"Carol, come on! You're gonna' be late!"

The voice of Cecilia echoed through the humble home of the Ramos. Footsteps were heard from upstairs, running back and forth.

Monsanto was waiting in the small but cozy sitting room, drinking the hot cocoa his best friend's mother had prepared for him. He made a quick glance at the clock. Indeed, Carol is going to be late for her first day of work.

Soon, Carol came rushing down the stairs. She was wearing a gray skirt with matching blazer and a white blouse. Her shoulder-length hair was tied neatly in a pony tail.

She looks every inch of a sophisticated career woman. Far from the simple rugged look she always wears.

"How do I look?" she asked.

It took Monsanto a while to reply. Obviously mesmerized, "You look okay."

"Just okay?" Carol pouted.

"You're gonna be late," Monsanto reminded her.

"Fine, let's go," Carol grabbed the black hand bag hanging at the back of the door before heading to the door. "Mom, we're leaving!"

"Good luck, honey," they heard Cecilia holler from the kitchen.

"Auntie, thanks for the cocoa," Monsanto added as he followed Carol outside.

"Thanks for the ride," Carol got out of the car and closed the door. "Don't worry, dinner's on me once I get my salary."

Monsanto chuckled, "It's only your first day. Let's see if you'll last a week."

"Get lost."

She could hear Monsanto laughing before she went inside the building. She sighed with a faint smile.

This is it! Her dream came true.

She was lucky enough to be able to find a job quickly after college, and the company where she got accepted is a huge one.

She has always been ambitious since she was young.

She has goals and has always wanted a specific lifestyle. She was not really a materialistic person, but is it too much to wish for a little luxury?

That's one of the reasons why she was never interested in Monsanto. He was good-looking and her best friend, but she never understood him. He's so simple-minded and he doesn't have dreams or goals. She had never imagined being in a relationship with that kind of person, despite her friends and mom's delusional claim that she had been secretly in love with him.

Well, Monsanto is a really hot guy, she must admit. A lot of girls have been swooning over him. Too bad, she wasn't one of those.

She finally reached the office floor. Carol quickly dismissed her thoughts about Monsanto and got herself ready for her first day.

Monsanto was on his way to his construction job. He had asked for a morning off to be able to take Carol on her first day at work. It's an hour ride but he doesn't mind. Everything for his best friend and to no one's knowledge, the girl he was seriously in love with.

But Carol is a different woman. She doesn't get impressed by looks nor money. Either way, he only has the looks. So, there's no way Carol would like someone like him.

He didn't even have the chance to go to college and now that she's working in one of the country's top companies, she will surely meet a guy that would meet her standards. It hurts, but there's nothing he could do. She's out of his league. If only he could prove himself, go back to school and he would be somewhat equal to her in terms of career. But it's easier said than done. For now, he will be content being her friend. Someone that she could always count on when she needs something, like a service driver.

He sighed when he saw a familiar name on his phone screen. What does she want from him now?

"Hey!"

"Where are you?" her mother Meredith asked nonchalantly.

"I'm driving and going to work," he replied.

"Do you have any cash?"

"Seriously?" he was obviously appalled. They hadn't spoken for a very long time and this was the only thing she would ask him?

"Come on, Santo. I need money. I haven't heard from you for a very long time," she seemed not guilty asking for money from him. "I need your help."

"You haven't heard from me," he repeated, unable to hide his sarcasm. But Monsanto lost his patience. "You kicked me out of the house, remember?"

"Because you never respected your father," Meredith reminded him.

"He's not my father," he retorted.

"See? You ungrateful bastard," he heard Meredith's long pause. She took a deep harsh breath and Monsanto could tell she was trying to calm herself. Perhaps she really needed the money.

"When can I get the money?" Meredith asked in a calmer voice.

He knew it!

"Though luck. I don't have money," he smirked.

"How can you not have money when you're working?" Meredith was furious.

"Well, I don't have anything to give you," with that he closed his phone.

He knew his mother was fuming but he didn't care. He had enough of her manipulation.

He ignored her calls and continued driving. He was already late.

Saint decided to take a short break after a couple of meetings. He went to eat in the employees' cafeteria instead of going out for lunch which he usually does. He would have another huge meeting with a future business partner and he didn't want to be late. Besides, he doesn't mind the food in the cafeteria. In fact, he loves the macaroni napolitan with garlic bread.

Some colleagues greeted him. Others tried to steer clear, wondering why the CEO was eating in the employees' cafeteria. Perhaps some of them were new to the company as it wasn't the first time he had eaten there and seeing him dining in a common place is not unusual because he also sometimes hang out in the employees' coffee lounge.

He was on the queue, waiting for his turn when a lady came behind him. It was the first time Saint had seen her. She was probably new, as it seemed she hardly knew anyone. Saint was used to sophisticated, high-class, elegant beauties. But this girl was different. She was simple yet classy and she seemed really smart.

"Hi."

Saint wasn't prepared for her greeting. He was taken aback by the sweetness of her voice.

"Should I get a mac and cheese or Napolitan?" the lady asked casually.

"Napolitan," Saint replied, trying to be his usual self. "Definitely."

"Thanks," she smiled. "I'm Carol, by the way. It's my first day today."

"Really?" Saint started to regain his confidence. "Welcome then. You will surely have a great time here. I'm Saint."

They finished paying for the food and were now looking for a table. Saint decided to sit with her after casually introducing himself Crazy, but he was intrigued by her.

They sat at the empty table in the corner near the aquarium. Saint noticed the necklace she was wearing. It was a heartlocket with a tiny birthstone in the center. Garnet. So she must have been born in January.

He was surprised as to how observant he had become. He was never like this. Not at lease with ladies.

