Reincarnated as a Fisherman and a Dad

[Pujimaki]

Reincarnated as a Fisherman and a Dad Chapter 60

Maya was so happy that she inspected the pearl a second time, turning it over in her palm. She was still mesmerized by it.

"Let me see."

Maya passed the pearl to Karlos. Its size alone was quite impressive, comparable to a small coin. The silver-white pearl was different from the average pearls they had seen. A faint shimmer on its smooth surface reflected the light, making it glow faintly like moonlight. It shone with a soft silver radiance.

Karlos was equally amazed by its beauty.

"Isn't it amazing? Babe, how much do you think we could sell this pearl for?"

"You want to sell it?" Karlos asked. He had expected Maya would want to keep it.

"I want to ensure we have enough funds to build a house. If we are going to spend money, then I want it to be done perfectly," Maya replied. Though hesitant about selling the pearl, her maternal instincts pushed her to think of their children first.

"We can sell this for at least 100,000 pesos. This pearl has no blemishes and is perfectly round," Karlos said, returning the pearl to Maya.

"Hm, this pearl is too beautiful," she said, grinning.

"No matter how beautiful this pearl is, you will always be more beautiful," Karlos replied calmly, his eyes steady and serious, not playful as he returned to shucking the conch.

Maya looked at him, realizing he wasn't joking.

'What? You're just going to say that and return to shucking the conch? Shouldn't you at least give me a kiss or something?' Her cheeks warmed, and she quickly glanced away. Her heart pounded faster, leaving her restless. She had been expecting a romantic gesture. Her husband knew exactly how to make her heart skip a beat.

When Karlos was almost done, with only four conches left, he shucked one and found a pink oval pill. He washed it in water until the salt and slime were gone, revealing its natural luster.

"Babe… is this a pearl?"

Having been a fisherman for about three years, Karlos's knowledge of pearls was limited.

Maya approached him curiously and saw the pink oval pearl. Her eyes widened as she confirmed it.

"K-Karlos, that's a pearl!"

"Really!? I'm not sure because it's pink."

"Pearls from conch are rare, and they can be different colors, like orange, pink, and white!" Maya held the pink pearl as if it were a fragile treasure.

"Does that mean I also struck gold?"

"You struck gold! Karlos!"

Karlos was thrilled. He hugged Maya's waist and lifted her off the ground, making her yelp and giggle in surprise.

When he put her down, Maya gasped for air, flustered by his sudden gesture. She quickly returned her attention to the pink pearl.

"It has no blemishes, but it's oval, a perfect oval. I'm not sure if we can sell it for a high price," Maya muttered. The pearl was only a centimeter long.

"Let's have them appraised later."

"Hm, let's do that. If our budget isn't enough for the house, we can appraise and sell our pearls," Maya agreed.

Karlos shucked the remaining conches but found nothing else. Still, earning three pearls that day was a pleasant surprise, and for the first time in days of storms, the couple felt fortune smiling upon them.

After pearl hunting, the couple cleaned the house, sweeping away damp dust, straightening the furniture, and airing out rooms that still smelled faintly of water. Electricity returned that night, and the family watched the news to check if the weather would remain calm the next day.

The next day, Karlos didn't sail because the waves were still erratic and strong. Despite the clear blue sky, he knew better than to underestimate the ocean.

Instead, he went to the construction company to meet contractor Patrick or Engineer Montoya. As last time, Patrick was busy, while Engineer Montoya was available.

"You want to build a house?" Montoya asked.

"We're not looking for anything expensive, like a two-story house. We just want something simple but sturdy. Our kubo has leaks, and I think it's time to build a proper house," Karlos explained.

"That's great!" Engineer Montoya was naturally happy, already picturing the project and his potential commission.

"I made a rough estimate last time, right?"

"Yes, you said 1.4 million pesos for a 150-square-meter house," Karlos answered.

"Then let's go to your place. I'll call a surveyor to come with us. His name's Franco."

A few minutes later, they reached Karlos's place.

"This is your house?" Franco curiously asked.

"That's right," Karlos confirmed.

"So I assume this sports car is yours too?" Montoya muttered.

"Huh?"

Karlos had no idea what he was talking about. But when he stepped out of Montoya's car, he saw a bright red Ferrari parked in front of his gate. Its sleek design, polished metal, and glossy finish looked completely out of place on the rural road. Its presence drew the attention of everyone nearby.

