My Babysitter

Chapter 1: Joyce

JOYCE'S POV

“I don’t need to graduate from a private school, Sis. I know you made a promise at our parents' grave, but I’m okay with finishing college at a public school,” my sister said.

Our parents had passed away, leaving me to support Celestina's education. I had promised at their grave that I would ensure she graduates from a private school. But now, I’m worried I won’t be able to keep that promise. The company I worked for had downsized, and I was among those who lost their jobs.

"I’ll figure something out," I assured her. "I’ll find a new job to support your education. You’re the only treasure I have left, Celestina. I love you so much, and I want to give you everything I can. Please, let me do this for you. It makes me happy to provide for all your needs."

She hugged me tightly, and I hugged her back.

"Thank you, Sis. Don’t worry... I’ll study hard for you. I want you to be proud of me, just as I’m proud of you whenever I talk about you to my friends," she said.

"Now, go on and get to school! Otherwise, we’ll end up crying here," I said, laughing.

After my sister left, I turned to the newspaper. I needed to find a job quickly. I was running out of money.

I think I had called almost every ad listed, but unfortunately, others got there before me.

I stared at the last number on the paper, took a deep breath, and dialed it. After a few rings, someone answered.

“Young lady, just come here. I’ll give you the address so you can meet the children you’ll be taking care of,” said the voice at the other end.

After our conversation, I quickly showered and got ready to leave. Honestly, I had no other choice, so I decided to take the nanny job. I didn’t know yet how much I’d earn, but since I’d be looking after triplets, I figured the pay would be decent. This would only be temporary, once I found a better job, I’d leave.

After getting dressed, I left immediately. To save money, I took the train and decided to walk into the village instead of splurging on a taxi.

“Sir, do the Dux family live here?” I asked the guard at the gate. The village was massive, and I was starting to realize that these kids might not be just normal kids.

The guard asked for my name, and after I introduced myself, he checked a large notebook. When he found my name, he nodded and let me in.

“Just wait here. Someone will come to pick you up. I’ll call them to let them know you’ve arrived,” he said, and I nodded in response.

It wasn’t long before a fancy car pulled up. I stepped aside, thinking it was leaving. But to my surprise, the car stopped right in front of me.

“Joyce Imperial?” the driver asked. I nodded quickly. He got out and opened the door for me, so I climbed in.

It was my first time riding in such a luxurious car. If my sister were with me, she’d probably be snapping selfies for social media.

“So, you’re the one applying to be the nanny for Sir Hugo’s triplets. Oh, you’ll love those kids. They’re adorable, just like their father. Sir Hugo’s children look exactly like him,” the driver said cheerfully.

“Oh, is that so? This will be my first time taking care of children, especially triplets. But don’t worry, I’m used to it. I’ve been looking after my sister since our parents passed away,” I replied.

The driver was kind, talkative, and cheerful, and I found myself feeling at ease with him almost immediately.

We arrived at a very tall gate, and when it opened, I was shocked to see a large number of men with weapons greeting us.

“Oh my gosh! Wh--Why are there so many people with weapons?” I asked fearfully

The driver explained that these were the staff of my future employer. He added that the father of the children I would be taking care of was not an ordinary person.

“Do you mean to say that some kind of VIP will be my employer?” I asked innocently, which made him laugh heartily.

He explained that the Dux family were multi-billionaires and among the wealthiest people in the world. Naturally, they employed many armed staff to protect themselves from burglars.

When I stepped out of the car, I was amazed by the enormous size of the palace... I mean, the mansion where I would be working. I glanced at the driver, who laughed at my astonished expression.

We were greeted by a lady who seemed to be around sixty years old. She smiled warmly and guided me inside the mansion.

“Perfect timing! The children you’ll be taking care of are awake. They’re well-behaved, so you won’t have a hard time with them. I’m here to help you as much as I can. There are many household staff here, and I’ll introduce you to them later. I’m the head housekeeper, and you can call me Miss Esther,” she said.

I was surprised to learn that my salary would be a whopping one thousand dollar a month. Excitedly, I accepted the job without hesitation.

I soon met the triplets I’d be caring for, and the driver had been right. They were very handsome and not fussy at all. The children, just two years old, were easygoing, as Miss Esther had mentioned. She truly helped me a lot with them.

“When the other two assistants arrive, it won’t be as difficult for you,” she added.

I was taken aback by this. I had assumed I’d be the only one taking care of the kids. While it would be challenging with three of them, I was relieved to learn there would be additional help.

“The two other caregivers have their own families, so they go home at night. You’ll be the only one staying here,” she explained further.

I nodded and smiled. That arrangement worked for me. Once the kids were asleep at night, I’d have some quiet time, and during the day, I’d have help managing them.

“So, Miss Esther, where are the parents of the children we’ll be taking care of?” I asked hesitantly, worried she might think I was being too nosy.

“Their mother passed away from a severe hereditary illness. Sir Hugo is their only parent now, and he’s always busy with work. That’s why he needs people to care for the children. His parents are frequently abroad because of their numerous businesses,” she explained.

My heart ached for my employer, a widower at such a young age. I couldn’t help but wonder what he was like. People said the children resembled their father, so he must be handsome. I’d believe it when I saw him in person.

My eyes landed on a large picture on the wall. It was a portrait of an incredibly handsome man wearing sunglasses.

“That’s Sir Hugo, the father of the children you’ll be taking care of,” Miss Esther said.

I felt my jaw drop as I stared at the picture of the strikingly handsome man.

“We’d make a good match. I could be the mother of his triplets,” I whispered to myself, giggling softly.

“What did you say, dear?"Miss Esther asked, startling me. I quickly covered my mouth with my hand.

“N-No, nothing,” I stammered, turning away from her. How embarrassing! She might have heard me.

Flustered, I hurried to the maids’ quarters, avoiding her gaze.

After seeing my supposed to be room, I told her I would return later once I’d retrieved my things and said goodbye to my sister.

Before leaving the mansion, I glanced back at the large portrait of my employer on the wall. Wow, he really is drop-dead gorgeous. I might need to hold onto my panties when I meet him face to face, or I might just lose them if I can't keep my cool.