Aria 

"Have a nice day Sir." I bid goodbye to my customer and gave him his frappe.

I have worked at this cafe for 2 years already. I have many loyal customers and sometimes they give me some tips.

 I am an adopted daughter and my foster dad died because of the accident he caused, leaving me all his debts. All the people run after me that is why I am working smarter than harder. Double jobs, Sidelines, etc. I know I am strong enough to surpass these experiences. I spent my 5 years in life thinking and working to pay the debt. Luckily, I already paid the others completely. $500,000 is the last debt I need to pay.

 My salary is not enough to pay for it but like I said smarter than harder. I will work in different jobs just to pay for it. Life is too short just to kill myself for the debts.

 I live in a small apartment wherein there is one room for a kitchen and bedroom and a small bathroom.

 It is enough for me. Only me.

 I looked at my watch and it's already 5 pm. Mrs. Hermosa asks me to tutor Lily her daughter, in math just for today, who is one of my loyal customers here in the café.

 "I am going Brent, bye and see tomorrow." I bid goodbye to Brent, my friend here in the cafe.

 "Bye, A" Brent said, waving at me. He used to call me A because for him Aria is too long.

 Weird right.

I took a bus to go there and walked a little until I reached my destination. Mrs. Hermosa didn't inform me about the details of the house but looking at my surroundings all the houses are mansions.

 I started walking again but a guard blocked me. Making me frown in annoyance.

"You are new here. Name?" The guard asked. I know what he meant asking for the owner’s name. I never knew Mrs. Hermosa is this rich. Just by looking at her, you will see a goddess, simple, and beautiful girl--and yeah, so down to earth.

 "Mrs. Hermosa," I said politely.

 "Wait a second." The guard said, he picked up the telephone and dialed something.

 "Your name?" He said, raising an eyebrow to me like I am going to steal some things here.

 He looked at me up and down with a smirk on his face.

 Gross.

 "A..Aria Bright" I stuttered. I really want to punch his face now but me controlling myself. I need to behave.

 Honestly, I can't punch--slap is better.

 After a minute the guard escorted me to Mrs. Hermosa's house and I thanked him.

 This mansion is really big--huge. There is a swimming pool. I can see it from afar just by looking at the bar holes.

 I pressed the doorbell and a maid greeted me. Me, being polite, I greeted her back. She guided me to a beautiful and luxurious living room.

Wow... I never saw and got into a house like this. It's beautiful and very elegant like only a queen and king can live here.

"Aria." Mrs. Hermosa squealed, ran into me, giving me a tight hug.

 "Mrs..er....ermmm Leticia," I said stuttering. I--I can't breathe. I forgot she don't want me to call her Mrs. Hermosa.

 She pulled out after a second, Catching my breath.

 "Oops… Sorry." She chuckled.

 "Lily is there," Leticia said and pointed to Lily with a baby boy at her side. "That's my 1-year-old nephew. Luke" pointing to the baby.

 I nodded. The baby is so cute. I can see he has a pair of blue eyes.

 "They are so cute," I said in an exciting voice.

 "They are. You can hold Luke for a while I am just going to asks some maid to prepare things." Leticia said.

 I nodded in response. She is so rich.

 I walked to the couch wherein there are carpets.

 Lily and Luke are here.

 "Hi, Lily girl," I said to her opening my arms.

 "Auntie Aria!!!!!!!" She yelled and ran towards me. She hugged me and kissed my cheek.

 I pulled out "Auntie Aria, my cousin Luke." Lily said with her cute girly voice.

 "Hi, Baby Luke. You are so cute " I cooed him and put him in my arms.

 "M..mo..mmy" Luke said, catching me off guard. He is looking intently into my eyes.

 Mommy?

 "Oh my....!!!" I heard Leticia screamed from the back.

 "Luke called you mommy?!" She asked loudly not angrily. You can say, she just asked me normally and shocked visible on her face.

 "Yes, I am sorry. I didn't know why he called me also. We just met." I said politely and gave apologetic look at her.

 I didn't mean that he called me mommy. I never knew that a baby can call random girls mommy.

 I looked at Luke and said.

 "I am not your mommy. Baby Luke." I cooed, he just looked at me.

 I heard Leticia sighed.

 "No need to be sorry Aria, He never speaks even we tried and even to his dad. This is the first time he spoke." She said joyfully.

 I smiled at her.

 "Oh…wait...I am gonna call Lucas and inform him." She got up and gets her phone.

After some time, I taught Lily basic problems in math. Addition and Subtraction, which she gets it easily. She is very intelligent. I try to teach her some simple multiplication and division and she got it so easily.

