The next morning, Charlene woke up to the warm sunlight streaming into her eyes. She realized she hadn't closed the window before going to sleep the night before. With a sigh, she got up and went to the bathroom. Thankfully, there was a toothbrush waiting for her, and all the toiletries she needed were neatly arranged.
After washing her face and brushing her teeth, she headed downstairs to the dining area. Kerill was already sitting at the end of the long table, reading a newspaper and sipping his coffee. A selection of delicious dishes had been set out, instantly making Charlene's stomach grumble.
"Good morning," she greeted softly.
Kerill didn't even look up.
Instead, she smiled at Manang Dores, who returned her smile warmly. Soon after, Kerill's children arrived: Erica, the eldest in Grade 12; the twins, Wency and Wyl, both in Grade 10; and the youngest, Lily, still in Grade 6.
Charlene waved at the children, but they didn't acknowledge her and quietly took their seats. Manang Dores nudged Charlene, gesturing for her to just eat first and ignore the children for now.
"Dad? Who is she?" Erica asked, looking at Kerill, but he remained focused on his meal.
Kerill folded his newspaper and looked at his children.
"I want you all to meet your Aunt Charlene. From now on, she'll be in charge of the house whenever I'm not around—and you all know what that means."
"So she's the new mistress?" Wency blurted out.
"Wency, that's not nice," Kerill scolded, but she ignored him and grinned mischievously at Charlene. "I hope she doesn't mind playing with us."
Charlene forced a smile.
"Sure," she said. "I'll play with you."
The twins exchanged looks and grinned like they were plotting something. Manang Dores sighed quietly, knowing exactly what "play" meant for these kids.
After breakfast, the driver took the children to school. Kerill left for the office, leaving Charlene alone in the massive mansion.
She decided to explore the house. As she walked, she noticed the servants quietly watching her, whispering to one another.
"Oh, there's a new victim," one muttered.
"Bet she won't last a week," another added.
"Poor thing… she seems nice, though."
Charlene overheard the whispers but chose to ignore them, continuing toward the back of the property.
She noticed rows of pure white roses planted throughout the gardens. Their fragrance made her smile.
At the far end of the yard stood a small structure resembling a cottage, also surrounded by white roses. Out of curiosity, she approached it. The door was closed but unlocked. She was about to open it when someone stopped her.
"If I were you, I wouldn't go in there," a tall, handsome man in a uniform—similar to Kerill's bodyguards—said.
"Saviel," he introduced himself, extending his hand. Charlene shook it.
"You really shouldn't go in there," he added. "Mr. Wang will be furious."
"Why? Is he hiding something?" Charlene asked.
Saviel chuckled. "Something like that. Just leave it alone. You'll see."
She didn't ask further. Saviel led her back toward the mansion and spoke as they walked.
"All I can say is… good luck. And be careful with the kids. It's not just play—they always add a twist."
"They can't be that bad—" Charlene began, but Saviel interrupted her.
"Ma'am, they will eat you alive—especially the twins. If they start on you, it's literal chaos."
He paused before continuing.
"You're not the first woman Mr. Wang has brought here. Many have tried, and none lasted more than a week."
"Why?" Charlene asked nervously.
"Because those kids will do everything to make you leave. And watch out for the boss—his tongue is sharp."
He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"Good luck, ma'am. I hope you're the first one who lasts."
Charlene stood there in silence, unsure whether Saviel was exaggerating or telling the truth. But after her first encounter with the children earlier, she suspected he might be serious.
She didn't know if she had made the right choice coming here—but one thing was certain: the next few days weren't going to be easy.