Some neighbors gathered outside, gossiping about the car. Whispers spread quickly, speculating a celebrity had arrived or perhaps the child of a politician. A few kids tried to touch it but were pulled back by their parents. A Ferrari was a rare sight in their town; they had only seen it on television.

Karlos frowned, confused.

"Let's go inside," he said, opening the wooden gate.

Montoya and the surveyor Franco followed, equally awed and confused. Karlos didn't appear wealthy enough to own a sports car. Did he buy it before building a house? It seemed hard to believe and impractical.

Inside, two men in sunglasses were talking to Maya, who wore a worried expression.

"Babe, what's going on?" Karlos asked.

"Karlos," Maya said, relieved to see him, though she still didn't know what was happening. "These men are looking for you."

"Indeed, looks like you're the Karlos we're looking for."

Roman was the first to greet Karlos, removing his sunglasses.

"You're Roman, right? Why are you here? If it's about a refund for the Bluefin Tuna you bought, you won't get any money," Karlos recalled. He thought this rich man wanted his money back.

"Why would you think I want a refund?"

"I don't know. Why are you even here?"

 

[Pujimaki]

Reincarnated as a Fisherman and a Dad Chapter 61


"So, um... is that Karlos's older brother? They look alike." Montoya squinted slightly as he compared the features of Karlos and Roman, noticing the resemblance.

He asked Maya while he and Franco began surveying the land, carefully measuring distances and taking mental notes about the topography.

"I don't think so. My husband is handsome. They don't look alike at all." Maya gave Montoya a 'are you alright?' look. Her tone carried a mix of amusement, as if she found the question ridiculous.

Maya had met Montoya a few times when his team renovated the shop, so they were familiar with each other.

"..."

Montoya was left speechless. He blinked, unsure whether he should say more. Everyone could see the resemblance between Karlos and Roman, especially after Roman removed his sunglasses, revealing deep blue eyes that reflected a calm expression.

"Ma'am, your land is 300 square meters, correct?" Franco asked Maya.

"That's right, I inherited it from my parents." She brushed her hand over the corner of the fence, her thoughts drifting to the memories her family had made here. Her parents once planted crops on this very soil.

"So what size do you want your house to be?"

"At least 150 square meters, but I want walking space on either the left or right side of the plot. Is that possible?" She gestured with her hands, picturing herself walking freely, her children running, and a small garden thriving beside the house.

"Absolutely. The land is already flat, so it'll be much easier to start building. Now, I have a few house designs here. Would you mind telling me what you want?"

"... What's the cheapest?" Of course, Maya would ask that. Her practical side always came out when it came to expenses, especially for a project this big and important.

Franco wasn't surprised, this was a common reaction.

"The cheapest is 1.4 million pesos, but that quotation depends on the materials. And from what I see, you'll probably want a sturdier fence instead of old wood, am I right?"

"If it's within budget, yes." Maya nodded, adjusting the folder in her hands. She flipped through the pages quickly, her eyes scanning for anything too flashy or costly.

"Well then, here are some designs with low quotations," Franco said.

Maya flipped through the pages curiously. Some designs caught her attention, and her eyes lingered on a layout with a cozy front porch and plenty of space for plants.

.........
......
...

"So why are you here? Don't tell me you actually want a refund," Karlos asked Roman with a judging look.

"Do I look desperate for money to be asking for a refund?"

"I don't know, you tell me."

"Of course not."

"So what's the real reason you're here then? And who's this guy?"

Karlos glanced at the other man in a baseball cap and sunglasses. He looked cautious, as if hiding his identity, making Karlos wonder if he should be wary.

"He's the reason I came. He's been looking for you," Roman explained.

The man removed his cap and sunglasses before introducing himself.

"I'm Larry Araneto," he said. His light orange hair and blue eyes made him stand out.

"Wait a minute, you're the guy I saved when you were stranded in the middle of the sea." Karlos was shocked. He hadn't expected to meet him today. He had only saved him out of goodwill, never expecting anything in return, especially from someone who seemed dubious.

"I want to thank you for that," Larry said, slightly lowering his head. His tone carried genuine sincerity.

"I see. So you're here to express gratitude. Don't worry about it, I saved you because it was the right thing to do."

"I know. I was hoping you'd return to the island so I could thank you properly, but it seems you're not asking for a reward," Larry said with a small chuckle.

"Nah, it's alright. You don't have to give me money."

