The Castillo's Series: Echoes of Love

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 2

Aria Amethyst's Point of View

As I stood before the grand entrance of the Castillo Family mansion, my eyes widened in awe. A sense of wonder and amazement overtook me. The colossal mansion loomed before me, a sight to behold. Who could have imagined that I would live and work in a place like this?

Perhaps, I'm being a tad dramatic, but let's face it; this place is practically a palace! This mansion sprawls across five stories, dwarfing anything I've ever seen back in the squatter's area I called home. It's impossible not to be awestruck.

The Castillos, one of the Philippines' most affluent families, are behind this magnificent abode. Their restaurant empire, including the renowned Cafélatte chain, helmed by their only daughter, Ms. Tatiana Amber Castillo-Middleton, testifies to their wealth.

"Apo!" The melodious voice of Aba snapped me back to reality. I turned towards her, my heart bursting with joy as I saw her waving at me. "Aba!" I couldn't resist running towards her and embracing her in a tight hug. It had been far too long since we last met, as her age and frailty made traveling a challenge.

"I've missed you, my apo!" Aba exclaimed, showering my cheeks with affectionate kisses. A giggle escaped my lips; I'd always been a Lola's girl. During my formative years, I lived with Aba until she started working for the Castillo family. Our bond was strong, and I cherished every moment spent with her.

"I've missed you too, Aba," I replied sweetly, the warmth in her eyes bringing me comfort. She recognized me as the girl she had raised, and that recognition meant the world to me. "Oh, Elcid was going to be so happy to meet you, dear," Aba said with an enigmatic gleam in her eye, leaving me curious about what awaited me.

"I hope so, Aba. I'm a bit nervous," I admitted, my worries surfacing. Aba chuckled at my candidness. "No need to fret. My employers are kind-hearted, although their children, especially Blue, can be quite a handful."

Blue? Did she mean Blue Matthew Castillo? The name was familiar, almost legendary. Who in the Philippines hadn't heard of him? He was one of the country's most eligible bachelors, not to mention the owner of the renowned five-star seafood restaurant, The Pacific.

Aba's gaze held a peculiar depth when she mentioned Blue, stirring my curiosity further. "Don't worry, dear. You'll do just fine," she assured me with a comforting pat on my shoulder, her laughter ringing with warmth. "Alright, let's go. Ma'am Elcid has been waiting for you."

With newfound determination, I smiled and eagerly picked up my suitcase. Nervousness and excitement coursed through me as we ventured further into the mansion. With every step, my heart whispered to my mom and Arissa, hoping that this opportunity could lift us out of the cycle of poverty that had haunted us for so long.

Upon entering the house, I found myself entranced once more. The opulence that surrounded me was breathtaking. It was a stark contrast to our humble abode, and I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the grandeur.

The sight before me was nothing short of magnificent. A colossal chandelier greeted guests in the grand foyer, casting shimmering light throughout the expanse. Ornate vases adorned every corner, each undoubtedly worth more than what we owned in our squatter's home. Plush sofas beckoned invitingly, while the frigid air conditioning offered respite from the tropical heat. An impressive aquarium graced the side of a sweeping staircase, each step an elegant testament to grandeur.

I paused in my tracks, my gaze fixed on a colossal family portrait hanging on the wall. In the center were Mr. and Mrs. Elcid and Leandro Castillo, with their four children standing behind them. I couldn't distinguish between Thadeus, Blue, and Red from their youthful faces. The only one I recognized was Ms. Tatiana, who radiated elegance in the photograph.

However, it was a young man in the picture who captivated my attention. Dressed in a sleek black tuxedo, he sported a goofy yet handsome smile that drew me in.

He's rather cute. I wasn't one to easily swoon over guys, for I had been engrossed in my studies throughout my school years, earning me the title of "nerd." Yet, for the first time, I felt a peculiar attraction. I wondered which of the siblings he was.

"Aria."

"Oh, he's cute!"

Aba's voice pulled me out of my reverie, and I met her gaze, her expression reflecting confusion. Before us stood a girl around my mom's age, her porcelain skin and gentle laughter captivating me. She was undoubtedly beautiful, yet I couldn't help but feel self-conscious about my own appearance.

