The Promise of Love

pte

doing here? Is he starting to investigate Mamu a

rdie!" peop

m at hand wrestling because he was very strong. He was always their c

nd where he got the audacity to enter Mamu's territory. The

d. They were all so excited about a new face in

hts. I looked at him and pushed Carlia away since she was the one stepping on the child

oked at us!" she shrieked, whi

countered. I could only sig

, making my heart beat faster. I didn't break eye contac

Ferdie graciously accepted his los

t's the prize

the crowd roar, especially Mamu's gir

, Leon. Pick a woman, and you can take her

, ready to leave, but fro

in the wh

th cold water. I couldn't move, m

e didn't mean me, right?

n? T-The woman in

hair and a child with he

't be Nana! We'll be in

hy

ce cut through, and I turned to see her. She w

nt?" Was this man insane? Did he even hear

ge to slap him. Th

ainara?" Mamu press

man in your place," he answered quic

asing, I couldn't help but feel my ch

inara to anyone, and she's not li

rned serious. "So, s

ooking for me, and now, I was curi

y she stared back, I immediately understoo

ith Richie and hea

ow you?" Richie asked,

u hungry?" I deflected, tryin

e asked eagerly. I nodded, still hold

. This was one of the reasons he loved coming with me-he

you because you're with me," I assured him. Richie

me to give to Mamu. I had

already there with Leon, the man bold e

Leon." His gaze locked on me, and I reluctantly approac

rominent, the same hands that defeated

d. Mamu smiled, gently stroking my ch

ition. I agreed because I think he's perfect for the job I have in mind. You saw earl

They weren't short on workers, and besides, this

ill accompany you. He'll be your t

w. She couldn't assign Leon to work

n my own. There's no need for h

nara," Mamu insist

t M

. The client is expecting you early," she sa

ibingka, Mamu. I made it mysel

ed, offering some to L

?" I asked h

anda and sat down. The

tega. You're speci

ean by that?"

differently. You may live outside, but her treatment o

point. What exactly are you p

isn't your concern. My plans are my own, and I

rganization just because it's your job?" I asked, hoping fo

while he ate, but he suddenly choked. He patted his chest a

ing," I replied, tu

the man followed me. I

e me cake!" I heard Richie cry lou

it! You're just using your Ate

my Ate Nana!" Richie yelled back, tears streaming

e child, I immediately pushed her away as

ter

are you a child too?" I asked her calmly, pulling Richie close t

coherent reply, and glanced behind me, cle

to get some. I wanted him to taste it, unlike you, who only give it to your men whe

ra, that

cut her off. She was deeply e

e water?" the m

f co

ie. She kept watching me as I took another cake a

audible. "Stop crying, Richie. Just ignore that woman,"

with a smile. I ruffled his hai

buy drinks. When we returned to the house, Rich

asked Mixie, the little

a sack of rice and some of the supplies you brought e

he same roof as Nanay Malia anymore. She was too old for such foolishness,

to look after our little ho

ly wants to enjoy the little time she has

?" I asked, noticing that all

s something delicious here," she r

rget to wash your dishes," I reminded th

Contin