Chapter 3

After a few hours, they finally arrived at NAIA Airport. A van was already waiting to take them to Ashford Mansion.

A man approached them. "Señorita, I'll take that for you and place it in the backseat," he said, reaching for Deanna's large bag.

Señorita? Oh no, I'm not rich enough to be called that. This is embarrassing!

"S-Sure," she replied awkwardly.

She was in awe as they drove past the towering buildings. It was her first time in Manila and seeing skyscrapers up close left her amazed.

Even the gate of Ashford Mansion was massive, making her eyes widen.

Whoa! This is just the gate, and it's already so grand! They must be insanely rich.

When the van stopped, someone immediately opened the door for her.

"Aren't you getting out, Ma'am Lilia?" she asked, noticing that Lilia was still in the driver's seat.

"Just call me Lilia, okay? I have an appointment meeting this evening, so I won't be coming in," Lilia replied with a smile.

"Oh, okay. Take care." Deanna stepped out of the van, and her jaw dropped at the sheer size of the mansion. A group of household staff stood outside, ready to welcome her.

"Welcome, Señorita Deanna!" they greeted in unison.

"Señorita? Ah—uh, thank you," she replied, feeling awkward.

Then, the elegant Doña Estrella stepped forward.

"Deanna, Hija, you're so pretty!" she exclaimed, pulling Deanna in for a hug and a kiss on both cheeks.

"Hello po. Wow, you're so beautiful," Deanna blurted out.

Despite being seventy-two, Doña Estrella didn't look her age. She was stunning, slender, and always wore high heels.

"Thank you, Hija. But you're just as beautiful," the older woman said with a smile.

"Hehe, I don't think so," Deanna chuckled internally. She's the only beautiful one here!

"By the way, Hija, these are the household staff. If you need anything, just ask one of them," Doña Estrella said, gesturing towards the staff lined up in front of them. "And I'm sure you already know Lilia Dizon, my secretary. I don't think she's here right now," she added, glancing around. "This is Thomas, the mansion's butler," she introduced, turning to an older man.

"Yes, Doña Estrella," Deanna nodded and smiled politely when Thomas bowed at her.

"You can call me Grandma Estrella because from now on, this mansion is your home too. Everything here is also yours," Doña Estrella declared.

Sana all sosyal! She even insists on being called Grandma, when 'Lola' would've been just fine.

"Uh, okay po? But I thought I was supposed to work here at the mansion?" Deanna asked, confused.

"No, Hija. From now on, you are part of the Ashford family," Doña Estrella stated firmly.

Deanna nodded, though she couldn't shake off her unease. She had assumed that living here and receiving an education would come at a cost—some kind of responsibility she had to fulfill.

"You can all return to your tasks. I'll personally show Señorita Deanna around the mansion. Thomas, bring her belongings to her room," Doña Estrella instructed.

"Come, Hija, follow me," she said, walking into the mansion.

Deanna followed, still in awe of everything around her.

"This is the main living area," Doña Estrella said, stopping to let Deanna take it all in.

"The main living area? It's so spacious and massive," Deanna gasped, her mouth slightly open in amazement.

They continued to the kitchen. "This is the mansion's kitchen. If you ever get hungry, you can request anything from Chef Elena," Doña Estrella said, nodding toward a woman in a chef's uniform.

"Good afternoon, Doña Estrella and Señorita Deanna," Chef Elena greeted.

"Good afternoon," Doña Estrella replied.

"Magandang hapon po," Deanna greeted, smiling.

After leaving the kitchen, they passed the dining area, which was just as vast.

"If you're hungry, you can eat here. Or, if you don't feel like coming down, you can call 102, and someone will bring your meal to your room," Doña Estrella explained with a gentle smile.

"Oh, that's a bit much. I'd feel too embarrassed to have food delivered to my room," Deanna admitted shyly.

"Hija, you're part of the Ashford family now. Whatever you want, don't hesitate to ask," Doña Estrella reassured her, gently stroking her hair.

"Okay, Grandma. Hehe, I'm just not used to this. I grew up poor in the province, and I was always busy. I used to plant crops and take care of animals every day. Here, I feel like I won't know what to do with myself," Deanna confessed.

"Don't worry, Hija. You'll adjust soon enough," Doña Estrella said warmly, handing her a key. "This is the key to your room. It's on the second floor. There are three rooms there, and yours is the one in the middle. I won't go up with you because I'm expecting a call from Lilia about an appointment. But make yourself at home."

"Thank you, Grandma. Take care," Deanna said with a smile.

"Wait, Hija!" Doña Estrella called out.

"Yes?"

"I have a surprise for you inside your room. Go check it out and come down when you're ready to eat."

"Oh, you didn't have to do that! Thank you so much!"

"It's nothing. Alright, I'll be going now," Doña Estrella said before walking away.

Deanna headed up to the second floor, stunned by how vast it was. There was even a living area upstairs, and three rooms were lined up next to each other.

When she entered her room, she was overwhelmed. It was huge, with a massive bed, a mini library, a study table with a desktop and laptop, and even an android phone. The room had its own bathroom, and when she opened a closet, it was packed with clothes. Another cabinet was filled with shoes and bags.

She had never seen anything like it in her life. Back in the province, five sets of clothes were enough for her. One pair of shoes, one pair of slippers, and one bag were all she ever needed. Tears welled up in her eyes—she never imagined she'd experience this kind of luxury. But deep in her heart, she knew she would have been happier if her grandparents were still with her. No amount of wealth could replace them.

Still, she had to accept her new life. There was no turning back now.

After organizing her belongings, she decided to take a shower and even tried the bathtub.

She was humming to herself as she stepped out of the bathroom, wrapped in a towel.

"♪ Dance with me in the middle of the rain, my lo— AAAAAAHHHHHH!"

Her singing turned into a scream when she saw a man lying on her bed.