Say You Will

By AC JADE

SAY YOU WILL

Money can't buy happiness but it definitely puts food on the table and roof over your head.

GRACIELA "LACE" LOPEZ is an attractive woman who was abandoned by her parents at a young age. She is broke, homeless, and desperate for cash, but the only asset she has is her body. She wants change and a chance at a better life.

JAXTON STONE is an attractive software billionaire whose good looks could melt a woman's brain. He has a complicated past, and he keeps it a secret. In order to keep in shape and follow his strict diet, he hires a maid from the Philippines who can also cook. Little does he know, he will get more than he bargained for.

When their worlds collide in Hong Kong, Jaxton and Lace find they have one thing in common.

Will their unexpected attraction to each other lead to finding an unconditional love above and beyond, or will the fact that she is a maid with a troubled past keep them apart?

• Language: English
• Publisher: AC JADE
• Release date: Jan 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215740934

AC JADE

AC JADE is an emerging author of contemporary/erotic romance. She was born and raised in the Island of The Philippines. She is a true romantic at heart. Her passion for traveling and exploring made her write her first novel. AC JADE loves to write steamy romantic stories with the emotional roller coaster that leads to happy ever after ending. Her sizzling stories will get you hook intellectually, emotionally and physically. Her greatest dream is to travel across 7,107 Islands in the Philippines.   You can follow her on: Facebook.com/AC JADE Instagram: authoracjade Twitter:@authoracjade http://www.authoracjade.com

Book preview

Life’s roughest storms prove the strength of our anchors.

Chapter One 

Lace

I took a long, deep breath to calm myself. In two hours and forty minutes, I would be there. Hong Kong here I come. It was my first time flying—that was why I felt so nervous as I stepped onto the plane. My knees trembled as I walked down the aisle to my assigned seat. My palms were sweating as well as my nose as I carefully buckled my seat belt

I should be happy that I finally fulfilled my dreams to go abroad for work, but somehow, I felt a heavy burden on my shoulders. I wondered what it was like in Hong Kong. Since day one, I had prayed for an honest, decent job where I didn’t have to be exposed to the public eye. I had hoped that my employer would treat me good, though. I’d heard a lot of stories about how employers were treating domestic helpers. I’d seen some women were being beaten to death by their bosses on the news and social media. I sighed.

When I told my mother about my plan, she cried her eyes out. She cried until she fell asleep. She was afraid that she would lose her daughter, again. I told her that it would be all right, and she should think positive because this time, I wanted to make everything right. It was tough for her when I left early this morning. She was alone, and now I was worried sick that she would not take care of herself. 

I’d taken care of her since she came back into my life. That was five years ago when my sister died in a car accident. My mother just magically appeared out of the blue. I wanted to blame her for my sister’s death to her face, but I wasn’t brave enough, and I didn’t have the energy to fight with her. It had already happened. I didn’t have the guts to make her feel guilty. I didn’t want to disrespect her. I still had respect for her after all those years of abandonment. She didn’t bother to send us financial support when we were young. Today, I left her because I had to. I had no choice. I had to find a better life and move forward after losing my sister. It had been a long struggle, and I still couldn’t get ahead.

My only, younger sister that I trusted the most in the universe, my rock, was gone forever. Life was different without her. We supported one another, and we survived without parents. I missed her every single day. My mother, however, didn’t tell me that she was sick while living with me. She kept it from me until I found her very ill in her room. That was when things had changed. 

My father had left us for another woman as far as I could remember. He wasn’t even present at my sister’s funeral. I guess not all parents love their children. I couldn’t even remember what he looked like. At least, that was how I felt. He didn’t honor me and my sister, and he was out there enjoying his other family. I heard he was well off, so that was that. It hurt. I had accepted sometimes that life wasn’t fair. I questioned why I was born to be unfortunate. It sucked. 

I miraculously managed to put myself through college with a degree in mathematical engineering and psychology. I took the course because the tuition was very affordable, and I liked it. It took me years to finish my degree. Having a degree mattered a lot to me. One day, it would give a real advantage in my life. It was the main reason why I took the opportunity to work overseas to broaden my horizons and to be free after all the things that I’d done in the past. My wandering thoughts were everywhere, and I didn’t realize that the plane had landed. I gathered my small carry-on bag and headed to customs and immigration. The airport was packed with people coming and going from different parts of the world. 

