Part time job

Five years after Marie was rescued, she has finished her college degree smoothly and because of the tough competition; she has to settle for a job that is not in line with her course.

It was half-past six, most of the employees are already at home, either getting prepared for dinner or for relaxation, but some would sit on their couch and turn on the television, because if it's six thirty, it's the news and most of them trust one of the most credible journalist in the country to read the news for them. At the Teodoro residence, Marie was preparing the plates for dinner while Gabo sat down and turned the television on.

"Where did Mang Caloy went?" Marie asked placing the food on the dining table

"He went to Tokyo for a convention," Gabo responded.

"I wish I can go to Tokyo too," Marie hoped, looking at the television.

"Good Evening, The economy posted its lowest percentage rate since year two thousand, analyst say one fact caused this percentage rate is the transition of power and confidence in the government" The news anchor started the broadcast as millions of families are watching her through television, "Meanwhile, a police was gunned down while eating dinner in his home."

Meanwhile, the Teodoros sat down in front of the dining table, eating dinner at the same time talking about the current events.

"Say, Marie how is finding work going?" Cynthia asked.

"It's going great auntie" Marie promptly responded "I got hired as a crew in a coffee shop."

"That's good to hear," Gabo added "I look forward to see you motivated for work."

"I will uncle," Marie responded "I will really achieve my dreams."

"Oh, I'm sure you would," Cynthia said.

-------

The next Morning, Marie, entered the coffee shop and approached a large sized man, sipping a cup of coffee.

"Welcome to the Café," The man greeted the lass, "I'm Dado, the owner of this place."

"Nice to meet you, sir" Marie greeted.

"So basically, you will be cleaning the whole area and serve coffee" Dado instructed and so Marie started her morning at the coffee shop, mopping the floor, soon after she started wiping the table, making her boss impressed, customers went inside buying coffee. She attentively took the orders and bought the coffee to each customers, her positive attitude radiantly shined in the place.

"Look at our customers, they're so happy," Farrah, of Marie's colleagues remarked.

"Yes they do," Marie replied "It's because of the coffee."

"No, it's because of you, you were serving them."

"Nah, it's because the coffee is delicious and because we serve them wholeheartedly."

Few minutes later, there were three men who went inside the coffee shop and sat down at the side, Marie approached them and asked what their order was and so they ordered one café latte. The lass went back to the counter and took the café latte.

"Those men are quite scary," Farrah said.

"They're still customers, we have to serve them" Marie admonished her and took the coffee to the customers who were delighted not just for the coffee but the lass' innocent beauty.

"You're beautiful," one of the customers said.

"Thank you for the compliment sir," a flattered Marie responded.

---

Marie wiped down the polished counter of the cozy, dimly lit coffee shop where she worked. The scent of freshly brewed coffee and baked pastries filled the air, a comforting aroma that had become a part of her daily routine. It was a quiet morning, and the usual hum of chatter was replaced by the soft strains of jazz music playing from the speakers overhead.

Marie glanced up from her task as the bell above the door jingled, signaling the arrival of a new customer. She looked up to see an elderly woman enter, her presence immediately catching Marie's attention. The woman was of slight build, with a gracefully wrinkled face that told stories of a long life lived. Her silver hair was pulled back into a neat bun, and she wore a tailored gray coat over a delicate floral dress. Despite her age, her movements were brisk and purposeful, and her eyes sparkled with a sharp intelligence.

Marie approached with a warm smile, her curiosity piqued by the woman's distinctive air.

"Good morning, ma'am. Welcome to The Brewed Awakening. How can I help you today?" Marie asked, her voice friendly and inviting.

The old woman's eyes twinkled as she looked at Marie, her expression softening into a gentle smile. "Good morning, dear. I'm Arra Chua. I've heard good things about this place and thought I'd come and see for myself."

Marie's smile widened. "Well, it's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Chua. What can I get for you?"

Arra settled into a chair by the window, her movements careful but assured. "I'll have a cup of your finest coffee, please. And perhaps a piece of that apple pie I've heard so much about."

"Coming right up," Marie replied, turning to prepare the order.

As Marie worked, she couldn't help but glance over at Arra. There was something captivating about the old lady—perhaps it was the way she seemed to radiate a quiet confidence or the sense of wisdom that lingered around her.

With the coffee and pie ready, Marie carried the order over to Arra's table. "Here you go, Mrs. Chua. I hope you enjoy it."

Arra accepted the cup and plate with a nod of thanks. "I'm sure I will, dear. Thank you."

Marie watched as Arra took a sip of coffee and a bite of pie. The old lady's eyes closed in contentment, a sigh of pleasure escaping her lips. "Ah, this is wonderful. You have a real talent for this, Marie."

