Marimar Oquendo's Point of View

"What? You're so slow, Mara! My friend has been waiting for ages. You're always acting so high and mighty, you little brat!"

I heaved a long sigh as Aunt Cris's booming voice thundered through the house. Why did my aunt have to be this way? She was infuriating. I had been so close to finally relieving myself moments ago, but her shouting had startled me right back.

"Auntie just can't wait a minute! Now I can't go-my bowels were ready to move before she started yelling!" I shouted back before hurrying to the bathroom.

"I think this will be the last time I'll ever use you," I said to the clean toilet bowl, pointing at it. "I hope their toilet at that mansion is decent. What if I get homesick and can't go at all?"

At Aunt Cris's insistence-and mine as well-I was about to venture to her friend's supposed mansion. The twenty-thousand peso monthly salary was more than decent; it would make perfect seed money for my business.

I grabbed the bag I had packed the night before. I still could not believe I was finally leaving this house. Please let this job be the one to make me rich, Lord! I promised myself I would help anyone in need once I had money to spare.

"Are you done yet? Good, it's about time." My aunt's voice was sharp as always-she had been heartbroken for years. "Don't forget to send us money. Actually, send us your entire first paycheck."

My jaw dropped. Good heavens, where did she get the nerve to say something like that?

"What? Do you have a problem with that? You seem to forget you owe me everything for getting you this job, Marimar. If you have any decency left, you will send us your first salary. Especially since Yna has so many school bills to pay." She raised an eyebrow as she spoke.

I scratched my head in frustration. Did she feel no guilt for how harsh she had always been to me?

"Okay, Auntie," was all I could say before walking out our wooden house. I crossed the rickety footbridge that led to other homes just like ours-all built from wood.

I had grown up in this kind of neighborhood. Simple houses, simple families, simple lives, as they say. But ever since my parents died, nothing about my life had been simple. It felt like I was living in a soap opera, struggling through one hardship after another.

Still, they say we are the heroes of our own stories. Like the protagonists in those dramas, it was not impossible that my dreams might one day come true.

I lifted my hands and bumped fists with the air as I looked up at the sky-my way of shaking hands with the Lord.

"Lord! I'm putting my life in Your hands! Make me rich!" I said with a giggle.

"Marimar's gone crazy," I heard some neighbors mutter. My cheeks burned with embarrassment as I ducked my head and hurried down the street. What was I thinking? I must have lost my mind.

"Marimar!" A woman waved as I reached the main road-she was Tita's friend. A large white van sat parked in front of me.

"I'm so sorry for keeping you waiting," I said. I had been so excited I almost had an accident earlier, but my aunt's shouting interrupted me.

"It's alright, dear. Come on in-we should get going now. Just be yourself. You can do this!"

Why did I suddenly feel so nervous? "Just be yourself"? What did that mean?

I nodded hesitantly and climbed into the open door of the van. Inside, a few other people sat quietly-they must have been applying for the same househelp position as me. I was the last to arrive, so I took the only seat left at the back, next to a well-built man whose biceps strained against his sweatshirt. He wore sunglasses and seemed to be asleep, so I sat down as carefully as I could.

I squirmed in my seat, shifting back and forth as the van pulled away. The others looked ready to nap, but I could not sit still. It was not because of the man beside me-though his strong cologne filled my nose no matter how far I tried to move. He was incredibly handsome.

I stole a glance at him. His sweatshirt clung perfectly to his frame. My eyes drifted down to his stomach. Good heavens-were those abs? They looked just like pan de sal rolls, round and firm.

I narrowed my eyes, trying to get a better look. I fanned myself with my palm, feeling inexplicably warm.

Why was it so hot in here? The van had air conditioning.

I squirmed again, my nerves getting the better of me. Oh Lord! Did I get into the wrong van? He looked like a celebrity.

I bit my lip and snuck another look at his face. Perfect jawline, fair skin, muscular build-and those abs. What was he doing here? Was he applying to be a bodyguard? Or was this some kind of TV show set?

I sat up slightly and peered toward the front of the van, searching for hidden cameras. When I found none, I let out a small breath of relief.

I turned back to him and slapped my own cheek lightly. Get a grip, Marimar! You are here for a job, not to ogle some man.

