My Babysitter

Chapter 2: Mr. Grumpy

JOYCE’S POV

I’ve been working here as a nanny for a few days, but so far, I haven’t seen the father of the children I’m caring for come home. It seems like he doesn’t care about his kids.

“Clean Mr. Hugo’s room because he’s coming today,” said Miss Esther. Her words made me turn to her, and for some reason, I felt excited about seeing my boss, even though I hadn’t met him in person yet.

“The father of the triplets is coming?” I exclaimed in surprise. If he’s coming, there’s a chance I might finally meet him. He’s grumpy and arrogant, but oh my gosh, my boss is seriously drop-dead gorgeous.

“Yes, he called earlier saying he’s on his way with some friends and his cousin Marcus. He said he misses his kids. They’re staying the night, so his room needs to be prepared,” explained Miss Esther.

I suddenly felt anxious, worried about what he might think of me. I remember the rude comments he made to his companions when I accidentally bumped into him at the mall. Not all women are like what he described. I don’t care about his money, and I certainly didn’t bump into him on purpose to snag a rich guy. He’s infuriating! He could have been perfect with his looks, but his attitude is awful. Yet, somehow, Cupid struck me when our eyes met.

“I-I can clean it if you want. The kids are asleep anyway,” I offered.

“Oh, sweetie. Mr. Hugo has a designated cleaner for his room. He doesn’t like just anyone entering it. Sally is the one who handles that,” replied Miss Esther.

I glanced at Sally, who smiled at me before heading upstairs.

“Miss Esther, does Mr. Hugo have a new girlfriend? I’m just curious because it seems like he doesn’t come home often,” I asked hesitantly.

“I don’t know, sweetie. I’m just the housekeeper here, and I don’t meddle in his personal life. If he does, I’m not aware of it,” she answered. I felt a bit embarrassed, realizing I was being nosy.

I didn’t say anything more and went to the kitchen for a glass of water. My throat suddenly felt dry. When I saw Mr. Hugo at the mall, he was surrounded by women who looked like models. Maybe one of them is his girlfriend. A pang of jealousy hit me, though I couldn’t explain why.

I closed my eyes, and the image of him kissing one of those women popped into my mind. I quickly opened my eyes and shook my head.

“Oh no! Erase, erase! I don’t want to think about it!" I exclaimed, forgetting I was in my boss’s house.

“What are you trying to erase, sweetie? What’s happening to you?” asked Miss Esther, startling me as she found me stomping and hitting my head.

I grinned awkwardly, flashed her a peace sign, and excused myself, heading back to the children.

“Joyce, you’re so embarrassing! Miss Esther almost caught you,” I muttered to myself as I entered the children’s room.

My co-nannies had already left. They usually clock out six in the evening, leaving me alone with the triplets. The triplets were well-behaved, the complete opposite of their father.

“Your daddy’s coming. Mr. Grumpy-pants, who’s so annoying,” I whispered while the kids slept.

“Who is Mr. Grumpy-pants who’s so annoying?” a deep voice startled me from behind. My knees almost buckled at the sound. His voice was rich and pleasant to hear, but his attitude was terrifying.

“N-nothing, sir,” I stammered as I turned to face him, keeping my gaze down.

“Eyes on me when I’m talking to you,” he demanded firmly. My heart pounded as I tried to steady myself.

“Inhale… exhale,” I whispered to myself, still avoiding his face. I was afraid he might recognize me from the mall incident.

“Eyes. On. Me,” he repeated, louder this time. I straightened up and finally looked at his face. His brows were furrowed as he studied me.

“Do I know you?” he asked. I quickly shook my head, relieved that he didn’t recognize me.

He said nothing more, and walked past me to his children.

“My angels, Daddy’s home,” he whispered gently to them. Turns out Mr. Grumpy-pants can speak softly after all.

I quickly left the room, not waiting for him to shoo me out. He really did look like he was crafted by a handsome devil.

I hurried downstairs, heading straight to the maids’ quarters before his companions could notice me. I was certain they would recognize me.

Once in my room, I clutched my chest, smiling uncontrollably. Soon, I was jumping with excitement.

“Oh my Goddddddd! My boss is so handsome,” I almost squealed, covering my mouth with both hands. I lay on my single bed, hugged my pillow, and buried my face in it.

“So handsomeeeee!” I squealed again, muffled by the pillow.

A knock on the door interrupted me. I quickly stood, checking the mirror to erase any giddy expression. I practiced frowning, but my smile refused to go away.

“Miss, Sir Hugo is calling you,” said Miss Esther, knocking again. My eyes widened in panic.

I opened the door, greeted by Miss Esther’s furrowed brows.

“Why did it take you so long to open the door? The boss is calling you. He’s in the living room with his friends. Maybe he’ll explain the rules for his kids,” she said. I nodded and rushed to the living room.

My knees trembled as I walked in. My hands turned cold when all eyes turned to me.

Taking a deep breath, I forced myself to remain calm. My boss’s furrowed brows locked onto me.

“Are you just going to stand there and smile? Come over here!” he barked, startling me. His companions chuckled softly.

Panicked, I found myself running toward them.

“Hey, I recognize you from the mall yesterday!” one of the men exclaimed. My heart sank as I bowed my head.

“I thought so,” Mr. Hugo said. “You denied it earlier, but I remember now. If you think I’d be interested in someone like you, you’re mistaken. I don’t waste my time on women like you.

Wow, he’s really harsh.

“S-sir, I didn’t do anything wrong. Yesterday was just an accident, and I apologize for it,” I said, my voice trembling.

Without realizing it, I giggled nervously, startled when Mr. Hugo suddenly grabbed my arm.

“Are you laughing at me?” he shouted. Terrified, I burst into tears.

I shook my head repeatedly, but another man intervened, removing Mr. Hugo’s grip.

“Calm down, Hugo. She didn’t do anything wrong,” said the man, who looked similar to him, maybe his brother.

Mr. Hugo glared at me, then dismissed me, calling me stupid in front of everyone

When I returned to the children’s room, I broke down, crying as I rubbed the red mark on my arm. It would definitely bruise later.

His attitude is awful, but why can’t I stay mad at him?