Marie blinked in surprise. "You know my name?"

Arra chuckled softly. "I do. I've been coming here for a few weeks now, and I've seen you working. You have a way with people—a kindness that's rare."

Marie's cheeks flushed with modesty. "Thank you. I try my best."

As the morning continued, Arra and Marie found themselves engrossed in conversation. Marie learned that Arra had lived in the city all her life and had recently retired from a long career as a historian. She spoke with a deep affection for the past and a keen interest in the present.

"I always find it fascinating how people's stories intertwine," Arra mused, her gaze distant but thoughtful. "It's like a tapestry where every thread has its place."

Marie nodded, intrigued. "That's a beautiful way to put it. Do you think our lives are all connected in some way?"

Arra looked at Marie with a knowing smile. "I believe so. Sometimes, the connections are obvious, and sometimes they're hidden, only revealed when the time is right."

Marie pondered this, feeling a sense of resonance with Arra's words. "I've been trying to make sense of things in my own life. It feels like I'm searching for something, but I'm not quite sure what."

Arra's eyes softened with empathy. "Life is often about the search for meaning. Sometimes, it's not the destination but the journey that matters."

Marie felt a strange sense of comfort in Arra's words. "You're right. I've been so focused on seeking revenge for my parents that I've lost sight of everything else."

Arra's expression grew thoughtful. "Revenge can be a powerful motivator, but it can also consume us if we're not careful. It's important to find balance and remember why we started our journey in the first place."

Marie was silent for a moment, reflecting on Arra's advice. The old lady's words resonated with her more deeply than she had expected.

"I appreciate your wisdom, Mrs. Chua," Marie said quietly.

Arra reached out and patted Marie's hand gently. "It's the least I can do, dear. Sometimes, all we need is a little guidance from someone who's been down the road before."

As the sun began to climb higher in the sky, casting a warm glow through the coffee shop's windows, Arra finished her coffee and pie. She rose from her seat, her movements graceful and deliberate.

"It was a pleasure speaking with you, Marie," Arra said, her eyes twinkling with sincerity. "I hope you find what you're looking for on your journey."

Marie smiled, feeling a renewed sense of hope. "Thank you, Mrs. Chua. I'll remember your words."

Arra gave a final nod of acknowledgment before making her way to the door. As she stepped out into the bustling city streets, Marie watched her go, feeling as though she had just met someone who had touched her life in a profound way.

Marie returned to her duties with a lighter heart, the encounter with Arra Chua leaving her with a sense of clarity and purpose she hadn't felt in a long time. Little did she know, this chance meeting would soon reveal itself to be more significant than she could have ever imagined.

---

Marie stood behind the counter of the cozy, bustling coffee shop, focusing on the morning rush. She was polishing the counter when the bell above the door jingled, announcing the arrival of new customers. Two women entered, catching Marie's attention immediately. The younger woman was strikingly beautiful, her presence commanding instant respect and admiration. The older woman beside her had an air of authority, her demeanor reflecting a life of experience and power.

Marie's heart skipped a beat as she recognized the younger woman. Her colleague nudged her, snapping her back to reality.

"Marie!" her colleague said, pinching her arm to bring her to her senses.

Marie blinked, struggling to process the sight before her. "Is that Bianca Marino?" she whispered in awe.

"Yep, that's Bianca Marino," her colleague confirmed. "And the other lady is her sister, Jasmine."

Marie's admiration was palpable as she approached the table. Bianca Marino and Jasmine Marino were renowned figures, and seeing them in person was a surreal experience. Marie tried to compose herself as she approached the table with their order pad.

"Good morning, ladies. May I take your order?" Marie asked, though her voice wavered slightly as she tried to hide her star-struck expression.

Bianca and Jasmine were engrossed in a conversation, barely acknowledging her presence. A man seated at a nearby table, apparently a business associate, spoke up.

"Karl and Arisa's daughters," he remarked.

"Why do you always have to emphasize our parents' names?" Bianca said with mild irritation.

"Just tell us what you want, Rocco," Jasmine said, her tone clipped. "You know why we're here."

"Relax, relax," Rocco said, trying to calm the tension. "I know you want to know where Rafael and Kanna's child is."

"Where is the child?" Bianca demanded.

"Why should I tell you?" Rocco replied, his tone defiant.

"Because I'm Rafael's sister," Bianca said, her sarcasm evident.

"Well, I'm not telling you anything," Rocco said bluntly.

"Oh, fine. We'll just have a mocha latte," Bianca ordered finally.

