From Shadow to sunshine

Chapter 2: A New Beginning

Are you truly returning to him?" Tommy sat on the worn-out couch and asked, his eyes wide with curiosity.

“I am not sure. Emily answered, As she paced the compact living room, "I need the money, and he says he needs a nanny."

"However, what about his sister? She hates you, Tommy said, gnawing on a piece of bread.

"Yes, but Alex claims she is not his wife—just his sister," Emily clarified, glancing at her brother in the process. "That could be a way out of this situation."

Tommy shrugged. "Go for it if you believe it is the best option."

When Emily's phone buzzed once more, Alex's name appeared on the screen. She replied after inhaling deeply. "Hello, Alex."

"Emily, what are your thoughts on my proposal?" With hope in his voice, Alex asked.

Yes, I did. Trying to sound assured, Emily said, "I will take the job."

Fantastic! Is it possible for you to begin tomorrow morning?" Alex felt a wave of relief.

Emily said, "Sure, I will be there," and she hung up.

The following morning, Emily paused outside Alex's office building and inhaled deeply before entering. She was given a cordial greeting and directed to Alex's office by the receptionist.

Alex got up to give Emily a handshake and said, "Emily, I am so glad you came." "Allow me to present Lily to you."

Emily went with Alex to a small, comfortable room where a young child was occupied with dolls. She lifted her head and gave them a shy smile.

"This is Emily, Lily. Alex said softly, "She is going to be your new nanny."

Lily gently said, "Hello, Emily," holding her beloved doll.

"Hello, Lily. It is good to meet you," Emily grinned in response.

Alex looked up at Emily. "I have to leave now for a meeting. Rebecca will give you a tour of the area."

Rebecca walked into the room as if on cue, her expression severe. "Side steps," she said sharply.

Ignoring the coldness in Rebecca's voice, Emily followed her around the house. Rebecca took her through Lily's room, the playroom, and the kitchen.

"Do not even think that I believe in you," Rebecca growled when they were by themselves. "I have got my eye on you."

Emily nodded while maintaining a neutral facial expression. "I know."

Following the tour, Emily went back to Lily's chamber. "Would you like to play?" she knelt next to the young child.

Lily gave a happy nod, and they played with dolls and building blocks for an hour. Emily was overcome with a sense of calm. This job could be her opportunity to make things right.

When Alex got home later that night, Emily was reading a story to Lily. He observed them briefly, a grin gently pulling at his mouth.

"It appears that the two of you are getting along," Alex remarked as he entered the room.

Emily closed the book and replied, "Lily is a sweetheart." "She is incredibly intelligent."

"Emmy, thank you," Alex said, his eyes glowing. "You made the right decision, I knew that."

Emily became used to her new role as the days went by. She became friendly with Lily and even began to establish a rapport with Rebecca, though the older woman remained cautious.

While assisting Lily with her homework one evening, Emily saw that Alex appeared to be having some trouble.

"Is everything going well?" Emily asked quietly so as not to bother anyone.

Alex let out a breath. "This is business. I am trying to close a deal, but things are not going as planned."

"Is there any way I can assist?" Startled by her own words, Emily extended her hand.

Alex gave her a look as his expression softened. "Emily, just being here is helpful. I am grateful.

Emily thought about Alex's kindness and the way he looked at her as she lay in bed that night. For the first time in a long time, she was starting to feel something positive: hope.

Alex called Emily into his office the following day. "I need you to accompany me on my upcoming business trip so that I can help with Lily."

Emily paused. "Are you positive? How about Rebecca? "

Rebecca is aware of this. I need you to go on this trip because it is important," Alex persisted.

Emily said, feeling both nervous and excited at the same time. "Okay, I will go."

As the trip's day drew near, Emily got everything ready for Lily. Alex took them to the airport early on the morning of their departure.

Are you up for a challenge, Lily? Alex asked his daughter, who gave him a hearty nod.

Emily discovered that she was seated beside Alex during the journey. They discussed everything, including their early aspirations and their favorite films. She connected with him in a way she had not anticipated.

Emily assisted Lily in getting settled in their room when they got to the hotel. While Alex was at his meeting, Emily and Lily took a tour of the hotel. After discovering a lovely garden, Lily insisted on playing hide-and-seek.

Emily could not help but feel satisfied as they played. She was beginning to think that her past would not define her future.

Alex arrived back at the hotel room that evening looking tired. Falling back into a chair, he said, "The meeting was tough."

"Was it successful?" With a glass of water in her hand, Emily asked.

"Well, not really. The agreement is in jeopardy," said Alex.

Emily whispered, "I am sorry." What action can I take to help?

With a grateful expression in his eyes, Alex glanced at her. "Even just being here is helpful. Emily, thank you."

Alex left Emily and Lily to explore the city because he had another meeting the following day. They ate lunch at a quaint café and went to a museum. After years without feeling like herself, Emily felt normal again.

Alex joined them for dinner that evening. Emily became aware of how much she loved spending time with him and Lily as they sat together. She had not dared to dream of the future she was beginning to see.

Alex knocked on Emily's door after dinner as she was tucking Lily into bed. "Is it possible for us to talk?"

Emily said, "Sure," and moved into the hallway.

She followed Alex out to the balcony, where she was able to see the twinkling city lights below. "I have to tell you something, Emily."

"What is it?" With her heart racing, Emily asked.

With a frustrated voice, Alex said, "Rebecca has been trying to sabotage my business."

Emily looked shocked. "What makes her do that?"

"She wants to run the business. I think I am too soft, she says," Alex clarified.

Emily exclaimed, feeling a wave of rage for him. "That is awful," she said. "What actions are you capable of taking?"

"At this point, I am not sure," Alex said. But you must exercise caution around her, please.

Emily gave a nod. "Yes, I will. I appreciate you telling me."

Emily felt a connection to Alex as they stood together on the balcony that she had not experienced in a long time with anyone. She was aware that their adventure was only getting started and that many difficulties lay ahead. However, she felt prepared to face them for the first time in years.