Wavy, lush long hair. Strong brows, dark eyeshadow, artistic eyeliner, pinkish cheeks, and red lips. A red spaghetti-strap dress and black high heels completed the look. Brianna smirked as she admired her reflection in the full-body mirror inside her bathroom.
She could hardly believe her own beauty. Even she was inevitably amazed by her mystical allure. It was no wonder she had so many suitors; aside from being wealthy and educated, she was stunning with a body to match. It was no surprise that men practically chased after her. She had everything a man could want.
A wide smile spread across her face as she stepped out of her room. She headed toward the kitchen for breakfast, after which she would leave for the restaurant her boyfriend, Erick, had set up. They still had a lot to manage, especially since the restaurant had just opened. Today would definitely be another busy day for the both of them.
Speaking of Erick, she suddenly felt a surge of irritation. Gradually, Erick's true colors had surfaced. He had shifted from a kind, sweet gentleman into a fiery, rude, and boring man. She didn't even know why she had bothered with him.
Whatever they had now was strictly for business. She regretted getting involved with that jerk—not because of what she did to Agnes, but because she gave herself to someone as rude as Erick. Annoying!
"Good morning, my dear," her mom greeted her.
Brianna stopped in front of the living room window. "Morning. Has the poor woman prepared my breakfast yet?"
"Don't ask me. You'd better go check for yourself if that low-life Agnes has prepared anything."
"Yeah, right," she replied, turning to walk toward the kitchen. However, she froze when she looked out through the tinted glass window.
She saw a muscular man with his back turned to her. He was holding garden shears and trimming the leaves. Even from behind, she could tell he had a powerful back, firm glutes, muscular legs, and a commanding stature. Though she didn't know him, she couldn't help but marvel at him.
"Who is that guy?" she asked her mother, her eyes still glued to the man outside.
"The new worker."
"New worker? I thought we already had a gardener?"
"Well, he's gone now. I kicked our old gardener out to make room for that man."
"What? You fired Dencio, our gardener of almost five years, just for that guy?" She stared intensely at the man. "Who is he for you to give him special treatment?"
"You won't believe what I found out." Her mother smirked. Brianna raised an eyebrow.
"Agnes is married, and that man is her husband."
"What?" Her eyes widened as she looked back at the man.
Is this some kind of joke?!
"Yes, it's true."
"How? That's impossible. I didn't think even a rat would want that Agnes. I mean, she's beautiful, but she's poor, uneducated, and has no family."
"Of course, Agnes is a flirt. One look and she's got a man. One sway of her hips and she's hooked someone. She's just like her mother. I still remember how Agnes's mom seduced your father. Like mother, like daughter," her mother said, shaking her head as if recalling the past. "Besides, the man seems to have a mental problem."
"A mental problem?"
"Yes. Oh, daughter, you seem interested?"
"Not really. I'm just confused. Why did you let him in if he has a mental problem? You shouldn't have hired him, Agnes will surely be happy now that they both have jobs."
"Oh silly, I could see it in Agnes's eyes—she cares for that man very much."
"So you hired him just to make their lives miserable?" Brianna asked, one eyebrow arched.
"You're such a smart woman. You really take after me, my daughter." Her mother let out a haughty laugh before walking away.
Feeling intrigued, Brianna stared at the man's back for a moment longer before finally entering the kitchen. She stopped at the dining table and watched Agnes's every move. Agnes was busy preparing a sandwich, her favorite breakfast.
Agnes was so focused she hadn't noticed Brianna yet.
A smirk formed on Brianna's face as an idea struck her. She wouldn't deny that Agnes was beautiful and smart, which was why men used to chase her too. But Agnes had never entertained anyone except Erick. They were all fooled by Agnes's innocent and demure act, when she was actually hiding a flirtatious nature inside.
Look at her now, married already at twenty-four.
"L-lady Brianna, you're here," Agnes said, her lips trembling as she forced a smile.
"I've been here for a while, but you didn't even notice me? I don't think you even felt my presence." Brianna smirked as she walked closer.
"I'm sorry, I was just busy with something."
"Aside from making a sandwich, what else are you doing that's so important you didn't notice me?"
"I-I was just thinking about something, Lady Brianna."
"You seem to be thinking deeply. You even forgot to greet your boss." Brianna reached out and harshly squeezed Agnes's cheeks.
"I-I'm sorry. G-good morning—"
"It's too late for a good morning! Besides, there's nothing good about a morning where I have to see your face!" she barked, tightening her grip on Agnes's face.
"O-ouch, you're hurting me."
"You deserve to be hurt for being disrespectful! Never forget to greet your boss. You need to learn the manners of a maid."
"Yes, I-I won't forget to greet you ever again."
"Good."
