Third Person's POV
When Eunice left Austin's office, she immediately took out her phone from her bag and quickly headed to the comfort room. Her fingers trembled as she dialed her mother's number.
"Mom, please... pick up," she whispered, her voice almost hoarse and trembling with anxiety. Tears welled up in her eyes as she felt the weight of the secret she was hiding. She called several more times, but the line remained silent. No answer.
She clung to the sink and bowed her head, trying to hold back her tears. She went out and headed straight to the pantry, took a glass, and drank cold water. It was as if that was the only remaining weapon against the rising tension in her chest.
After a few moments, she decided to just text her mother: "Mom, let's meet later, please."
When she returned to her desk as Austin's secretary, she forced herself to hide her feelings behind a smile. But her attention was immediately diverted when the elevator opened and from it emerged the elegant lady, Austin's mother, Amy. She carried an aura that was hard to ignore.
Eunice stood up and immediately greeted the lady with a hug and a polite kiss.
"Godmother, I'm glad you visited."
"I miss my son, dear. Is he inside?"
"Yes, Godmother. His friends are there too."
"Okay. Come with me, dear."
Eunice was the first to open the door, and Austin stood up when he saw his mother. He approached her and kissed her on the cheek.
"Mom, you visited."
"Hi, aunt," Austin's friends greeted.
"Hello, boys. Don't you have work? Why are you all here?"
The three of them looked surprised, hesitated, and awkwardly laughed.
"Ah... we miss Austin, aunt. He's always busy. That's why we took the time."
"I see. I miss my son too. That's why I'm here."
"Really, Mom?" Austin smirked sarcastically. "Maybe you just want to force me to get married again."
"Austin, my son... you're getting older. Your father and I too. I want to have grandchildren. I'm sure your father would be happy when he wakes up and sees babies around."
"Mom, I haven't seen a girl I want to marry."
"Eunice, oh. She's beautiful, kind, smart. I like her for you, son."
Eunice smiled shyly and nervously tucked her hair behind her ear, trying to suppress her excitement.
"Mom... let's talk about it some other time."
"Alright, I'm leaving now. Go home to the mansion later. Bring Eunice along, you two will have dinner there."
"But, Mom—"
"No buts, Austin." The lady firmly ended the conversation and left the office. Austin could only scratch his head, not because he was annoyed with his mother, but because of the idea that Eunice would be with him for the whole trip... and at dinner.
Meanwhile, Eunice's smile was unchanging as she left the office.
The dinner at the Garcia mansion went ahead. As Amy wanted, Austin immediately left after dinner. He couldn't do anything when his mother saw Eunice off to her condo.
Meanwhile, a harsh slap landed on Eunice's cheek from her mother.
"Stupid!" her mother shouted. "You're holding it, and you haven't even done anything?!"
"Mom..." Eunice cried, holding her reddening cheek. "He's looking for her... if I didn't release the proposal, he'd suspect."
"What you should say is that you're not thinking! Where is your brain? It's in your chest, useless!" Her mother's chest was notably large.
"Mommy!"
"Why? Isn't it true? Until now, you still can't get Austin."
"What do you want me to do if he's still not affected by my flirtations?!"
"Use your brain!" she pointed at her child's sense. "I can't always be the one to act. Remember, if Austin doesn't come around, we'll both end up in trouble. All my hard work will be gone! And Faith will be happy?! Huh! I won't allow it! Never!"
"No, Mommy. I won't allow it. Austin is mine. I love him so much. Please... do something... Please, Mommy..." Eunice sobbed, like a child robbed of a toy.
"Stupid. If you want him to fall for you, make sure you get pregnant."
"Mom..."
"Your child will be the heir even if he doesn't marry you. That's what's important."
"But... He already knew where Faith is mom."
"Let them see each other. Do you think I'll let them be happy? Let me do what it takes to make them separate again." The woman smiled like a demon while sipping her drink.
"Really, Mommy? I trust you."
"Stop bothering me, Eunice. Trust isn't enough. Act! Think of a new strategy to win Austin over. My patience with you is running out."
"Mom..."
"Your face, 'Mom'! Soon, I'll send you back to your worthless father. Just sell yourself at the market. Both of you are useless."
Eunice gasped, her knees suddenly weak. "Mommy... I am the one being humiliated. I am the one hurt by every rejection. Me!"
"Enough with the drama, Eunice. Use your flair properly with Austin!"
Eunice no longer spoke. She just cried, silently, like a child unsure if she is still loved by her own mother. In her mind, she wondered, "Does Mommy really loves me? Or is it just the money and status that matter to her?"
Her mother also left, leaving her in tears. Silence fell around her, like a sharp knife slowly slicing her soul. The door slammed shut.
As she wiped her tears from her cheek, her expression gradually changed. The exhaustion she felt was replaced by a fire ready to burn down anything that stood in her way.
"Austin is mine... He's only for me," she whispered, almost like a vow. Her voice carried a hint of hatred, desire, and desperation that she had long kept inside.
She was no longer interested in wealth. Not in the mansion. Not in the Garcia family's riches.
Only Austin mattered, like a distant sky that she could reach but never touch. And now, more than ever, she was willing to do anything for the man she loved.
In the darkness of the night, she promised herself she would not be defeated. She was already planning many schemes in her mind.
Not for Faith.
Not for anyone.