Agnes sat silently on the floor, busily massaging Islaw's legs. She had promised him earlier that morning that she would do this to make him feel better. Given the long distance between the market and the Acosta mansion, it was no surprise that Islaw was exhausted, especially since he had walked the entire way there and back.
She couldn't help but feel a deep sense of pity and compassion for her husband. She had known from the start what kind of people the Acostas were, yet she had still allowed Islaw to work as one of their servants. She felt as if she were leading Islaw toward a more miserable life herself.
She was terrified of what might happen to him.
"Islaw?" she asked, looking up at the handsome merman.
Just seeing his gentle, innocent, and cute face made her heart melt. She viewed Islaw like a baby who needed to be cherished and protected. But now that they were both under the thumb of the wicked Acostas, she didn't know what kind of life Islaw would have. Now that the Madame and the Lady knew him, they had a leash on her husband. Just the thought of them controlling Islaw's every move and decision—his very life—filled her with dread.
"What is it, Agnes?" he asked, looking at her with total innocence.
"How was your first day at work?"
"He's surely exhauster, Big sis. That garden is huge," Cholo interrupted, having been sitting beside them the whole time.
"It's exhausted, Cholo."
"Same thing, Big sis."
"Islaw, how was your first day at work?" she asked again, turning back to her husband.
"It was great! So much fun!" he replied, clapping his hands.
"Fun? Why was it fun?" she asked, her brow furrowed. Working for the Acostas was anything but fun.
"I wish I were that happy, Big brother," Cholo teased.
"Hmm, so much fun! Because the h-house is so be-beauti-fu-ful. It's so big and the d-design is lovely. And there's a huge g-garden with so many b-butterflies! And there are giant lights on the c-ceiling! The floors and walls look like b-bubbles," he shared, full of wonder.
Based on the joy on Islaw's face, he was genuinely happy because of the beauty of the mansion. But Islaw only noticed the beautiful scenery and the grand place—not the difficulty of the labor or the way their employers treated them.
"Islaw, what about the work? The tasks? What can you say about that?"
"Don't tell me that was fun too, Big brother?"
"I-it's tiring, but I can handle it."
"Are you sure you can, Islaw? Your body looks beaten from all the difficult chores they ordered you to do today."
Agnes's eyes softened as she scanned his muscular frame. She could see the deep fatigue in his drooping eyes, which looked ready to close for sleep. Aside from tending the plants and buying stocks at the market, many other tasks had been assigned to her husband, even though he was only supposed to be a gardener.
"Hmm-hmm. Working is a-actually very hard; it's so tiring and my body a-aches, but I can do it. It's all for you and our f-future baby."
"How sweet." She playfully pinched his cheeks, making him giggle.
"Of course, he learned how to be a smooth talker from me," Cholo bragged, pointing to himself.
"You seem very proud that you're teaching your big brother Islaw all your nonsense," Agnes teased.
"Just a little, Big sister," Cholo chuckled, scratching his head.
"Agnes, you know, working is a-actually fun when I'm with you. The t-tasks they give me are hard, but when you're there, the load feels l-lighter."
"Really?"
"Hmm-hmm." He nodded eagerly, making her smile widen.
During the minutes she spent massaging Islaw's aching legs, they talked a lot about his first day. Islaw was happy as he shared his stories, and she enjoyed listening. However, the smile faded from Agnes's lips when he mentioned Brianna.
"Islaw, what do you think of Brianna?"
She stopped what she was doing and stared at Islaw, who frowned slightly and pouted. She didn't know why she felt so nervous; her heart began to beat loudly and rapidly. She was anxious about how her husband would respond.
Islaw tilted his head as if thinking.
"I don't know. I d-don't really know her, all I know is she's our b-boss's daughter," he answered, scratching his head.
"Is she... beautiful to you, Islaw? What was your first impression of her? If I were to ask you, were you instantly captivated by her beauty?" Her hands felt cold as she waited for his answer.