When I stepped into the luggage area, there was a skinny older woman holding a small white cardboard with my name written in bold that said, Gliceria Lopez. She was standing with the other agents who were waiting for their recruits. I cringed at the sight of my name. My mother had to name me after a Filipina heroine who was well-known as the matriarch-general of the revolutionary forces. Her name was Gliceria, she came from a wealthy trading family in Taal, Batangas that supported the revolutionary movement back in the day of Dr. Jose Rizal, the Philippines’ National Hero. Her family gave Rizal money when he was exiled to Hong Kong in 1892. 

Hong Kong was my escape, my new beginning.

I took a deep breath and shook my head to get a grip. Enough about history, I said to myself, but I couldn’t help it because I’d always been fascinated when it came to history, though I liked to learn things and solve problems by simple mathematical applications. Okay, Gliceria, get your mind straight. Focus.

Here I was walking toward the older woman. It was a dream come true indeed, stepping on the foreign land. My excitement went up a few notches. I couldn’t wait to meet my employer. 

Gliceria? she asked to confirm that I was the right person. Of course, she recognized my face. I’d sent identification during the application process through the agency in Cebu.  I’d never met the other end of the office personnel in Hong Kong so she might be the one. 

Yes. I extended my right hand and shook hers. I looked her in the eye like a real business professional. She had an accent, and so did I. She spoke English very fast like she was eating the words. I was having a hard time understanding her. I’d told myself that I would never say yes if I didn’t understand something. That was my rule. I asked her to repeat what she said and speak slowly. 

It’s nice to meet you, she and shook my hand simultaneously and firmly.

Pleasure to meet you as well, I replied. 

We hopped into her car, and she hit the road, spiraling through the traffic of Hong Kong. Who knew where we were headed, but the old woman drove like a maniac on the opposite side. I didn’t realize how awkward driving on the opposite side was. She hit the morning rush and the hustle and bustle of the big city. The high-rise buildings distracted me. It made me feel sick and dizzy.

What’s your name? I asked her as I turned my head to the right.

Michelle, she answered quickly, glancing in my direction, and then resumed her focus to the road. She turned onto Nathan Road, afterward. She illegally drove to the opposite side of Salisbury Road. I was sure my eyes were bugging out as I was horrified by her driving skills and the oncoming traffic. I was about to scream at her and take the wheel, but I didn’t know how to drive, so I ducked my head and buried my face in my purse. I thought that I was going to die. I felt like I was going to vomit. I waited for an impact of cars, but all I heard were horns beeping to the maximum, enough to blast my brain out of my skull. I didn’t move a muscle and held my breath. The car had stopped somewhere, and I remained frozen with cold sweats all over my body. The woman was a psycho.  She shouldn’t be allowed to drive. 

We are here. Her voice was calm like nothing happened. I hesitated to move or look up. I was still shaking. Get yourself out of the car. I have other clients to take care of, she said nicely with her Chinese accent, so I lifted my head up and found myself safely intact in her car, which was perfectly parked in front of the Peninsula Hotel. I quickly grabbed my carry-on bag and my purse. I needed to get out of her car before she drove away with me. There was no way that I would step into her car ever again. I’d rather walk than ride with her behind the wheel.

The valet said something in Chinese. A greeting, perhaps, but Michelle ignored the guy. I followed the crazy lady walking fast with her towering heels. She was short, despite those killer high heels of hers, but she looked so darn good in them. I didn’t know why I even called her an old lady in the first place. I hardly had time to glance around the luxurious lobby because she zoomed right in front of the elevator door.

Where are we going? This is a hotel, I asked curiously. I moved closer to her side, waiting for the elevator to open. 

This is where your employer lives, but I will drop you off to your boss’ sister first. He is not here yet. His flight was delayed so if you could get those long legs of yours to hurry up so that I could pick him up at the airport. She looked up at me; despite her high heels, she was still shorter than me. We could have waited at the airport if she needed to pick up the boss, but whatever. I just went with the flow, feeling confused.

Oh! Okay, I said. Did she say he? I was expecting to work for an entire family, but a male employer would be so odd. Do you work for him too? I was curious.  

No, but I need to meet him for some paperwork. Give me your passport, she demanded. The door had opened in front of us, so I followed behind her. She pressed the number eight, and the elevator zoomed faster than lightning. 

Why would you need my passport? I asked, wondering why she wanted it. I’d rather keep it, just in case I needed to run away. If my employer ever treated me badly, at least I’d have my passport handy. There was no way I would give it to her.

