Chapter 1: 1 Year Later

A year has passed. It has also been a year of suffering since Vanessa left.

Since she no longer had any relatives, all her property, including the house, went to me. I was forced to manage the businesses Vanessa left behind. I promise her that I will take care of her business. Of course, with the help of Atty. Charo Lim.

*flashback*

After Vanessa's funeral, I went home feeling so down, like I shouldered all the misfortune in the world. My eyes were still swollen from crying for so long. I just can’t help it because it’s too painful losing her. I roamed my eyes across the big house. It’s like she was still here. What do I do now? Why does all the misfortune happen to me? What have I done in my past life? Why am I being tortured like this?

*dingdong*

I wiped away my tears and went to the gate to find out who was outside the house. When I opened the gate, a woman in her 40s greeted me.

"Good afternoon! I'm Atty. Charo Lim! Attorney of Ms. Vanessa Crisostomo. If I'm not mistaken, you are Lexxeignne Morales, right?" she asked me while smiling. I nodded.

"Hm, yes. What can I do for you?" I asked. I wondered how she knew my name?

"It’s about Ms. Vanessa. Can we talk about it inside? It's confidential, Ms. Morales." she said. I observed her for a minute and I decided to let her inside. She roamed her eyes as she walked. When we entered the mansion, I led her to sit on the sofa.

"What do you want to drink?" I offer her.

She shook her head. "No need. I just want things to get done. So let's talk about Ms. Crisostomo's will of testament." she said and I sat across from her nervously. She sighed while looking at me. I have the faintest idea of what we’re going to talk about. It's about what Vanessa left behind.

"What is it?" I said as I cleared my throat, trying to calm my nerves.

"A few days before the accident happened, she handed me a will of testament if ever she'll die... It stated that all her wealth and properties will go to one specific person only. She already has signed it in case of an emergency." She paused and looked at me intently. I frowned. I felt like Vanessa knew she'd die one day. Does she have a premonition?

"So she doesn't have a successor yet? Oh no! So how about this house? And her businesses?" I said, feeling anxious.

"Ehem. I'm not done yet, Ms. Morales," she said.

"Ah, is that so? Oh, go ahead and I'll just listen then," I said awkwardly.

She cleared her throat and continued. "As I said, she already signed the testament and her successor is you, Ms. Morales. She called me before the accident to make sure to assist you in managing the company." She said, and my eyes widened.

"Are you sure?" I said in disbelief.

"I’m very sure, Ms. Morales. If you don't believe me, I guess I will start reading her will of testaments. Please listen carefully, Ms. Morales." She said, and she opened the folder she was carrying. She read the documents while glancing at me.

"I, Ms. Vanessa V. Crisostomo, transferred all my properties to Ms. Lexxeignne Morales as my successor. In this testament, I shall indicate all of my properties, including my bank accounts. All my properties are listed as follows; the Crisostomo Mansion, Crisostomo Group of Companies, Vanessa Fashion Company, El Crisostomo Product Manufacturing, Vanessa Studio, Vanessa Cafe, Vanessa Publishing Corp., Vanessa's Salon & Spa, and Vanessa's Restaurant. All of my bank accounts should transfer to her name. On my behalf, I fully granted Ms. Lexxeignne Morales to have full power to operate all my businesses. I have given her the full power to be the new CEO of all my businesses. I, therefore, signed this testament as proof that I transferred all my wealth to Ms. Lexxeignne Morales. "

I was dumbfounded. I can’t seem to digest all the information that Atty. Lim said. Everything she said still doesn't seem to sink into my mind.

This is just a dream! Please wake me up! I slapped my cheek and pinched my arms, but I winced in pain. So this is real. This is not a dream after all?

I felt like crying. Not because I’m glad, but because of the burdens that were placed on me. In an instant, my life changed. In an instant, I feel like I shouldered all the misfortune in the entire world.

Maybe if it happens to others, they will be happy and feel like they are in heaven. But for me? No. I have never dreamed of such a life. I ran away from it, yet I ended up being one.

But I could do nothing. It is now happening to me, and Vanessa has entrusted all her property to me. It just means she trusts me more than anyone. A tear streamed down my face again. I'm happy because even though she was cold to me sometimes, she still cares for me.

Thank you, Vanessa. I promise I will take care of all your businesses and everything that you treasure.

*flashback ends*

I sighed. Now, I remember again why I ended up in this situation today. I rubbed my temples. My head hurts at the number of reports I read. I only read the reports of the managers of each company through emails.

I only went to the company once. That's when I was introduced as the new owner to all the boards of directors. Only they know that I am the new owner of the company. I haven’t introduced myself to all the employees yet. Only the managers of each company knew my identity. Because it's not time yet. I am still studying all the possible things to do on how to operate a business. With all of Vanessa's business, it took me a year to study it.

Luckily, I’m not that dumb. It took me a year to figure out the ins and outs of the company. Even though I didn’t graduate high school yet, that didn’t mean I didn’t know anything. In fact, I know the ins and outs of the business field because I read and observe a lot before.

I was born smart, but I don’t show it to everyone, even to my family. All they knew was I was stupid. Well, who wouldn't call me stupid if all my subjects failed? I intentionally did it. Yes. I'm a rebel, after all. And they know what the reason is.

