Chapter 5

Deanna was jolted awake by the loud knocking on her bedroom door.

Damn, is it always like this here? Who the hell is knocking? I'm still so sleepy. What time is it?

She turned to look at the clock on her bedside table. Eight o'clock! Oh no, this is so embarrassing!

She quickly got up and rushed to the bathroom to wash her face. Once she was done, she walked to the door to step out. Just as she placed her hand on the doorknob, another loud knock made her clutch her chest.

Damn it! If this keeps up, I'll develop a heart condition before I even last a month here. Who keeps knocking like this?

"I'm coming! I'm coming out now!" she called out as she finally opened the door.

---

Amaury was absolutely irritated that his grandmother had ordered him to wake up Deanna.

"Amaury, wake Deanna up so I can introduce her to you and Claude," his grandmother instructed.

Of all things, he hated being ordered around for something so unimportant.

"Grandma, just have one of the maids do it," he replied.

"I'm asking you to do it, so don't pass it on to someone else. Hurry up," she said firmly.

Though he disliked it, he still had some respect—and a bit of fear—for his grandmother. So, even if he didn't want to, he had no choice but to obey.

He took a deep breath before standing up and heading toward Deanna's room.

Why does she wake up so late, anyway? He scoffed internally. She's not even special enough to deserve a wake-up call from someone like me.

When he reached her room, he knocked several times, but there was no response.

Is she deaf? This is seriously ruining my morning! If she doesn't open this door, I swear I'll break it down!

He knocked again, harder this time. Still, no response. Frustration bubbling, he stepped back and positioned himself to forcefully break the door open.

Just as he was about to do so, the door suddenly swung open—and he lost his balance, falling right on top of Deanna.

She let out a small yelp as they both tumbled to the ground.

Amaury's eyes widened when he realized how dangerously close their faces were—barely an inch apart.

Shit! This is so annoying! This is all her fault!

"Ow! Damn it, get off me! You're so heavy, you weigh more than a sack of rice!" Deanna yelled, blinking rapidly as she glared up at him.

"You suddenly opened the door! This is your fault!" he snapped back, pushing himself up to get off her.

"Oh, so now you're blaming me? You were the one who came flying at me like a damn squirrel! What the hell do you want, anyway?" She shot him a glare as she sat up.

Amaury scowled, dusting himself off.

"You're not special enough to have someone wake you up every morning. Don't make this a habit. It's annoying," he stated flatly.

Wow, rude.

"I was just exhausted from the trip, that's why I woke up late. It's not like I do this all the time. Now, why don't you go downstairs first? Looking at your face is ruining my mood," she snapped, rolling her eyes.

Her back ached from the fall. Damn it, this guy is as heavy as a buffalo!

Amaury just let out a huff before heading downstairs, while Deanna followed soon after.

When they reached the dining area, Doña Estrella greeted her with a warm smile.

Claude, on the other hand, winked at her.

Ugh, what a flirt. Does he really think he's that attractive?

"Good morning, hija. I'm sorry if I had Amaury wake you up. I just wanted to introduce you to my grandsons," the older woman said.

Deanna politely smiled back and took a seat next to Amaury. He felt like the safer option—if she sat next to Claude, she might accidentally elbow him in the face out of sheer irritation.

So, his name is Amaury. His name sounds so nice, but his personality is the complete opposite.

"It's fine, Grandma. I also apologize for waking up late. It was probably just exhaustion from the trip. Oh, and next time, don't make Amaury do it. Poor guy must've been so tired from just walking up to my room," she said sweetly, but her words were laced with sarcasm, purposely directed at Amaury.

Doña Estrella chuckled. "Oh, my dear, my grandson doesn't mind. Isn't that right, hijo?"

Amaury gave a small nod.

Wow, what a two-faced jerk.

Deanna shot him a glare when their eyes met.

"Grandma, weren't you going to introduce her to us?" Claude suddenly spoke, turning to flash her another grin.

Oh, please, like that smile is going to work on me. Hell no.

"Ah, right! I'm getting old and forgetful," Doña Estrella chuckled. "Amaury, Claude, I want you both to treat Deanna as family. She's the daughter of my best friend, Delilah from Bicol."

Claude smiled, but Amaury looked completely indifferent.

"Deanna, I hope you'll get along with my grandsons. Claude is the eldest, and Amaury is the youngest," the older woman continued.

"Of course," Deanna said. Though, if only Grandma knew how awful her grandsons were.

"You two aren't going to say anything to Deanna?" Doña Estrella prompted them. "Claude? Amaury?"

Claude smirked at Deanna. "Welcome to Ashford Mansion, Deanna. Don't worry, Grandma, I'll be good to her." He winked at her again.

God, he's so creepy. That wink makes him look like an idiot.

Doña Estrella turned to Amaury. "And you, Amaury?"

Amaury let out a deep sigh and stared at Deanna blankly.

Deanna immediately changed the subject. "Grandma, let's just eat," she said, sensing that Amaury had zero interest in welcoming her.

"Alright, hija. By the way, you should pick a course so we can enroll you at Universidad de Ashford, where these two also study," Doña Estrella announced.

Deanna's eyes widened in shock.

"What?! She's going to Universidad de Ashford too?" Amaury blurted out, clearly annoyed.

"Of course, hijo! Where else would she study?"

Amaury let out a sharp breath and suddenly stood up, walking away.

"Amaury! Where are you going?" Doña Estrella called out, but he didn't respond.

Deanna stared after him, feeling a small sting in her chest.

Is he ashamed of me?

Doña Estrella sighed. "I'm sorry about him, hija. He's always been like that."

"It's fine. Actually, would it be possible for me to enroll in another school instead? I don't want to be a bother to your grandson," she asked carefully.

Claude suddenly chimed in, "No. You don't have to do that. I'll take care of you."

Deanna narrowed her eyes at him.

"Hija, don't worry, Claude is here. He'll look out for you. Just ignore Amaury," Doña Estrella reassured her.

Out of all people, Grandma trusts this guy? My instincts are telling me to stay as far away as possible!

"Claude, take care of Deanna, okay?"

"Of course, Grandma," he said with a smirk, glancing at Deanna with a suspiciously amused look.

Deanna gulped.

I don't trust him at all. I need to stay far away from him.