It took all my strength to keep from looking at him again. After fighting the urge for what felt like hours, I finally grew tired and drifted off to sleep.

"Ahh! Please don't!"

"Have mercy! Please don't!"

I jolted awake at the sound of chaos around me. Why was it so loud? I was not at home anymore. What was happening now-

"Good heavens, Marimar!" I screamed when I opened my eyes.

A gun was pressed against my forehead. The other passengers scrambled to escape the van, but I was frozen in place, staring down the barrel of death itself.

"P-Please don't!" My voice trembled as I raised both hands slowly. This was what people did during holdups, right?

The two men left in the van had their faces covered. One drove while the other held the gun to my head.

"Hand over that man," he said, nodding toward my seatmate.

My eyes widened. "W-What do you want with the man next to me? The one with the abs?" I stammered. I was being held at gunpoint and I was asking questions. How stupid could I be?

He pressed the gun harder against my forehead. "You are asking questions now? Is that how you act when you are being robbed?"

"Oh my god! No! I'm sorry! I just want a job!" I cried out in terror.

Lord, I thought this would be the start of my wealth. Instead, I was about to die.

"I see. Then hand him over-or kill him."

A chill ran through my entire body. Lord, I wanted an honest job. Did You want me to become a murderer instead?

I shook my head, tears threatening to spill over. "What? You think I have the nerve to do that? I see you think I have guts, but-"

"I see, I see. You have some spirit. I like that."

What was he going on about? Who in their right mind would want to kill someone? It was never part of my plans to become a criminal.

"Let's conduct an interview, then."

I froze and furrowed my brow at his words. I slowly opened my eyes-they had been squeezed shut in fear.

An interview? I had never heard of a robber conducting an interview.

"Y-Yes, sir," I said, my voice still shaking.

"What will you do in a situation where you must choose between your loved ones and yourself?"

"H-Hey! Why does this sound like a question from a beauty pageant?"

"Answer!"

I flinched. "Okay! Okay... I will choose my loved ones!"

"Why?" he asked again.

"B-Because they matter to me. I would rather choose them than myself, and I will never tire of making that decision. Please don't kill me!"

Good heavens! My brain was racing to answer his strange questions.

"Very good! That is a good answer. I can tell it comes from your heart."

The van suddenly stopped. Thank you, Lord! Should I run? No, he might shoot me.

"Stop the act. We're here," the driver said.

"Oh? That was fast!" The man holding the gun turned to me. "Get out."

"Yes, sir! Yes, sir!" I said frantically, nodding and bowing before climbing out the open door.

I kept my eyes closed, waiting for a gunshot as I turned away-but nothing came.

"Congratulations."

I snapped my eyes open at the deep voice. My jaw dropped again when I saw the man standing before me-he was incredibly tall with blonde hair and blue eyes.

My eyes widened even more when I saw what was behind him. Good heavens, Lord! The house was enormous-it had to be a mansion.

"You passed."

I looked back at him, confused. "Passed? What do you mean? Passed away? Am I dead?"

I patted my body all over. Had I been shot earlier?

I heard soft laughter and turned to see the two men from the van, now with their faces uncovered. What was going on?

"I'm Death Streeter. And you are?" He raised an eyebrow.

"Marimar O-Oquendo, sir."

He nodded. "Miss Oquendo, you passed the trial to be my brother's nanny."

My head began to ache as I tried to process his words. Trial? Nanny?

"Earlier was just a trial to see how strong-willed the applicants are. As you can see, you are the only one who passed. Again, congratulations."

My mind spun. The life-threatening ordeal from moments ago had been a trial? What kind of job had I gotten myself into?

Before I could fully understand what was happening, he spoke again. "Oh, here he comes."

I followed his gaze and gasped when I saw the man from the van walking toward us.

"Lev... this is your nanny-" he began, but his words were cut off as the man rushed toward me.

"Milk!" he shouted, throwing his arms around me.

Huh?

"Milk! Milk!" he repeated, hugging me tightly and gently squeezing my chest. "Oh! Cocomelon!"

"Huh?!!" was all I could scream, completely stunned by what was happening.

Marimar Oquendo's Point of View

Lord, I still place my life in Your hands. Guide me through the trial I face now. Keep me away from temptation, even if that man with the firm abs is standing right in front of me-

"Cocomelon!"

