Chapter 3

  Abbigayle's POV

Our first week at school went by so fast that I haven’t notice that today is a Sunday. .Today is the day that Klaress invited me to their house. We’ve gotten closer after a week passed by and I appreciate her efforts of becoming friends with me. I’m just a bit nervous since today I will be meeting her parents and her brother as well. It’s ten in the morning already and I guess I have to prepare for our lunch. I took a shower and dressed up. She said it will just be an intimate lunch with her family so I chose a pair of white off shoulder top and skinny jeans together with my white sneakers. I looked at myself in the mirror at my room and was satisfied with my look. I was about to go out and find a cab when Klaress called.

“Hey, are you ready?” she said.

“Yes I am. I’m about to go out and find myself a cab.” I said as I sprayed on some perfume.

“No, don’t bother. My driver is on his way to pick you up. Just wait for him.” She said.

“Alrightyy rich girl.” I said while laughing.

We ended the call and just a few minutes after, her driver came. He opened the car door for me and I stepped in. We drove to their house and I was so amazed when we entered their gate. This is a mansion. This is a very big mansion.

The car stopped and the driver opened the door for me.

“Thank you.” I said as I stepped out of the car.

I looked at their mansion and I can’t help but be amazed and stunned. This is way better and bigger than I imagined it would be. 

“Excuse me ma’am, please follow me.” A housemaid in her uniform told me.

I followed her and she led me towards a table in the garden area near their pool.

“Oh! There you are! We’ve been waiting for you.” Klaress said and she stood up the moment she saw me.

“Hi. Am I late?" I asked her.

“No.” She said as she went to me.

I can see two other people in the table. They might be her parents.

“Come here.” Klaress called me as she waved for her hand for me to walk closer to them.

I went towards their table and smiled at the lovely couple who I think is her parents.

“Good afternoon Ma’am, Sir.” I said and nod a bit at them.

“Mom, Dad, this is my friend Abbigayle Jimenez. Abby, these are my parents, Klara and Nathaniel Ledesma.” Klaress said.

“Welcome to our house Abby.” Her mom said. “Please feel at home.”

“Thank you. It’s so nice to meet you.” I said.

“It’s so nice to meet you too. We’ve heard so much about you.” Her dad said.

“Really? I hope those are the good ones.” I said jokingly.

“Of course! I told them about how good you are at school and how hardworking you are when it comes to your studies.” Klaress said.

“You did?” I said. “How nice of you but actually I’m not that hardworking Ma’am, Sir. She’s just exaggerating.”

“Oh, really? Is that why we always hang out in the library and read books instead of watching movies?” She mocked me.

“We were studying so of course we need to go to the library.” I said while laughing.

“I’m glad Klaress’ found you. It’s hard to find someone like you these days.” Her mom said.

“I’m glad I found her too.” I smiled at them. It’s true I’m so lucky I met Klaress.

“Anyway, I hope you’re hungry because we’ve prepared lots of food for today.” Her mom said.

I was about to say something when suddenly I was startled at the water that splashed right at my back. I turned around and saw a man getting out of the pool right in front of me. I looked at him as he gets out of the water. His half naked body shines with abs and muscles at the right places. Waters were dripping from his hair and flows right into his chest. What a hot guy, with a face enough for women to drool.

“Ethan! What are you doing?” Sir Nathaniel said.

“Oh my God! You just splashed water on her.” Ma’am Klara said. “She’s wet.”

The guy looked at me. He looked at my pants and then back to my face and then he looked at me from head to foot. His stares lingered on my face.

“No, it’s just my lower pants. I’m fine. It’s nothing.” I said after I took my eyes off of the guy.

“It’s not nothing to me. Let’s go upstairs I’ll let you borrow my clothes.” Klaress said. “We don’t want you catching colds.

“Ethan you should apologize to her.” Mr. Nathaniel Ledesma said.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to do it. I didn’t notice you.” He said.

How gentleman of him that he asked for forgiveness. I just smiled at him and nod a bit as if saying that it’s really fine.

“Let’s go Abby.” Klaress pulled me and we went upstairs.

As she was pulling me, I couldn’t help but notice how their house looks like. It’s like a personalized hotel with all the furniture and paintings in the right places. Their stairs has a gold railing and their chandelier is so big and classy. What a house!

“This is my room. Let’s go get you some clothes.” She said as she opened the door.

“Wow! This is your room?” I awed in amusement. “This is bigger than my whole apartment.”

“Come here, I have a walk in closet.” she said.

“You do?” I exclaimed. Well, I have to start on believing that they are really incredibly rich!

We went inside a sliding door and my eyes widened when I saw what was inside. A room full of clothes, bags, shoes, watches, jewelries and make ups. Even her walk in closet is way bigger than my apartment.