Karlos wasn't the type to expect goodwill, especially from strangers. Even his own family in Maynila had never expressed appreciation for what he did for them, so he had little tolerance for expecting kindness from outsiders.

Larry found that admirable. He grew up in an environment where everyone around him always wanted something. Karlos's attitude was refreshing.

"So, you guys know each other?" Karlos asked.

"We're cousins," Roman replied.

"I see."

"Looks like you're busy? What's with the surveyor?" Roman changed the subject, looking at Maya as she spoke with Montoya and Franco while flipping through the folders.

"We're thinking of building a proper house," Karlos explained.

"Yeah, you really need to do that. I can't believe you're living in this small bamboo shed. Look at your kids watching us curiously, I can't fathom how they'll grow up in a place this small. That would be disastrous." Roman scrutinized the kubo. Its bamboo walls were thin, the roof fragile, and the floor creaked when stepped on. His bathroom was thrice bigger than the entire kubo.

'Well, sorry, mister rich guy. We don't have money to build a house,' Karlos wanted to say that out loud.

"How much does building a house even cost?" Larry asked.

"The engineer said at least 1.4 million pesos."

"That's it?"

"I thought it would be more expensive. Just 1.4 million pesos?" Both Roman and Larry were surprised at how cheap it sounded.

"... "

Karlos looked at the two rich men with disgust.

"You guys have no idea how expensive 1.4 million is."

"Of course I know. That was my monthly allowance in high school," Roman said, and Larry nodded in agreement.

Karlos realized they lived in a completely different world. There was no point in explaining how ordinary people lived.

"Anyway, if you're just here to say thanks, that's fine. I'm not expecting anything in return. I'm just glad you're alive," Karlos said.

'Also, the fact that you're wearing a cap and sunglasses to hide your face shows that something is wrong with you,' Karlos thought as he glanced at Larry. There was something about his stance that radiated caution.

"Babe, I think this design would be perfect for our house. What do you think?" Maya approached Karlos, showing him a layout. It was an L-shaped house with space for a garden, one of the reasons she liked it.

"It looks great. Then let's go with this," Karlos smiled. Anything for his wife.

"This design isn't complex, but it'll cost at least 2 million pesos. You'll also need to find a place to live for about six months while construction is ongoing. It'll be noisy all day," Engineer Montoya explained.

"2 million pesos?"

The couple smiled bitterly. Their savings barely exceeded that amount. They exchanged a glance filled with both anxiety and determination, already imagining the sacrifices ahead.

"Looks like we really have to sell the pearls," Maya said, and Karlos nodded.

"We'll also need to find somewhere to live for six months," Karlos added.

"I have a solution for that," Larry said with a grin.

Everyone turned to him, waiting for his answer.

 

[Pujimaki]

Reincarnated as a Fisherman and a Dad Chapter 62


Now that he had caught their attention, Larry cleared his throat and discussed his intention with a composed yet slightly proud tone.

"I have a house near the bay harbor. You can live there for half a year and it won't be a problem. You don't have to pay any rent, it's my way of returning the favor," Larry Araneto spoke firmly, his voice sincere enough that everyone briefly looked up in surprise.

Maya turned to Karlos, waiting for his response, unsure if they should trust someone they barely knew. Larry's offer seemed great, but she had to trust her husband. She knew about Karlos saving Larry, but she didn't expect that Larry would show up today and express his intention of helping in such a generous way, it almost felt unreal.

"Your house?" Karlos asked with a hint of suspicion, his brows slightly furrowed.

"I have a property at the bay harbor. I know that you work as a fisherman, and it will probably be hard for you if you can't dock your boat in a safe place. If you can't find a rental house near the shore, your next choice is the properties close to the bay. But most houses at the bay are expensive, and you'll probably have a hard time with that," Larry explained calmly as he assessed Karlos's reaction. At first, he just wanted to help Karlos, but he realized something important... so he might as well do his best.

"..."

Karlos was hesitant. But Larry had a point. After thinking about it, Karlos extended his hand, asking for a handshake. He decided to trust Larry this time.

"Thank you, I'll accept your offer."

"Great, I'm happy to help." Larry grinned and shook his hand.

Karlos and Maya agreed on the L-shaped house for an estimated 2 million pesos. The construction company promised that the expenses wouldn't increase beyond 2.1 million pesos, and they even signed a contract under the afternoon sun. The company was also responsible for creating new fences for the property, and they handled the building permit as well.

