A reclusive billionaire without family or friends is in wreck and develops a temporary amnesia from the injuries. Without any identification, he falls in love with Nina, the nurse who nurses him back to health. As his memory slowly returns, he realizes that friendship and love have been missing from his life, and he has found both in her. 

*****

My two decades of hardship in school went to ashes in a blink of an eye. 

I looked at the piece of paper in my hand, the court finally made their judgment this morning. And today, luck isn't on my side. I let out a frustrated sigh as I plop down wearily on the burning white sand of Whale Bay, one Saturday noon. How am I gonna tell my mother about this?

All the hardships and sacrifices I made just so I can crawl my way out of college just went to waste. For someone who was born from a poor family, I had to enter multiple and unimaginable jobs just to support my education. I had so many sleepless nights just to appease my ambitious self, cause I wanted to graduate as a top student. And I did! But I never thought the success would be this short-lived.

I bit my lower lip, trying to hold back a sob. Are justice and law only for those who have money as their weapon? How could the system be this unfair?

"Hi, Nina!" I heard a cheerful voice from behind and my tears immediately retract. "Hello, Nina! You don't have work today?"

The little girl sat down beside me, she was holding a saggy ice cream cone while beaming up at me. The chocolate syrup was dripping messily on her little hand and I also noticed the dry stains of ice cream on her cheeks. My eyes widened.

"Alicia! How did you find me here?" I examined the kid, looking for scratches or any wounds on her skin. The treacherous pathway along the rock formations separating the cove from the long coastline of Whale Bay is extremely dangerous for a little girl like her. She could've tripped on the sharp rocks and hurt herself accidentally!

Alicia shrugged, licking on her ice cream. "I just know you're here. Why are you here anyway, Nina? Is there a problem?"

My lips curved into a weak smile. Sighing, I looked back at the clear, sparkling water of the beach as I silently watched the little waves reach my feet. The sun was scorching but the saltwater remains cold. On normal days, I would've taken a quick dip to relax.

"Nina is jobless now," I smiled sadly and her mouth gaped.

"Oh no! Does that mean you can't treat me chocolates anymore?" 

I chuckled, nodding my head weakly. 

I was a registered nurse for two years in this community's hospital. I was earning decently for me and my mother. All of those hardships I went through are for her. To give her a quiet and peaceful life. To force her to retire from work because I'd willingly support all her whims. To give her a life where she doesn't have to lay in bed at night, thinking how are we gonna survive tomorrow and the next day's battles. And to give her a life she never experiences because she, too, was born from poverty. 

One mistake, I had my beloved license taken away from me.

"Don't be sad, Nina. Here...you can have my ice cream."

I chuckled at her. "I'm fine. Nina will find a new job so I can treat you more candies."

"It's okay, Nina. You don't have to," she licked on her ice cream again. "Having a job is tiring, right? Papa is always tired after a long day of fishing, he barely has any time to play with me anymore." 

Her doe eyes bore into mine. "Nina, it's okay to be jobless. At least you're not tired." 

I guffawed loudly at her innocence. My hand moved to pat Alicia gently on the head. How I wish everything is as simple as that. How I wish I could be nine years old again just like her so I wouldn't have to worry about all these things. Adulthood sucks.

What happened was an honest mistake, and clearly my fault. I never denied anything, I was willing to be held accountable for my irresponsibility. But what I couldn't accept was their haste decision to kick me out and deny me a second chance. 

I accidentally gave the wrong medicine to a critical patient, resulting in a risky seizure. Unfortunately for me, the patient's family was a member of the upper crust. My knee-bending apologies weren’t enough for them. A part of me understands their rage, but do they really have to take away my source of livelihood for that one accidental mistake? 

"Nina, let's swim!" Alicia was left in her cycling shorts after removing her baby pink dress. The little girl excitedly runs towards the water and I had to move quickly to follow her. 

It was a low tide so the sea was still calm and collected. The premature waves were bearable but the heat of the sun was too much for my liking. I glanced at Alicia, her bronze skin was sparkling beautifully under the sun. 