I squeezed my eyes shut tight. I have faith I will become rich! You take care of me, Lord-

"Milk!" Give me strength, Lord-

"Mommy! Milk! Milk! Milk!"

"Oh Lord!" I pressed a hand to my chest, biting my lip as I stared up at the ceiling of the room.

I dreamed of being called "mommy" someday, but not like this!

I flinched when I felt fingers prodding at my chest. My mouth fell open-never in my life had I imagined something like this would happen. A muscular man touching me like this... good heavens, Marimar! This is work! Work!

I rested my forehead in my palm, elbow propped on the bedside table. We were in what would be my room now; I was told to settle my things first before speaking with Mr. Streeter.

And sure enough, he followed me-"pan de sal," or Levi as I now knew him, and kept repeating he wanted milk.

"Ah!" I turned to look at him. I froze when I saw he was no longer wearing sunglasses.

Lord, is he an angel standing before me? Good heavens! Is this man a Greek god? His body alone is incredible, and then there's his face?!

I bit down harder on my lower lip before pressing my hand to my temples again. Good grief, Marimar. I know I grew up in the market and have met all kinds of people-but I've never seen anyone this handsome! And he's actually touching me like this?

"U-Um..." How do I even talk to him?

He kept prodding at my chest, seemingly not tired of it-he said it was like "Cocomelon" because it was soft and round.

"You want some m-milk?" I asked, my face burning bright red.

He must have heard me, because he stopped his poking and grinned widely, pulling his hand away at last.

My eyes darted as he leaned his face closer to mine. I tilted my head back instinctively, my heart hammering against my ribs.

Oh no, oh no! We aren't dating! Only couples kiss-

"Ta-da!" My jaw hung open as I stared at his beaming face. He waved a bottle of milk back and forth in front of me, laughing all the while.

I stood frozen in place, suddenly embarrassed by my own thoughts. Lord, is this another test? If it is, please guide me, I might just punch him otherwise.

He laughed in front of me, one hand clutching his stomach while the other held the milk bottle up to my face.

"Y-Yo-" The bedroom door swung open abruptly. "-ur drink is milk, not Milo, okay, Levi?" My heart thudded wildly as I looked at the man who had entered.

"Levi," he called out to the man before me. But Levi did not turn around; he kept waving the milk bottle in front of my face as he laughed.

"Levi, you don't want your brother to be angry with you, do you?" he said in an authoritative tone, standing by the door.

I was slightly surprised when Levi stood up quickly and shook his head. The man left first, and Levi turned to look at me one more time.

"See ya! Cocomelon!" he shouted before dashing out of the room.

I was left behind with a warm face, flustered by what he had yelled. I pressed my hand to my chest again. My heart felt like it might burst from all the unexpected things that had happened since earlier.

First, there was the trial. What sane employer would run a test like that for applicants?! I nearly fainted from fear when they pointed a gun at my head; I almost wet myself too.

Second, this "personal nanny" business. This isn't what Tita's friend told me about! I thought I would be doing house chores-wait! Is that why she said "just be yourself"?

Good grief! I was tricked!

I frowned deeply as I sat on the bed, hugging the soft pillow to my chest. It felt so strange... our pillows back home were harder than cement, stuffed with old clothes wrapped in fabric.

And third, who I'm supposed to take care of! A personal nanny usually looks after kids, right? Okay, fine, Levi acts like a child. But good heavens! It's hard to focus when he's in front of me. I mean-grr.

"He's a total hottie!" I hissed under my breath, squeezing the pillow tightly.

"Biceps, abs, perfect jawline, blue eyes, messy hair, straight nose, deep dimples, kissable lips-he's every woman's dream!" I counted off on my fingers.

"And he likes to poke my chest!" I whispered, glancing toward the door in case someone walked in.

I clasped my hands together. "Lord, alright. I'll be strong. This must be the way to get rich, right?"

That's it. I'm Marimar, I grew up near the sea. Near enough, anyway. Maybe even on it! Whatever, there's water involved!

No trial is too hard for me to handle! I can do this! It's just taking care of someone, after all.

Yes, just taking care-good heavens! How did I end up in this situation?

After my little drama session in the room, I was called downstairs to the mansion's living room. Yes, called downstairs, my room is on the second floor. Fancy, isn't it? And don't even get me started on the bathroom, the toilet is amazing! I finally got to relieve myself after holding it in earlier because of Aunt Crisma's loud mouth.