Larry and Roman didn't stay longer and excused themselves, but before Roman left, he passed a note to Karlos.

"I heard about you selling your pearls. I know a trusted jewelry shop that will appraise your pearls for the best amount. You can visit their shop in Evitac City." Roman left after that without another word.

"Evitac City..."

Karlos murmured. Evitac City was the place where his relatives lived. He never had great memories in that city.

.........
......
...

"I'm going to drive this time," Larry said, rubbing his palms, excited to drive the sports car as his eyes glimmered mischievously.

"Fuck off, you don't have your license. This is my car, you don't have a say in it."

"What?"

"Come on, people are looking. Let's leave. You don't want anyone to recognize you."

"Okay, fine." Larry sat in the passenger seat with disappointment, muttering something under his breath about injustice. It had been a month since the last time he touched a steering wheel.

While on the road, Larry's tone turned cold. His playful grin faded, replaced by the seriousness of someone who had too many thoughts.

"Roman, you have a lot to explain to me, you bastard."

"About what?"

"You know about Karlos."

"Well, we met at the fish port. But apparently, based on what Alfred said, we had met earlier back when he sold his catch on my yacht, but I don't have a recollection of that part."

"Yeah right, as if I'll believe that. For now, I'll keep my mouth shut. But I lost all of my respect for your father."

"Larry, I think your brain lacks oxygen after you almost drowned. I have no idea what you're talking about."

"I can't believe your dad cheated on my aunt." Larry clicked his tongue loudly, causing Roman to tighten his grip on the steering wheel.

"What!? Where did you get that conclusion?"

"Isn't it obvious? That guy looks like a brother of yours! I thought Alfonso would be the only doppelganger you have since you guys are twins, but I was so fucking wrong. Karlos looks like you and Alfonso."

Alfonso was Roman's older brother and also his twin, identical in face but opposite in temperament.

"You're crazy. That guy doesn't look like me at all."

"You're the one who's crazy. How about this, why don't you try doing a DNA test on Karlos? I can help you with that. I can contact the caretaker who manages the villa they'll stay in for months, she can gather hair or nails."

"Why do I have to do that? That's an invasion of privacy. Being in the police makes you concoct fake stories."

"If Alfonso were here, he'd probably agree with what I said. He's smarter than you."

"Say that again and I'll kick you out of my car. Don't add my brother to the conversation."

Roman didn't like that Larry praised Alfonso and treated him better. It didn't help that Roman was kicked out of Maynila and was now living in the countryside. This only made his mood worse. He felt like he was being punished and thought that his parents chose Alfonso over him, and that thought haunted him.

As for his younger brother, Roman had no idea what was going on in that guy's head. Either he was gambling or fucking girls without a care.

'That younger brother of mine, he doesn't even have any business sense to handle a job,' Roman sighed softly.

.........
......
...

A few days later.

"...Babe, are you sure this is the right place?"

Maya nervously asked Karlos as they stared at the villa in front of them, a breathtaking sight that almost made her doubt the address written on the paper. The couple wanted to see the place that Larry mentioned in the address, yet they had no idea that it was this huge, with a grand-looking entrance. It was twice as big as the land that Maya inherited. Furthermore, the bungalow house was outstanding. There was a garden, an annex, and a pool that sparkled under the morning light.

"I'm not sure."

This was different from what they expected. They thought it would be a simple house, at best, not a luxurious villa that screamed wealth in every corner.

"Are you Mr. Alejandro? I'm Wanda, the caretaker of this villa. The second young master told me that you would arrive today."

An old woman opened the gate and greeted them with a smile that was both kind and professional, showing years of experience serving wealthy families. Her master, Larry Araneto, had said that some Alejandros would live in the villa for half a year and that they should be taken care of with great attention.

Wanda knew that the Aranetos and Alejandros were related, so she didn't find it surprising, though she quietly wondered why the second young master was suddenly interested in helping people.

"I-Is that so?" Maya stuttered. Based on the caretaker's expression, the villa was indeed the place they would live in for a while, and she couldn't help but feel both grateful and nervous at the same time.

"Let's go in, I'll tour you," Wanda said, leading them inside as the heavy gate closed behind them with a soft clang.

 

[Pujimaki]

Reincarnated as a Fisherman and a Dad Chapter 63


"This is the living room. It can host a hundred people if you want to invite guests." The living room was wide, decorated with chandeliers and glass windows.

"...Yes." Maya just nodded. Her eyes moved slowly across the wide space, still unable to believe that this would be their temporary home.

