"Just follow what's in your heart, sweetheart. Only you can decide about your situation." she gently advised her stepdaughter.
"I just don't want to hurt and disappoint Daddy. I've always been spoiled by him, and I've always been a Daddy's girl. And besides, both of you are not getting any younger. I want you guys to enjoy your life to the fullest and let me handle the responsibilities at our company." Celeste explained what's on her mind.
"You know that the employees the company are important to your Daddy, right? Your father believes that without them, the company won't be successful now. And besides, he feels like he needs to take care of all of the employees because they also have their own families that they need to support," added her stepmother.
"I'm also worried about them. But Daddy said I can't do it alone, and I need someone to help me run and protect the company..." Celeste continues on.
"I'm not taking any sides this time because I understand both of you and your father. Anyway, your Daddy told me that he will respect whatever your decision may be. And I feel the same way too..." her stepmother stated.
"Thanks. I'll think about this more seriously." Celeste reassures her stepmother.
Yes, she needs to think about everything carefully because her personal happiness is not the only thing that depends on it. The happiness of his parents also depends on it, and the security of their employees, including their families...
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The next day.
It was eleven in the morning when Jewel woke up. She fell asleep at wee hours of the morning because she is still thinking about her problem. After a few minutes of just laying in her bed while staring at the ceiling, she mustered all of her willpower to get out from her bed, fix herself, and go straight to the dining room to have her brunch. She needs to fill her stomach with food so that she can think properly.
As soon as she arrives the dining room, she was immediately greeted by the head of their househelpers, which is Mrs. Chavez.
Mrs. Chavez have been taking care of her since she was a baby. She considers her as her second mother...
"Good morning, Mrs. Chavez! What's for brunch today?" Celeste smilingly greeted the old woman.
"I cooked your favorite vegetarian dish. And there's newly arrived peaches, strawberries and avocados from your family's farm." the old woman informed her with a smile.
"Wow! Thank you so much! You really know my favorites. And thanks to you, Lisa and Karina for taking care of my needs everyday..." she thanked the other younger helpers.
"We're happy to do this for you, Miss Celeste." Lisa smilingly answered
"She's right, Miss Celeste. Go ahead and eat a lot." Karina joins in their conversation.
"Wait, where are Daddy and Aunt Margaux?" Celeste suddenly asked.
"Your Daddy went to the office immediately after breakfast because they said they had a Board Meeting. Mrs. Vitale went to a Charity Program because they will be giving out another scholarship grant to the children of the company's employees." Mrs. Chavez explained.
"Is that so? It's sad to eat alone. Please join me since I can't finish the food alone." Celeste smilingly suggested.
"Well, your wish is our command. Let's join her, girls." Mrs. Chavez readily agrees.
"Thank you so much, Miss Celeste!" Lisa and Karina said in unison, while looking obviously happy.
One of the rules in their household is to treat the helpers equal, and as part of their family. They sometimes eat, go on a trip, and have a holiday celebration together... It's one of the reasons why many of their staff stay with them for decades.
While the four of them are having brunch, they are also having a nice and relaxing conversation.
"Daddy told me that you are already with us since she was pregnant with me... How did you meet my parents, Mrs. Chavez?" Celeste curiously asked the old woman.
"I was still young then, and I just came to the big city from the province. My husband was just a simple farmer but his earning was not enough for me and for our only child. Eventhough it was painful and difficult for me, I decided to go to the big city to work as a maid. I met your Mommy at a market. She was carrying heavy loads of groceries, and she was heavily pregnant with you. I helped her carry all the bags in your house. I noticed that the house was messy and your mother was clearly, so I took the initiative to help her with the housework. Your father saw me with your mother after he came home from work. He politely asked me if I can be their househelper, and I readily agreed. If I can still remember it right, he was just starting building The Treasures Company..." Mrs. Chavez went back to the memory lane
Celeste smiled when she heard the whole story from the old woman. Mrs. Chavez have been with her parents through thick and thin, and she is thankful because the old woman is still with them.
Celeste focused her attention towards the twin sisters, Lisa and Karina.
"How did you end up in the big city, Lisa and Karina?" she asked them, while looking interested.
"We came from an orphanage back in our province. Both of us decided to go to the big city to look for work." Lisa started retelling their life story.
"We went to the big city to look for a job, and we met someone from the Manpower Agency who helped us find an employer. That's why we thank God because we ended up with kind employers like you..." Karina recounted.
"Aww, thank you guys... Our lives wouldn't be smooth and easy without you." Celeste sincerely stated.
Celeste, Mrs. Chavez, Lisa and Karina continued on having an enjoyable conversation while eating...
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Celeste is just lazing around their swimming pool area. She is currently lying on the hammock while doing her usual sunbathing routine.