​Chapter 1

​Darwin was driving his brand-new Toyota Altis along the stretch of the South Expressway. With him was his friend and business partner, Dodgie. They were heading to Sta. Rosa to visit the branch of Tesoro that was under construction.

​Tesoro was a bar and restaurant that had been operating along Quezon Avenue for two years. It was doing well. That was why the two friends thought of establishing a branch.

​Sta. Rosa, Laguna was the location they chose because it was a strong center of commercialism at the time.

​On the road, a large billboard caught Darwin’s interest. There was a photo of a beautiful woman in a close-up shot. There was an effect making her look drenched in sweat. She was holding a bottle of distilled water that she was endorsing to the public. Though she appeared tired, the woman’s look remained very fresh, her face glowing with a smile.

​“That’s Erika Enriquez! I’ve seen her in person, and she’s even more beautiful in real life,” Darwin told his friend.

​“Oh really? You just saw her? You didn’t introduce yourself?”

​“No time! I was escorting my cousin to a wedding and we were in a hurry. It’s a shame. I wish I’d met her personally.”

​“And maybe you would have made her your girlfriend by now!”

​“You're crazy! Do you think that model is easy to get?”

​“Why not? In my opinion, women with professions like hers are materialistic. They’ll do anything in exchange for a life of luxury. She won’t be at a disadvantage with you. Aside from being handsome, you’re wealthy too!”

​“Is that what you think, huh?”

​“I’m sure of it! Isn't her rumored boyfriend right now the very manager of the product she’s endorsing? Who, aside from being middle-aged, already has a bunch of kids!”

​“You mean, she’d settle for a married man?”

​“They say they’re separated! But even so! He still has a wife and many children, both legal and illegal!”

​“What does that mean?”

​“Legal and illegal children? Children with the real wife and children on the side!”

​“Where did you learn all that lingo? From your gay friends? Which is it? Are you going to be a showbiz reporter like them? Or are you getting infected by their ‘gayness’?”

​Dodgie laughed loudly. “Knock on wood, buddy! But if I ever ‘turn,’ watch out! You’ll be my very first victim!”

​Dodgie could joke like that because they both knew it was impossible. Both of them seemingly had reputations as playboys. If Darwin had many women he’d taken to bed, Dodgie was certainly not far behind. He just maintained a wholesome image because his father held a high position in the government. But based on his friend’s character—he was also a predator when it came to women.

​It seemed almost all of their female employees had been in a relationship with him. Even if he found someone attractive, he controlled himself from having an affair with them. It was difficult. He was the boss and they were the employees. A small mistake and he might be sued for sexual harassment.

​Dodgie was fearless. Perhaps he was more skilled than his friend when it came to women. He knew how to play his cards. And he had more money. So he was willing to pay any amount, as long as a woman would stay silent.

​In less than an hour, they reached the site. It was nearly finished. The style, size, and design of the building were no different from the main Tesoro on Quezon Ave. It was their joint idea. In short, Tesoro is Tesoro. It was their trademark. Even if the branch expanded, the concept would not change.

​A bell rang, signaling ten o’clock. Breaktime for the laborers.

​While the people were resting, they went around the entire premise with the engineer to discuss the developments.

​“I’m thirsty, buddy!” Dodgie complained after a while. “I’m going out for a bit. It’s too hot in here.”

​Dodgie went out of the construction site to look for something to drink. There was a burger machine across the street. But before he could cross, he spotted a vendor of snacks walking toward his way. He saw that she was also carrying refreshments like bottled mineral water, juice in tetra packs, and soft drinks in cans.

​Instead of crossing, Dodgie just waited for the vendor to get closer so he could buy from her.

​“Nene, some water please!” Dodgie said to the vendor he assumed was a young girl.

​But up close, she was actually a grown woman. She was just small and somewhat thin, which made him think she was still a child. By his estimate, the woman was over twenty years old.

​“How many, sir?” the woman asked.

​“How many am I? Of course, just one!” he joked with a smile.

​The woman also smiled, revealing a beautiful set of teeth. Actually, the woman was beautiful. Even though she was a bit sweaty in the sun, her brown skin was smooth and didn't look dirty. Her long hair was tied inside a faded hat.

​The woman set the pail containing the refreshments on the ground.

​“Go ahead, sir, you take it,” she told him. She was having difficulty because she was still cradling a tray of snacks (kakanin).