“This is extraordinary.” I said as I scanned her things.

“Here, I haven’t worn these. I think this will fit you perfectly.” She said as she handed me a red ruffled dress and a black flat sandals.

“You know what my clothes are perfectly fine Klar. There’s no need for that.” I said. I don’t want to use her clothes because I know they cost a fortune and I can’t afford it.

“Come on Ab, I don’t want you to get cold and besides it’s chilly outside.” She said.

“Okay, fine.” I removed my clothes and changed into the dress she gave me.

“See? I told you it would fit you perfectly.” She said as her eyes narrowed at my hair. “I think it would be more appropriate if we tie your hair in a ponytail. Sit here. I will put a light make up on you.”

“What? Is that necessary? I don’t like wearing make-up Klar.” I said.

“It’s just a small amount of make up just like mine.” She said.

“Okay then.” I said as I sat at the chair in front of her vanity mirror.

“Okay let’s doll you up.” She said as she brushed my hair.

It took as a few more minutes before we got back to the garden. The guy from earlier was already sitting at the table with Klaress’ parents. Oh my God! That handsome hot guy must be Klaress’ brother. Before I could ask Klaress about it, Ma’am Klara saw us and called for us to come faster.

“You look lovely Abby. We’re very sorry for the trouble.” Sir Nathaniel said.

“Thank you, sir. All thanks to Klaress.” I said. “It’s nothing really.”

“So that’s what took you so long.” Ma’am Klara said while laughing.

The guy from earlier turned to us and I saw how he scanned me. I felt ashamed. I shouldn’t have worn this dress because I don’t think it suits me.

“You look stunningly beautiful.” The guy said.

“Thank you.” I said and tried to smile at him. His look is so intense that it makes me nervous. I cannot tell if he’s friendly or not because his facial expression is just plain. He’s too handsome though. I can’t see any flaws in his face. His nose are temendously pointed and his eyes are very intimidating. However, I must say his lips are quite attractive.

“Anyway, Abby this is my brother Ethan. Bro, this is my friend Abbigayle.” Klaress introduced us.

“Nice to meet you.” He said as he offered his hand.

“Nice to meet you too.” I accepted his hand for a quick handshake.

His hands enveloped mine and I couldn’t understand how I felt. It’s like butterflies were flying in my stomach. His hands are firm and huge. I pulled my hand first before he does.

“Why don’t we all sit down and settle in? I’m hungry and it is lunch time already.” Sir Nathaniel said.

“Good idea Dad.” Klaress said. “I’m starving.”

The house maids served our food and even though there were only five of us in the table, it looks like there’s a feast with all the foods that they served which is enough to feed the whole street.

“I didn’t know the foods that you like so I told our chefs to cook a variety of dishes.” Ma’am Klara said.

“It’s okay Ma’am, I’m not really picky when it comes to food.” I said.

“You know what, stop calling me Ma’am. Just call me Tita and call Nathaniel, Tito.” She said.

“If that's what makes you comfortable, Tita.” I said.

“She’s so pretty, right mom?” Klaress said. “I told you she’s amazing.”

“Yes, indeed she is. You have a resemblance to a famous actress I just can't point out who." Tita Klara said.

"Really? No one told me that before." I said.

"Anyway, Klaress said that you are a very hard working student. I’m glad she found a friend like you who wouldn’t be a bad influence to her.” Tito Albert said.

“I’m glad she became my friend too.” I said as a matter of fact.

“She also said that you like to manage your own hotel someday. That’s good that you aim high when setting your goals.” Tito Nathaniel said.

“I heard that you are aiming for an internship at our hotel soon.” Tita Klara said.

“Yes, I do. That has always been one of my goals in studying my course.” I said. “I like anything that involves business especially if it has something to do with hotels.”

“That’s nice to hear that someone as young as you is already interested in business. Our very own Klaress here doesn’t like to handle or even be involved in our business.” Tito Nathaniel said.

“Dad we’ve talked about this and you know that I am trying my best right?” Klaress said.

“Yes of course and I’m proud and thankful that you do.” Tito Nathaniel said.

“Thanks Dad.”Klaress said. “You know you can always rely on me.”

“Anyway, if you two do well in school then we might as well request for your internship at our hotels soon.” He said.

“Thanks, Dad.” Klaress said.

“Really? That’s awesome.” I said. “Oh my God!”

“Are you sure you’re Klaress’ friend? Or are you just one of those social climbers?” Ethan said out of nowhere.

His question caught me off guard. It wasn’t even in my vocabulary to become a social climber. Did I hear him right? Why would he think that way? I froze and was speechless for a few seconds.

