I knew how they acted. Just dealing with my mother's stubbornness made me feel like I was losing my hair.

"But son, you're in your 30's now. And I'm already a senior citizen. When do you plan to give me a grandchild? When I'm dead? You know I have health problems. Don't you want me to be happy?" she asked softly, sounding hurt.

I was Zach Gardon. I was a Math professor and a businessman. We owned the university where I taught. I loved teaching and I really loved my job. I focused entirely on my work and growing the business, so I didn't have time for a love life. I felt like women were just a headache.

Take earlier, for example-the girl I had bumped into was so talkative. I admitted it was my fault for entering through the exit, but I didn't understand why she had to attack me so fiercely. That was why I didn't want a relationship; I was a serious person and I couldn't handle talking to people like that.

The girl I bumped into was small, so I saw her face clearly. I was sure she was the same girl I had given a thousand dollars to because I thought she was a pregnant beggar. It was a small world. Fate must have been playing with me because that was the second time I had seen her.

"Oh? Why are you staring into space, son? Did you find a girl you like?" Mom asked, pinching my side.

My attention snapped back to her, and the girl disappeared from my mind.

"You're imagining things again, Mom. Can we just eat? I'll take you home after this," I said.

"Whenever I talk about a wife or grandkids, you change the subject. Don't tell me you're gay, son?" Mom asked, judging me.

"Mom, please. I'm not gay. I just don't want to get married yet. And if I do get married, I'll choose a woman who doesn't talk too much so I won't be stressed," I said, taking a drink.

It seemed like no matter what I said, she wouldn't listen. I decided to focus on my food so we could finish and go home. But I suddenly choked when my mother spoke again.

"I met a girl earlier today, son. She dressed and acted very simply, also she's beautiful. And she was very concerned about me, just like you. It's a shame I didn't ask for her name. You two would have been perfect together," she said.

"I'm going to the office, Mom. My head is starting to hurt from all this talk," I said quickly.

I stood up without finishing my meal.

"I'll just call the driver; wait for him here. Okay? Bye, Mom," I said, giving her a kiss on the cheek.

This was my usual excuse whenever she tried to set me up with someone. I didn't have time to listen to her stories. I walked out of the restaurant and headed to my car. I was going to Gardon University. I had an office there, and it was my escape whenever I felt pressured to get married.

I didn't mean to brag, but many women liked me. Many chased me and many waited for me. Sometimes I laughed because even though I was the man, they were the ones trying to court me. But honestly, I didn't like clingy girls. I would rather love a woman who didn't care about me at all.

I started driving. I listened to music to reduce my stress; it always helped to hear my favorite songs. But suddenly, I slammed on the brakes because I almost hit a puppy. It was a tiny white dog.

"WHITEY!!!" a girl screamed, chasing after the dog.

When she picked it up, I recognized her.

"Oh my god, Whitey! I just bought you, and you already want to leave me," I heard her say, almost crying.

The puppy looked traumatized as it hid against her chest. I wanted to apologize for what happened, but the girl suddenly banged on the hood of my car.

"HEY! WHOEVER YOU ARE, GET OUT! HOW DARE YOU?! DO YOU HAVE ANY MANNERS?!" she screamed.

Here we go again. Our paths had crossed for the third time.

"What?! Are you a coward? Get out here so I can teach you a lesson! Do you think I'll let this go? I'm ready to file a case against you for traumatizing my pet!" she shouted again.

I took a deep breath before facing her.

"It's not my fault if you were careless with your dog. So please, Miss, don't blame me for your own mistakes," I told her.

She raised an eyebrow, clearly hating what I had said.

"You actually have the nerve to talk to me like that?!" she said, her face red with anger.

I secretly smiled at her reaction.

"You know, Miss, you're in the city now. It's a crowded place. You shouldn't bring a dog if you can't watch it properly," I said.

I took out my wallet, grabbed five thousand dollars, and handed it to her.

"Here. If your dog is traumatized, take it to a vet. Now we're even, and this doesn't have to become a bigger problem," I said, hoping she would stop talking.

"You're trying to bribe me? What do you think of me? That you can buy my dignity? Hey-" I didn't let her finish. I turned my back on her.

"Hey! You're so rude! I'm still talking to you!" she screamed after me.

But I didn't look back. I got into my car and drove away. As I passed her, I left the five thousand dollars with her.

"Hey, rude man! I don't need your money!!!" she yelled loudly.

She was like an "angry bird" - always mad.