Agnes's cheeks were swollen on both sides by the time she got home. She could see the intense worry flash across the faces of Islaw and Cholo the moment they saw her. She chose to tell only Cholo about how the Acostas had hurt her. She couldn't hide anything from the boy anyway, as he knew exactly what kind of people the Acostas were.
She did her best to hide the truth from Islaw. She was certain he wouldn't immediately understand the things Brianna's family did to her. Besides, she didn't want him knowing what she endured under her employers' roof; she simply didn't want him to worry about her any more than he already did.
"Big sis, why did you even sneak out earlier when you knew what would happen?" Cholo asked, his eyes filled with sadness.
She didn't answer right away. Instead, she looked at Islaw, who was fast asleep. As she gazed at the handsome merman, memories of earlier that day flooded back. Madame Beattrice had discovered she was missing from the mansion, and the moment she returned, she was met with four successive slaps to the face.
They had inflicted many other kinds of pain on her, but she didn't want to recount them one by one. All she knew was that she felt battered. She could feel her entire body weakening and aching, both from the grueling labor and the physical abuse she had endured.
"Big sis, big brother can take care of himself now. And I'm here to look after him whenever you're away."
"Thank you so much, Cholo. To be honest, I feel bad for you. Instead of playing with other kids, you're here doing chores and looking after Islaw, whether I'm home or not." She gave him a sweet smile and ruffled his hair.
"But Cholo, like I said, you're still just a kid. And Islaw... he isn't fully matured yet, so he still needs me." She paused for a moment to take a deep breath. "I really forced myself to come home for him. I know he's always looking for me."
"But look at what happened to you, Big sis."
"I'll be fine, Cholo."
"Tell me the truth... do you actually have feelings for him?" Cholo asked her directly.
Agnes froze at his question. The boy was staring at her intently, and she found herself staring back. She sighed. Truthfully, she didn't know exactly what she felt for Islaw. A part of her said it was just pity and concern for an innocent merman, but another part told her that Islaw had already found a place in her heart.
All she knew was that her day felt complete whenever she was with him. She was happy when he was happy; she hurt when she saw him sad or crying. Every time he hugged or kissed her, her heart thundered and leaped with joy. And the mere thought of them being apart felt like her heart was being torn to pieces.
"I... I think I love him," she uttered emotionally.
She was always emotional when it came to love, especially since her relationship with Islaw was anything but simple. Islaw wasn't human; he was a merman, and they were different. The reality was that they belonged to different worlds and different lives. Islaw belonged in the sea, and she belonged on land. Islaw should love a mermaid, and she should love a human. They shouldn't be together when it would only result in their own ruin.
What would happen if people discovered her secret? That the man living in her house wasn't a human, but a merman? But even though she knew the potential consequences, her mind was made up: she wanted to spend her life with him. Even if she knew it was wrong. Even if she knew it was impossible.
"I knew it! Just by the way you look at big brother, it's like you want to devour him," Cholo said, making her eyebrows knit together.
He completely ruined the moment.
"Do you want me to pinch that mouth of yours?"
"I'm jokening you, Big sis."
"You mean joking?" she corrected.
"Same thing."
"But you know, Big sis... I'm happy you met big brother because aside from me, he's the only one there for you," Cholo said, which immediately brought a smile to her face.
Cholo was right. It was true that Islaw was the only one there for her. Everyone else had left her—even Erick, the man she expected to stay by her side forever, had cheated and abandoned her. She had no family left and no friends, but she had Islaw, who served as her family. Islaw, her husband who did everything for her.
"I wish, Big sis," Cholo commented, pouting a moment later.
"You'll find someone too." She ruffled his hair again. "Now go to sleep, you brat."
She then stepped out of the room to get some rest.
However, the night offered no true comfort. When the sun began to peek through the horizon, it didn't bring the usual energy of a new day; instead, it revealed the toll the Acosta family had taken on her health.
Agnes did not wake up well this morning. Her body felt heavy, and her joints ached. It felt as if her head were splitting open; her nose was congested, and her throat felt parched. Despite her condition, she forced herself to get up because she still had a job to go to.
Coughing, she entered the bedroom to check on Islaw and to grab some clothes to wear after she finished cooking his meal for later. After picking out her outfit, she sat on the edge of the bed and gently stroked Islaw's handsome face. She couldn't help but marvel at his good looks.