She could feel Cholo staring at her.
"Why are you a-asking me that, Agnes?"
"Nothing. It's just that almost every man likes her."
It was true. Even when they were children, people always compared her and Brianna's looks. Agnes wasn't bragging, but many said she was beautiful. However, in every aspect, Brianna always won. Even Erick had liked Brianna and chosen her over Agnes.
She was used to always being second to Brianna.
"Hmm?" He pouted deeper and looked upward, seemingly lost in thought.
"She is be-beautiful. Her c-clothes are so pretty. Her s-skin is so nice. And her hair—it's long and healthy. She's like a m-model I see on TV. And when I carried her, she smelled like a very f-fragrant flower," he answered with a smile, which rendered her silent.
Cholo, on the other hand, slapped his own forehead.
Her heart suddenly ached at her husband's words about Brianna. She felt small because her husband was impressed by her. Brianna, who had a grand life, a degree, a business, success, power, and everyone's respect. And she had beautiful clothes, beautiful hair, smooth white skin, a great physique, and a lovely scent. All those praises for Brianna came from her own husband. Meanwhile, she would never be like Brianna Acosta.
Never.
Agnes let out a heavy sigh at her own foolishness. She was a fool for being hurt when she was the one who asked him. It was her own fault she was hurting now. She could still feel the sting in her heart and wanted to be alone, so she stood up, causing Islaw to frown.
"W-where are you going, Agnes?"
"I still need to clean the kitchen, Islaw. I forgot to wash the dishes we used for dinner, so I'm going back."
"I'll help you, Agnes. Then we can s-sleep together."
"No, I can handle it. Go to sleep and rest. You too, Cholo."
"Are you sure, Agnes?" Islaw pouted, persistent.
"Of course. Go to sleep."
She gave them a simple smile and turned away.
Cholo stared blankly at the door his big sis had just walked through. His mind was still on the emotions he saw in her when she asked his big brother about Brianna. He knew something was wrong, and he knew his sister was hurting, but he didn't quite know why.
He sighed, knowing that no matter how many times he asked himself, he wouldn't find the answer. He decided he would ask her later, after he finished talking to his annoying big brother. Islaw was so innocent he didn't even notice that his big sister was jealous and hurt.
"Hey, Big brother!" He glared at the pouting merman.
"What?" Islaw tilted his head innocently.
"What do you mean what? You hurt big sister's feelings."
"Huh? How did I h-hurt her? I didn't do anything!"
"You didn't do anything? You trampled on her womanhood. I feel like she's looking down on herself right now."
"What did I d-do?" he asked, looking guilty for something he didn't understand.
"Big brother, didn't sister Agnes ask you about Ms. Brianna?"
"Yes, what about it?"
"Sister is jealous. She wanted to know how you see Ms. Brianna. If Ms. Brianna is prettier than her? If that woman is sexier than her?"
"No! Agnes is prettier and s-sexier. Agnes has big b-breasts and firm glutes! Her inner t-thighs are even white!" he answered proudly, as if boasting about his wife's body.
"Big brother, if big sis heard you right now, she'd probably slap your mouth," Cholo said with a poker face.
"Why? I'm just telling the truth!"
"Whatever. Why did you have to praise that Brianna so much?"
"She asked, so I a-answered. But Agnes is prettier and s-sexier. And I like her s-scent better."
"Well, there you go. But why did you praise Brianna? Even if she asked, you shouldn't have done it. What will big sister think? That you find other women more beautiful than her? That you appreciate other women more than her?"
"That's not it..." He shook his head, looking like he was about to cry, as if being scolded by a child.
"Big brother, what if you and sister Agnes switched places? What if she said beautiful and attractive things about another man? What if she said another man was handsome, kind, smelled better than you, and dressed well? How would you feel?"
"It would h-hurt here. Only I s-should be handsome in her eyes," he said, pointing to his chest with tears in his eyes.
