Contract marriage with Mr. Knight

3. Nyra Calls 'Mamma..'

Isabella

The Days went by as usual and I was getting closer to Nyra by the day. So much so that she has begun crying if she sees me leaving. I miss her when I get home. She is restless and a troublemaker. Her tiny tooth smile is the cutest thing. She had started biting me. I gave her a teether so she has calmed down with its help . According to Cindy her mother was just like Mrs. Knight, so she must have gotten this stubborn nature from her so-called father.

Sometimes I think about Nyra's father. Why doesn't he visit her often, except on the weekends? She doesn't have her mom, so he’s supposed to be there for her. Is money more important to him than his own daughter??

I can't believe this man, he must be an emotionless robot who only cares about money and success over emotional attachments and love. I really hope we never have to meet.

Cindy has told me Helen's husband passed away a few years ago. Now her son Mr. Arthur Knight is leading the company from London.

Poor Nyra... I'm saddened because she doesn't have a mother's love, and her father treats her this way.

The Next day was Sunday. Usually Michael is free and we can video chat on weekends. But nowadays he’s busy with his studies. I haven't seen him recently. We were not actually a real couple. By that I mean there were no promises or anything like that. We were just so comfortable with each other and were so alike that we eventually became a couple. Many rich and handsome men want me because of my body. But I'm not interested in any of those kinds of men. I look more at someone's character and brain rather than their looks. A handsome man or great body don't mean much in my opinion.

In high school I was a bit of a helpless-romantic, but I kept it hidden. Then I met Michael, and he never tried any tricks to get me to be his girlfriend. That was a plus in my book. He was lonely like me. We never do more than just kiss, because I don't want to do those things yet. I Thank God he never pressures me. I don't want to make the mistake of giving birth before marriage like my mom. I'm not blaming anyone, but there are too many 'what if's' in my mind and life. But even when he kisses me on my cheeks or forehead, I don't feel any sparks. I read a lot of romantic books, they always glorify when they first see or touch their life partner. Sparks fly and it's like they have found the other half of themselves. I’ve met anybody like that. Maybe it is only in stories, and in real life there's no magical spark like that, that happens.

I woke up from my thoughts when Granny called to me.

"Isa, what are you thinking baby girl?"

" ugh Granny I'm not a baby, I'm a big girl now. "

"I can see that you were lost in your dreams..." she started teasing me.

"No, not again Granny. I don't have a knight in shining armor to protect me and my life is not a fairytale...the only Knight in my life is the who gave me my current job.`` I laughed.

She used to tell me fairy tales when I was child, to give me hope. And that time I believed in the Cinderella stories. As I grew older I realised that it was only fantasy. I have to protect my happiness and find it for myself. I can't wait for or expect anybody to come and rescue me...

"Yeah yeah, when he comes, we will see. Trust me baby girl, you will get the best partner. One you deserve, and he will give you everything you ever asked for..Now , have you eaten your food??"

I know i can't argue with her anymore, there is no use. She will continue to say the same thing anyway. I know she must have been waiting for me to eat with her . At Least there is somebody who waits for me.

I thought Michael was different, that he cares about me. Hmm maybe I shouldn't judge him this fast, maybe I'm just overthinking things...

----------------------

It's been almost a month since I started working in Knight mansion and everything has been awesome so far.

I was at Knight's mansion playing with Nyra. And suddenly, she called me "Ma''. I was surprised, then it came again 'Mama'.. It made me so happy. If there was any wayI would definitely keep her as my daughter. I kissed her both cheeks, but I was afraid that if Helen found out she wouldn't like it. Then I heard a knock from behind and I saw Helen watching us. But her face was not happy like usual. Did she hear it?? She came to Nyra and took her in her arms.

I could see Helen was in a sad mood. Is there something else that is bothering her? I want to ask her about it, but it is not my place, so I try to ignore it.

Then she came to me, "Isa, I wanted to discuss an important matter with you. Before you leave, come to the library okay.." I nodded. Then she gave Nyra back to me and left.

Oh God, Have I done something wrong... What can I do when the baby calls me Mamma. It's not my fault after all. I am scared to think of the consequences of losing this job. I won't be able to take care of Granny, help Michael with his project funds and my college dreams will be lost. I won't be able to find a job with this kind salary anytime soon. And most importantly I would have to leave Nyra. I know she is not mine, but I treat her as my daughter. I felt a connection with her, the happiness of a mother when the baby calls her mama for the first time. It was amazing. I was getting more and more tense...Is my life going to be turned upside down again??...

As the day progressed I got more nervous but Nyra helped to calm my nerves. Her giggles, kisses, everything makes me want to keep her as mine. But I can't, I'm just a babysitter. It's all I will ever be To her.

It was almost time, so I went to see Helen. She noticed my nervousness then told me to sit down.

"Isa, you don't need to worry, ok. Something came up and it has been on my mind these days.."

I looked at her with concern, then she continued,

"This is the place where I lived my whole life. Every important decision I ever made, every important moment of my life all happened here. And most importantly my husband was laid to rest here. So I can not leave this place, no matter what ..." She was getting emotional.

"Helen please calm down, have some water...'' I gave her a glass of water. She seems so vulnerable right now. All she needs is a shoulder to cry on, and I'm ready to give it. I don't know if I was out of my mind, but I hugged her and patted her back. "Its ok...'' I told her.

She hugged me back tight and tears rolled down her face non-stop. After a few minutes she calmed down and broke the hug.

"Am sorry Isa, that was a moment of weakness."

"It's ok Helen, it happens.. After all, we are humans... Do you want to share what is bothering you..."

"My son Arthur, he wants me and Nyra to go and live with him. He says he can't live without his daughter anymore. But I denied his demand. I know he is suffering there alone, and if Nyra was there he would feel better. When Nyra smiles, his arrogance vanishes... He really loves her so much... But as I said earlier I can't go to London, as this place has too much sentimental value..."

I nodded. I thought he was a bad, careless person. But hearing this I think he does love his daughter very much.

"He wants Nyra back with him before her first birthday, next week..."

Oh Lord... Nyra is going away from me, that's what Helen wants to talk to me about...

"But as you know Nyra won't stay without me there. So I want you to go there with Nyra. Cindy will also be accompanying you there."

"What!!" I was surprised. Me go to London? But... my thoughts were cut short.

"Isa I know your situation. But it is not easy to find a person who Nyra likes. It took me months to find you. And now she treats you like her mother. I don't think anybody can replace you now. I mean as a caregiver she needs you now..I can arrange an in-home nurse for your grandmother if you want and I will make the pay double for you. So Please consider this offer..."

She looked at me with hopeful eyes. I'm glad that she trusts me so much when it comes to Nyra... But...

I don't know what to say to her. It was indeed a big decision, so I asked her for some time and left the mansion