DOVE

Chapter 2

Dove’s POV

The doors fly open. A woman appears behind the doors. Hair neatly tied in a bun, wearing a starch white apron over a black dress. She looks to be in her mid fifties, with high cheekbones and thin lips.

“You must be Mrs Laine. I’m-“

“I know who you are, Ms. Hamilton. Come inside. Mr Lombardini will conduct the interview.”

I follow her inside, and then I freeze momentarily.

The floors are marble. It's not the fake kind, the real REAL kind. I’m genuinely scared of walking on the floors so I don’t ruin them. Above me, a giant crystal chandelier hangs from the ceiling. CRYSTAL. My gosh. These people are REALLY rich. On the walls are paintings that are worth more than everything in my old house plus the people inside.

“Ms Hamilton!”

That jolts me out of my daydream. I look forward and see her staring at me with a frown, tapping her feet.

“Are you done with your journey into lala Land?” She asks, her tone laced with mild annoyance.

“I’m sorry, Mrs Laine, I didn’t mean to zone out.”

“That’s fine. Come along now, we don’t want to keep Mr Lombardini waiting.” She walks off, and I hurriedly walk towards her to catch up.

On our way to the room where I will be interviewed, I decide to ask Mrs Laine, my curiosity getting the better of me.

“Excuse me ma’am, what exactly does Mr Lombardini do for a living?”

She freezes and turns to look at me in shock.

“You don’t know? That’s a first. You didn’t realize who he was from the last name?”

“Uh, am I supposed to?” I asked, confusion in my question.

“His father, Alexandre Lombardini, started a small and modest hotel business. After he passed away five years ago, Leone took over the business and made it the empire that is now known as Lombardini enterprises. He expanded it to high-end resorts and built more hotels and five-star restaurants. They are now the most successful hospitality companies in the world.”

“So, Mr Lombardini is a…”

“Billionaire, and a very busy one. Hence, the need for a nanny for his daughter. So I suggest you don’t keep staring at the chandeliers and asking me questions to waste his time.”

“What about her mother? Where is she?” I asked curiously.

“Don’t bring her up in this house, ever! Especially not in front of Mr Lombardini and his child. Am I clear?”

Jeez. There seems to be a shift in the air after she reprimanded me for asking. Note to self: don’t bring this up, ever.

“I apologize ma’am .” I say genuinely.

“Let’s just go. We’ve wasted too much time already, and he’s not happy when he’s being delayed .” Mrs Laine says, and we continue. We reached a large door, and Mrs Laine knocks the door.

“Sir, the young lady interested in the position is here with me. May we come in?”

I hear a gruff, yet beautiful voice. I don’t know if I can describe a man’s voice as beautiful, but that’s the first word that enters my head.

“Enter.”

Now, Dove. Time to restart your life. There's no need to be nervous. It’s just an interview. You’ll ace this.

Mrs Laine swings the doors open.

Here goes nothing.