"But you're the cutest," she playfully teased, her laughter filling the space. Flustered by the compliment, I attempted to be polite. "Hello," I greeted her awkwardly, my eyes shifting from her to Aba.

Approaching me, Aba leaned in and whispered, "That's Ma'am Elcid." My eyes widened, and I nearly gasped in realization. She was my employer! The realization washed over me, embarrassment flooding in.

"Hi, dear, I'm Elcid. You can call me Tita, okay? Don't be too formal with 'ma'am.' And you're Aria Amethyst Aragon, right?" Tita Elcid greeted me with a warm smile. I nodded, my face flushed. "Yes, ma'am, I mean, Tita Elcid. Nice to meet you, and I promise to do my best in my job!" I replied with a respectful bow. Her gentle laughter filled the room. "Thank you, and looking forward, I guess?" she said between chuckles.

I glanced up at her, and a genuine smile tugged at her lips. Tita Elcid's warmth was truly welcoming, making me feel more at ease in this opulent environment. My anxiety began to dissipate, replaced by excitement for the new chapter in my life.

"I'm glad you finally came. When Manang Maria told me about how you wanted to apply for the job, I didn't think twice about hiring you. I have a really good feeling about you, you know. And now that I have finally met you, I can say that you're worth the shot. So please feel at home, okay? If you need help or assistance with anything, don't hesitate to reach out to anyone in this house. We would all love to help you, okay? Ahh~ it's good to have another daughter in this house," Tita Elcid reassured me, her grasp on my hand affirming her sincerity.

I wasn't sure how to express my gratitude for Tita Elcid's warm welcome, and I couldn't quite articulate the emotions swirling within me. It was a whirlwind of happiness, nervousness, and exhilaration. Her kindness mirrored that of my mother, and I understood why Aba had stayed with this family for so many years.

Suddenly, a deep, husky voice interrupted the serene moment. I turned my gaze to the source, my eyes locking on a man with disheveled hair, clad in pajamas, descending the grand staircase.

My breath hitched as I found myself staring at the man before me. Despite his rumpled appearance, he exuded an undeniable handsomeness.

"Blue, my dear, I want you to meet Aria, Aling Maria's granddaughter. Aria, this is Blue, and Blue, this is Aria," Tita Elcid introduced us, momentarily catching me off guard. This was Blue Matthew Castillo? The same mischievous figure Aba had mentioned from Tita Elcid's children? Was this the man whose cheerful face adorned the family portrait?

Even in his just-awakened state, he was undeniably attractive, his features possessing a magnetic charm.

"Hello, sir. I'm Aria Amethyst Aragon, Aling Maria's granddaughter and your new housemaid. I'm happy to be of help, sir," I managed to say politely, though a growing unease bubbled within me under his intense scrutiny.

Why is he studying me so closely? Is there something amiss? Or does he find me peculiar? I knew I wasn't exceptionally pretty, but I wasn't unattractive either. People had teased me in my younger days because of my rare purple eyes. Yes, I was born with purple irises, a genetic anomaly found in only 1% of the world's population.

I attempted to dismiss my self-consciousness, but Blue continued to peer at me, causing my discomfort to intensify. His gaze felt like an unrelenting spotlight, probing me in ways I couldn't fathom.

"Sir Blue?" I gently prompted when he remained silent, his thoughts seemingly drifting elsewhere. He blinked, as if snapping out of a trance, finally acknowledging my presence.

I couldn't help but be entranced by the almond-hazel eyes that met mine. They were alluring, yet held an enigmatic allure, as if harboring secrets known only to him.

"Blue, honey, this is Aria, Aling Maria's granddaughter and your new housemaid," Tita Elcid reiterated, attempting to draw him into the conversation.

With a polite smile, I nodded at him. Yet despite my efforts, Blue remained reticent, his gaze unyielding. My sense of unease deepened, and I couldn't shake the feeling that there was something about me that intrigued him.

Why is he so fixated on me? What secrets do those mysterious eyes conceal?