I envy girls who have naturally brown skin since mine was a boring pale. No matter how hard I try to tan my skin, it naturally goes back to its original color after a few weeks. I eventually just gave up after multiple attempts of failure. The stingy sunburns aren’t even worth it anyway.

"Nina, let's go over there!" She pointed at the other side of the huge rock formations and I nodded indulgently at her. 

I was trailing behind Alicia as we headed our way to the other side. We both had our slippers on to protect our feet from the sharp rocks. I wouldn't want to hear an earful from her parents if I take her home wounded.

"There's a boat....and a man!"

"Huh?”

A fisherman might have parked their boat in this part of the beach. Well, that’s what I thought.

“Alicia!” I screamed in horror when the little kid ran quickly towards the wounded man sitting and leaning on the huge rock, blood leaking on its head and arms. My mouth gaped as I felt my heart hammered in shock. This scene shouldn’t be new to me since I’ve been in the medical field for years, but still, I couldn’t help but shook from nervousness.

”Nina, he’s bleeding! Nurse him!”

I walked closer, eyes never leaving the bruised man. His white sleeved shirt was covered in sand and blood. I noticed how his hands were shaking uncontrollably, along with his shoulder. He was having a hard time breathing. His eyes fluttering weakly, he is barely conscious!

“Nina, do something!”

I fell on my knee to examine his wounds. There’s a small cut on his head and a shot on his left arm! My hands trembled. I have a few equipment in the house so I could definitely give him a first aid.

I looked at Alicia, she got in here safe and unscathed after crossing the sharp and dangerous rock formations. Still, I don’t want to risk her safety.

“Wait in here, Alicia. I’ll get my things so we can treat his wounds, okay? Don’t leave him. He needs your company.”

The little kid nodded willingly. I glanced at the man one last time before turning my back on them to get my things.

My hand shook a little as I typed on the keypad of the ATM machine. I've been unemployed for almost a month now and I couldn't just carelessly spend the rest of my savings or I'd end up in the streets, starving.

I looked at the receipt and sighed. Based on my calculations, my current balance can last for at least three more months. But am I really gonna wait til I run out of money before I work my butt off again? 

I let out another sigh, a bit harsher this time. I can't enter any medical facility anymore because I lost my license as a nurse. Maybe I can try to fit in the corporate world? I still managed to finish college and I have a decent degree. Maybe I can manage to find a job that'll suit me in that field.

The loud crashing of waves on the shore filled my ears. The tranquil atmosphere of the beach calmed me down a bit as I watch a few of our townsmen, or maybe tourists, having fun in the sea. The sky is orange and cloudless, boding the sunset in a few minutes. I would've stayed to watch the day ending over the horizon but I wouldn't want to neglect our empty dining. 

I headed towards our house, which is located a few walks behind the mini inn of the beach. I'm glad I was able to transform our small nipa house to a mini bungalow before I lost my job.

Alicia's soft laughter reached my ears as I neared our home. The kid likes hanging out in our house because we have a television, something they do not have. Both me and my mom are very fond of her. She's the middle child in their family so it was expected she'd be given less love compared to her siblings. And to appease her thirst for attention, our home is always open for her.

"I'm home!" I beamed as I step inside the house. As expected, the kid was seated on the couch while watching her favorite cartoon show. Beside her was my mother who's busy folding the dry clothes I washed this morning. She looked tired. Her day must've been exhausting in the market today since the holidays is approaching.

"I'll be making fried chicken for dinner!" I announced happily while showing the plastic bag I was carrying. I went to the market after cashing out. Alicia's eyes immediately widened, it's her favorite.

"R-really?" she looked away. "Can I have a piece?"

I walked towards the couch, laughing as I patted her gently on the head. "Of course. You can eat your dinner here."

"Jack is also cooking!" 

"Oh," my eyes darted on the kitchen entrance. Indeed, I can smell the aroma of soy sauce chicken coming from there. 

"Maybe we'll just reserve the fried chicken for tomorrow?" 