Brianna smiled as she released her grip. She sat in her favorite chair while Agnes served her food. A juice and a sandwich were enough to fill her up. As she finished eating, she glanced at Agnes, who was standing quietly by her side.
"I think you were overthinking earlier, or maybe you were imagining things."
"Not really, my Lady."
"Really? Because it looks like you have a lot on your mind. Is it about a honeymoon? Sex? Are you thinking obscene thoughts?" Brianna smirked as she sipped her juice.
"I-I don't understand what you mean."
"You stupid bitch! Did you really think I wouldn't find out you're married?" Brianna suddenly grabbed Agnes's hair and pulled hard.
"O-ouch—"
"I found out about your husband, my dear Agnes. I've only seen his back, but he looks yummy. Is your husband good in bed?"
"L-lady Brianna, what are you saying?"
"You know, I really thought you were a decent woman. That's why Erick broke up with you—because you wouldn't sleep with him. But what do I find out? You're a married woman already. And what's worse, you broke up with Erick only a few months ago and you're already married? You move fast." Brianna released Agnes's hair with a jerk and stood up to face her. "You are the literal definition of a slut!"
"That's not true! Lady Brianna, you know nothing about my marriage, so don't talk to me like that."
"Oh, so you've learned how to talk back to your boss now?"
"I just want to defend myself, Lady Brianna. I am not a flirt. And for your information, I have every right to love someone else because Erick and I are over. In fact, it was Erick who—"
"Try saying another word and see where it gets you," Brianna threatened, cutting her off. "You know, you're just like your mother. A flirt."
"M-my mother is not a flirt," Agnes defended, tears welling in her eyes.
"That's why my Dad almost cheated, because your mother seduced him."
"That's not true. My mother was a good woman, and she never tried to betray my father."
"Of course, you'd defend her. You two are exactly the same. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree."
Brianna turned to leave but stopped and faced her again.
"There are no more stocks in the kitchen. Order your husband to go to the market."
"But he can't go out alone." Brianna smirked, seeing the fear in Agnes's eyes for her husband.
So, Agnes loves her husband that much?
"No one cares. Do as I say if you don't want him to lose his job—and yours too."
"C-can't I just go? Lady Brianna, my husband is only hired as a gardener."
"Are you deaf or just stupid? Didn't I tell you to follow my orders?! If I say he goes to the market, then he goes!" Brianna screamed. Agnes went silent, but she let out a heavy sigh.
"It was your mistake to bring your husband here. You will regret the day you brought him to the Acosta family."
Brianna turned around and finally left the mansion. She had an important meeting with Erick and their partner regarding the meat supplies for the restaurant. She was driving when her phone rang; it was the current manager of the restaurant.
She learned there was an emergency—customers were causing a scene because of poor service. Furious, she pulled a U-turn to head back, but her car collided with a large pole. She felt a massive impact as her forehead hit the dashboard.
She could feel her head bleeding. "O-ouch! Help me!" she cried out weakly, knowing no one could hear her.
She was in the middle of a deserted road with very few passing cars. Her phone was smashed, so she couldn't call for help. She was dizzy and too weak to move. She was losing hope until she remembered that the town clinic was located right behind the market, not too far away. She had to walk.
She tried her best to crawl out of the car. She was almost dragging herself along the ground when a man approached her. Weakly, she looked up to see a handsome man pouting with his head tilted to the side, looking like a child who had no idea what was happening.
"Why are you s-sleeping there? Why do you have k-ketchup on your head?" He sat down in front of her to look her in the eye.
Is this guy crazy? Brianna thought.
"Don't you know where your m-mouth is? Look. You put ketchup in your m-mouth, you don't r-rub it on your forehead." He pointed to his own mouth.
"Idiot. T-take me to the clinic!" she snapped, writhing in pain.
"C-cli-clinic? What's that?"
"I-it's a building behind the market where they treat people," she explained. Talking to this man made her feel like she was talking to a fool.
"I know where that is. Come on, s-stand up."
"Are you stupid? Can't you see I can't? Pick me up and take me to the clinic now!"
"Okay."
The man gently helped her up before hoisting her onto his back for a piggyback ride. As he walked toward their destination, she couldn't help but stare at his handsome face. He was even more handsome than Erick. It felt like she was about to fall into sin because of this man.
But then again, no one cares.
While Brianna was lost in her predatory thoughts at the clinic, time was moving much more slowly back at the mansion. Every minute felt like an hour for the woman waiting by the gates.
Agnes had been restless for a while, pacing back and forth. she pressed a hand against her chest, her mind racing with worry over whether Islaw was okay, having left all on his own. Usually, Islaw was always by her side whenever they left the house, and he wasn't familiar with the way back if he was coming from the Acosta mansion.