*Tap Tap*

Focus, Marimar. Focus on your boss in front of you.

*Tap Tap* "Bouncy cocomelon."

Focus. Focus. Focus.

I sat up straight with a smile. Mr. Streeter was on the sofa across from me, sipping tea.

"Hehe!" And guess who was sitting next to me? His brother, who seemed amused by poking my chest again.

"Levi, stop that." At last, Mr. Streeter scolded his brother. Levi did not respond; he simply moved from my side to sit next to his brother.

Now that they were sitting together, I could see how much they resembled each other. Both had blue eyes-Mr. Streeter was just a bit broader in build. Levi had deep dimples in both cheeks while his brother did not. Mr. Streeter had blonde hair, and Levi's was brown.

Mr. Streeter cleared his throat. "Again, congratulations. All you need to do is take care of my brother. Nothing less, nothing more." He spoke firmly.

What did he say? "Sir?" I asked, still a bit dazed. But he did not speak again; instead, he set some papers on the table between us.

"Pick them up and read them. Everything you need to know is there."

I swallowed hard before taking the papers one by one. Good heavens, was this a contract? Why would a simple caregiving job require a contract? Are rich people always this strict?

I read through each page carefully. Everything was written down clearly-from the job description to the pay.

My eyes widened when I saw a particular line. "Eight hundred dollars?!" I gasped aloud when I read the monthly salary.

"Yeah, I increased it earlier. You'll receive eight hundred dollars each month. It's not bad, is it? All you have to do is babysit my brother and keep him safe. Nothing more. You won't need to worry about housework-we have maids assigned for that." He leaned back in his seat. "So? What do you think? Any complaints?"

I could almost hear angels playing trumpets in the sky. I could hear them singing too! Oh Lord, I knew this was the start of my fortune! Just watching over someone for eight hundred dollars a month?! Good heavens-I'd have over half a thousands of dollars in a year!

I did not answer right away. Instead, I kept reading until I reached the last few pages. A line written in red letters caught my eye, as if highlighted.

My smile vanished when I read it fully.

Sentenced to three years in prison for attempting to flee from the employer or quit the job.

My forehead began to sweat as I looked up at Mr. Streeter hesitantly.

His aura seemed dark as he stared back at me. It was as if he could read my thoughts, because one corner of his mouth lifted in a slight smile.

"Hm? You aren't planning to quit, are you?" he asked, making my heart beat even faster.

Good heavens-this life here might not be as easy as I thought.

I nodded slowly. I had no choice now that I was here. Besides, the salary was too good to pass up!

"Good," he said, setting a pen down on the table. "Sign it."

I signed my name and pressed my thumbprint on the paper. There was no turning back now, Marimar!

Mr. Streeter collected the papers, straightened them out, and stood up. "Welcome. Have a nice stay here, Ms. Marimar Oquendo."

I had not yet replied when Levi suddenly jumped onto the table, his face just inches from mine.

"Welcome!" he said with a wide grin, his voice deep and playful.

Lord, guide me... please. May my life here be peaceful. Keep me away from temptation.

Amen.

Marimar Oquendo's Point of View

I lost my family when I was eighteen—seven years ago. The pain was unbearable, and I can still see the raging flames that blocked our street.

That morning, Mom woke me up in a hurry as I was late. My brother Domi teased me over breakfast, and we laughed until Mom playfully pulled his ear. She then urged me to focus on my studies, saying finishing school would give me a stable life. I promised her I would graduate.

On my way home that day, I stopped to chat with Elder Perla about her dog. Suddenly, someone shouted "FIRE!" A man told me the blaze was in my neighborhood, so I ran back in panic. Neighbor Angie cried as she said she hadn’t seen my family escape. I tried to rush into the flames but was held back, screaming for Mom, Domi, and Dad.

After the fire was put out, I collapsed and sobbed when I saw three charred bodies near our front door.

The pain was unbearable. In a single moment, all my dreams and my entire family were gone. The suffering I endured after that tragedy was immense.

I never went to college. Instead, I chose to work so I could eat. My Aunt Crisma claimed our home and built her own house there. I lived with them and served them like a maid. I endured everything and managed to stay sane despite the overwhelming pain.