Alicia nodded before turning back to the television. I sauntered towards the kitchen and found the new member of our home cooking passionately in there. His back was facing me, and although he was wearing a shirt, the thin material was not enough to conceal the sexy cracks of his back. 

He turned to look at me and our eyes immediately met. I looked away quickly, clearing my throat as I walked towards the fridge. I put the raw chicken in there before grabbing the pitcher to drink. 

"Nina..." I heard him speak and I gulped the water in my mouth before looking back at him.

"Hmm?"

He dropped a few paper of money near the sink beside me. "I saw the electric bill this morning, I'll pay for it."

Two weeks had quickly passed by since I saw him wounded in the cove of Whale Bay. I took him home, treated his wound, and nurses him so he can heal quickly. My mother was very welcoming of him. As of now, he's recovered physically but still mentally challenged, reason why we're still keeping him here.

When he woke up from that incident, he couldn't remember anything. He doesn't remember how he got here in this province, wounded and clueless. He can't even remember his own name. We decided to give him an alternative one for the mean time, suggested by Alicia. Though, I wanted to bring him to the authority to seek for help, he begged us not to do that. He seemed very distrustful and wary of everyone. Even to me and my mother, he's a little reserved. Or maybe that's just his personality.

I accepted the money and nodded. During the dawn, he's a fisherman. At noon, he's in the wet market, helping my mom to sell vegetables and fruits. His overflowing charms and attractiveness made him a good help as a vendor. He looked like an outcast here in our place, which made him stand out easily. 

"I got hired as a helper in the inn," he announced, walking back to the stove to check the food he was cooking. 

"Do not force yourself too much, Jack. Your left arm hasn't healed fully yet."

"It's fine. I wanted to help more with the monthly bills. I can't be a burden to you and your mother especially now that you've just lost your job."

I sighed and decided to just let him be. It's not like I can tell him what to do with his life, right? Besides, he's really a great help financially to us. He's voluntarily buying groceries sometimes after selling the fishes he caught. Or sometimes, he'll take them home for lunch. He's got initiative and also excellent with household chores. Just when I thought he'll add to my problems, he actually lifted a few weights off my shoulder.

After taking a shower to freshen up, my mom called me out to eat dinner. The dining was already set, Alicia was sitting beside Jack and they were talking about the cartoon she was watching this noon. I pulled the seat beside my mother and jokingly uttered a prayer as the dinner begins.

I'm thankful that Alicia is here to bring sound to our silent home. Jack isn't much of a speaker. He's only talking whenever asked, or when there's something important to say. I like striking conversation with people but it's just really hard and awkward when it comes to him.

His presence is too much. I couldn't last to look at his eyes for more than five seconds. His glorious green eyes were enough to intimidate the hell out of me.

I cleared my throat before glancing quickly at Jack. He was eating silently, eyes on the plate while nodding his head softly at Alicia who's talking nonstop.

"Uhm...when are you starting your work in the inn?"

He looked at me. 

"Inn?" My mother asked curiously. 

"The owner offered me a job to work for them so I grabbed the opportunity. I'll be starting tomorrow." He answered politely and my mom nodded, clearly interested.

"That's nice to know," she turned to look at me. "What about you, dear? Why don't you submit a resume in the inn, too? Maybe they still have a vacant spot for you."

I frowned at my mom. Seriously? From being a nurse to a bedsheet changer in an inn? I mean, I know I shouldn't be picky with jobs these days since I do not have any choice but...

"I'll try to see if there's a vacant position for her tomorrow."

I volunteered to wash the dishes after eating. Jack walked the little kid back to their home while my mom was already getting ready to sleep. It's just eight pm, still too early to go to bed for me.

Jack hasn't come back yet. I sat on the couch where he sleeps every night and turned on the television. Our house has two rooms only so he'd have to content himself in the sofa. Though, his clothes were on the vacant cabinet in my room. 

I yawned and pressed the turn off button of the remote control. There isn't a single show that caught my interest so I'd probably just re-read the books in my room. 

I stood up and peeked outside through the small crack of our wooden door. The sultry east wind brushes on my cheek as the loud waves on the beach enveloped my ears. Jack isn't home yet. Where did he go? Alicia's home is only five houses apart from us.