Even when she first saw him—when scales and fins still covered his face and body—she could tell he was handsome. But now that those were gone, his beauty was even more striking. Anyone who saw Islaw would surely fall for him, especially once they got to know his charming personality.
"Big sis, good morning," Cholo greeted her, rubbing his eyes.
"Good morning, Cholo."
"Are you leaving already?"
"Not yet. I'm just about to shower," she replied before standing up.
It was still dark outside, but she needed to move so she wouldn't be late to the Acosta mansion. She didn't want them getting angry and hurting her again. She had to be even more responsible now that the arrogant family's treatment of her had worsened.
She let out muffled coughs while fixing herself in front of the bedroom mirror. She was careful not to wake Islaw, knowing how hard it would be to leave if he saw her. She felt terrible—her knees were shaking and her head was throbbing—but she had to work for her and Islaw's sake.
"Big sis, are you okay?" Cholo approached her with a frown.
"Of course."
"But why are you so pale? You look sick."
"I'm fine."
When she finished getting ready, she walked over to Islaw, who was still fast asleep. She kissed his forehead and motioned for Cholo to remain quiet. He responded with a meaningful smile and a nod.
"Cholo, please look after Islaw for me."
"Don't worry. You can count on me," he said with a smile that put her mind at ease.
She was beyond grateful for this boy who treated her like real family. Just like Islaw, he hadn't left her side when she needed someone most; whenever she had nothing, Cholo always found a way to help. Now, he was more than willing to help her care for Islaw.
She felt lucky that it was currently school break for Cholo. With two months left of vacation, she felt secure knowing he would be there for Islaw. She might not have parents, but she had Cholo and Islaw, and that was enough for her.
"Good morning, Agnes," the two guards at the Acosta mansion greeted her with smiles.
Because the Acostas were so wealthy, their massive home required a full staff: maids, guards, gardeners, laundry staff, cooks, and a driver. But because of their "special treatment" for her, they insisted she be their only housemaid.
The truth was, the family simply wanted to make her life miserable. Many people had tried to apply for the maid position, but the couple rejected them all. They were satisfied watching her slave away until her back broke, especially since she never complained about the low wages.
"Good morning," she replied to the two men.
"Are you all right? You look quite pale," one of them asked, making her frown.
That's exactly what Cholo had said.
"Are you sick?"
"I... I feel a bit under the weather, but maybe my body is just adjusting to being back at work."
It was a plausible excuse. She hadn't worked for months. While she was unemployed, her only chores were cooking and cleaning her small house. She wasn't sure if she was truly ill or just overwhelmed by the intense labor.
Agnes finally entered the mansion. She had a duplicate key, which Madame Beattrice had returned to her so she could get in without bothering them. Her only concern was being blamed for anything that went missing.
Once, Brianna had lost something because of her own clutter, but she accused her of stealing. Agnes had been kicked out of the house they built for her and was beaten by the Mayor's men. Since that day, she had become a hyper-responsible maid, tidying up after them just so nothing would get lost.
"Make me a sandwich and some juice, Agnes," Brianna commanded the moment it struck eight o'clock.
"I've already cooked rice and a main dish." Agnes informed.
"So? I said make me a sandwich!" she barked.
"Y-yes, I'll get on it."
Agnes hurried back to the kitchen. She had been in the middle of wiping the windows when Brianna woke up and immediately started barking orders. Brianna seemed to enjoy making things difficult for her.
Before she could even sit down at the kitchen counter, her head throbbed again, and her knees felt like jelly. If she hadn't gripped the edge of the table, she would have collapsed. Her vision began to dim.
"Are you done with my breakfast?" Brianna asked, entering the kitchen.
"N-not yet. But I'm working on it," Agnes answered, her voice hoarse and trembling.
In truth, her fear of Brianna and the family had only grown. Any small mistake—or even doing things correctly—resulted in punishment, physical abuse, or a tripled workload.
"Make it fast, I'm hungry!"
Agnes didn't reply and let the woman walk out. Her hands shook as she held the knife, her vision blurring, until she accidentally sliced her own finger.
"O-ouch," she whispered at the sting.