It’s a company policy, she explained.

That doesn’t make sense. I was so nervous all of a sudden. The fear of not having the passport in my hands and my fear of heights just made me feel so scared.

How can I trust you? I wrinkled my brow.

I’m the most trustworthy person that ever existed in this place. She handed her business card to me when the door opened. You can call me anytime if you need help, Gliceria. She stepped out, and I followed her. We walked straight to the only closed door. She knocked, and we waited. I stood behind her, fidgeting and nervous to meet a stranger. The door swung open, and a young lady in white scrubs greeted us. She held the door widely for us to pass through, but Michelle stepped aside to let me in first. 

Your passport. She stretched her hand toward me to take my passport. I’d be damned if I did it. I stood frozen with my gaze on her, looking for some sign of an illegal transaction. Give it to me, Gliceria, before your boss fires us both. She reached her hand even closer to me. 

Fine. Will you give it back to me? I asked. My voice was small and unsure of the situation. 

It will be safe with me, she reassured me.

I shook my head, defeated, and handed my passport to her. That was it. I was doomed. She turned around and said goodbye. She left without introducing me to the woman in the scrubs looking fresh in front of me. Hi. I spoke first, but she ignored me and walked toward the open kitchen and made a cup of tea. 

Tea? she offered. 

Thank you, I said shyly. The place was immaculate, so I removed my flat shoes and put them on top of my carry-on bag and tucked them in the corner. I walked toward the white kitchen. She was standing behind the counter, offering me a cup of tea. Are you my employer’s sister? The lady had a fair, clear complexion, and her face was smooth, like the ones in magazines.  

No. I work here. My boss is still sleeping, she stated and then sipped her tea. I sipped my warm tea, and it tasted so good, like something only rich people could afford. I wanted to ask so many questions, but I was afraid that she would defriend me right away even if we were not friends yet. My name is Mae. What is your name? she asked. Thank God.

I’m Gliceria. I figured that I should use my actual name just in case. If ever I went missing, at least someone would know my real name. We shook hands and smiled at each other. So far so good. I heard the bell ring from somewhere, and Mae excused herself to tend to her boss. I watched her head to where the sound originated. I would be like her every time the bell rang. I was curious what my employer was like. 

I sat on the bar stool staring at my cup of tea, daydreaming. Mae wasn’t back yet. I wondered if she needed my help. I was startled when the front door swung open, and my eyes found a well-dressed man in a three-piece light gray suit with a white handkerchief in his left chest pocket. He was tall with curly dirty blond hair neatly swept behind his back. My eyes danced like a disco ball gleaming at the sight of his striking good looks. My dry throat involuntary swallowed. His stone face made me cringe when I nervously grinned at him. It was very pathetic of me. I hadn’t seen such a gorgeous-looking man in real life, a striking blond man to be exact. I couldn’t move because I had no idea who he was. I didn’t know why my whole being was acting so odd. Usually, I didn’t drool when it came to men.

It looked like my presence made his morning a bad one. I turned around, facing the sink, and looked down to my tea, embarrassed. The way he looked at me made me feel so uncomfortable, sweaty, and most of all my stomach was in knots. I tilted my head against my shoulder to see if he was still standing behind me, and he was. He smoothly walked closer to me. His cologne smelled so fresh. I sipped more tea, pretending that I was busy doing something.  

It was not polite to turn around without introducing yourself to your boss, he said. When I heard his deep, manly voice, I thought, oh shit!  He’s my boss? I asked myself. I sipped the hot tea fast without thinking. It burned my tongue, and it hurt. I tried to straighten my spine and ignore my burning tongue. I stood slowly facing my boss. Gliceria, right? he asked.

Yes, sir. I gave a little smile and extended my hand. Nice to meet you, I greeted and flashed him my brightest smile ever and took his right hand. He hesitated to shake mine in return, and when we touched, an electric spark ignited, and made a fire, burning every fiber of my body. He was loaded with high electrical volts with zapping energies stored in his system. I pulled my hand right away. I felt my face burning suddenly. It was my first time shaking a man’s hand like that. He possessed some kind of superpower. You can call me Lace, I said, suddenly sounding soft and mellow. What just happened? I didn’t know why I bothered to tell him my nickname either. 