This child is so smart.

 After we cleaned and organized her things. Leticia called us for dinner.

I tried to refuse but she insists. I need to go home and take some rest---yeah, I will get free dinner but I feel shy all of a sudden in this situation. I don't know why.

 "Thanks again, Aria for giving me some spare time." She said.

 "No problem, Call or inform me. Anytime." I said while getting a spoon of Avocado.

 "Honey, I am home." I heard a very manly voice.

 I wonder that if he is Leticia's husband.

 "My husband is here. Continue eating. I'll just meet him." Leticia stood up while holding Luke in her arms.

 I am right.

 "Can you hold Luke for me?" She asked me.

 "Not a problem" I stood up and got Luke from her arms.

 She asked one of the maids to prepare another plate for her husband and left the dining.

 Just in time. They entered the dining. "Honey, meet my best friend Aria.” She tilted her head to look at me.

“Aria meet my one and only husband Mark." She said proudly, kissing her husband's lips.

I smiled at her.

 "Nice to meet you, Mark," I said politely. I didn't stand up cause Luke is falling asleep. I don't want to wake him up.

 "You too." He said, nodding at me.

 They took a sit and started to eat.

 "Luke called her mommy earlier and I already told Lucas about it. Honey." She told her Mark happily.

 I can't see what is written in Mark's face. Is he angry or is he happy?

 "Yeah, because that fucking girl ruined everything." Mark spat angrily.

My eyes widened and I looked at them in shock.

 Is that me?

 "Not you Aria, Luke's real mother." She said softly, giving me a tight smile.

 Ooh…

I sighed in relief.

 "Sorry Aria, I didn't mean to scare you," Mark said apologetically.

 "Thank God." I laughed, which cause them to laugh too.

Luke jolt in my arms, his eyes started to open.

 He looked at me.

 "Mmm...mo...mmy," He said and I cooed him.

 "Did you heard that honey, tell Lucas now," Mark said abruptly.

 " I know! I know! " She giggled.

 After we ate. Leticia put Luke on the bed. She gave me my tip and I thanked her. I reminded her to call me anytime if she needs anything.

Lucas

It's already 9 pm. I just got home from the office; I am just waiting for my baby son to come home. My sister told me earlier that Luke spoke for the first time. He called someone mommy.

I felt happy again for the first time but he should call daddy first.

I left Luke to Leticia cause his nanny has a day off today. Mark is Leticia's husband, who is my best friend. I am happy for them. They truly deserved and loved each other.

Mark knows that if he hurt Leticia. I will be the one who will **** him up into hell but I trust him.

Ana served my food because I forgot to eat.

My life is so fucked up. My wife and I got divorced. She cheated on me since we got married. I married her because I love her. I gave her all the things she wants and all the love that I have. After she gave birth to our son, I bought a house for us. After some time, I visited her at the office, which I bought for her. I as her husband don't need permission to enter. That time I opened the door, Chloe is ***** and fucking a black-haired guy.

She ruined all… My dreams… My family, then my heart was shattered into pieces.

I was able to complete the story into pieces and come up with the reason why she never cared for our son. She has a lot of alibis saying she was tired and I accepted it. I was always there to take care of Luke. While she said her company has a lot of problems and why she comes home late. I still accepted it.

I am so fucking blind and until now I loved her with a fucking anger.

I don't know… Remembering her makes my blood boil---can’t control myself.

I am shaking with anger. I smashed the glass on the wall and stood up.

"Ana. Clean it before my son comes back. If my Luke got hurt because of this glass pieces shit considered yourself fired." I spatted to Ana and she nods fearfully.

I walked out of the dining area and headed straight to my bedroom.

I sold the mansion together with all the things and properties that I bought for her. This is the new mansion…I bought it for my son.

I took a shower and changed into sleeping clothes.

I was scrolling at my emails to check if there is something I need to know.

The intercom in my room buzzed.

"Sir, your son is already here,” Ana said on the other line.

I shut my laptop and got off to bed. I walked down the stairs.

"Oh! My dear brother is here." Leticia teased while I was walking directly to them.

I rolled my eyes to her.

"Where are your husband and daughter?" I asked, getting Luke from her.

"He didn't come because Lily is asleep. Mark assigns one of our drivers to drive us." She replied smiling. She doesn’t like leaving her daughter to maids like me, but nanny is fine.

I nodded.

We took a sit. I cooed Luke and kissed his forehead.

"You want to drink?" I asked her.

"Orange juice is fine,” she said to me, I looked at Ana giving her a Get-now-look. She nodded.

"So whom are you talking about?" I asked her.