Agnes winced, feeling as though every part of her was failing. She squeezed the wound to let the blood out, washed her hands, and finished the task.
She carried the tray to the garden where Brianna usually spent her mornings. Before she could even reach her, the world started spinning again. Her head felt like it was being split open.
"You're too slow!" Brianna snapped as she approached.
Agnes tried to place the tray on the table, but the dizziness won. She lost her balance and fell to her knees, accidentally splashing the sandwich and juice right into Brianna's face. Both of them were stunned, but Agnes was in too much pain to react.
"Look at what you did!"
Agnes winced as Brianna grabbed her hair and began to shake her head, making her stomach churn. She couldn't stop herself—she vomited right onto Brianna's clean, smooth, white feet.
"S-sorry, Lady Brianna!" she gasped, covering her mouth with her palms.
"H-how could you?!" Brianna screamed, trembling with rage.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to."
"You didn't mean to?! I know you're doing this on purpose!"
Brianna grabbed her messy hair again, trying to shove Agnes's face down toward her feet as if she wanted her to eat the mess. Agnes had no strength left to resist; besides, she knew she had no right to fight back against a Brianna Acosta.
"You miserable woman!" Brianna delivered a stinging slap to her right cheek, but then she paused, frowning.
"You're hot," she commented. "Your skin is pale, you look haggard, and your voice is hoarse. Are you sick? Do you have a fever?"
Agnes didn't answer immediately, staring at the woman's beautiful but arrogant face. The emotion had shifted. Agnes didn't know if Brianna was worried or simply disgusted that she might catch something. A small spark of hope flickered—maybe, just maybe, she would be kind.
"I... I haven't been feeling well since this morning."
"What?! You've been sick since this morning and you still came to our mansion?!"
"I-I needed to—"
"How dare you?! You even vomited on my legs. What if your fever infects me?!"
The hope vanished instantly. Brianna wasn't concerned; she was repulsed. She treated Agnes like a plague.
"Get out of here! Before you infect us with whatever you have!"
"B-but I still have work to do."
"I said get out!" Brianna grabbed her by the hair and dragged her toward the mansion exit.
"You are not allowed back here while you're sick! And you won't receive your wages for a week! You're a curse!" she screamed before slamming the door.
Agnes stood up tearfully from the ground. she forced her weakening body to begin the long walk home. No one would give her a ride. No one cared, and those who might were too afraid of the Acostas' control over the town.
"I-Islaw," she whispered as she saw his silhouette in the distance.
She was only a few steps away from her house when her body finally gave out. She collapsed into the sand and lost consciousness. But before her eyes closed, she saw a frowning Islaw, tilting his head and staring at her. Then, he came running.
Islaw stood on the sand, biting his fingers and looking around frantically before looking back at the unconscious Agnes. He thought she was just sleeping, but his heart ached; he felt that something was wrong with his Agnes.
He stood there for a moment, hoping Cholo—who had gone home for a bit—would return. But there was no sign of him. He didn't know what to do.
"Agnes, w-wake up. Why are you s-sleeping here?" he asked the beautiful lady, pouting like a four-year-old. "Agnes, wake up." He poked her, but she only responded with a frown.
"Agnes? D-don't you like the bed? I always like the bed because it's s-soft. Plus, I catch Cholo p-peeing here in the s-sand."
"S-so cold," Agnes whispered.
"C-cold? But it's hot out?"
Islaw scratched his head before deciding to carry her. He held her in his strong arms, remembering a scene from TV where a man carried a woman. Since Agnes wouldn't get up, he took it upon himself to bring her inside.
"Why are you so hot? Why are you s-shaking? Why are you c-coughing? Why do you look s-sad and tired? Why is your voice different? Why is your hair a m-mess?" he asked in rapid, innocent succession.
"S-so cold. P-please, a blanket," she begged, eyes still closed.
Biting his lip like a child, Islaw reached for the folded blanket at the foot of the bed. He wrapped it around Agnes's shivering body, but he noticed it didn't seem to help.
Without thinking, his body moved on its own. He leaned down and wrapped his arms tightly around his wife. Not satisfied, he even tangled his legs with hers. He didn't understand why, but he felt the shivering slowly stop, and the pained look on her face began to fade into a peaceful expression. He smiled, seeing her relax.