"This is the master bedroom. I believe you'll love it."

"Hm." Maya nodded for the second time. The sheets were crisp white, and the bed was enormous.

"You don't have to worry. I'm paid by the Aranetos to take care of this villa, so just treat me as a maid. Aside from me, this villa has two maids and a gardener. We all live in a detached house, we won't invade your privacy," Wanda assured the couple.

"Yes." Maya nodded for the third time. Her tone was polite, but her shoulders were stiff.

As for Karlos, he was speechless the whole time. He tried to hide his amazement, but deep down, the fisherman inside him couldn't help but feel out of place amid such grandeur.

As Wanda toured the villa, Karlos and Maya realized that this place was not simple at all. Each corner seemed crafted with art, and the marble floor reflected their steps like glass.

The villa had a courtyard and garden, an annex, a pool, a garage, a home theater, a billiards room, a library, and even a wine cellar. Being from a political dynasty, the Araneto family was rich...

As for how they earned their money, people could think of many ways, such as stealing taxes, ahem, I mean, by being a good leader.

When Karlos learned that he could drink the wine and explore the wine cellar, that made him excited, not going to lie. He could already imagine sipping a glass one quiet evening, pretending he knew how to appreciate the taste.

After that, Wanda introduced the two other maids and the gardener.

They had heard that a relative would use the villa for a few months. Because of Karlos' surname, which was Alejandro, they automatically thought that they were related to young master Larry. No one dared to question it directly, the household staff simply smiled with respectful curiosity.

The two maids were Claire and Daisy, while the middle-aged gardener's name was Foster. Each of them bowed politely, their eyes assessing the couple with professionalism.

The couple felt awkward but played along. They weren't used to being treated as guests of honor.

"...Should we find another place? I don't feel comfortable living in a villa."

Once they left the villa, Maya asked Karlos about his opinion. Her voice carried a mixture of worry and guilt. She didn't want to seem ungrateful, but everything felt too much.

"I'll look for an apartment or a house that we can rent," Karlos agreed. He understood her unease completely. A simple life was all they ever wanted.

.........
......
...

The next day, Karlos couldn't find an apartment or a house that matched his criteria. Every place he checked was either too expensive, too small, or simply not livable for a family with twins.

He found an apartment, but it was in the inner part of the town, which was not ideal.

As for a house, someone was interested in renting one room to them, but it was too small and infested with mold.

Karlos had no intention of taking the deal. He wanted his children to live in a place that felt safe and clean.

Left with no choice, Maya and Karlos had to live in the villa.

They had to leave the kubo next day because the construction would start at that time.

They rented a truck to deliver their belongings to the villa. Karlos handled the heavy lifting while Maya made sure their twins' things were packed neatly in boxes.

When Wanda found out that they had twins, she became very excited. The villa had been lifeless for so many years, and having kids playing around would be amazing. She immediately started planning snacks and little treats for them.

Furthermore, Arabella and Iñigo were adorable.

The maids prepared lunch for the family, which was actually extravagant. The aroma of butter and herbs filled the dining room, and the twins' eyes widened at the colorful dishes.

Maya had to talk to them about the truth. She was not comfortable that the maids would prepare lobsters and steak for them. She preferred something simpler such as fish, soup, and rice, the kind of meal that made her feel at home.

That night, Maya explained that Larry just wanted to help them and that Wanda and the others didn't have to do much. Her voice was calm but firm, she wanted them to see her as an equal, not someone to serve.

She was not comfortable that the maids would prepare lobsters and steak for them. She even said that she would help with the chores, but Wanda was against it. The older woman insisted it was her duty and her employer's direct order.

The young master had entrusted Wanda to take care of their family, and she wouldn't break her promise.

In the end, Maya failed to convince them. Still, she appreciated their sincerity and kindness, even if it made her uneasy.

Although she noticed the two maids changing their attitudes when they realized that Maya and Karlos were just simple people, the excitement in their eyes dimmed slightly.

They lost their enthusiasm to serve them. It didn't matter, as long as Maya was honest about their status. For her, honesty was more important than appearances.

The next day, Maya reminded Karlos that he should return to the bay from now on.

Karlos left the villa with Arabella and Iñigo waving their hands at him and calling him Papa, which made him smile, and he waved back at them. Their tiny voices echoed through the courtyard, filling his chest with a quiet warmth. The little kids were actually sad when he left, and Arabella even cried when her father disappeared from her vision.