Lace, he said in a very low voice. My name sounded very seductive in his mouth. The way he moved his tongue as he licked his lips was sultry, and his eyes never blinked, staring at me. I was tall enough that I didn’t have to bend my neck up as I watched his cold stare. His eyes were gray. He was staring at me like I was the cause of his miserable life. His facial expression never changed, just the same, but handsome. 

He looked crisp in his light-gray suit that somewhat matched his eyes, ready to conquer the day. I stepped backward, and my back was pressed against the kitchen counter. I cut my gaze and looked to my tank top, smoothing it down, and then I wiped my sweaty palms on my skinny pants. He moved closer in front of me and inhaled deeply, smelling my scent. Wait here, he said in my ear, a tone that made my neck stiff and burned my skin. I was scared of his voice and everything about him.

Our distance was like a wildfire. We were like two different atoms, trying to bond and the result was exploding. I didn’t even know his name yet. Was I going to deal with a dangerous man plus a wife and kids? Oh, gosh! The thought of a wife and kids should’ve stopped my fantasy about him. God help me. What had I done with my life? 

My eyes followed him to where Mae went. I was very confused right now. I debated going back home, for some reason. I thought that I was ready to work as a helper for someone, but now I was having second thoughts. I should have followed my gut not to give my passport to Michelle. I searched for Michelle’s business card in my purse, but then I remembered that I didn’t have a phone. 

Let’s go. His sexy voice echoed in my ear. He gently grabbed my elbow, zinging my skin, and the rest of me automatically followed him without protest. I snatched my purse, and then my feet froze right by the door. I watched him put my carry-on bag on his shoulder and held the door open for me with his free hand.  

I got this, I said, pulling my carry-on bag from him. I appreciated his kindness in taking my belongings, but I could take care of myself. After all, I was his maid now. It was better if I had my carry-on in my hands. I had planned to escape, already. He pressed the elevator and viola—the door opened for him. It seemed like the elevator could sense his grumpiness. He held the door for me when he stepped in first; his other hand was still holding my elbow. I was so confused about the situation. I wanted to go home, but I owed plenty of money back home to get here. I took a breath and sighed inwardly. I had no choice. 

The door opened for us, and we were back in the lobby. I followed his long stride, and at the same time, I glanced at the front door. I had an opportunity to run and call it quits. Part of me was thinking about my mother, our new future together, and the other part was thinking that this job might not be the one for me. 

Are you having second thoughts? he asked. His warm breath caused the hair on the back of my neck to stand up. I looked at him with my sad thoughts. I could clearly see myself in his bright gray eyes as if he were my mirror. My little figure was like a dark shadow. As I stared at him, there was an empty soul deep in his beautiful eyes that seemed lost. His eyes changed, and it now looked like a foggy mirror with my image under the shadow. 

No, I whispered and shook my head at the same time. I badly needed this job.

Then come, follow me. I have a meeting in a few minutes, he said, taking my hand, clasping and engulfing it with his huge palm. It felt smooth, typical for a man who worked at an office holding a pen all day. Why was he taking my hand? Why was he doing this? Why were we holding hands?

You can let go of me. I pulled my arm from him. I didn’t want anyone to see us holding hands. What was wrong with this guy? We walked to the other wing of the hotel to the Prestige Tower. We entered into the private elevator, and I started getting nervous, my stomach twisting inside. He used his thumb to activate the elegant elevator, and the thing carried us all the way up to the top floor. The door opened directly to his place, and the spectacular panoramic view of Victoria Harbour greeted me. I gasped at the sight of it. The suite offered a luxurious view of Hong Kong. My heart was fluttering.

Wow! It’s breathtaking, I said admiringly. It was majestic. He was one lucky guy living here. I shrugged. What could I say? Rich people lived big. My eyes danced from left to right, but my nerves didn’t stop from shaking. I thought I needed to hang on to something.

Welcome. This is where I live. Feel free to do whatever you want. Here is my credit card. You can get some groceries downstairs. Your thumb will activate the elevator. Do you have any questions? His firmness commanded authority and made my mind go blank. All I could do was shake my head. 

No, I replied. I was speechless. I needed to relax. I needed to focus on why I was here.

Good. If you do, just call me. I will be home late. He turned around and left me stranded in his place. I scanned his spotless living room. I didn’t see a phone.  Everything looked clean, and everything was in its sacred spot. The walls and the marble floor were all white. Everything that was attached to the penthouse was white except the furnishings were gray. The theme was white and gray. It had a calming feel to it. I didn’t see why he needed a maid. 

The master suite was as big