But I believe my life has a purpose. I believe God has a plan for me. And I know I will become rich!

Yes, I will be rich!

I smiled bitterly as I stared at the white ceiling of my room. It has been seven years... hasn't it? I'm grateful I survived those hellish days.

"Milk... hmm." My mouth parted in surprise when I felt a heavy arm and hand resting on my chest. I turned to see the source-and there stood the man who would be the key to my fortune!

My handsome, muscular charge with the perfect abs!

My face grew warm when his fingers squeezed my chest. Good heavens-he's asleep right now!

He was sound asleep beside me, so I could clearly see his long eyelashes.

I brushed the hair from his face. "What kind of pain did you go through to end up like this? Hmm? Levi?" I whispered.

I don't know the real reason why he acts the way he does. His brother didn't explain it to me yesterday. But I've heard from other staff that he has a mental illness-and honestly, it shows.

But what kind of mental illness? Was he born this way, or did he experience trauma like I did and simply couldn't cope?

"Co..."

I leaned closer to him as he mumbled something. "Hm?"

"Co... pa..."

I furrowed my brow. "Copa?"

His hand squeezed my chest again. "Cocomelon-papaya... nanny."

My face flushed, and my mouth opened wide at his words.

"Good heavens-I've lost count of how many times you've surprised me with the things that come out of your mouth," I whispered with a laugh, talking to the sleeping Greek God beside me.

I don't know why, but even though I've only been his nanny for less than a week, I can already feel myself growing deeply attached to him.

Would I ever get close to a man like him if he weren't in this condition?

I closed my eyes again. It has been seven years since I last felt this way.

It feels like I'm not alone anymore. Well, of course not-there's a man who loves "cocomelon" who's now part of my daily life, and he'll help me become rich!

—

"I won't be home for the next two weeks."

My ears pricked up the moment I heard Mr. Streeter's voice. I turned to look at him at once, caught completely off guard by how suddenly he had appeared.

He wore crisp business attire and looked as polished as ever. His hair was neatly styled, and both hands rested in his pockets.

I stopped mid-reach as I pulled milk from the refrigerator, shifting all my attention to him.

"O-Okay... sir?" I answered hesitantly. Honestly, it was such a surprise! Why would he bother telling me about his absence in the first place?

I narrowed my eyes as a thought crept in. Could he possibly have feelings for me? I straightened my posture and crossed my arms, fixing him with a steady look. "Woah, wait-sir! I came here to work, not to find a boyfriend."

His forehead creased with confusion. "What on earth are you talking about? I'm telling you because you're my brother's nanny. He might look for me, so I want you to pass along the message."

I scratched the back of my head, flustered. "R-Right, sir. You should have said that clearly from the start, hehe."

"Oh, by the way." He drew one hand from his trouser pocket. "Here." He held out a dark leather wallet, and my eyes nearly bulged when I realized what it was. "Oh my-this is for me?"

"Idiot, it's mine." He cut me off sharply. Why did he have to hand things over without warning? "Use it for Levi's expenses. Take him out, buy toys or whatever will make him happy."

I nodded quickly and slipped the wallet into my pocket. "Yes, sir! You can trust me to take excellent care of your brother," I said with a bright smile. I needed him to believe me after my foolish words earlier. Good grief-I was lucky he didn't lose his temper with me.

He nodded once. "Good. I'm leaving him in your hands. Make sure he stays safe and sound-unless you want to lose a finger." With that, he turned and strode away.

I stood there smiling as I tried to process his words. When they finally sank in, my smile vanished and all color drained from my face. "Good heavens! Did he just threaten to cut off my finger if something happens to pan de sal-I mean, Levi?" I whispered, dabbing sweat from my brow. Jeez, Marimar! Mr. Streeter must hate happiness if he wants to drag everyone else down with him. Why did he have to scare me like that? Now I'm all jittery.

I clutched the refrigerator door for balance, my mind racing between the weight of the wallet in my pocket and the sharp edge of his warning. Pan de sal or not—Levi was my ticket forward, and I’d guard him with every bone in my body. Even if it meant walking on eggshells around his brother, even if my hands still shook at the thought of what he’d said. Seven years of scraping by had taught me one thing: fortune never comes without a price, and I was ready to pay whatever it took.