Chapter 16: Chapter 16
After their heartfelt small talks, Miranda brought Francheska inside the villa. This villa's owner is now Miranda. It was given by Francheska to her before she left the city to go abroad.
At first, Miranda refused it. She cannot accept such a luxurious gift from her. But she eventually changed her mind after she heard what Francheska had said.
She said, "I am giving you this villa not because I wanted to reward you for your services, but because you are a part of my family. This villa will also serve as our home and you will protect and take good care of our home."
Miranda was so touched that she cried a lot after she heard what her Francheska had said. She never treated her like a maid but as her family. There is no greater gift for Miranda aside from Francheska's love for her. Miranda never asked for anything in return when she started working for Francheska's family, but she was not aware that she will receive such care from this child.
Inside the villa, everything was spotless. Every week, three housekeepers will go to clean the villa. Francheska was afraid that Miranda will make herself tired if she cleans this villa alone. Miranda was already in her 50's and Francheska is making sure that she has the necessary things she needs every day.
"Have you already eaten? I went to the grocery yesterday to buy all the things I needed to make your favorites. I know how much you love my cooking." quipped Miranda.
"Nanny, I want to eat your specialty today! But cook a small portion of it, please? I do not want to eat too much. My diet will be ruined."
"What diet? Silly child, you are too thin! You should eat more. It would be bad for your health if you are too skinny!"
"Nanny, I will lose my job if I suddenly get fat."
"Even if you become a pig, you are still adorable."
Francheska did not know what to say. Everyone was getting obsessed with her diet. Aside from Rissa, all of them wanted her to eat all the food to her heart's content. If she really follows what they want, Francheska will never fit in the clothes inside her closet within a week.
"But I still have to monitor the food I am eating, nanny. I will start shooting my new movie next week so I have to maintain my slim figure." Francheska explained.
"Cheska, that movie... Is it true that Rachel will also be a part of it?" Miranda carefully asked Francheska. She accidentally saw on the news that Rachel got the second female lead role in one of Director Cartel's movies. She then remembered that Francheska mentioned in one of her calls before that she will have a new movie directed by the same director.
"Yes. That news was quite surprised by all of us."
"Are you gonna be okay with it?" Miranda asked. "I am worried about you."
Miranda was worried that Francheska will get hurt again because of Rachel. As her nanny, Miranda witnessed how brokenhearted her Francheska was when Rachel together with her mother and sister hurt her physically and mentally. Those three were like three white sheep who entered their lives. But the truth was, they were really al wolves hiding in a sheep's skin.
"Do not worry too much, nanny. Rachel can never hurt me again." Francheska said in a determined voice. "During my stay abroad, I promise myself not to let anyone hurt me and the people I really care about in my life. If she dares to touch me again, I will fight. I am no longer the weak and coward Francheska they knew."
"Cheska, you can never stop me from worrying about you. You are my daughter. No mother wants their children to be hurt."
"Nanny..."
Francheska hugged Miranda once again. She really considered herself lucky even though she experienced a lot of hardship. There are still a few people like Miranda who chose to stay by her side and support her in every way.
"Thank you, nanny."
"Silly child. You do not have to thank me. It was a mother's duty to take good care of their child." Miranda said as she affectionately touched Francheska's face.
Francheska did not say anything and just basked in her nanny's loving touch.
"Nanny, I will visit my mom later. Can you come with me?"
"Of course, my dear."
"How is she? Did something happen these past few months?"
"Though the madam is getting healthy every day, she is still the same." Miranda said with a sad smile.
"I see..."
Trying to lighten up the mood, Miranda cooked for Francheska and they ate lunch together. While they were eating, Francheska shared her new experiences with Miranda. Miranda listened to Francheska's stories and sometimes asked her some questions.
That afternoon, their lunch was full of laughter and smiles.
-- Gift
received