The nanny's contract marriage to the billionaire.

(Evie's POV) The Sinclair estate was nothing like I expected. Not that I knew what to expect from a billionaire’s home, But this place looked like one of those luxury estates shown in celebrity magazines. All smooth glass, large windows and flawless exterior finishing. Everything about it was clean, quiet, and so… rich. Even the garden looked like the flowers had been trimmed with a ruler. “Okay,” I whispered to myself. “Don’t panic. Just a billionaire’s mansion. Totally normal.” I wasn't even through the front doors yet, and I already felt like I didn’t belong. I clutched the handle of my tote bag tighter as the butler let me in and directed me towards the sitting room. I barely had time to take in the high ceilings and the Beautiful interior before a warm voice greeted me. “Miss Taylor, is it?” An elderly woman probably in her late sixties walked towards me. She was dressed in a plain navy blue uniform, with her greying hair pinned into a perfect bun. Her eyes were kind but sharp. “Yes, ma'am,” I said quickly, offering my hand. “please call me Evie.” “I’m Margaret,” she said, shaking it firmly. “I'm the housekeeper, please come.” She led me into a cozy sitting room that looked different from the rest of the home, it had colourful cushions and shelves lined with picture books. A little girl sat at a child-sized table, coloring quietly. Her brown thick curls covered her heart-shaped face and a bunny stuffed doll was tucked under her arm. “That’s Jenny,” Margaret said in a quieter voice. “She’s been through a lot for someone so young, so we don’t push.” Jenny peeked up at me, then quickly looked back at her crayons. “She can be shy with new people, but she’s a sweetheart.” I nodded. “No worries. I’ve had shy, loud, wild, and upside-down children. I came prepared.” Margaret chuckled. “Oh, you’ll do just fine.” “Jenny,” Margaret said gently, “This is Miss Taylor. She might be your new nanny.” Jenny blinked. Then buried her face in the bunny. Okay. Shy it is. I crouched slowly, keeping my tone light. “Hi, Jenny. I like your bunny. What’s its name?” She peeked out from behind the soft doll and whispered, “His name is Button.” “Button,” I gasped. “That’s perfect. I had a bunny named Toast when I was your age.” Jenny gave me a skeptical look. “Toast?” “Yep. Because he was brown and warm and always falling off the bed.” That earned me a tiny giggle. Margaret gave me a surprised glance, her lips twitched like she was holding back a smile. Margaret gestured for me to sit on the couch, and I obeyed, sat with careful posture while trying not to let my nervousness show. Margaret took out a notepad. “Let’s begin. Tell me about your experience.” “I was a certified primary school teacher for three years, I worked in a private daycare before that, and more recently, I’ve been a live-in nanny for two families who relocated” Margaret nodded. “Good references?” “Yes. I brought copies, actually.” I handed her the file from my bag. “And letters from the last two families.” She began to go through one of the letters. “They speak very highly of you.” A soft shuffle came from the other side of the room. Jenny had moved closer to me, still hugging Button, watching me curiously. Margaret’s eyes twinkled as she caught the movement. “She’s warming up to you quicker than most.” I smiled but stayed still. Let Jenny set the pace. Margaret asked me smart questions that made it clear she didn't play with the quality of staff she hires, and I admired her for it. Through the corner of my eye, I saw Jenny coming a little closer, still silent, still observing. “I also cook, manage routines easily, and I’m used to structured households,” I finished. Margaret nodded thoughtfully. “And you don’t mind being a live-in nanny?” “No, ma’am. I actually prefer it. I’ve learned it helps with consistency for the child.” Jenny’s soft voice broke in suddenly. “Do you know how to braid hair?” I turned to her with a gentle smile. “Yes. All kinds. French, fishtail, crown braids, just name it.” A tiny smile played on her lips. Margaret looked amused. “You’re the first applicant she’s spoken to today.” “I’m honored,” I said sincerely. Jenny piped up suddenly. “Do you like ponies?” I turned to her, surprised and delighted. “I love ponies, especially sparkly ones.” She gave me a small smile. “Mine is sparkly and has wings.” “That sounds like one beautiful pony.” Margaret cleared her throat, and spoke softly “Miss Jenny, we’re interviewing.” Jenny giggled, then buried her face in Button’s floppy ears. Margaret then turned back to me. “Discipline for children?” “I will be firm, but kind. I don’t believe in raising voices. I'll set boundaries, teach courtesy and speak to the child in the manner I'll like to be spoken to.” Just then, the door opened. I turned instinctively and for a moment I forgot how to breathe. Because he walked in. Tall, broad-shouldered, dressed in black trousers and a sparkling white shirt with the sleeves rolled up to reveal his strong forearms. Why did he look even more handsome than he did on social media. He paused when he saw me, his gaze sweeping over me coldly. Jenny ran into his arms. “Daddy!” “Hello, sweetheart,” he said to jenny, his voice low and smooth. Then his gaze shifted back to me. For a moment, we just stared at each other. His eyes made my breath catch, they were a cold and a piercing shade of grey, like the sky just before a storm. He bent to kiss Jenny's cheeks, then straightened, eyes still fixed on me. “And who are you?” “Evie Taylor,” I said, standing quickly. “I was just...” “She’s the new nanny,” Jenny announced loudly. Margaret chuckled. “We were mid-interview, sir” Damien's gaze lingered on me, assessing. I began to feel hot suddenly. “Miss Taylor?” “Yes,” I said, offering a polite smile. “Evie Taylor. It’s a pleasure meeting you, Mr. Sinclair.” “Daddy, she likes Button,” Jenny offered helpfully. “I see.” He glanced down at his daughter, then back at me. “Margaret, would you mind giving us a moment?” Margaret raised an eyebrow. “Of course.” She gently led Jenny toward the hallway with promises of cookies. Damien waited until they were out of earshot, then he sat down. “Please sit” he gestured “Miss Taylor,” he said, voice calm but commanding. “Do you have experience working in high-security homes?” “Yes. One of my previous families had round-the-clock guards. I’m comfortable with protocols and discretion.” Then he nodded once. “You’re hired.” I blinked. “Just like that?” “You got a smile out of jenny, that's rare. Margaret’s impressed, and I trust her instincts, so you’re hired.” “Oh, Thank you so much, sir.” “You are welcome,” Damien said, voice firm again. “Your contract will be ready by this evening. You’ll be paid six thousand dollars weekly, health insurance included and you’ll have one day off in a week. You start officially tomorrow, A comfortable room will be provided for you on the guest wing.” I almost forgot how to speak. “I... wow, okay,” I managed, stunned. “Good.” He nodded once. “Welcome to the Sinclair estate.” Before I could respond, Jenny appeared and tugged on my hand. “Come on, Miss Evie! I want you to meet Sparkle! She has a tiara!” Jenny tugged me down the hall, already chattering about her tiara collection. As I followed her, Damien’s intense gaze followed me. And I felt it. I turned, locked eyes with him, and his gaze sent heat straight to my cheeks. Working for this man might be the hardest part of my job… for all the wrong reasons.