They stayed like that for half an hour until she began to shiver again. He didn't realize she was burning up with a high fever, but he knew something bad was happening.
"Agnes, s-stay here, okay? I'll be back," he said with deep worry.
He left the house and ran toward the town. Before he knew it, he was in the middle of the crowded market. He had never interacted with people before, but he pushed aside his fear for Agnes's sake.
"Islaw! It's you. You're so handsome!" a woman approached him and playfully pinched his chest.
"You're the g-gossipy woman from the market, r-right?" he asked innocently.
"Oh my, gossipy? That's offensive! But coming from you, I'll take it as a compliment."
"C-compliment? Why?" He tilted his head.
"I'll just think you're praising me."
"Will you be h-happy if I p-praise you?"
"Of course."
"If I praise you, w-will you help me?" He pouted, making the woman swoon.
"Sure. Tell me I'm beautiful—"
"You are a gossipy woman with a big m-mouth, a w-wide flat nose, and g-gaps between your yellow, t-tartar-covered teeth. There is eye crust living in your y-yellowish eyes." Islaw smiled sweetly and gave her a finger heart.
Cholo had taught him that this was how to attract women. Cholo said women liked it when you praised their physical features. Then you had to smirk, squint your eyes, and give a finger heart. It seemed to work because the woman was speechless.
"You're a jerk!"
"A j-jerk? Aren't you h-happy I complimented you?"
"Complimented? What was there to compliment?!" she shouted, hands on her hips.
"Because you're different. You have lots of eye crust and you're u-ugly, not like the other women. You're s-special."
"Ugh, fine, fine," she surrendered, scratching her head. "What do you need help with?"
"Agnes."
"What about Agnes?"
"I don't know. Her b-body is so hot but she's cold. She's s-shaking and coughing," he said sadly.
"She has a fever?"
"Fever?" He tilted his head again.
The woman explained what was happening. He learned his wife was very sick and that he needed to stay by her side to care for her. The woman told him what to do.
"W-where do I buy m-medicine?"
"At the pharmacy. Over there," she pointed to a shop across from the market.
"I have no money."
"It's cheap. I'll give you money, but on one condition."
"What?"
"A kiss." the woman grinned widely, showing the yellow buildup on her teeth even more.
"A kiss?"
"Yes. Just kiss me on the lips and I'll give you money. Enough for two pills."
"But I have a wife."
In his kind, kissing another mermaid after being wed was a grave sin. He had no intention of breaking that law. Agnes held a special place in his heart, and he couldn't betray her.
"A wife? You and Agnes are married?" She squinted at him.
"Whatever. One kiss for money. Think about Agnes's condition. Don't you know the local junkies are dying to kiss me? They even close their eyes!" She crossed her arms.
Islaw didn't answer. He wasn't even listening to her go on like a clucking chicken with bad breath. He couldn't help but compare her to Agnes.
Agnes was simple but clean. She didn't use special liquids to smell good or creams to whiten her skin, yet she was beautiful. She smelled natural and fresh, had no bad breath, and had lovely skin and hair. Not like this woman.
"Kiss me already." She leaned in and puckered her lips.
Islaw winced. Her lips were dark and cracked from dryness. He didn't know what to do. He didn't want to kiss her, but he thought of Agnes. He looked around like a lost child until he saw a dog—a stray dog wagging its tail, tongue out, looking at him.
He smiled at the dog and picked it up. He held it up to the gossipy woman, who had her eyes closed and lips puckered. He had seen someone do this on TV. He pressed the dog's snout against her lips, and she even giggled.
He set the dog down.
"Give me the money," he said, holding out his palm.
"My, you're a good kisser," she giggled, slapping his chest. "But why does your breath smell like poop? Brush your teeth next time, okay?"
"Hmm-hmm," he nodded cutely.
Once she handed him the money, he turned and ran toward the pharmacy. He did everything he could to get home as fast as possible. He couldn't leave his wife alone any longer.
His heart jumped when he entered the room and saw Agnes's pitiful state. She was frowning and struggling to breathe. He could feel her suffering. His eyes softened as he lay down beside her.
"I-I'm here, my Agnes. D-don't worry. I'll take care of you, just like you take care of me."
He wrapped his arms around her shivering body.