*riinnggg*

I almost jumped when my phone suddenly rang. I looked at my phone to see who the caller was.

Atty. Lim calling...

When I read her name, I immediately answered it.

"Yes, Atty.?" I greeted.

"Lex, I'll get straight to the point," she said.

I sighed. "Spill it out, Attorney."

"We had a meeting of the board of directors earlier. And they decided that whether you like it or not, you'll be going to school to finish your high school since you will handle the company soon," she said.

I frowned. "But--" before I could protest, she cut me off.

"No buts, Lex. Or else, they will withdraw all their shares. Do you want that to happen? So you don't have a choice but to go to school. I already enrolled you, so all you have to do is prepare yourself and I'll text you the name of the school. Got it? " She said. Are they threatening me?

I let out a sigh. "Ok. As if I have a choice." I said sarcastically and rolled my eyes, even though she couldn't see me. I heard her chuckle.

"Oh, before I forgot, your class starts on Monday. I'll send you your class schedule. Bye!" she said and ended the call.

What?! So soon? Geez! It's now Saturday and I still need to buy a notebook and everything needed at school. Ugh! I messed up my hair frustratedly. I could only let out a heavy sigh. What else can I do? I think I better go to the mall now to buy everything I need.

I wore my usual attire. I slowly messed up my hair to make it look like I didn’t comb. Then I put on fake thick eyebrows and put on my fake pimples. But I look so ugly with a lot of pimples. I took the fake pimples out and put moisturizing oil to make my face oily. When I was done, I put on my big eyeglasses. I fixed my bangs, which were a little messy. When I dress up like this, I look so ugly and poor. It’s my everyday disguise when I leave the mansion, so I’m kinda used to this ugly fashion. I laughed and walked out of my room towards the garage.

I hopped on my old motorbike. Why ride an old motorbike? Of course, for my perfect disguise too! I wore my helmet because I am a good citizen. The guard opened the gate when he saw me approaching. I hired a security guard because I realize I need a guard to maintain the security of the house whenever I leave, and I also hired a housemaid because I felt so lonely. The mansion is too big for me to live alone. Ms. Fe, which I called mother, was kind, so I hired her and also because she was alone in life. She left their province and went here to Manila looking for a job because her life in the province is difficult. She is in her 40s and still single. So she treats me as her own child. And she’s a family now for me.

I drove faster, but I noticed a motorcyclist behind me. He tried to precede me, but I didn't let him pass. When I turned, he turned too. I chuckled because he looked so pissed. Until we arrived at the parking area of the mall. He came down quickly after he parked his motor on the other side and approached me while taking off the helmet.

"Hey! What's your problem man?!" He said with an annoyed expression. Sh*t, he’s handsome! I almost drooled, looking at his pretty face. There’s not even a trace of pimples. So unfair!

He snapped his finger in front of my face, and I blinked my eyes. I got off my motorbike and took off my helmet. I exposed my ugly face to his pretty face. He suddenly stopped and looked disgusted. Hmmph! Judgmental!

"What? You're the one who was following me." I said while smirking. He laughed unbelievably. Sh*t! Oh, stop it, Lex! He's ugly! He's ugly, okay?

"Me? Following you? Hah! You must be out of your mind. How many times have I signaled you that let me pass and yet you're still blocking my way! Are you kidding?" he said with an annoyed expression. It's fun teasing him. He looks like a volcano going to erupt soon.

"Why should I? We have the same destination, anyway. So why bother? Tsk. I better leave now." I told him and walked away without looking back. I walked with a winning smile while he was grumbling in annoyance. It’s really fun annoying him.

"Sh*t, that girl! Hey! You! Ahh!" he yelled, but I kept pretending I didn’t hear him. I entered the mall in a good mood and then went straight to the bookstore. But I look for books I have never read, and that seems interesting.

It took me an hour to shop for everything I need. Since I'm stupid today, I drive a motorbike instead of a car. And now I asked the attendant if they could deliver it to my house. How great, Lex. Well, I can do nothing about it, anyway.

My stomach grumbled. I looked for a fast-food restaurant. Mcdo? Chowking? KFC? Aw, I’m having trouble picking a place to eat. In the end, I chose Chowking.

When I get to Chowking, the queue is too long. I can’t wait that long. I'll just eat at Mcdo then. Luckily, there aren't long queues.

"Hi, ma'am. Welcome to Mcdo, may I get your order?" The cashier asked. Oh, I’m next.

"Two chicken fillets a la king with fries, and hot fudge, and coke. That's all." I said my order and she repeated my order. I handed in the payment and waited for the order. It didn't take long and my order arrived. I picked it up and searched for a table. I immediately devoured my food when I settled.

I stopped eating when I saw familiar faces. Not just familiar, but I know them well. I felt like crying. Sh*t! Not here Lex! I averted my gaze away from them and focused on the food. I suddenly lost my appetite but forced myself to finish my food since I paid for it. I remained seated for a few minutes. Then I turned my gaze to look at them. How I missed them. They are happy. They were happy that I was gone. Not like before... Ugh! Forget about it, Lex! It’s now in the past.

I got up and walked out of the food chain. For one last time, I looked at them with a sad smile. It still hurts. And I thought I had moved on already. I guess it’s easy to say, but in reality, it’s hard to do.