​Dodgie picked up a mineral water. It was cold because it was submerged in ice. He realized it must be heavy for the small woman to carry. He felt pity.

​“How much is this?”

​“Twelve pesos, sir.”

​“How much is your profit for every piece you sell?”

​“It varies, sir. There’s one peso, there’s two pesos.”

​“How much do you earn in a whole day?”

​“Usually, sir, fifty or maybe sixty. I’m lucky if I make a hundred pesos a day.”

​“That little?”

​“That’s already a big thing for poor people like us, sir. This is better than stealing or doing something bad.”

​He was impressed by the woman, so he stared intently at her face. The woman, in turn, felt awkward and looked away. “D-do you want to buy anything else, sir?”

​“What’s in the tray?”

​“Biko (rice cake), sir.”

​“Let me see! Did you cook that yourself?” Dodgie poked at the woman’s wares.

​She brushed aside the banana leaves covering the biko.

​“I just get these from a neighbor named Aling Goring.”

​“Mm, smells good. Smells delicious. Are you sure this is clean?”

​“Oh yes, sir. Aling Goring is a clean woman. She’s not messy. I wouldn’t take snacks to sell if I knew it would upset people’s stomachs.”

​“How much for all of that?”

​The woman’s brow furrowed as she replied, “It’s one-fifty for one whole tray, sir. But some have been sold, so it’s just one-ten for everything! Please don't tell me you’re going to buy all my wares?”

​“You don’t want me to?”

​The woman’s face lit up. In Dodgie’s eyes, she became even more beautiful.

​“Of course, I want you to! But can you finish all of it?”

​“Do you see those people?” Dodgie pointed to the laborers huddled in the shade during their break. “They’re hungry and they can finish all of that.”

​“Are you really going to give this to them? You’re not joking?”

​“I’m not joking. But I have a condition.”

​“What condition?”

​“Tell me your name!”

​The woman looked down. She seemed embarrassed. “You’re just teasing me, aren’t you?”

​“I’m not teasing. Just tell me your name.”

"...and I will buy all of that. The biko (rice cakes), even the drinks. But, tell me your real name, okay? Not a made-up one."

​"Raquel Atienza is my real name, sir. I can even show you my birth certificate."

​Dodgie laughed at this. "Okay, I believe you."

​Dodgie whistled to his workers who were resting. He gave all of Raquel’s goods to them for their afternoon snack. They were all delighted and rowdy with joy.

​"You are so kind, sir," Raquel said. She couldn't hide her admiration for the young man who, to her, seemed extraordinary. He was very handsome—looking like a celebrity. He looked wealthy. And above all, he was incredibly kind.

​"Where do you live?"

​"I’m just renting, sir. It’s not too far from here. But please, don't try to go there because it’s a squatter’s area."

​"Do you know that you don't look like you’re poor? To be honest, that job doesn't suit you. Why don't you apply for another job?"

​Raquel only responded with a smile to every question from Dodgie.

​"I didn't finish school, sir! That’s why I can't get a job. It’s better that I’m a vendor; I don't have a boss. If I work as a maid, I might just be maltreated. Besides, I don't have any relatives nearby."

​"Why? Where is your family?"

​Raquel fell silent. Dodgie immediately noticed that her expression had turned somber.

​"I suppose I should start packing my things now..." Shortly after, she said this upon seeing that the basket and the pail were empty. Based on her tone, it seemed she also wanted to collect the payment.

​Dodgie reached for his wallet in his back pocket...

...and took out some money. "How much do I owe you?"

​Raquel took a pen and paper from her small pocket and calculated. "Three hundred seventy-five pesos in total, sir!"

​Dodgie handed her a one-thousand-peso bill.

​"Oh no, I don't have change. My total goods only amount to five hundred pesos." The girl looked around. "Wait a moment, I’ll go get some change."

​"Never mind. Keep the change."

​"You are so very kind, Mister—?"

​"Just call me Dodgie. And don't call me 'sir' anymore, if possible. After all, our ages aren't that far apart. I know it’s a crime to ask a woman’s age, but... how old are you, Raquel?"

​"Twenty-five."

​"See? I’m only twenty-eight. But you look younger than twenty-five, don't you?"

​It was noticeable how Raquel’s cheeks flushed. She was truly beautiful when she blushed. It seemed that, for the first time, Dodgie was genuinely challenged by a simple and ordinary woman.

