Charlene found herself seated inside a restaurant that was clearly far beyond anything she had ever known. Crystal chandeliers glittered on the ceiling, while the soft sound of a piano floated gently through the air, filling the elegant space with quiet luxury. She couldn't hide her awe—and she couldn't stop herself from comparing her simple clothes to the glamorous outfits worn by everyone else around her.
"Breathe, girl," Black teased with a smile.
Charlene glanced at him shyly. "It's my first time in a place this fancy. Sorry," she said softly.
"No need to apologize. Just order whatever you want. It's on me," Black replied, giving her a playful wink. Charlene smiled, her heart suddenly beating faster. She never imagined she would be sitting in a place like this—especially with someone she admired so much. For a moment, she felt like the luckiest woman alive.
"May I take your order, ma'am?" the waitress asked, handing her a menu.
Charlene froze. The long, complicated names of the dishes made her dizzy. After a second, she quietly returned the menu. "Just water, please."
"Are you sure, ma'am?" the waitress asked politely.
"Her order will be the same as mine," Black cut in. The waitress nodded and walked away.
"Why didn't you order?" Black asked.
Charlene lowered her gaze. "I don't understand the names of the food here," she admitted. Black and Lander laughed lightly.
"I see…" Black said with a grin.
A few minutes later, their meals arrived. Charlene stared at the plate in front of her, wide-eyed, as if she couldn't believe what she was seeing.
"Is there a problem with your food, ma'am?" the waitress asked.
"May I ask something?" Charlene said. When the waitress nodded, she added, "Did you run out of ingredients? Why is there so little food on the plate?"
The waitress smiled politely. "That's a special dish, ma'am."
"How much is this?" Charlene asked, eyeing the tiny portion.
"Two thousand pesos each."
"Two thousand?!" Charlene nearly jumped out of her seat. "This is just rice with three pieces of pork! That's so expensive! Back home, this wouldn't even be one full bite!"
"Hey, hey, calm down," Black quickly said, trying not to laugh. "I suddenly lost my appetite too. I might not even be able to pay."
"Charlene, it's okay," Lander said gently, holding her hand to calm her. By now, people in the restaurant were already staring.
"It's just so expensive… two thousand pesos could buy sardines for a whole month," Charlene muttered. "Let's just leave."
Lander sighed softly. "It's fine, Charlene. My brother can afford it."
"You won't make me pay, right? I don't have money," Charlene asked anxiously.
"No. It's free. Go ahead and eat."
Slowly, Charlene began eating, still feeling embarrassed. When she finished, a man approached their table.
"Oh, he's here," Lander said.
Both Charlene and Black looked up as Lander waved. The man walked straight toward them.
Charlene froze when she recognized him.
"You," she muttered, staring at Kerill. "You're here?"
"Yes. Me again," Kerill replied calmly as he took the empty seat across from her.
"How did you even get here?" Charlene snapped.
"Maybe by car," Kerill answered sarcastically, making Black and Lander chuckle.
"Annoying," Charlene muttered. Kerill heard her.
"Anyway, why are you with my brothers?" Kerill asked.
Charlene turned to Black and Lander. "You're brothers?"
"That's what I said earlier," Lander replied with a grin.
Charlene closed her eyes in frustration. "What do you really want from me? Why do you keep bothering me?"
Kerill leaned back. "Actually, it's the other way around. You need me."
"I don't need you," Charlene shot back.
"Don't you need a place to stay? Clothes? Food? Money?" Kerill asked coldly.
She had no answer.
"Relax, bro," Black said. "Let me talk to her." He gently guided Charlene toward the back of the restaurant.
Outside, Charlene turned to him. "What's his problem? Why is he acting like that?"
Black sighed. "Charlene… Kerill needs your help. Urgently."
"What?" she asked, confused.
"He wants you to sign a contract because he needs to win back custody of his children."
Charlene froze.
"He needs someone to act as their mother for a few months until he gets them back," Black continued. "And he needs you."