Red: A fervid temptation : The Lawyer's Bed Warmer

Chapter Two

IMEE

As the gladsome morning sun spills through the windows, soft rays cover my face, gently pulling me from sleep. I rise from bed, slipping into my robe, and march towards the bathroom, my usual morning routine. The cool splash of water on my face wakes me fully, and I prepare for the day ahead.

Like clockwork, I make my way to the kitchen for the one thing I can't live without—coffee. A nice, strong, brewed cup to kickstart my day. Coffee has always been my addiction, a constant in my life. Without it, I wouldn't even dream of stepping into my office.

Before I dive into work, I savor my coffee on the balcony, a ritual I never skip. This is my moment of peace before the chaos starts. The view from up here gives me a sense of calm, a necessary pause before the endless migraines that await me at work.

This lifestyle—coffee, work, and routine—is one I’ve become accustomed to.

After a few minutes of unwinding, it's 8:30. Time to get moving. Though I could easily stroll into the office at any hour, punctuality is a trait I value. I hate being lazy. I want to show up, put in the work, and feel that I'm contributing to the job I've worked so hard for. Passion and dedication keep me going, even when life feels monotonous.

With a renewed sense of purpose, I head back to the bathroom to get ready.

Prepared and poised, I stand in front of my mirror, adorned in my usual tailored black pantsuit—a sleek combination of fitted trousers, a crisp white blouse, and a matching black blazer. I slide on my Christian Louboutin heels, adding just the right touch of elegance. My hair, carefully styled to fall naturally, gives me that polished, professional look.

Grabbing my briefcase, I head out the door, greeted by Manong Ben, my loyal driver who's been with me since I was young. He knows me well enough to not even ask if I’m ready—he can tell from my focused expression. Besides, my nearsightedness makes it impossible for me to drive myself.

Nako.

That's one of my few personal problems, aside from my hair never doing exactly what I want.

The drive is short, and before long, I’m stepping into my office building. "Good morning, Ma’am," Janice, my secretary, greets me cheerfully as I walk in. I smile back, acknowledging her with the same energy.

Settling into my office chair, I quickly dive into work, the hum of tasks and emails grounding me in my day. And that's the rhythm of my life—simple, structured, and straightforward. Day in and day out, my life follows this same cycle.

But sometimes, when the quiet moments come, I wonder—will it always be like this? Will my life forever be a loop of work, responsibility, and more work?

There's a part of me that craves excitement, something unpredictable. But another part seeks peace, calm, and order. These conflicting desires confuse me at times.

To be honest, my life feels... boring. It’s only my job that keeps me alive, pushing me forward every day. But when I look around at my siblings, I wonder if I’m missing out on something deeper.

Bongbong is happily married with three sons. Irene has her own family and two sons. Aimee has a boyfriend. And me? I'm just here, alone, drowning in work.

Am I lonely? Maybe. Insecure? Definitely. Sometimes, I wonder if they see me as their manang, stuck in this cycle while they’ve moved on with their lives. I’m grateful that despite their settled lives, they never neglect me as their older sister.