He didn't leave very early this time because his intention today was a bit different.

The residents at the bay had their own cars and were different from the other people in town. Most of them were business owners or retired professionals, living comfortably near the sea breeze.

The bay was north of the town, and the mayor wanted to extend the town up north and probably merge the bay with this plan. Rumors spread that the government wanted to turn the area into a high-end coastal district with hotels.

Apparently, the northern part would be meant for the wealthy, considering the infrastructure they were going to build. Karlos couldn't help but wonder if someday ordinary fishermen like him would still be welcome there.

As Karlos changed his route, he slowly reached the road right in front of the bay harbor. He saw different kinds of boats, from yachts to fishing vessels, and the bay harbor accommodated them.
The contrast between old wooden boats and polished yachts painted a picture of two worlds sharing the same sea.

He didn't have the time to appreciate the view, instead, he called out to a passing tricycle.

"Take me to the beach."

"South of the town?" the tricycle driver asked.

"That's right."

The tricycle sped up, and it took only half an hour to reach the location.

The sun was shining when he reached the house. Just as he expected, the kubo was demolished, and the workers were digging the ground for the foundation. The noise of shovels and the scent of wet soil filled the air.

"Karlos, have a good day," Engineer Montoya greeted him. His voice was energetic, clearly satisfied with the acquired project.

"You too," Karlos greeted back. He gave a small nod, approving the workers' diligence.

Based on what he was seeing, the workers were doing their jobs, and no one was slacking. It gave him peace of mind knowing that the new house was started at last.

Well, Montoya was there to supervise the project.

Karlos didn't linger long and went to Andres' house instead. He knocked on the door, and Andres' kids opened it.

"Uncle! Your stuff is here."

"Thanks." Karlos chuckled and gave them five pesos each, which made them jump in excitement before pocketing the coins.

"Thank you, Uncle!"

"Hey, what's that?" Reina showed up and narrowed her gaze at her two kids. They quickly hid their money from her. Karlos laughed quietly at the playful scene.

"Reina, I'm going to leave now. Thank you for taking care of my belongings."

"It's just a day anyway, it's not that big," she waved her hand.

Karlos pushed a cart to the beach and attached the engine before returning the cart to Andres' house. He took a deep breath of the salty air.

The sailing today was a bit late, but Karlos didn't mind. In fact, he wasn't expecting something big today. Sometimes, just being at sea was enough.

'Now that I think about it, it has been a week since the last time I sailed. I was busy these past few days. I hope my traps are doing okay.'

---

[This novel has 43 advanced chapters on Patreon.]

Patreon link: https://www.patreon.com/Puji_maki

 

[Pujimaki]

Reincarnated as a Fisherman and a Dad Chapter 64


"Mama! Hehe!"

Arabella was now using the baby walker better than ever. Her tiny hands gripped the plastic handle, and her chubby little legs moved with confidence. The four wheels under the walker rolled smoothly on the marbled floor. The kubo had a bamboo floor and some areas had bumps. Here, though, every movement was smooth and exciting for her little feet. Arabella excitedly took a step, and she slid across the floor. It was fun.

Even Iñigo was having fun and giggling as he kicked his feet on the floor and moved forward. His laughter echoed throughout the annex. Now they found the baby walkers entertaining.

"Mama sees you." A smile formed on Maya's face as she watched the twins having fun just by walking around with the help of the baby walkers. Their pure joy made her heart flutter.

"Your kids are adorable."

Mrs. Wanda fell in love with them. She crouched down for a moment, smiling as Arabella rolled closer to her, eyes gleaming.

"Back when my children were at that age, they were so hard to pacify. They would move around, and you couldn't take your eyes off them, or they'd disappear from your sight."

"Well, the twins are also troublesome." Maya felt embarrassed. Her two kids were also naughty and loved to do troublesome things such as sticking their fingers in the power outlet...

Yes, kids were stupid. But they were also precious. They were so adorable that Maya and Karlos would do everything for their children.

"They are great. They're active and healthy. The best part is that they eat every food you give them." Mrs. Wanda was impressed.

Maya agreed with that part. She chuckled softly, remembering how Arabella devoured mashed fruits while Iñigo demanded an extra spoonful. She heard stories that children were hard to feed, that they wouldn't eat vegetables or anything that didn't taste good. But Arabella and Iñigo were different.

"Well then, I have to prepare lunch."

