Inamorata's Ascent: The heir and the Pauper

CHAPTER 1

Undercover heir

The morning sun pierced through the thin curtains of my small apartment. I stretched and reluctantly dragged myself out of bed, knowing another long day awaited me at the café. Living in Manila as a constant hustle, but i took pride in working hard to support my younger siblings.

“Ate, gising na!” my younger brother, Carlo, shouted from the kitchen. “May breakfast na rito!”

I smiled at his enthusiasm and joined my siblings at the table. Breakfast was simple—just bread and coffee—but it was enough to start the day. “Salamat, Carlo. Huwag kayong magpapasaway kay Lola, ha?” i reminded them as i grabbed my bag and headed out the door.

The café was already bustling when i arrived. My boss, Mrs. Rose, was in her usual spot behind the counter, barking orders and ensuring everything ran smoothly. “Saoirse, you’re late!”, she scolded, though i was only a few minutes behind schedule.

“Pasensya na po” i said, quickie tying my apron and jumping into the busy crowd. Orders flew in and out, and i found myself in the familiar rhythm of service customers, balancing trays, and handling the register.

A few hours into my shift, i noticed Leon walked in. He looked different today—more composed, but still out of place in his neat attire. I caught his eye and waved, surprised to see him again so soon.

“Hey, Saoirse,” he greeted with a warm smile. “I thought i’d drop by for some coffee.”

“Sure, anong gusto mo?”, i asked, grabbing a cup.

“Just black coffee, please” he replied, watching as I prepared his order. “How’s your day been?”

“Busy as usual,” i said, handing him the cup. ”But manageable. What about you? Hindi ka ba nagwowork?”

He chuckled, “Not today. I have some free time so i thought i’d explore the area.”

As the day went on, Leon hung around the café, occasionally helping out with small tasks and chatting with with customers. His presence was calming, and i appreciatef the unexpected assistance. During a brief lull, we found ourselves sitting at a corner table, taking a much-needed break.

“So, anong ginagawa mo kapag hindi ka nagtatrabaho?” he asked, genuinely curious.

I shrugged, “Usually, i’m at home with my siblings, making sure they’re doing okay with school and everything. Wala akong masyadong free time.”

“That’s admirable,” he said, looking impressed. “You’re really dedicated to your family.”

I smiled, feeling a bit shy under his gaze. “It’s what i have to do. Family is important after all.”

He nodded, and for a moment, we sat in a comfortable silence, sipping our coffees. “Alam mo,” he began, “I’ve been thinking a lot about last night.”

“Oh?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Yeah. I realized i want to understand more about this kind of life,” he said earnestly. “To see how people like you live and work every day.”

I was taken aback by his sincerity. “Bakit naman? You don’t seem like someone who needs to worry about that.”

He hesitated before answering. “Let’s just say, it’s a personal project. I want to gain a different perspective.”

I studied him, intrigued. There was more to Leon than meets the eye, and his determination to understand my world was both puzzling and endearing.

By the end of my shift the café had quieted down, and i was exhausted. Leon had stayed the entire time, helping out and keeping me company.

“Salamat ulit, Leon,” i said as we stepped outside.
“Hindi ko alam paano ko matatapos yung work ngayong araw without your help, so Thank you.”

“Anytime,” he replied, his smile lighting up the dim street. “I’ll see you around, Saoirse.”

“Sure, ingat ka,” i said, watching him walk away