Marie, still in awe, took their order and went to prepare it. As she carried the lattes back to the table, Rocco was struggling to free himself from Jasmine's grip. In his frustration, he inadvertently knocked the tray, spilling the hot mocha lattes all over him.

Rocco's face flushed with rage. He stood up abruptly, his anger erupting as he slapped Marie with his bare hand. Marie froze, her eyes wide with shock and pain.

"You clumsy fool! Look what you did to my suit! This cost fifteen thousand!" Rocco roared, striking Marie again. Jasmine, witnessing the scene, intervened swiftly.

"You're hitting a woman!" Jasmine shouted, grabbing Rocco's arm.

Rocco, infuriated, swung his left fist at Jasmine. She deftly dodged the blow, retaliating with a swift kick that sent Rocco stumbling backward. The kingpin was thrown out of the shop, crashing through the glass panes, followed by the chaos of shattering glass and flying debris. Bianca joined in, using a chair to fend off Rocco's guards, her strength and precision leaving them unconscious on the floor.

"Fight like a man, Rocco!" Jasmine challenged, as he tried to lunge at her once more, only to crash into another pane of glass.

"You will never get away with this, Jasmine Marino!" Rocco yelled as he fled down the street, his voice filled with fear.

Bianca and Jasmine stood amidst the wreckage, catching their breath. Bianca surveyed the damage with a mix of shock and frustration. "We didn't get the information we needed," she said.

"Yeah, but we can still track him down," Jasmine suggested.

"What have we done?" Bianca asked, looking at the destruction they had caused.

Jasmine stared at the mess and sighed. "We're labeled as monsters, but we did what needed to be done."

"Beautiful monsters, you mean," Bianca corrected with a wry smile.

Jasmine approached Marie, who was still sitting in shock, tears streaming down her face. "Are you alright?" Jasmine asked gently.

Marie looked up, her voice trembling. "I… I'm okay."

"Are you sure you're alright?" Jasmine asked, concerned.

"I'm okay, Ma'am," Marie replied, her voice breaking. Just then, the manager arrived, looking stern.

"Ma'am, I'd like to take my employee to my office," the manager said.

Jasmine's eyes narrowed. "Sure, but I'll be taking her with me," she said firmly. She helped Marie to her feet, glaring at the manager. "What kind of manager are you, treating her like that?"

"I was just reprimanding my employee," the manager tried to explain.

"Reprimanding by hitting her?" Jasmine's voice rose in anger. "That's the same thing Rocco did!"

"Jasmine, calm down," Bianca pleaded, trying to deescalate the situation.

"No!" Jasmine insisted, her voice echoing through the room. "If you were in her place, you'd be upset too."

"Yukari, that's enough," Bianca said softly, trying to avoid further conflict.

"You can fire this woman," Jasmine declared to the manager, "but I'm taking her with me."

Bianca looked at Jasmine in shock. "Are you out of your mind?"

"Of course I am," Jasmine replied with determination. "This girl deserves better."

Bianca and Jasmine ushered Marie into their car, and the trio sped away from the scene of chaos.

"Jasmine, what are you going to do with her?" Bianca asked as they drove.

"I haven't decided yet," Jasmine said cryptically.

"We could have just paid for the damages and left it at that," Bianca suggested.

"Jasmine, why are you so reckless?" Bianca asked, her frustration evident.

"Jasmine, we're sisters, after all," Bianca continued. "You're a CEO; you shouldn't be making decisions like this."

"Bianca, you talk too much," Jasmine responded tersely.

"I love you as my sister, just like I love my daughters," Bianca said.

"So, you don't love Edmund?" Bianca interrupted.

"I do, but I'm not sure about him," Jasmine admitted.

"Why are we even talking about Edmund?" Bianca asked.

"You know, he's dating someone else," Jasmine said.

"And you're a news anchor; you shouldn't have joined the fight. It'll ruin your image," Bianca pointed out.

"I'm not a celebrity," Bianca countered.

"You're a public figure," Jasmine argued.

"It's not the same," Bianca insisted.

Jasmine and Bianca arrived at the old Marino Mansion, exhausted from the day's events. They led Marie into the living room and told her to wait.

"Stay here while we change," Jasmine instructed Marie. As Marie waited, she noticed portraits of the Marino siblings hanging in the gallery. She approached and examined them with curiosity.

"They're really good-looking," Marie remarked, just as the door opened, revealing Mako Marino entering.

"Mako Marino," Marie murmured, recognizing the woman.

"Mako, you're here," Jasmine said, descending the stairs.

"Who is this girl?" Mako asked, eyeing Marie.

"She's someone we found at the coffee shop," Bianca explained.

"I don't understand," Mako said, puzzled.

"I took her because her manager was mistreating her," Jasmine said.