"You really think you're that handsome, huh? Just kidding. Now that you feel the pain sister is feeling, do you understand?"
"Hmm-hmm." He nodded.
"There's nothing wrong with admiring others, but think about your wife's feelings too. Your eyes should be focused only on her. Because you know, big sister's eyes are always focused only on you. You're always the one she talks about. You're always the one in her mind and heart."
"R-really?" His face suddenly lit up.
"Of course, Big brother. I hope you're the same way with her."
"Hmm-hmm. Only her, no one else," he vowed, raising a hand as if making a promise.
Cholo didn't say anything more and let him go to sleep. He went out to find his big sister in the kitchen, but she wasn't there. He noticed all the dishes were dry, meaning she hadn't actually washed them—she just used it as an excuse to leave the room. He eventually found her walking along the shore.
"Big sis."
"Why are you still awake?" she asked, stopping.
"What about you? Why are you still up?"
"I just wanted some fresh air."
"Big sis, do you really want fresh air or do you just want to get rid of the jealousy and pain you're feeling?" he asked. Agnes stopped; she knew she couldn't hide anything from him, even though he was just a kid.
"Both, Cholo," she answered and continued walking. He walked beside her.
"Did something happen, Big sis?"
She went quiet for a moment before telling him everything.
"So that's what happened."
"Yes, so I can't help the jealousy I'm feeling. I think I really do love Islaw," Agnes said, shaking her head with a laugh.
"That's why big brother Islaw is lucky. Because I know how loving and caring you are. And I know he loves you very much, too."
"You think so? Because I feel like he has feelings for Brianna—" Before she could finish, Cholo cut her off.
"Oh, come on, Big sis! Just because he said a few nice things about her, that's what you think?"
"Why not? Almost every man falls for Brianna."
"But not Big brother."
She just shrugged her shoulders.
"Big sister, are you mad at big brother?"
"Mad? Why would I be?"
"You know what I'm asking, Big sis."
"No, I'm not mad. I rarely get mad at Islaw, and my resentment melts away quickly. I can't hold a grudge against him."
"But he hurt your feelings."
"It's okay. It's my fault, too. I asked, and he answered. Like you said, it's wrong not to answer someone's question." She gave a small smile.
"Please don't be jealous of that Brianna. For big brother, you're the best and the only one for him—that came straight from himself.
"I can't help it, Cholo." She sighed and stopped walking. "I feel small compared to Brianna. No matter what I do, I can't stop the jealousy, the envy, and the way I look down on myself."
"Big sister..."
"Islaw said Brianna's beautiful, has a great body, beautiful hair, nice skin, and pretty clothes. She's so successful. She's practically perfect." Agnes paused to take a breath.
"Meanwhile, what am I? I'm just a poor woman who didn't even finish school. No family, no proper job or salary. I'm not like Brianna with her beautiful hair; I don't have anything to put on my skin to make it smooth, no perfume to make myself smell good. And I don't have beautiful clothes like hers." She looked down at what she was wearing.
"My clothes are old and look dirty even when I wash them. One look at Brianna and people fall in love with her beauty. But me... look at me."
"Big sister, you're still beautiful even with your simple clothes and look. Your beauty is natural. That Brianna's beauty is all just cosmetic."
"You silly kid." She laughed and ruffled his hair.
"It's true. Besides, Big sis, you really are prettier than her. Not just on the outside, but on the inside too. Brianna only has outside beauty, and even that's fake."
"You sure have a lot to say, don't you?"
"I'm just tolding the facts."
"You mean telling?"
"Same thing," he replied, making her laugh again.
"Don't be sad anymore. And don't worry—I know and I feel that you're the only woman for big brother."
"Thank you, Cholo."
Agnes gave a sweet smile.
But the warmth of their shared moment didn't last long. The following dawn brought a cold realization of just how much power Brianna intended to wield over their lives.