"My friend Aria, I asked her to come to teach Lily because I am going to take care of Luke first while Lily is studying. When she comes in our house. I told her to look out for Luke and Lily. When I came back I heard Luke saying “mommy”. Luke said it two times actually. Luke is calling Aria her mommy." She explained and Ana gives her the juice she wanted.

I looked at my son.

"Luke, say Da-ddy," I said softly to him.

He looked at me but didn't say anything.

"He walked now little by little just guide him." She said, giving me a bit of advice.

I nodded.

Luke is now starting to walk before he is just crawling and crawling.

"You know Lucas," Leticia said in a serious tone, her face is not smiling anymore. It shows pure seriousness.

"What?" I asked raising an eyebrow at her.

"Luke needs a motherly loved, Lucas." She said softly.

"Are you saying?" I seethed in anger.

"I am saying that you need to find a girl to fall in love with again. Don't put more walls in your heart, lessen it." She said softly.

"I told you already I am not loving or falling in love for any girls again. They are gold diggers." I stated trying to be calm but my anger rises.

Remembering Chloe.

"HIS MOTHER IS ONE OF THE PROFESSIONAL GOLD DIGGERS!" I shouted.

Luke jolted and started to cry loudly.

"Why the heck are you shouting? Not all girls are!" She whispered yelled.

I stood up and soothed his back. Murmuring soothing words.

Thank God, he calmed down. I felt bad about it.

"If I can't pursue anything for you it's fine. But for Luke's sake he needs it. Luke needs motherly love. Me as a mom, hearing Luke calling someone as his mommy. I feel he needs it. Just motherly advice." Leticia said and stood up.

"I am leaving. Have a nice day and take care of Luke and yourself. I can help you with that if you want too." Saying that she turned to walk but I stopped her.

"Wait." She turned to look at me.

"Then help me," I said in defeat looking directly into her eyes, her face light up when I said it.

"Really?!" She asked loudly.

"Really," I said in a boring tone.

"Good to hear little brother. I am on it." She smiled sheepishly and snapped her fingers

She already planned something. I can sense it.

"What are you thinking?" I asked. She looks like shit.

I almost laugh at her face.

"Even if you marry someone?" She asked. I looked at her dumbfounded.

"Are you serious?" I asked her, She must have been joking.

She laughed at me.

"I am serious Lucas. For you, and your baby." She said deeply. Count me out; it’s for my baby only.

I sighed. "Fine. Whatever, make sure she will not shout or lay a finger with my son."

She nodded.

"Thank you for taking care of my son. Take care--Text me once you got home." I said, dismissing her.

"Not a problem. Bye." She said and left, leaving my son and me.

I will do anything for my son, for him to be happy and grow up having a family.

"Ana, Luke will sleep with me, bring his milk and other needs," I ordered.

"Yes sir." She replied politely.

I walked upstairs to my bedroom while Luke in my arms.

Ana knocked and I told her to come in, leaving Luke’s things.

After, I changed his diapers and wiped with a clean wet towel to refreshen him up a bit.

I laid him down on the bed. Putting pillows to his side in case he rolls onto the bed.

I gave him his milk and start sucking it.

"Daddy loves you so much," I said slowly and in a soft voice for him to understand.

He stopped sipping his milk letting go of the bottle and looked at me.

He giggled and looked at me. which means I need to kiss again his forehead. How cute is my son? He looks like me,

 I kissed again his forehead.

"D...da..da." he said out of the blue.

I smiled at him hearing his voice is the best gift for me.

"Very good Luke, “Da-ddy”, now go to rest." I said softly, giving him again his milk.

Aria

I am already at the cafe. Refilling the flavors while making the foam for the frappe.

"A, did you eat yet?" Brent asked me, with the foods in his hands.

"Kinda, I drink café Americano," I said not looking into his eyes; I could feel he was looking at me.

"No, Come on. I'll share it with you." He said while dragging me to the table.

He is not satisfied with my answer.

I thanked him while we are eating. The staffs are allowed to make one drink for free but cakes and other solid are not allowed.

I didn't eat breakfast cause I didn't have extra money to buy food. The last grocery I have in my house is only for dinner.

Getting me out of my thoughts, I heard Brent is calling me.

"A! I am asking you. Are you even here?" He asked shouting playfully.

I narrowed my eyes on him.

"Hey! Don't shout! I am right here." I whispered yell. There are two customers near our tables.

"How much debt you need to pay left?" He asked me.

He knew the debts I am paying because many people are always looking for me to get the payment.

"Mm…thats… $500,000. Left." I said sadly.

