My professor My mate

Chapter 1

I come from a poor family. My mother works as a maid in the Mondragon mansion, and my father is no longer around, having passed away early in my life. It's only my mother who supports me, and fortunately, the Mondragon family is kind. They've provided me with a scholarship, allowing me to study despite our difficult circumstances.

One day, I visited the mansion because they needed extra help. Don Simon and Doña Margaret were preparing for a grand feast as the twins were coming home.

Just hearing their names sounded intimidating, but my mother had already advised me on what to do and what not to do, so I wasn't scared anymore.

The first twin I met was Lauter. I got to know him as Lauter since he was the first to arrive from Manila. I served him a snack, and I felt comfortable around him. Maybe it's because he's friendly and approachable, not arrogant like others. I wished he could be my older brother.

While Brother Lauter and I were happily chatting-he's a great storyteller-his older brother, Frank Lin Mondragon, suddenly arrived. To my surprise, he seemed angry for no reason.

"Relax, Brother. You're scaring her," Brother Lauter tried to calm Frank Lin, so I looked at him.

"When did you start talking to the child of a maid, Lauter?" Frank Lin sternly scolded Kuya Lauter, making me automatically lower my head. Frank Lin's attitude was terrible, so unlike Brother Lauter.

"brother" Brother Lauter called him softly, so I raised my head again, but Frank Lin just turned his back on us as if we didn't matter.

"Don't mind him, Rana. My twin must just be stressed," Brother Lauter reassured me, and I simply smiled in response.

Frank Lin was a serious person who rarely smiled, as if the weight of the world was on his shoulders. He was intimidating, like he'd shout at you over the slightest mistake. I placed a hand over my heart because I felt it beating fast. I took a deep breath, unsure if it was anxiety caused by Frank Lin's aura. It was so different from Brother Lauter, who was cheerful, smiling, and had a pleasant demeanor.

"Come here, Rana," brother Lauter said, pulling me outside to the garden. He sat me at a garden table and gave me a thoughtful smile.

"Stay here, Rana. I'll be right back," he said before turning and running back into the house.

"Wait, Brother Lauter!" I called after him, making him stop and come back.

"I still have work to do. Nanay might scold me," I explained as I stood up.

"I'll handle it, Rana," he said with a smile before leaving me. I had no choice but to sit where he told me.

"What's taking so long?" I muttered to myself, looking up at the house when I sensed someone watching me. Our eyes met, and I stood up suddenly. It was Frank Lin again, with his usual serious expression, so I forced myself to smile, but he didn't return it.

"He's so mean," I muttered again.

"Who's mean?" brother Lauter asked, startling me. I hadn't noticed he had come back.

"N-Nothing, Brother," I stammered.

"Alright, Rana, sit down," Brother Lauter instructed.

"Okay, Kuya."

"What are you doing, brother?" I asked out of curiosity, causing him to glance at me.

"I'm drawing you," he said shortly, making me clap my hands in excitement.

"You know how to draw, Kuya?" I asked.

"I'm an architect, you know," he replied.

"Oh, sorry! I didn't know," I said apologetically, since we had only just met.

"Stay still, you're moving too much."

"I want that drawing, Kuya Lauter, so you'll have a gift for me," I said playfully, but he just kept concentrating on his work, so I let him be.

"Is it almost done, Kuya?" I asked after a while, starting to feel stiff.

"Almost, just a little more patience, Rana," he said with a smile.

"Kuya, you're so handsome," I commented, and he simply smiled and nodded. He could be a bit cocky, too.

After another five minutes, he finally handed me the drawing, and I was amazed. He captured me perfectly.

"Wow!" I exclaimed.

"You're so talented, Kuya!" I told him, jumping up and down in front of him.

"That's just basic stuff, Rana," he said modestly, ruffling my hair.

"I'll keep this for now, Rana. Next time, I'll paint you, and that one you can take home," he said, taking the drawing from me.

"Okay, Kuya," I agreed, and he excused himself to head to his room, leaving me alone.

I glanced back up, knowing Frank Lin was still there. I smiled at him, even though he didn't smile back.

"Goodbye!" I called, waving at him before running inside to find my mother.

"Rana?!"