"How long have you been working here?" Carol asked while trying to open a can of concentrated orange juice.

Afraid that she would get intimidated, Saint decided not to tell the truth. She would find out soon but now, he would rather keep his real identity a secret. He wanted to get to know the new employee more.

"A few years," he replied casually.

Carol smiled, "Wow. Could you show me the ropes? This is my first job. I'm planning to stay here for a long time."

"Really?" Saint was amused. "It's only your first day. How would you know you would like it here?"

Carol shrugged, "I want to keep my first job."

Saint chuckled in disbelief, "Say that after this week is over."

As their conversation continued, the fondness Saint was feeling, grew. Soon, break time was over and everyone had to go back to their respective work.

"Hey, would you like to grab a coffee soon?" Saint finally asked. "You know... if you have time this week."

Somehow, he hesitated a little. He didn't want Carol to think that he was moving too fast. Besides, he has a girlfriend and the last thing he wanted was for Jewel to make a scene. Well, he was just being friendly and nice to the new arrival. He knew his limits and he could also take Jewel with him to meet a new friend.

"Sure," Carol was nice about it and even gave her number. "I'm free anytime you are."

"Cool."

They took the elevator together and had to separate when they reached their destinations. Saint was about to call Jewel to tell him about the coffee date with Carol but he stopped before he could even dial her number. She better not know. She would surely freak out or create an excuse to not let him go. He doesn't consider it cheating anyway. It was just a friendly date, he reminded himself.

Saint finally decided to go out with Carol. He regretted waiting for two days to send her a message. He should have done it sooner to show Carol that he was interested, but he was pretty busy with work. Besides, Jewel had been bugging her to talk and meet up but he was ignoring her and pretending he had some urgent things to finish. He promised to make it up to her soon. He was feeling guilty but he could not resist the temptation of going out with Carol.

Saint was convinced he had feelings for his new friend after that first coffee date. A couple of dates soon followed which, of course, he kept hidden behind Jewel's back.

Despite growing up in a different environment, they had a lot in common, more in common than Saint realized. And as much as he wanted to stay loyal and cared about his relationship with Jewel, Saint found himself longing for the company of Carol.

"Hey, Carol," Carol saw Jessica, one of her office mates, approaching her table. "We're going to have a little get-together. Do you want to come?"

"Sorry, I have a date," she smiled. They've grown closer since she arrived, as Jessica was the one who trained her.

"Really? With who? Is he working here?" Jessica asked curiously.

Carol decided to reveal her secret. She will find out sooner anyway.

"Are we not allowed to date a co-worker?" she asked, worriedly.

"Not really. The fact that we stay here long hours, it's inevitable."

"I agree," she smiled. "Yes, I'm going out with a guy working here. He said he's working in the logistic department. He's not yet my boyfriend, so I don't think I'm breaking a no-dating rule if there is ever one."

"What's his name?" Jessica asked in an excited voice.

"Saint."

"Is he new? His name doesn't ring a bell."

"He said he's been working here for a couple of years."

"Do you have a picture of him?"

"Yeah," Carol replied as she tried to browse her photo gallery. She took a photo for fun when they went out in a coffee shop with a cozy, wanderland ambiance. Saint willingly obliged and even asked the waiter to take their photo.

Jessica was speechless upon seeing the photo of Saint.

"Oh my God," she exclaimed. "It's the company's new CEO, Santiago Jr."

"What?!"

Carol couldn't believe it.

"I'm glad you could come," Saint smiled upon seeing Carol arrive, wearing a white floral dress. She looked immaculate and Saint automatically smiled upon seeing her.

Carol looked around, obviously amazed by the restaurant's interior. It was a seafood restaurant with aquariums on the wall filled with colorful clown fishes and artificial corals.

The outdoor dining was overlooking the beach and it looked calm especially that evening.

They decided to stay outside. Saint couldn't help admiring Carol as her shoulder-length hair was being blown by the wind.

The waiter came and handed them the menu. Saint ordered an Aperol Spritz while Carol settled for a peach flavored iced tea for drinks. They decided to share a mango salad and both ordered the lobster spaghetti.

"So how was your week?" Saint asked, trying to initiate a conversation.

"Work is fine," Carol replied. "And you? Any interesting happened in the logistics department?"

"Well, things are as boring as they are," Saint said casually.

"Interesting," Carol smiled. "Could you tell me what your position was again? I forgot."

"Admin assistant," Saint promptly said.

"I thought you were a purchasing staff," Carol looked surprised. She stared at him trying to read his expression.

"I...I said that?" Saint stammered. "Well, I must have made a mistake."

"Saint," Carol turned serious. "You can be honest with me."

Saint was speechless. Did she find out?

"Who are you?" she asked.

Guilt was obvious on Saint's face as Carol asked the burning question.

"I'm Santiago Jr." Saint finally admitted. "My family owns the company."

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to keep this from you," Saint sincerely said.

Carol didn't seem upset, but Saint could sense that she felt betrayed. "Why would you keep it from me anyway? You think I would only want to be friends with you because your family owns the company?"

"Of course not," Saint quickly said. "I just didn't want you to be walking on eggshell. I want you to be comfortable around me. That's all."

There was silence between them.

"We're still friends, right?" Saint asked in a low voice, as if he was afraid Carol would leave the restaurant.

"I don't know," Carol sighed. "I want to be recognized at work as a good employee. And I don't think being friends with the CEO would help."

"We can be secret friends," Saint suggested.

Carol chuckled, "Seriously."

"See? That's why I didn't tell you right away who I was. I know this would happen," Saint seemed desperate and Carol was touched with his persistence.

"Why don't you want to be friends with me anyway? It's not like you don't have any friends-"

"I like you."

Carol was shocked by Saint's sudden confession.