"Let me help you," Maya stood up and followed Mrs. Wanda. Her instinct as a mother wouldn't let her just sit idly while someone else worked. She didn't want to stay in this villa without contributing.

"It's alright. You're our guests, so we must provide and accommodate you to the best of our ability. Just stay here and look after the twins."

"But—"

"Maya, I know what you feel. But we are the employees hired by young master Larry to manage the villa."

"I don't feel comfortable doing nothing."

"Your kids will make you busy. Trust me, I'm a mother, and taking care of children is a tough job. Just focus on that, and we'll handle everything else."

"..."

Maya slightly bit her lip. Her gaze wandered toward the twins, who were now racing each other in their walkers, giggling loudly. She was scared that she would get used to this kind of situation. She knew her status, and she wasn't expecting to be a wealthy woman. That kind of dream belonged to other people, not her. She was just happy as long as her family was living in good condition. If she stayed in this villa for too long, she might lose her sense of reality, and she was scared of that.

'I know that I will never reach the point in my life where I can buy a villa and hire maids, and I'm happy with that. As long as I'm with Karlos and the twins, I'm happy.'

"...Alright, but if you need me, you can call me. I'll help you. I know how to handwash clothes, I know how to clean, I know how to cook, but not the expensive dishes."

"You can relax. Young master Larry told me that you'll stay here while your house is under construction. Just invite me to your house once it's done and treat me to a nice dinner. You don't have to worry too much. You're not a burden, and you're not in the way. Honestly, this villa is boring since the Araneto family rarely visits the place. I'm happy that you guys have arrived."

"Once our house is built, I'll invite you to a housewarming party." Maya promised.

"That would be great."

Wanda excused herself and went to the kitchen, leaving Maya and the twins who were giggling while sliding across the floor.

"Mrs. Wanda, what are we going to cook today?"

Daisy, one of the maids, asked.

"We'll cook butternut squash soup and scalloped potatoes. Squash is good for the kids," Wanda answered. Her hands moved expertly as she peeled and sliced the vegetables.

"You're going to include them?" Claire raised her brow.

"Of course, they're guests. We'll increase the portion to accommodate them."

"But I thought they were only here to stay. Do we really have to cook for them as well?"

"Young master Larry said that we must provide utmost care and hospitality. Treat them like how we treat the other guests."

"Fine... Mrs. Wanda, are they really not related to the Alejandros, you know, the billionaire family? I met the first and second young masters of the Alejandros, and that Karlos guy looked like them." Claire recalled a few years ago when Larry hosted a party in the villa and the two young Alejandro masters were present at that time. She still remembered how handsome and wealthy they looked.

"I also have no idea." As she chopped the squash, Wanda also thought that Karlos might be from the billionaire family because he resembled the two young masters.

"Maybe," Daisy lowered her voice and joined the conversation. "Maybe he's an illegitimate child."

"Yeah, that's also what I thought."

"Does that mean Karlos will inherit money?"

"That means he's not poor unlike what they said." Claire clicked her tongue. Her eyes sparkled with faint greed.

"Be professional. We are maids. We're not some kind of jobless hags who gossip all day long. You must remember that our job is to take care of the villa and the guests. Don't think too much about Karlos' identity," Wanda reminded them.

"Yes, Mrs. Wanda."

The two maids, who were in their early thirties and late twenties, answered at the same time. Their voices overlapped, though Claire's tone carried hidden reluctance.

While they got busy in the kitchen, Claire couldn't help but think of Karlos. His face lingered in her mind...

'He has the same surname, and he also looks like the young masters from the Alejandro family. I believe young master Larry has a reason why he invited Karlos to stay in the villa. Without a doubt, his identity is not simple. Even if he's an illegitimate child, he will still inherit money. Perhaps I can...'

Claire slightly blushed. She admitted that despite Karlos' simple attire, he was attractive.

She was being delusional.

'The Alejandros is a very rich family. It wouldn't be a problem if Karlos inherited 10 million pesos. That's a huge amount, and we can use it to start a business.'

She smirked, but that smirk disappeared when she recalled that Karlos had a wife and twins. Still, a small part of her refused to give up the fantasy forming in her mind.

'Once he knows what I'm capable of, he'll lose all interest in Maya. I'm a better lover, and I can also cook better. But the twins, though, are adorable... Well, we can just kick out Maya and I'll become their mother. The twins are still too young to remember Maya anyway.'

A devious idea crossed her mind.