CHAPTER 2: THE CONTRACT
1276 Words
Immediately after the nurse left, Stacy noticed doctors and nurses moving in and out of her Nanny’s room. She instantly knew the surgery had commenced. It was real. He had actually paid.
Stacy still struggled with the thought of the signed documents. She thought of her late mother, Sabrina Hart, and her heart ached.
“I’m so sorry, Mom. I never knew a day like this would come that I would have to live under the same roof with your murderer, but I promise you one thing, Mom: I will take my revenge. I will avenge you, Mom. I will make him pay.”
Stacy said it to herself, determination burning in her eyes. Her mind went back to the contract, and she decided to read it. She opened it and found a set of rules.
“Rules for me,” she said out loud and chuckled softly.
NEVER DISOBEY MY ORDERS
NEVER TALK BACK TO ME
NEVER INTERFERE WITH MY BUSINESS
YOU WILL SLEEP IN THE SAME ROOM WITH ME WHENEVER I WANT TO
NEVER GO INTO THE LAST ROOM IN THE HALLWAY
Five. Just five rules, but they all seemed impossible for Stacy to follow, especially the fourth one. Stacy knew this wouldn’t work for her, but what could she do? The contract had already been signed.
Suddenly, a shriek came from the hallway.
A beautiful young lady, probably in her late twenties, was pulling a young girl by the hair.
“Ouch, I’m sorry,” the young girl, who should have been about six or seven, said through tears.
“How dare you step on my expensive shoes? Are you blind?” the young lady screamed harshly.
Stacy stood up to get a clearer view.
“I’m so sorry,” the girl got closer to apologize, but the lady pushed her harshly and was about to hit her when Stacy got there and held her hand.
“You shouldn’t hit children like that,” Stacy said, holding her firmly.
“Let me go. Are you crazy?” the young lady shouted. “Do you know who I am?”
“I don’t know who you are, and I don’t give a damn,” Stacy replied, staring straight into her eyes.
“Argh! You’re going to regret this,” the young lady said, yanked her hand away from Stacy’s grip, and left.
“Are you okay, baby?” Stacy got closer to the girl and helped her up.
“I’m fine, thank you, Ma,” the little girl said while wiping her tears.
“Who are you here with, and why are you wandering here all alone?” Stacy asked with care.
“My mom is in the hospital, and my sister went out to look for money for her treatment, so she asked me to stay here,” the little girl explained.
“Oh, I’m so sorry, dear. Want to sit with me till your sister gets back?” Stacy said, and the little girl nodded.
The little girl climbed onto the seat next to Stacy.
“What’s your name, sweetie?” Stacy asked, tucking a strand of Ella’s hair behind her ear.
“My name is Ella,” she replied, swinging her legs.
Seeing Ella, Stacy was reminded of her younger self. She remembered getting lost at a park at age six. She had also sat on a chair, swinging her legs nervously just like Ella was doing now. Stacy smiled lovingly at her.
“I want my Mommy,” Ella said as tears began to form in her eyes. Stacy was deeply moved.
“Don’t worry, Ella. Your mom will be fine,” Stacy comforted her. But the truth was, she was scared too. Scared of losing her Nanny.
“My sister said that if those lights go off, I will see Mommy again,” Ella said in a very tiny voice.
“Yes, that’s true,” Stacy said, looking at her Nanny’s room. “She will be fine,” she whispered to Ella, who was already falling asleep.
Ella’s head dropped onto Stacy’s shoulder, and Stacy adjusted her position to make her feel comfortable.
Minutes later, a girl in her early twenties came running into the hallway, obviously looking for someone. The moment she spotted Ella on Stacy’s shoulder, she rushed forward and lifted her, waking the little girl up.
“Evelyn, you’re back,” Ella said drowsily.
“Yes, I’m back. Are you okay?” Evelyn said, checking Ella all over.
“Yes, I’m fine. This nice aunty over there saved me from a wicked aunty who wanted to beat me up,” Ella said childishly, pointing at Stacy.
Evelyn looked at Stacy with skeptical eyes before speaking. “Um, thank you for saving my sister. I really appreciate it.”
Then she took Ella and walked away.
Stacy wanted to say more, but Evelyn didn’t give her the chance. All she could do was watch them leave. Ella looked back and waved at her before they went out of sight.
Stacy sighed and leaned back on the chair, praying for her Nanny’s successful surgery.
“Miss Hart, the doctor called. Congratulations, the surgery was successful,” the doctor said.
Stacy’s breath caught. Nanny made it. Relief hit her so hard her knees almost buckled.
“Is she— is she awake now? Can I see her?” she asked, excitement cracking her voice.
“No, ma’am. She’s asleep right now, and I don’t think she’ll be waking up soon. I’d advise you go home and rest. We’ll inform you when she’s awake,” the doctor said and left immediately.
The joy Stacy felt seconds ago drained the moment she stepped out of the hospital doors.
She was instantly approached by a tall, dark, muscular man in a tailored suit.
“Miss Hart. I was asked to pick you up,” he said. He turned without waiting for an answer.
Stacy followed him to a black Maybach parked just outside. The ride was silent. Not a single word was spoken. But the silence wasn’t uncomfortable.
The car drove steadily, and at some point, Stacy rested her head against the car window, enjoying the view. She watched as they passed houses, supermarkets, stores, and different buildings. She knew a new part of her life was about to begin. Ever since her mother died, Stacy had been living from one hell to another. Her dad married a crazy woman who made life at home hell for her. The only person she found comfort in got sick, and now she was moving in with the devil, her worst enemy.
Stacy didn’t notice when they arrived at a massive mansion. Dark. Cold. Completely silent. It felt like nobody lived there. Like a prison built with luxury.
The staff moved like ghosts. Quiet. Efficient. Like one wrong sound could cost them their job.
Stacy knew it instantly: she’d just walked into the Devil’s den.
“Welcome, Miss Hart,” the butler said. “Mr. Knight is waiting for you in the study.”
He led her there, then turned to leave at the entrance. His steps made no sound. Like a feather touching the floor.
Stacy trembled at the door. Opening it meant facing her mother’s killer.
“This is your chance to make him pay,” she told herself before turning the doorknob.
The air inside was heavy. His cologne hit her first. Mint. Honey. Expensive.
“You’re late, Miss Hart.” His voice was low. Cold. Domineering. It rolled through the study like a threat.
He still didn’t look up from his glass. “And you just broke rule number one.”
- Writer
