One Night With My Daughter's Human Babysitter

Chapter10

Joana raised her hand and gently touched her forehead, shaking her head slightly before extending her hand for Michaela to take. "I'm alright, just bumped my head."

Michaela cautiously approached, placing her small hand in Joana's as she studied her face, seeking reassurance. "I thought you lied to me," she admitted. "But then I remembered that you asked me about my parents, and Daddy told me that you didn't know who he was when you came to see me yesterday. So I forgive you."

Elijah interjected, his gaze cold as it rested upon them. "Do you want Joana to stay?" he inquired.

Michaela nodded eagerly, excitement evident in her expression. "Yes! We had so much fun today. I want to have fun with you every day."

Her words filled Joana with warmth, temporarily pushing aside any lingering doubts. How could she refuse such a request?

"Alright," Joana reassured Michaela, briefly glancing at Elijah as he observed them with a stoic stare. "But you have to promise me that you'll talk to me if you ever feel upset, okay?"

Michaela nodded earnestly, her sincerity shining through. "I promise." With a pull closer and a whispered secret in Joana's ear, she continued, "If Daddy is going to be with someone, I guess I'm okay with it being you." Michaela patted Joana's shoulder and skipped away before Joana had a chance to respond.

Her words left Joana both surprised and amused. Children could be remarkably perceptive at times.

"So, does that settle things?" Elijah asked, his voice devoid of emotion, yet a subtle plea underlying his words. "Will you stay?"

Though his tone remained neutral, Joana sensed the desperation behind his words. It wasn't just about Michaela's desire for her to stay.

"Yes," Joana affirmed, meeting Elijah's gaze directly. "I'll stay."

.......

After the tumultuous incident on her first night of employment, the following week proceeded smoothly for Joana. Taking care of Michaela proved to be a pleasant experience, as the little girl caused minimal trouble, if any at all.

As her first week came to a close, Joana couldn't help but feel a tinge of guilt over her generous salary, considering the seemingly effortless nature of her job. To assuage this guilt and fend off any bouts of boredom, she took it upon herself to assist Lina and the other maids with various tasks around the penthouse. Pitching in with cleaning, cooking, laundry, and grocery shopping not only eased her conscience about the salary but also provided a sense of fulfillment and occupied her when she had free time. While her willingness to help didn't necessarily warm Lina's or the other maids' attitudes towards her, Joana noticed a slight softening in their demeanors as the days passed.

Joana also maintained a polite yet distant relationship with Elijah. Due to his infrequent presence, typically returning home late at night, it became effortless for Joana to keep her distance.

However, an intriguing occurrence caught her attention. Joana observed Lina periodically unlocking a drawer in the kitchen using a small key. Although she didn't give it much thought, assuming it contained private belongings, her curiosity got the better of her during one afternoon when she found herself peeling potatoes in the kitchen, Michaela occupied with her violin lesson. In a moment of unintended surveillance, Joana discreetly watched as Lina entered the kitchen with a paper pharmacy bag. Her curiosity heightened as she observed Lina open the bag and deposit its contents into the unlocked drawer.

"Lina! Can you help me?" Annie's voice suddenly called out from another room, indicating her struggle with something heavy.

"On my way," Lina responded. She left the empty paper bag on the counter, unintentionally leaving the drawer ajar.

Her curiosity piqued, Joana could no longer suppress her inquisitive nature, a trait she had likely developed during her time in the orphanage. Silently, she approached the enigmatic drawer.

Brows furrowing, Joana discovered multiple bottles of pills upon opening it.

"Ambien..." Joana whispered to herself as she picked up one of the bottles and read the label. Confused, she questioned why there were so many sleeping pills stored in the drawer.

"Ahem."

Startled, Joana jumped at the sound of Lina's throat clearing behind her, accidentally dropping the bottle of pills she held. To her horror, it rolled across the floor before coming to a stop near Lina's feet.

"I'm terribly sorry," Joana muttered, her voice rushed and apologetic.

Lina let out a sigh, bending down to retrieve the fallen bottle. Brushing past Joana, she effortlessly returned it to the drawer, closing and locking it.

"I didn't mean to intrude," Joana hastily explained. "I noticed that the drawer was left unlocked, and I..."

"It's alright," Lina replied calmly as she tucked the small key into her apron pocket. "I suppose it was only a matter of time before curiosity got the better of you."

Joana turned her gaze towards Lina, silently observing as she moved over to the oven. Sliding a quilted oven mitt onto her hand, Lina carefully extracted a steaming loaf of bread and skillfully waved away the rising steam.

Curiosity piqued, Joana couldn't resist asking, "May I inquire about the intended recipient of those pills in the drawer?"

"Mr. Wyatt has been grappling with sleep troubles for years now," Lina revealed, her back still turned towards Joana as she flipped the loaf pan upside down, releasing the freshly baked bread onto the cutting board. "Recently, his dosage has been increasing in strength. I'm doubtful if the pills provide any true relief for him anymore."

Molly, one of the maids, chimed in, carrying a basket of freshly laundered linens. "It's not good for his health. Those pills are too potent and carry addictive properties. I can't help but blame it on that woman-"

"Molly!" Lina interjected sharply, whipping around to shoot Molly a stern glare.

"Sorry," Molly muttered meekly, promptly resuming her tasks.

Frowning, Joana realized she wouldn't discover the identity of "that woman." Shaking off her curiosity, she refocused her attention on the potatoes, peeling them thoughtfully as she contemplated Wyatt's situation. During their conversations, he never seemed excessively tired, and it struck her that they both woke up around the same time when they spent the night together at the hotel.

Later that night, Joana had an unexpected opportunity to witness Wyatt's sleep deprivation firsthand. After tending to Michaela and her unusually lengthy bedtime routine, she found herself staying up much later than usual. Instead of retreating to her room, she opted to take a later walk back. It was rare for her to encounter Elijah at such a late hour.

As Joana made her way through the living room, the sound of shattered glass and a muffled exclamation reached her ears. Worried that Elijah may have injured himself, she hastened towards the source of the commotion. Upon entering the room, she discovered him standing amidst the spilled red wine and broken glass, wearing a dispirited expression. He balanced his laptop with one hand, surveying the mess before him.

Upon noticing Joana's presence, he immediately lifted his head to meet her gaze. His complexion appeared sickly and pale, while a mix of emotions danced behind his eyes. It was evident that he had consumed alcohol.

"Do you require assistance?" Joana inquired, her voice filled with genuine concern.