She suddenly regretted ever bringing Islaw there and introducing him to Madame Brianna. It felt as though she had dug her husband's own grave. She couldn't help but drag her hands over her face in frustration. Brianna was right—it was a mistake to let her husband face the Acostas. She felt like a fool for allowing Islaw to work in this mansion.
"Agnes, you seem uneasy?" She froze as the lady of the house walked in.
"I-I'm sorry, Madame."
"Are you afraid your crazy husband might get lost?" Madame Beattrice asked with a smirk that made Agnes's ears burn with anger.
"H-he is not crazy."
"Denying it? It's far too obvious that he has a mental problem." The woman shook her head with a mocking laugh. "The reason my daughter's boyfriend left you was because of your shortcomings. You act so decent and innocent, but you're actually hiding a wicked nature. I just found out you're married even though you and Erick only broke up a few months ago. Unbelievable." The Madame shook her head in disbelief.
"And you settled for a poor man with a broken brain. You must be truly desperate."
"T-there is nothing wrong with my husband. Maybe he isn't fully mature yet, and maybe he isn't rich like Erick, but he is a good man. Even with the way he is, Islaw is not hard to love."
"Really?" Madame Beattrice stepped closer, grinning.
Without warning, she squeezed Agnes's cheeks hard. "Of course, he's your husband, so you'd defend him even if both of you are lower than rats!"
"M-madame."
"Instead of talking back to me, do your job!" She roughly released Agnes's face before leaving.
Agnes sank weakly into a chair at the dining table. She knew it—bringing Islaw here was a mistake. Even now, she could see what kind of fate awaited Islaw as a servant for the Acosta family. She was terrified for her husband's life in this place.
Her feet had carried her back inside the house mechanically, leaving the iron gates behind. Now, sitting in the silence of the kitchen, the weight of her regret felt twice as heavy. She stared at the empty doorway, her heart jumping at every little sound.
"My Agnes!" She startled as Islaw suddenly burst into the room.
"Islaw!" She rushed to meet him, her heart full of concern.
She felt a wave of relief wash over her now that her husband was finally back, carrying heavy bags filled with groceries. She could see how much he was struggling under the weight, so she helped him set them down on the table. Islaw must be exhausted, especially since the mistress hadn't given him any money for transportation.
"Islaw, why are you so late?"
"Because I took a woman to the c-clinic behind the market."
"A woman?" Her forehead creased.
"Hmm-hmm. She had a w-wound on her forehead and was f-faint. She told me to take her to the c-clinic, so I helped her."
"Is that so? My husband is so kind."
Agnes gave Islaw a small smile as she placed her palm against his sweaty forehead, wiping it upward. Even a simple gesture like wiping his sweat was a big help to him. She made him sit down and brought him some cold water. He needed to rest; the walk from the market back to the mansion was no joke.
"Agnes, my l-legs hurt. Walking is tiring." He pouted and hugged her. He seemed to be looking for some affection.
"Once I'm done with my work and we're back home, I'll massage your legs," she whispered into his ear with a smile.
"Yay!" Grinning, he kissed her stomach, which was right at his eye level.
"How sweet!" A voice interrupted them as someone entered the kitchen. Agnes quickly pulled away from Islaw.
It was Brianna, looking at them with a sarcastic expression.
"You?" Brianna's expression changed the moment she saw Islaw. Did they know each other?
"Lady Brianna, what happened to your forehead?" Agnes asked, noticing the gauze on the woman's head.
"Agnes, she's the w-woman I told you about, the one I took to the c-clinic," Islaw said, pointing at Brianna.
"Who is he? Why is he here? And what is he to you?" Brianna asked in a rapid-fire sequence.
"I-I am Islaw. I work here. I'm Agnes's husband."
"What? He is your husband?" Brianna asked, sounding completely incredulous.
"Yes, my Lady. He is Islaw, my husband."
"Your husband, huh?"
Agnes frowned as she noticed Brianna scanning her husband from head to toe. A strange smirk played on Brianna's lips, and Agnes didn't like the lingering look the woman was giving him. She decided to send Islaw back out, since he still had work to do in the garden.
She began unpacking the groceries.
"So the man who helped me earlier is your husband?" Brianna sat in the chair across from her.
"Yes," Agnes replied shortly.
"He looks poor like you, and he clearly has a mental problem. But I must say, he is handsome and has a body to die for." The flirtatious tone in Brianna's voice made Agnes stop what she was doing. "I can't help the attraction I feel for your husband."
"Brianna, w-what are you talking about?"
"He's poor and his brain is a bit off, but I must say, you're lucky to have him. He is hot."
Agnes's heart hammered against her ribs. She found it hard to breathe as she saw Brianna smiling while looking out the transparent window toward Islaw, who was busy trimming branches. Brianna turned back to her, smirking.
"You caught a big fish, Agnes. Islaw is my type, I want your husband."
Right then and there, Agnes knew she had a rival for Islaw's heart.