"You can do it… If only I am rich, I can help you with that." Brent said sadly.

"No need to. Being you here at my side is enough, Brent. "

"Good to hear. Anything you need I am right here.” I laughed at him. He is so sincere while saying those words.

"Thank you for all and this food."

He nodded.

Just in time, I stood up and heard the door chimes - means someone is coming in.

"Aria Bright?" I heard a middle-age familiar voice.

I knew who it is and I didn't bother to look up. I headed straight to my bag and get the money.

"I'll go back to work," Brent said, heading to the counter.

I walked over to him.

"This is the only money I have sir. I have to pay you next month again." I said politely, handing him the money with my head down.

He got it and I expected him to leave but not. He cleared his throat and I looked up to him.

"I am giving you a chance to pay all the remaining balance next month. I don't need excuses." He said firmly.

“But sir, I…” He cut me off.

"As I said, I don't need any excuses, if you didn't pay for it. I’ll tell you. I will. ruin. you." He threatened.

I nodded and slumped back to the chair. I didn't know what to do or what jobs do I need to do just to earn that big money.

Tears started to pool. What did I do to deserve this?

I heard the door chimes - means another is coming in.

I looked up Leticia and her daughter with smiles on their faces.

I hurriedly wiped the tears before they fall and I smiled forcefully.

Changing my mood.

"Good morning to my beautiful customers " I winked at them causing Leticia to laughed.

"Good Morning, Auntie Aria." Lily greeted politely, hugging me.

"Good Morning Aria" Leticia greeted.

"What do you want to order guys?" I asked, I walked to the counter giving the dishes to Brent.

"Mom, I want Luke's favorite cake. Pretty please." Lily pleaded, giving those puppy eyes.

"Of course Hun."

Leticia looked at me.

"Oreo Cheesecake and water for Lily and café Americano for me please."

So Luke's favorite cake is Oreo cheesecake. Mmm…

I nodded

"Right away Madam," I said, but Leticia give me the -don't-call-me-that-look-.

I chuckled. She is really low key even though she is that rich.

I prepared and served them their orders.

"Anything else you need?" I asked.

"You," Leticia said looking at me.

"Me? I have worked maybe later Leticia." I laughed nervously, why do I feel something?

"Later then. Can we meet at your place? I need to talk about you something." She said suddenly, giving me her puppy eyes.

My house?

"You can but my house isn't that big. If that's ok with you?" I said softly.

"No need to use puppy eyes." I laughed.

"Silly me." She said to herself. "I don't care Aria. If that house is big or small." She said seriously.

"Later then, Gotta work," I said to her and she nodded.

I walk directly to the counter and prepare everything again.

Working in the cafe is 80% washing and cleaning.

I wonder what she is going to talk about. Maybe she is planning a surprise? Maybe she wanted to buy something? or maybe she will ask me to tutor Lily for a month?.

That would be great thou.

I remembered, what would I give to them. I don't have any food in my house or anything to offer.

That's the only dinner I have.

I shake my head getting out of my thoughts. She said just to talk. I don't need to be nervous right?

I laughed inside my head. What's going on with me?

_______________

I just got home. I am hesitant if I should cancel Leticia coming here, but she texted me asking what is my address. I didn't notice myself that I replied texting my address.

I didn't need to clean and I just tidy up because I don't like messy and dirty things.

I didn't have anything or money to buy food. I am feeling embarrassed about it. I only have coffee to offer.

I took a shower and waited for Leticia to come. I was sitting at bed waiting for her. I don't know if she and Lily would come.

I own this house. The time I didn't know the debt before I have saved and buy this house but after some time finding out that my foster dad has debts. They run after me leaving me no choice but to pay for it. Things I dreamed goes down.

There's a knock interrupting my thoughts. I hurriedly walked to the door to open it.

"Aria," Leticia said with food in her hands.

"Leticia. Come on get in."

I helped her with the foods she was holding and put it in the table.

She told her driver to get back here when she text.

I prepared the food. She brought some fries and fried chicken with rice.

"Your house is so cozy. I feel at home when I entered. Seriously." She complements.

"Thank you for that. It is really home for me "

"Let's eat first so we can talk straight after." She said.

"Sure. Thank you for bringing food. You didn't have too." I said softly.

"Nah. Don't need to. Just eat Aria." She dismissed.

Meanwhile, we are eating.

"Where is Lily?" I asked her. I rarely saw her without Lily.

"Mark is there at home and want to spend time with our daughter.

I nodded and smiled.

For me, they are really the best couple and a parent for Lily. They know how to balance time.

I wish I would have that kind of family. Soon…