The next day, I could see Uncle Tomas was already up even though the sun still hasn’t risen yet, and standing in our yard outside the house as he speak with Ajax.
“You see, we Filipinos have a traditional way of testing the suitors of our daughters. Since I consider Ellainaas as my daughter, I will try to act as her father now and I will test you.”
Ajax nodded.
“Now, since it’s still early I want you to cut off some wood for a fire. The nights here are getting colder.”
Uncle Tomas then taught him first how to cut it before letting Ajax do it. Well, seeing them now, I could see that Ajax learns fast. He’s a fast learner actually and he seems to be eager to do his job without many complaints.
“Ate, can we give them snacks?” I could hear Elyana, my sister, asking behind me and I shook my head.
“No.”
“Why not?” she asked, “Isn’t she your lover? I saw you two kissing last night.”
I raised my eyebrows, “No, you did not.”
She scoffed, “Tsk, you try to deny it….but I know him, He was the one who asked you to take him out but you refused him on live television.”
I facepalmed, “You saw that?”
“Of course, you went trending in the social media apps at that time.” She smirked, trying to tease me, “He’s handsome, and you two look good together. You would look great as a couple. No, a power couple.”
I rolled my eyes at my sister, “you seem to read too many romance stories, just go and take care of the mother.”
She nodded, “Alright dear sister, and I am rooting for him, he seems nice.”
After Ajax finished cutting off the fire, Mang Tomas then ordered him another thing, he ordered for him to cook, wash the dishes, and even wash the laundry.
I watched in amazement as Ajax did all the duties without even many complaints. If ever, he was smiling at me.
“He’s a billionaire yet you keep on ordering him around,” I muttered to Uncle Tomas ass we watched Ajax to the side.
Uncle Tomas scoffed, “Psh, your father also endured this before he even had the chance to court your mother.”
I blinked, “He did?”
Uncle Tomas nodded, “Yes and you see, your father, used to golden spoon, and having everything around him in an instant snap didn’t have it easy. He struggled so hard, he didn't even know how to cook, clean, or even wash the dishes when he came for your mother’s hand.”
I chuckled at the thought, seems that father was worse than Ajax.
“Do you love this boy?” Uncle Tomas suddenly asked, which caught me unexpectedly.
“W-what?”
He smirked, looking into my eyes with a knowing expression, “You’re in love with him.”
“I am not.” I denied it, knowing damn well that I am lying. I already knew it, I am just fighting over this feeling.
He sighed, “You know, when I was your age, child, I was a fool in love…” He suddenly started to tell his story. “I was young, a fool, and in love. But I was poor. And she’s not. His father did everything he could to separate us, and she was married off to some wealthy man. She became the one that got away..”
I blinked, “If you two are in love, why did she not fight for you?”
He shrugged, “I am asking that question too...but I never got to see her again…”
I could see the sadness in his eyes as if he was recalling it again…
And I didn’t know he was able to experience that….so harsh.
He sighed, “It’s getting late, go back inside.”
I glanced at Ajax, seeing how he was focused on his job now.
“Or do you still want to see your loverboy here?”’
I rolled my eyes at his jokes and When Uncle Tomas couldn't stop teasing me, I suddenly want to escape his stares and then went to where Ajax was.
He was handwashing our clothes manually since our washing machine is broken and electricity in this province hasn't been fixed yet.
Ajax was not wearing any clothes now and seeing him shirtless like this again….I could see how his muscles flex….his hard-toned abs sparking with some sweat and I suddenly want to wipe it off…
I shook my head no, now is not the time to get distracted.
I kneeled to talk to him, “Hey.”
He smiled at the sight of me, “Hey beautiful.”
“You know you could quit if you’re having a hard time,” I suggested, seeing the sweat forming on his forehead.
He shook his head, “No, this is rather quite an amusing experience. I am liking this.”
I scoffed, “Liking this? what? My uncle ordering you around and testing if you’re a good suitor?”
He nodded, “I like challenges. after this, I’ll know that it was all worth it…”
I scoffed, really that man. He would see the silver lining in everything.
Days passed by with Ajax doing everything for us like our personal maid. He seemed to get used to everything now that it became easier for him. He was already up when I got up and I could see him again outside with Uncle Tomas.
I prepared for the day first and showed and with only a piece of a towel wrapped around my body, I went to my clothes when I saw Ajax standing there, looking at me.
“Hi.” He greeted me and I almost shrieked in surprise.
Instead, I held myself together and cleared my throat, gripping the towel tighter on my body.
“Why are you here inside?”
He shrugged, “Your uncle had let me take a break first.”
I blinked, “And why are you taking our break here?”
“I wanted to see you.” He simply answered. I turned around, “You could have knocked first and let me dress first. You’re invading my privacy you know.”
“Oh, I apologize, shall I go outside now?”
I bit my lip, wanting him to stay here.
“Hmmm…no answer…do you want me to stay here?” I could feel him walking towards me and his hands were sliding on my shoulders. I shivered, feeling his warm hand against my cold skin. The tension me to linger and he kissed my neck.
“Dry my hair,” I ordered, changing the topic. He retracted his hand from me and then grabbed a hair dryer. He then turned it on and directed it a few inches away from my hair.
“You know how to use that?” I asked and he smiled.
“My mother trained me enough using this thing.” He chuckled, “I sometimes get burned with it.”
“Oh.”
He stayed like that for a few seconds and I could feel his hands touching my hair, making sure it was dry enough. My hair started to relax and my eyes closed now. Gosh, I feel sleepy having him touch my hair like that.
“Ajax!” Uncle Tomas yelled from outside.
He suddenly turned the blow dryer off and stood up, “I apologize, Ellaina, seems that your uncle wants to order something for me again.”
I nodded, “Alright, go now.”
He smiled, kneeling and kissing my forehead, “See you later.”
And for the first time again, I wanted that kiss placed on my lips. He then smirked at me before leaving my room.