I heard the bamboo settee creaked and I warily eyed our dark veranda where the antique sofa set were placed. I saw a silhouette before the veranda lightened up a bit because of a flashlight. Jack stood up from the bamboo lounge.

"What are you doing there?" I asked, a bit relieved.

"Sorry. I heard you watching television inside. I didn't want to disturb you," he answered and I almost melted. I pushed the door wider, inviting him inside.

"Please, come in. It's too cold in there. And I'm going to bed anyway 'cause nothing's interesting in the television today."

He got inside quickly, locking the door behind him. "I'll just get some clothes in your room. I'm taking a shower."

I nodded and waited for him to exit my room so I can finally get ready to sleep. Once he was done, he went straight to the bathroom without looking at me. 

I let out a shaky breathe. Who really are you, Jack?

I jolted awake from my dreamless slumber when I heard some noises outside. My eyes automatically searched for the wall clock hanging across my dim room, it reads three-thirty. 

Jack usually leaves during this hour to go fishing along with the neighbors. I walked towards my window, slightly opening the lower panel of the jalousie. Jack was outside together with two men who were both carrying a water pail. He's in his usual fishing attire, a dirty white towel was hanging around his neck. My forehead creased in confusion. He's still gonna go fishing? I thought he'll stop since he's got a better job in the inn now?

He went back inside the house to turn off the lights. Darkness enveloped the place, their flashlights were the only source of brightness. The moon was covered with thick clouds to herald a foggy morning for Willowvale. My eyes followed them until they were out of sight. Once I couldn't hear their footsteps anymore, I groggily went back to bed and continue my sleep.

When I woke up, the morning sunlight was already illuminating my bedroom. I opened my window and fixed my bed. The whole house was silent. The chirping of birds and the sounds of waves crashing on the shore were the only greetings I received that morning. 

My mother had to go back to being a vendor when I was kicked out of the hospital. She's been out of the market for over a year now before this unfortunate event happened to me. Once I find a high paying job again, I'll drag her out of that smelly place.

There's fried rice, boiled egg, and dried fish on the table. I bring the breakfast with me to the living room and turned on the radio. The newscaster was talking about the weather. I quickly took a peek from the window and noticed the gray and thick clouds in the sky. It's probably gonna rain hard today since the wind is colder than usual too.

For weeks, I was always left alone at home. The television and the radio were my only source of entertainment, plus Alicia. Though, the kid has to go to school during the weekdays so I had to endure the boredom every morning. 

I took a shower and slid into a white camisole dress which I paired with a thin cardigan. I was just about to lock the house when I saw Jack appeared from the end of the pathway, topless while carrying the same water pail he always brings when fishing. 

Our eyes automatically aligned. He's early today. Usually, he arrives back an hour before lunch. 

"Going somewhere?" He asked, walking towards the water faucet to rinse off the specks of dirt on the pail. The container was empty, he must've successfully sold all the fishes he caught this morning. 

"Yeah. I thought you're scheduled to start your work at the inn today?" I returned a question. The veins from his arms were protruding as he forcefully washes the water pail. I looked away from him. Staring at his body felt like a sinful act.

"It's just a six-hour shift. My schedule will be starting this noon at one."

"A-alright. If I'm not back before eleven, fry the chicken I bought yesterday for lunch." 

I glanced at him again and he did the same. His green eyes examined me. 

"Where are you going, anyway?" He inquired, his brow twitching. I bit my lower lip as I looked away. I just couldn't manage to stare back at him for too long! 

"I'll just buy a new book. I'll try to look for a job too while I'm out."

He nodded, glancing at the sky."You should bring an umbrella." 

"I have one, it's here in my bag."

There's a small bookshop selling secondhand books near the wet market where my mom was selling goods. The place isn't too far from Whale Bay, it only took me less than ten minutes to walk.