“Ethan!” Their parents said at the same time.

“Bro, what are you saying? What’s wrong with you?” Klaress said sounding so frustrated.

“I’m just saying, you’ve only known each other for a week and here you are welcoming her in our lives with open arms. I mean, what if she’s a gold digger?” She turned to me. “I’m sorry, I’m not saying that you are, what I’m saying is what if.”

“Stop it Ethan.” Tito said. “Just stop it.”

“Bro stop it! You are so embarrassing. I’m sorry Abby.” Klaress said.

I don't know what to do or how to act in moments like this. I've never been humiliated like this my entire life. I gathered all the courage I have and defended myself. This person does not know me but he judged me so easily.

“I’m sorry but you think I am a gold digger and a social climber?” I said. I am mad and there’s nothing stopping me now. “Klaress was the one who befriended me and I didn’t even know who she was back then. I am not raised well by my parents just to become a social climber and a gold digger.” I stood up and I am determined to leave. 

“I’m sorry, I have to go.” I turned to their parents.” Thank you so much for having me. The lunch was good, Ma’am, Sir. Thank you Klar.” I said and I walked out of there. I hailed a cab and went straight to my apartment. What’s wrong with him? I thought he was kind and a true gentleman but I was so wrong. He’s just like every other rich people. He thinks everyone around them is after their money. Well, they better exclude me because I don’t want any of their money.

How unfortunate! His face might be handsome, but his character is trash. What? Did I say he's handsome? Oh, my God! Really Abby? You had time to think of that even after what he did? Urgh. 

Klaress texted me and she was apologizing about her brother’s behavior. I said it was okay and it wasn’t her fault. I spent the rest of my afternoon studying instead of thinking about what happened.

Ethan's POV

I was getting out of the pool when I heard a squeal from the girl who was surprisingly in front of me. Who is this beautiful woman? Oh, wait, Klaress said something about her friend visiting us today. Is this her? I looked at her from head to foot. Oh, she's interesting. 

I smirked when I saw her roaming her eyes on my body and lingered longer on my stunning abs. Yes, I know I'm hot and handsome. I almost laughed when I saw her snapped out of her imagination when Dad spoke. 

I looked at her when they were about to go to Klaress's room. I think I'll have fun today. This girl is truly interseting.

They came back after almost an hour from Klaress's room. What took them so long? They said she'll just change because I got her wet. I looked up as they were approaching the table. Oh, my God! This girl is full of surprises. When I said that she was beautiful earlier was an understatement because looking at her now in her red dress and light make-up on, she is way beyond beautiful. She's gorgeous! 

I kept looking at her while eating and can't help but observe her every move. Her eyes are so expressive that I can see how it smiles every time she talks to my parents. It's like her eyes can hypnotize you. Her nose is so pointed that you might think it's impossible to be natural. Her pink lips are so cute and well-shaped. What am I doing? Am I physically attracted to my sister's friend? I observed her every move. She talks so straight forward. She wants to intern at our hotel. Wait! Is that the reason why she befriended Klaress? I think she's befriending Klaress just because we own a chain of hotels. Is she one of those gold-digging bitches and social climbers? Oh, no girl, you might be pretty, but it needs more than that to deceive me. 

Klaress came back from running to the gate to stop her friend Abby from leaving.

"She left. Are you fucking insane bro? What did you just tell her?" Klaress shouted at me. "You judged her without knowing her."

"What? I'm just protecting you from a possible threat." I said. 

"Abby has been nothing but kind to me. She is different from the others." She said.

"You've only known her for a week and you're saying she's different?" I scoffed.

"Ethan! She is our guest. You should've given her some respect." Dad said.

"I'm sorry I just got carried away. I don't want you to get hurt in the future Klar. You know what you had to go through because of some people who pretended to be your friend but in the end, they just want you because of your fame and social status." I said.

"Whatever you say, you still did something inappropriate today. She was polite and very respectful to us." Mom said.

"I know it's my fault but you can't blame me, Mom, I just did what I think was best for Klaress." I said.

"No matter what your reasons are it's still wrong to treat her that way." Mom said.

"Yes and I demand that you apologize to her as soon as possible because I know that you've hurt her feelings," Klaress said. "You should get to know her more because she really isn't what you think she is."

"Okay, I will. I will apologize to her and I promise for your sake I will try to get to know her more." I told Klaress. "I can't promise I'll be gentle to her once I found out that she has bad intentions."

"That's good to hear. I promise that she's really great and I know you'll definitely like her." She said. "Just give her the benefit of the doubt."

I just hope that she isn't after our money and she isn't using my sister because if she is then I will be the one to bring her down.