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.

Marimar Oquendo's Point of View

It was my third day at the mansion. I'd woken up early to prepare Levi's favorite snack-something he could have the moment he mentioned it. I was adjusting to this new life well enough, though I still felt a bit out of place. After all, I grew up with very little, and suddenly I was living in a mansion. Anyone would feel clueless in my shoes.

I hadn't even explored the whole place yet. Yesterday, we spent the entire day in Levi's room from sunrise to sunset. The exhaustion from watching him and playing with him was intense; I nearly collapsed! He tried to ride on my back because he said I looked like a horse. I almost broke my ribs under his weight-absolute madness!

I wouldn't mind a strong, handsome man taking charge of me, but not like that. I thought I'd die when we crashed to the floor with him perched on my back.

That night, I tried to get him to sleep. I sang to him for over an hour and think I nearly lost my voice in the process. But good grief-he didn't even look sleepy! We stayed up until midnight, but Pandesal couldn't have cared less. The boy has energy for days. When I could barely keep my eyes open, I brought him to my room and explained we needed to rest because it was late. I'm not usually calm when I speak, but I talked to him gently in a way that made sense for his age. In the end, we managed to fall asleep-and he was still dozing when I left the kitchen.

I was heading out with a bottle of milk when I spotted one of the household staff. I gave her a warm smile, and she returned it before we passed each other. I hadn't had much chance to talk to the other workers; I'd been too busy with my hyperactive charge. I'd try to strike up a conversation when I had free time.

I was breathless by the time I reached the second floor and stood outside my room. I pressed a hand to my chest, worn out. Good grief! Why is this mansion so huge? I felt like I'd run a marathon with how much I was sweating and panting.

I quietly opened the door and stepped inside. The room was bright from the harsh morning sun streaming through the windows. I bit my lip when I saw my charge-his shirt was hiked up, and the blanket had slid off his body, revealing his perfectly round belly that looked just like freshly baked pandesal on this cool morning.

I stifled a giggle as I walked over to the bed and set the milk on the side table. I planted my hands on my hips, looking down at his peaceful sleeping face. My gaze drifted to his belly-those little rolls were truly perfect for breakfast. Oh no, Marimar! Stop being silly and focus on your job.

I argued with myself in my head. I couldn't shake the urge to poke his belly and see if it was firm. It's hard to believe Levi has such a nice build when all he does is play and eat, but maybe Mr. Streeter takes him to the gym-he looks like he works out a lot. Still, just one poke. It couldn't hurt.

I bit my lower lip and checked Levi's face to make sure he was still asleep. Once I was certain, my eyes fixed on the tempting sight in front of me. I had to make the most of this chance-it would be a waste otherwise. Besides, it's payback! He's always poking at my chest while we watch Cocomelon. This is justice, gender equality!

I didn't waste another second. I slowly reached out and pressed my finger to his belly. Oh my God-no way! "F-for real?" I whispered, my eyes wide as saucers before I poked the other little rolls-his abs, to be exact. Good Lord! It's true-so firm!

That's when the door swung open. I froze in shock, too flustered to move.

"What are you doing?"

I slowly turned to face the voice, and my heart nearly stopped at the sight of Mr. Streeter with his eyebrows raised high. Sir-why are you still here?!

"I-I was fixing Levi's shirt, sir. Did you need something?" I lied quickly. Please work, please work.

It seemed to do the trick-his expression softened. "If a psychiatrist comes by, do not let Levi see them. I'll tell the guards too, but if someone slips through, do your job and hide my brother from them." He spoke seriously.

I just nodded in response, and he left right away. I let out a huge breath-I'd been holding it so tight.

I turned to Levi, who looked like he was waking up. He was stretching his arms with his eyes still closed.

Why couldn't Levi see a psychiatrist? I shook my head as new questions formed in my mind. No matter how many I had, I knew the chance of getting answers was slim. It was better to set them aside and focus on my job-the one that would help me build a better life.

"Milk?" I heard my charge say.

I smiled as I picked up the bottle and handed it to him. He beamed with joy before snatching it from my hand.

I knew cold milk straight from the fridge wasn't good for Levi every morning, but it was all I could find there besides bottled varieties.

Then I remembered what Mr. Streeter had given me earlier. I pulled out the wallet and looked at it, then back at Levi. A smile spread across my face.

That's right! I'd take him shopping and out for the day. His brother had given me permission, so it should be fine.

"Levi," I called to get his attention. "Would you like to go out with Nanny today?" I asked in a voice suited for talking to a child.

He nodded excitedly. "Yay!" he said, then sat up and stood beside me. My jaw dropped at how tall he was-he came up to my shoulder!

"Alright then, come on. Let's get you a bath first, okay?" I said, taking his sturdy arm to guide him to the bathroom in my room.

He nodded again, and I smiled. Thank goodness he listened to me; it made things so much easier. I hoped things would stay this way so I could have a peaceful life here.

Once we were inside the bathroom, I got everything ready for him. The room was fully stocked with supplies-even unopened soap and shampoo-so I decided he could wash up here while I fetched his clothes.

"You take your bath, okay? Nanny will be back in a minute with your clothes." I smiled as I spoke.

He nodded once more, so I closed the door and headed straight to his room. I gathered his things, and my face nearly flushed when I picked up his boxers. They looked expensive-could I sell one if I needed to?

I hurried back and waited a few minutes before I thought he might be done. When I figured the time was right, I opened the bathroom door myself.

"Come on now-oh my God!" My eyes went wide at what I saw. Levi was completely naked, water dripping from his body as he stood under the shower.

Lord! Earlier it was pandesal, now there's a hotdog too! He's made a full breakfast out of himself.

"N... Nanny-it hurts," he said, pointing to his erect private area.

I felt my soul leave my body in shock. I'd never seen anything like this before.

"Nanny... m-make the boo boo go away-please," he said again.

I froze where I stood. Prophets, angels in heaven, and my Lord-forgive me, but my eyes are no longer pure!

Lord, what do I do?!