Agnes walked toward the Acosta mansion alone. She and Islaw were supposed to go together, but they were caught off guard when someone knocked at their door. It was only five in the morning when Brianna's personal driver arrived to pick up Islaw. Strangely, Brianna had only sent for him.
Agnes didn't like the idea of Brianna sending a car for her husband, especially since she hadn't given a reason. Truthfully, she didn't want to let him go there alone, and Islaw didn't want to leave her either, but they couldn't refuse Brianna's wishes.
She was stripping them of their rights.
"Agnes, good morning," the two guards greeted her when she finally reached the mansion.
She simply smiled and went inside. She found Islaw sitting on the sofa, happily chatting with Brianna. Her heart stung again at the sight. She knew they were just talking, but she couldn't help but feel jealous.
Especially knowing that Brianna had feelings for her husband.
"My Agnes!" Islaw stood up with a grin the moment he saw her and ran to meet her.
Brianna stood up as well.
"You're finally here. Couldn't you have been a little later?" Brianna crossed her arms.
"I can't afford to be late, Madame Brianna. Those were the rules you set yourself."
"Well, I want to change them then. Because you're a major obstacle," Brianna said with a deeper meaning that Agnes understood all too well.
Brianna didn't want her getting in the way between her and Islaw.
"Agnes, why are you just g-getting here now?"
"Islaw, I always arrive at this time."
"You should have just c-come with me," he pouted.
"She has no right to ride in my car. Islaw, you're the only one allowed. You're the only one I'll have my personal driver pick up and drop off."
"Why only me? What about my w-wife?" Islaw turned to Brianna.
"Don't mind her. She can handle herself, right Agnes?" Brianna raised an eyebrow, looking at her.
"Y-yes, Islaw. I can take care of myself, so don't worry about me."
"But I don't want to be the only one b-brought here and picked up. I'm in a car while you're just w-walking. I feel bad for you." He hugged her sadly.
"Stop flirting in front of me, or else."
Agnes had no choice but to comply when Brianna narrowed her eyes at her. She let out a heavy sigh before she was the one to pull Islaw's arms away from her. As much as she wanted to be affectionate with him, she couldn't; they weren't in their own home, and Brianna was right in front of them.
"Islaw, you can't do anything about it. I'll have you picked up and dropped off every day so you don't have to struggle. Because you're cute and you helped me, I'm giving you special treatment. When I'm not busy, I'll personally drive you myself," Brianna said, causing Agnes's heart to ache even more.
Who did Brianna think she was?
"Lady. Brianna, you don't need to do that for my husband. I'll take care of—"
"Shut your mouth before I shut it for you."
"What did s-she say?" Islaw whispered to her.
"Islaw, aren't you happy you won't have to struggle with the commute?" Brianna asked.
"It's okay for me to stru-struggle with walking or t-traveling. All I want is to be with my wife. The only r-reason I'm working here is for her."
At Islaw's words, a genuine smile finally touched Agnes's lips. The pain in her heart eased slightly. But what if, tomorrow or the next day, Islaw succumbed to temptation? What if he ended up like Erick, who left and replaced her with Brianna?
She didn't think she could survive that again.
"Didn't I tell you she can handle herself?" Brianna snapped.
"I-I still don't want to." Islaw shook his head.
"You're controlling him," Brianna commented, her eyes flashing with anger. "Fine. But I know you'll give up someday. No one lasts with that woman," she added with a smirk, making Agnes sigh.
She hoped Islaw would be the one to stay.
"Agnes, look at this." Islaw pulled her toward the sofa where he had been sitting and showed her an expensive coffee on the table, along with some gourmet bread. "Lady B-Brianna gave this to me."
"Islaw, didn't I tell you to just call me by my name?" Brianna pouted flirtatiously, which set off alarm bells in Agnes's head.
Her boss was flirting with her husband.
"Oh, right." Islaw scratched his head while Agnes remained silent.
"Agnes, taste this c-coffee."