As I was about to enter the bookstore, I noticed the paper pasted in front of their glass wall door. They're currently looking for a cashier! My eyes twinkled in excitement as I walked inside. Diana, the old lady who owns the shop, was currently at the till. Her hawk-like eyes were scanning the place for possible book thieves. I chuckled silently.

"Hello, Diana!" I greeted joyously, waving the paper I ripped off from the shop's door. "This job is mine!"

The old lady laughed at me. The corner of her eyes wrinkled in relief. "Oh, thank goodness, Nina! Yes, you're hired."

I walked towards the counter to face her properly. "Where's your cashier, by the way? And do I need to submit a resume?"

"No need for that, dear. Cindy resigned two days ago to fly to the city. She managed to get a scholarship from an Ivy League school."

My mouth hanged open. "Really? Wow, that's amazing!"

Diana nodded wearily. She looked worn out from guarding the shop. Well, she's honestly too old for this. I'm not even sure if she can still count money properly.

"Are you okay? Do you want me to start now?" 

"Will it be okay to you? I really wanna go home to spend the rest of my day on the rocking chair, Nina."

I nodded quickly, feeling a little awful for the old woman. Diana is alone in life. Her husband died early and they never had a kid. I'm not sure where are her relatives but I've never seen anyone pays her a visit to her big mansion near the hill. 

"I'll be back at one pm, Diana!"

"Please do, dear. I'll be waiting for you." 

Rain pours as soon as I exited the bookstore. It isn't that strong, but the forceful wind made it seem so. The small umbrella protecting me almost bent, I had to stop by in a waiting shed and wait for the bad weather to calm down. 

There was a laundry shop across the street facing the shed I was in. Big posters were covering the double glass wall door but it wasn't enough not to see what's happening inside. I felt a lump on my throat as I squinted my eyes even more. I can't be wrong. Jack was inside.

And he's not alone. Cassandra was clinging tightly on his arm as they sashayed out of the shop, both sporting a grin on their faces. The girl was long-legged and beautiful. She has that skin color I've been wanting for a very long time. I know her, she's the current manager of the inn. She's also the owner's daughter.

The rain and wind haven’t calmed down a bit. I watched as they passed by in front of the waiting shed while sharing an umbrella. He didn't even notice me. I bit my lower lip as I forcefully swallowed the lump in my throat. My eyes stinging for an unknown reason.

Did he get in the inn because of her? Are they together? Girls here in Willowvale are obviously crazy for him but I've never seen him entertain anyone. Or maybe I didn't notice.

I let out a shaky breath as I watched the rain slowly stopped. I remained standing there on the waiting shed, absentminded and pained. And what was the reason?

“I’m finally employed!” I tried to sound as happy as I can as the three of us sat together at the dining table for lunch. I was showing off the wet poster to them. “I’ll be starting today.”

Jack stole the paper in my hand as he reads it silently in front of my mother.

“Oh, that’s wonderful to know, darling!” my mother looks genuinely happy while Jack’s attention remains on the paper. I suddenly remember what I saw this afternoon. As much as I wanted to ask, I couldn’t open my mouth to speak. Also, I don’t want him to think that I’m meddling with his business. If he wanted for us to know, he’d tell us anyway.

“By the way, Jack…you do not have to attend to me in the market anymore. You’ve got so many works in your hand now. Worry about yourself, dear.”

“It’s fine. I still have a few hours to spare before my work in the inn. I’d like to be of help to you as much as I can.”

I was a little shocked. So he still went to the market after fishing? And later, he’ll be at the inn to work? Or is it really for work? For all I know, the work he’s talking about is doing a beautiful brown-skinned manager.

I grimaced a bit. I was being a little too hard and judgmental.

“You need a uniform in the inn, right? I saw the helpers and they’re all wearing the same clothes,” my mother asked and Jack nodded.

“Yes. Miss Cassandra helps me to pick up the uniform at the laundry today.”

Right. By helping, you mean literally clinging into you? Well, for sure he likes it.

“Good luck to the two of you, then. I wish you both a nice day at work!” Mom exclaimed happily and I sighed, knowing I couldn’t have a nice day ahead of me anymore ‘cause the first-half was already ruined.