THE BILLIONAIRE'S BABIES

THE MANSION INTERVIEW

"Ava arrives at the grand cole Estate, nervous and out of place. She meets Adrian Cole - cold, commanding and distant . His twin children, Emma and Ethan, barely smile. Despite Adrian's doubts, something about Ava's honesty and warmth wins the job for her".

Two days later, Ava stood in front of the Cole Estate, her worn brown suitcase in hand and nerves twisting in her stomach.

The mansion looked like something out of a magazine - tall white columns, black iron gates and windows that reflected the morning sun like glassy eyes. it was beautiful... and intimidating.

A security guard met her at the gate. " Miss Ava Martin?".

"Yes", she said, trying to sound calm.

"Mr. Cole is expecting you".

The gate opened with a low hum, and Ava walked through a driveway lined with trimmed hedges and marble statues. Every step echoed in her ears.

Inside, the mansion smelled faintly of roses and lemon polish. A woman in a gray uniform greeted her with a polite but tired smile. "I'm Mrs. Lane, the housekeeper, come with me,dear. Mr . Cole doesn't like to be kept waiting". Ava nodded, clutching her bag as she followed. Her heart raced faster with every step.

They stopped outside a set if heavy oak doors. Mrs.Lane knocked softly. Mr.Cole? The applicant is here".

"Send her in".

The voice was deep, smooth - and cold. Ava entered, and for a moment, forgot how to breathe.

Behind a wide desk sat Adrian Cole, the man whose name filled business magazines. He wore a dark suit, no tie, sleeves rolled up to his elbows. His hair was neat, his expression unreadable. His eyes lifted to hers - sharp, assessing, distant. " You're younger than I expected", he said. Ava straightened her shoulders. " I can assure you, Mr.Cole, I'm capable and -". He raised a hand, cutting her off - " You've never worked as a nanny before". "No", she admitted, " but I've worked with children at a community center, and I'm responsible. I can learn quickly".

He leaned back in his chair, studying her. " My twins are six. They've driven out three nannies in the past six months. They don't trust people easily".

"Maybe they just need someone who listens". Ava said softly.

Something flickered in his eyes - a flash of surprise, maybe even pain.

Mrs.Lane entered with two small figures hiding behind her skirt. " Mr.Cole, the children insisted on meeting her".

Ava crouched down to their level. " Hi", she said gently. " I'm Ava".

The little girl peeked out first - light curls, curious eyes. " I'm Emma", she whispered. The boy stay quiet but stared hard at her. " I'm Ethan".

Ava smiled. " Nice to meet you, Emma and Ethan. I like your matching socks". Emma giggled, and Ethan's lips twitched - the smallest hint of a smile.

Adrian noticed. His usual calm cracked for just a second. He stood and said, " you'll start tomorrow morning. Mrs. Lane will show you your room".

Ava blinked. " I...got the job?".

He met her gaze, his voice steady but low. " You made my children smile, Miss Martin. That's more than anyone else has managed".

As she followed Mrs.Lane out, Ava couldn't help glancing back. Adrian Cole had already turned toward the window, staring out at the garden, his expression distant - like a man watching a memory he couldn't forget.