"Islaw, you don't drink coffee, right? You prefer milk."
"Hmm-hmm." He nodded.
"Really, Agnes? Milk is for kids. You seem to be controlling your husband's life way too much. You even interfere with what he drinks?"
"Brianna, I-I really don't like c-coffee."
"You should give it a try." Brianna sat down next to him as if Agnes wasn't even there. "Just sit there and drink your coffee. I'll stay right here behind you to massage your shoulders."
Agnes's jaw tightened automatically when she saw Brianna press her chest against Islaw's back as he sat on the sofa, her hands beginning to stroke his shoulders. Agnes closed her eyes tight, trying to remain calm. Brianna was her boss—a boss who was openly hitting on her husband.
She couldn't tolerate it any longer.
"Lady Brianna, can we talk?"
"Sure. Let's talk here."
"I'd like to speak with you privately," Agnes said, gathering her courage.
"Agnes, can I j-join?" Islaw asked with a smile.
"Islaw, please go outside for a moment."
"But I want to be part of the co-conversation."
"Islaw, don't be stubborn."
"That's not fair!" he grumbled, stamping his feet.
"Islaw, please go. I'll cook your favorite dish later when we get home."
"F-fine, I-'ll go start my work. Bye-bye." He gave her a quick hug before heading out of the living room.
"Does your husband kiss well?" Brianna asked, smirking as she sat back and crossed her legs.
"Lady Brianna, what do you want with my husband? If you want to make me suffer or hurt me, please leave him out of it."
"That's actually a wonderful idea. Using your husband to make you suffer is quite tempting. But seducing him just for that reason? No." Brianna smirked. "I'm seducing him because I like him."
"Why my husband?" Agnes asked, her face a mask of conflicting emotions.
"Other than the fact that he saved my life, he's handsome and has a well-built body... there's just something about him I can't explain. All I know is, I want your husband."
"Lady Brianna, is this really who you are? Why do you want to steal everything? Why do you have to take everything from me?" Agnes asked, tears welling up. She no longer cared about the consequences of her words. "You already took Erick, the only thing I had left. I didn't chase after him, I let you both be. But why Islaw too?"
"Because I want him, too. And a Brianna Acosta gets everything she wants. There's nothing you can do about it because you're poor," she laughed insultingly.
Brianna stood with her head held high.
"L-lady Brianna, I'm begging you. Leave my husband alone. Please, think about how wrong it is to destroy a relationship."
"Oh, I didn't know that," Brianna replied sarcastically.
Brianna's mind was completely closed.
"We are married. Islaw has a wife, and it's me. Please remember that."
"I can still take him even if you're married," Brianna said with a smirk that made Agnes's heart race. "Agnes, you brag about being married, but no one even knows. Was there even a real wedding? Where are the papers to prove it? Show them to me. Then I'll tear your marriage contract up in front of your face before I shove it in your mouth."
"I don't have to prove anything to you. When I said he's my husband, it's the truth," Agnes answered bravely.
"Okay, let's just say you really are married. I don't care. Like I said, Islaw can still be taken. I won't stop pursuing him."
"Lady Brianna, have you forgotten you have a boyfriend? Erick!"
"So what? I never told Erick I was exclusively his. I'm not sticking to just one guy. I never said I was sure about Erick, either."
Agnes stared at Brianna in disbelief. She couldn't wrap her head around Brianna's mindset. Did she mean she wasn't serious about Erick? That it was all just a game after she ruined Agnes's relationship? After she stole her former lover?
"You know what, Agnes? Whatever else you say, I'm not listening—even if you are his wife. I'll get him from you. I know Islaw will give in to temptation, and he'll be just like Erick. He'll leave you and fall for me."
"Don't count on it. Islaw is nothing like Erick. As his wife, I know he is different from other men. He will stay with me."
"Let's see then." Brianna gave her a mocking smile before leaving her alone.
Agnes could only hope that Islaw would remain hers.