After Black finished explaining everything to Charlene—especially the real reason Kerill needed her—she finally agreed. Over and over, she reminded herself that she was doing this not for Kerill, but for the children.
She knew too well how painful it was to grow up in a broken family. Her own father had left when she was still young, and even now, the weight of that absence still lingered in her heart. So when she learned what the children's real mother had done, she couldn't help but feel pity for them.
Everything came with a price.
In exchange for pretending to be Kerill's wife and acting as the children's temporary mother, she would receive one million pesos. For Charlene, it was an enormous amount—especially now that she had no home, no job, and almost no money left.
She carefully read the contract Kerill handed her. She didn't rush. She examined every line, making sure there were no conditions that would harm her. When she saw that everything was clear, she quietly picked up the pen and signed.
She placed the contract on the table in front of the man, who still looked as cold and serious as ever.
"Give all your belongings to Edgar. You're moving into the mansion today," Kerill ordered as he adjusted his necktie. Without another word, he turned and walked away.
Charlene let out a slow breath and turned to the man beside her.
"Are you Edgar?" she asked.
"Yes, ma'am. Please give me your belongings," the bodyguard replied stiffly.
Charlene handed over her few things and followed Edgar to the car. Kerill was already inside, talking on his phone, not even sparing her a glance.
As Charlene stepped into the vehicle, she couldn't hide her amazement. It was her first time riding in such a luxurious car—silent, cool, and unbelievably comfortable.
"Let's go," Kerill said.
The car started moving, and not long after, they arrived at his home.
Charlene's jaw nearly dropped when they passed through the massive gates. Even the garden alone was enormous, with two fountains in the center and white roses blooming all around. The scent of flowers filled the air, bringing her an unexpected sense of calm.
"This is his house?" she whispered to herself.
With its size and elegance, it looked more like a palace than a home—fit for royalty.
"Welcome to the Wang Mansion, Ma'am Charlene," Edgar said.
Charlene smiled softly as she took it all in.
"It's beautiful," she whispered.
The car stopped in front of a grand wooden door. As soon as it opened, several staff members greeted Kerill.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Wang," they said in unison.
"Let's go inside," Kerill said, glancing briefly at Charlene.
She followed him, still in awe of everything around her.
Inside, the mansion was even more breathtaking. From the polished floors to the high ceilings, everything looked expensive and refined. Soon, an elderly woman approached them.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Wang. You're back," she said politely.
"Where are the children?" Kerill asked.
"They're still at school, sir. They'll be home around five," the woman replied.
Kerill nodded and walked away. Charlene had no choice but to follow him up the stairs and down a long hallway lined with doors.
"Manang Dores, take Charlene to her room and arrange her things," Kerill said before turning away. "If you need anything, I'll be in the study."
Charlene was left with the old woman.
"Hello, Ma'am Charlene. I'm Dolores—but you can call me Manang Dores," she said warmly. "So you're the new woman Sir brought here."
Charlene frowned.
"What do you mean?"
"I'll explain another time. Come," Manang Dores replied.
They stopped in front of a white door. When it opened, Charlene gasped. The room was spacious and bright, decorated entirely in white—from the curtains to the bed and pillows.
After arranging Charlene's things, Manang Dores handed her the key.
"A while ago… what did you mean?" Charlene asked as she sat on the bed.
Manang Dores smiled sadly.
"You're a beautiful girl, child. I hope you're the one my children have been waiting for. Kerill is already tired of searching for someone the kids will accept. Monica will soon try to take them away."
Charlene froze.
"You look kind. I hope you won't give up on them. I hope you stay," the old woman added.
Left alone in the room, Charlene kept replaying those words in her mind.
"Are they really that hard to take care of?" she whispered.
Still, she forced herself to stay positive. She had grown up around children—her aunt often left her to take care of her cousins. She believed she could handle this.
Exhaustion soon overcame her, and without realizing it, she fell asleep—never getting the chance to meet the children who would soon change her life forever.