As another man, appearing to be around the same age as Sir Blue, made his entrance, he leaned in and whispered something into Sir Blue's ear. Sir Blue's furrowed brow deepened, yet he remained locked in silence.

Could it be that Sir Blue was a mute? Lol.

"Hi Aria, I'm Red. Nice to meet you," Sir Red introduced himself with a friendly smile. He was the third sibling among them, and his demeanor exuded kindness, much like Tita Elcid. His face bore a gentle expression, a stark contrast to Sir Blue's mischievous and somewhat cocky aura.

I reciprocated Sir Red's warm smile, nodding politely. It was essential to make a proper introduction; otherwise, it would be rather embarrassing.

"Hey, I'm Thadeus. Fancy meeting you," I was taken aback as a man abruptly introduced himself to me. His face remained emotionless, and his tone was flat. He gazed directly at me, sporting a stern expression. This was Sir Thadeus, the eldest among the siblings. To be honest, he looked severe just by his appearance.

Nonetheless, I mustered a smile and nodded at Sir Thadeus, even though his presence did send a chill down my spine. Who wouldn't feel apprehensive when Sir Thadeus stared at you as if you had committed a grave offense? A sudden shiver coursed through me, and I couldn't help but tremble.

"Someone got his heart shot by Cupid's arrow here," I found myself utterly puzzled as Sir Red unexpectedly spoke, offering a playful comment before disappearing into the kitchen.

Huh? What did he mean? I had been grappling with linguistic confusion all along! And who, exactly, had been struck by Cupid's arrow? Was there even such a person? This whole situation felt bizarre!

"Okay, that's enough of those introductions, and let's have breakfast. Come, Aria, it seems Red is onto something. Looks like someone got struck by Cupid's arrow," Tita Elcid chuckled, leaving me further perplexed.

What did they mean by someone being struck by Cupid's arrow? And why did they all seem to communicate in riddles? I couldn't quite grasp the dynamics of this family, but one thing remained evident—Tita Elcid and her sons were welcoming, albeit in a rather mystifying manner.

I stole a glance at Aba, who shared the knowing smiles of the others, and I longed for answers to this cryptic scenario. Why were they all so amused? I just couldn't fathom it.

Turning my attention back to the room, my gaze once again met Sir Blue's unwavering stare. The world around us faded into insignificance, and it was as if we were the only two people in existence. Time itself seemed to stand still, frozen in the moment when our paths had first crossed. My heart quickened its pace, and I couldn't help but sense that there was something more to him, something enigmatic that drew me in.

I found myself wondering why.

Why did these emotions stir within me as I observed him? It felt as though there was a hidden layer to Sir Blue that I needed to uncover.

Especially when our eyes locked, I had an overwhelming sensation that he was a lost soul waiting to be found. But why? What had caused him to feel this way?

But then, with a sudden jolt, I was ripped from the depths of my contemplation. Reality rushed back in, reminding me of the world beyond this inexplicable connection. The room buzzed with life, the clinking of cutlery, and the murmur of voices.

But the question lingered, hanging in the air like a lingering note of music. "Who are you, Blue Matthew Castillo, and why do I have this uncanny feeling that I'm being irresistibly drawn to you?" The question echoed in the hushed corridors of my thoughts, resonating with an intensity that sent ripples of curiosity through every fiber of my being. It was a query that danced on the precipice of my lips, waiting to be released into the air like a captive bird set free.

Little did I know that this question was merely the beginning, the opening chord of a symphony that would lead me down a path I could never have imagined. As I embarked on this journey, I could only wonder what other secrets lay in wait, what mysteries were yet to be unraveled.

The answers, I knew, would be as elusive as the morning mist, slipping through my fingers like grains of sand. But I was determined to chase them, to peel back the layers of mystery, and to discover the truth that lay hidden beneath the enigmatic surface of Blue Matthew Castillo.

And so, with a heart filled with determination and a mind brimming with questions, I ventured forth into the unknown, ready to unravel the secrets that bound us together. The journey had only just begun, and I couldn't help but wonder where it would lead me.

The question remained, a riddle waiting to be solved, and I was determined to find the answer.