Just then, Rina entered the mansion, greeting her sisters. She noticed Marie and approached her, scrutinizing her carefully.

"Hey, aren't you the beauty queen from Nueva Vizcaya?" Rina asked.

Marie nodded, tears still in her eyes. Rina sat down next to her. "What brings you to this land of trouble?"

Marie's tears flowed freely as she looked at Rina. "They killed my parents," she said, her voice cracking with grief. "They were oppressed and murdered."

"By whom?" Jasmine asked urgently.

"A local landlady," Marie replied.

"Let me guess, Agatha Serrano?" Mako interjected. "I've been tracking her ambitions to conquer the north."

"They pillaged our land, threatened our farmers, and killed my parents," Marie sobbed.

"With that kind of ruthlessness, she's bound to succeed," Rina remarked.

"Now the pieces are starting to fit together," Bianca said thoughtfully.

"So that's why Agatha wants to align with us," Jasmine concluded.

"A woman named Marika killed my parents," Marie said, causing a stunned silence to fall over the room.

"Is this Marika an elderly woman?" Mako asked, to which Marie nodded.

"She's likely after this girl," Rina said.

"So what will you do with her?" Bianca asked Jasmine.

"Why would she be a problem to Marika?" Mako questioned.

"Marika is an assassin," Rina reminded them. "She's a fugitive."

"This is becoming a bigger issue than I thought," Jasmine said, feeling overwhelmed by the new responsibility.

"I have a husband who's a mama's boy," Jasmine continued. "My mother-in-law wants to replace Satan on his throne. My daughters are rebellious. Rafael has issues with his new girlfriend. And I've got a problem with Hiroshi Tsukamoto. And Riho is undergoing treatment. What more can go wrong?"

"You also have to handle Jessica's marriage," Rina added.

"I suppose my name shouldn't be Jasmine," Jasmine said with resignation.

"It should be Bond or Witch," Bianca teased.

"Do you want me to reveal your secret?" Jasmine threatened, giving Bianca a sharp look.

"Well, I was just joking," Bianca said quickly. "I know it's annoying."

"This girl will be my new secretary," Jasmine declared, surprising her sisters. "You heard me, my new secretary."

"Are you sure about this?" Rina asked.

"Absolutely," Jasmine confirmed. She took Marie to her vehicle and sped away, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

--------------------

It was six o'clock at the Welina Hotel, the crowning glory of the Marinos, Jasmine and the rest arrived together with her sisters, at the lobby they were warmly greeted by the members of the press and the delegates, seemingly they noticed that aside from the sisters, a girl was following them, much to their curiosity, the press quickly who the girl was.

"Ms. Marino, who is this beautiful lady beside you?" a reporter asked Jasmine.

"My new secretary," Jasmine frankly answered, the press were surprised, murmuring that the girl was so luck that she was invited by the Marinos to join a pageant that happens only in a blue moon.

The fashion show was of course filled with elegant and beautiful women walking down the catwalk, while the Marinos together with the Innovare Inc. executives are watching.

"Wow, look at those girls," the hermit remarked sitting beside Marie "But wait, look at that guy, wearing a red trench coat and a cane, it's insulting."

"Look at that guy in a red trench coat and a cane, it's really insulting," Jasmine remarked to which Marie was deeply surprised "Honestly, I know that guy's girlfriend is here and she's a disciple of that money making cult."

Besides, I am only here because my daughter wants me to be here."

It was past ten in the evening at the Teodoro residence, Cynthia couldn't help but stand infront of their house waiting for her niece, and Gabo on the other hand was just waiting for the clock to strike twelve to find the lass.

"I wonder where that girl is now" an anxious Cynthia said

"Relax, I'm sure she is in good hands" Gabo assured his daughter

"Yeah but what if something happens to her?" Cynthia raised the concern "The old man might wonder where she is."

"Mang Caloy knows the kid more than we do," Gabo reminded his daughter when a van stopped in front of their house, suddenly Marie emerged out of the van to which the Teodoro couple were relieved.

"Uncle, Auntie, I'm sorry I'm late," Marie told the two "I attended a fashion show, and it was fun."

"That's okay, we're glad that you're alright," Cynthia told her niece.

"So this is your house?" Jasmine said emerging out of the van surprising Gabo and Cynthia.

"Yes, Ms. Jasmine, thank you for bringing me to the fashion show," Marie thanked her new boss.

"No problem, see you tomorrow and don't be late," Jasmine said before going nside the van and sped off

"Aunt, Uncle I will take a rest for now," Marie asked her guardians.

"You can now," Gabo responded, seemingly Cynthia was stunned by what she saw, looking at the old man's eyes with much anxiety.