Mr Billionaire's Nanny

Jenna's POV "Is Daddy getting ready? We can't be late, Mom," Kulture said, her hands playing with her long hair, which was cascading down her shoulders, just as I finished tying her shoelaces. I heaved a deep sigh as I raised my head to look at her, instantly putting on a huge smile as soon as my eyes met hers. "Of course, baby. I'm sure he's fully ready and is just waiting for us to join him downstairs," I told her confidently, even though I wasn't sure what I was saying. Today was her graduation day from preschool, and this little girl's only wish was for her dad to drive her to school and celebrate with her. "Are you sure, Mom?" My daughter asked, her small, round eyes staring intensely into mine, as if she could tell I was just trying to sound confident. The smile on my face fell, and I pressed my lips together. She must have noticed, because her head dropped immediately. Kulture might be just a six-year-old, but her smartness was top-notch. "Of course, baby, it's your special day, he wouldn't miss it," I said, forcing a smile, even though I knew I could no longer tell what my husband could do. Though I hoped for a miracle today, Kulture wasn't the only one anxious, I was too. "Mom?" My daughter called out to me again, her curious eyes eager to know what was going through my mind. I quickly cleared my throat and managed a small smile. "Let's go check if he's ready, baby," I said and took her hand, leading her downstairs. It was Chris's laughter that welcomed us to the sitting room, so loud and joyous, as if he had no bother in the world. I had forgotten the last time he laughed like that with us. He was snuggled with Tyler on the couch, and they were both laughing at something on the TV. "Good morning, Dad," Kulture greeted. Chris looked up and flashed her a smile, muttering "Morning dear." And that was it. He turned back to his precious son, completely ignoring Kulture and me. I was slowly becoming a stranger in a place I regarded as my safe haven, my home. "What did I do wrong?" This was a question I had been asking myself since this terrible change began, but I couldn't find any answer. "Dad, we're ready. Let's go," Kulture rushed over to him and said, pulling his hand. I held my breath as I waited for what his response would be. Chris looked confused, as if thinking about something. "Ready? To where?" he asked, and my jaw dropped. Kulture turned to me, her eyes tearing up. "Ohhh, your graduation. Don't mind me, I just have a lot of things on my mind," Chris said dismissively, like forgetting this was no big deal. "I won't be able to go with you guys. I need to take Tyler out," he said, and taking her hand, he continued, "But don't worry, one of these days, I'll make it up to you." "Chris, what are you saying? The outing with Tyler can surely wait. You know Kulture has been reminding you about this for a whole week. She's literally been begging you, even though she didn't have to. It's your responsibility," I said, my voice coming out hoarse. Chris finally looked at me, but he looked irritated. "Why are you making it look like she's graduating from college? For f**k's sake, it's preschool. Can you even call that graduation? Why should..." Kulture's cry stopped him halfway, and he ran his hand through his hair. "Mom, today is very important. Please, I need both of you. All my friends are coming with their parents, and they usually mock me that I don't have a Dad. I need to show them that I have a dad too," Kulture said amidst sobs. I dropped the inhaler I was holding on the couch and picked her up, cleaning her tears and consoling her. It wasn't always like this. He wasn't like this; he was once sweet and loving, but everything had changed since the day Agnes came into our home three years ago, announcing that she had a son for my husband. "You know, you amuse me. Do you even know the name of your own daughter's school? You said it's just a preschool graduation, yet you attended the same preschool graduation of Tyler last week," I yelled loudly, even though I knew I shouldn't because of the kids. I always tried to stay calm before the kids, but Chris kept pushing me. "Enough, Jenna. Keep my son out of this. Must you show how much you hate him at every given opportunity?" Chris yelled back, and I chuckled. Of course, he didn't care about everything I said; his son was all that mattered. Chris had always said he wanted a son as a first child. His reason was that his parents had three daughters, with him being the last. After his mom gave birth to the third girl, the doctor advised her to stop due to complications. But his dad wanted an heir, not an heiress. So they tried again, and fortunately, it was Chris. However, these complications led to her early death. When Chris was told this story, he promised his father to give him many sons. When we had a daughter, he was disappointed, but it was only disappointment. He soon grew to love her, or so I thought. He showered her with care and love. I had only realized he never changed when Agnes came with Tyler, the son he needed. He changed towards my daughter, and my constant complaints made us grow distant as well. Before I could say anything, the doorbell chimed, and Agnes walked in, all smiles. As Chris saw the woman, his expression softened immediately. It was as if just her smile was capable of lightening up his entire world. I bit the insides of my cheek and even gritted my teeth; anything to calm me down so I wouldn't explode out of anger. "Oh, you're here," Chris acknowledged Agnes warmly, then stood up. Agnes carried Tyler and placed an affectionate kiss on his forehead, while Chris watched them with smiles. "Agnes and I are taking Tyler out. We agreed to be doing these outings regularly so the little boy can grow up with enough love. I'm sure you understand," he said to me, as if that was the normal thing to say. "Mom..." Kulture's sad voice rang out, and my chest tightened. She didn't deserve to hear any of these things. I turned to Agnes. "Agnes, you know too well that Kulture's graduation is today, yet you wouldn't even lend her her dad for a day? Why are you being unreasonable?" I asked, my face crumpling with pain. "Oh, Jenna, I didn't know about that," Agnes replied rather sarcastically. Then, turning to Chris, she said softly, "Chris, Tyler and I are fine. You can go on. I don't want to drive a wedge between you and your family." She looked so innocent as she spoke, and I scoffed. How pretentious. "No, Agnes, don't say that again. You and Tyler are also family, and you aren't driving any wedge," Chris said softly, holding her shoulders. He turned to me furiously as he reprimanded, "Jenna, stop being difficult, would you?" Agnes flashed me a mischievous smile and a knot formed in my stomach. "Kulture, let your mom go with you to school today. Daddy is busy. I will make it up to you next time when I have time," he said to Kulture, whose tears had now soaked my sleeves, then began to walk out of the house with Agnes and her son. Tears poured out of my eyes uncontrollably, but I halted immediately when my daughter asked, "Mommy, why does Daddy hate me?"