​"I’m about to melt because of all the compliments you’re throwing at me, Mister Dodgie!" Raquel said, looking down.

​"Mister Dodgie again? Can you just call me by my name? Let’s not be formal!"

​"Oh, alright! But I won't accept this payment if you don't change it! Please don't take pity on me too much! I’m already lowly, and you’re making me feel even lowlier! Just because I’m poor, don't think I’ll easily pounce on money!"

​"Hey, I didn't mean anything by that! I just want...

"...to help you!"

​"You already helped me by buying all my goods! But, if you pay me way too much, I’ll feel insulted. So please, if you have smaller bills, just pay the exact amount!"

​Dodgie clicked his tongue. Then he shook his head, feeling helpless. But he couldn't deny that he was deeply impressed by Raquel. Was this the first time he had met a woman who wasn't blinded by money?

​He gave Raquel four hundred-peso bills. "Surely now, you have nothing to say."

​Raquel smiled broadly. And she didn't forget to give him back twenty-five pesos in change. "Thank you very much, Dodgie. God bless you."

​Dodgie was dazed by the beauty of Raquel’s smile. Before he could fully recover, she was already far away from him. He failed to ask when and where they could meet again.

​"WHAT WAS THAT commotion with the workers earlier? I heard you gave them a treat?" Darwin asked Dodgie as they got into the car, heading back to Manila.

​"Ah, that? That was nothing! Why? I always feed our workers whenever I want to give them a bonus! Didn't you see? Last week we only visited here once, but the improvement was huge! They’re almost finished with the work!"

​"Really? Was that a treat for the people? Or a treat for that beautiful vendor?"

​Darwin knit his brow as he turned to him. Dodgie couldn't control his laughter.

​"Buddy, even that kid, you didn't spare?"

​"Buddy, she’s not a kid! She just looks like one..."

"...but she’s already twenty-five? And you can't underestimate her because she’s beautiful, buddy! Especially up close!"

​"Oh, so what’s your plan? Are you going back for her?"

​"That’s the problem! She said she just rents a house in a squatter’s area! But I didn't get to ask where exactly! It would be lucky if she’s always there selling her goods!"

​"If you’re really interested, then watch over her! Go to the site every day. Maybe you’ll get lucky!"

​"You’re making me sound desperate just for a vendor!"

​"Well, that’s a waste, right? She’s a 'stomach-filler' too!"

​"You’re terrible, Darwin Flores!"

​They both laughed.

​"But kidding aside, buddy... I feel sorry for Raquel. Later on, Dodgie’s tone became serious.

​"Why don't you help her? Send her to school! Heavens, how much is that compared to what you spend every time you go out with a woman?"

​"The thing is, she doesn't want to accept help! Earlier, I just gave her a tip, and she insisted on returning it to me!"

​"If that’s the case, give her a job! When she works hard for it, for sure she won't refuse!"

​"Hmm, good idea! Why didn't I think of that earlier?"

​"Then, when she falls for you, that’s when you strike!" Darwin said, followed by a loud laugh.

​"Crazy! I don't know, okay? But with someone like Raquel, I think I’d feel guilty doing anything indecent! She’s so pure... like a virtuous virgin."

"Whoa, Dodgie, maybe you’re feeling something else now! Maybe you’re actually falling in love for real?"

​"Me? We aren't the type to fall in love easily! The woman who can capture our hearts doesn't even exist yet!"

​"What if it’s that vendor?"

​"Buddy, she still has a lot to prove to me! Wait, why are we only talking about me? What about you! When are you going to bring Angie out?"

​Darwin smiled and shrugged. "You know I don't mess with our clients. It’s risky. I might get into trouble and we might lose a supplier."

​Angie was their regular supplier of imported condiments and wine. She was a divorcee of a foreigner and was openly showing interest in Darwin.

​She was older than him; she was in her early thirties but still sexy. And very beautiful.

​"The bad thing is if she molests you! She’s the one approaching you. Now, if she wants something to happen between you, she shouldn't expect a commitment! It’s fine if the two of you just have a taste of each other!"

​"You’re full of nonsense!"

​They were back on the expressway. And they passed a large billboard of Erika Enriquez.

​Darwin looked up. "If there’s someone I want to 'taste,' it’s her!"

​"Ha! Why would you make it hard for yourself! Go and look for her! If you really want her, you can easily find her. She’s a public figure; she’s easy to reach!"