One Night With My Daughter's Human Babysitter

Chapter 6

Joana's heart sank as she vehemently shook her head, her plea filled with desperation. "No," she implored, her voice weighted with sincerity. "Please, give me the opportunity to see her. I assure you, you won't regret it if you just give me a chance."

The woman held Joana's gaze for what felt like an eternity before sighing, hinting at reluctant agreement. "Fine," she relented, turning to ascend the stairs. "But remember, I warned you."

Eagerly, Joana followed the woman up the stairs, their steps echoing through the wide hallway adorned with lavish, ornate wooden doors. Finally, they halted in front of a door at the end of the hallway. With a mere gesture, the woman opened the door, allowing Joana to enter without uttering a single word.

"I already told you, I'm tired!" a small voice growled from behind a high-back chair, positioned to face the empty fireplace. "I don't want to see anyone else!"

"Nice to meet you, Michaela," Joana warmly greeted. "I'm Joana. May I inquire as to why you attempted to frighten me away?"

Speaking in a hushed tone, Michaela shared her perspective, "My father is an attractive and affluent man. I believe that young and attractive women like yourself are only interested in working for him to secure marriage and his wealth. It seems like no one is genuinely here for me. Despite expressing my preference to Lina, she brought you instead."

Taking a moment to absorb Michaela's words, Joana felt a pang of empathy. "You know," she began, her voice gentle and understanding, "when I was your age, I, too, was an orphan. I comprehend how it feels to not be wanted."

Michaela's eyes widened with surprise as she absorbed Joana's revelation. "Truly?" she inquired, a glimmer of wonder lighting up her expression. "You're not here to take my father away?"

Joana shook her head gently, her lips curving into a reassuring smile. The notion of a wealthy Alpha werewolf harboring any romantic interest in her, an ordinary human, seemed far-fetched. "No," Joana reassured her, extending her hand with the palm facing upward. Relief washed over her as Michaela's fingers made contact. "I am here for you."

Both Joana and Michaela turned their attention as the door creaked open. Glancing over her shoulder while still crouched down, Joana observed Lina standing in the doorway. "It's past your bedtime, Michaela," Lina stated firmly, clasping her hands together.

Standing firm and confident, Michaela asserted her decision, "I choose her," as she gleefully skipped past Joana and exited through the door, leaving behind her earlier display of aggression.

Observing the interaction, Lina cast Joana an incredulous look, narrowing her eyes as she assessed the situation. "Hmph," Lina muttered under her breath once Michaela was out of earshot. "What did you do to make her choose you?"

Shrugging her shoulders, Joana felt a sense of contentment in her response. "Finding common ground can establish powerful connections," she explained calmly, following Lina as they made their way out of the room.

Descending the staircase, Lina opened the front door, motioning for Joana to leave.

"We have your address on record, and a car will be awaiting you first thing in the morning to transport you for the contract signing and the commencement of your first day. Please be ready promptly at six o'clock, without any delay," Lina informed with a curt tone.

Smiling, Joana nodded and gracefully walked past Lina, feeling a lightness in her step despite Lina's brusque manner. However, a lingering curiosity compelled her to pause and turn around to face Lina once again.

"By the way, may I inquire about the father's name?" Joana politely asked, her curiosity piqued.

Lina pursed her lips, her cold gaze directed at Joana. "You will receive all the necessary information once you have signed your contract," she replied promptly, closing the door without another word, and leaving Joana standing alone on the doorstep.

.......

The next morning, Joana awoke promptly at 4:30, slightly earlier than necessary, ensuring she left no room for any uncertainties regarding this job opportunity. Over the following hour, she meticulously tended to her preparations—thoroughly cleansing herself in the shower, tending to her hair, carefully pressing her clothes, and making certain that every strand of hair was perfectly in place. With today marking the start of a job that could potentially shape her future, Joana was determined to present herself flawlessly.

During the remaining half hour of her preparations, Joana found herself pacing back and forth anxiously while stealing glances out of the window. She mustered every ounce of her willpower to resist the temptation of biting her nails, fervently wishing to maintain a composed demeanor. As the clock neared the appointed time, Joana eagerly awaited the arrival of the car mentioned by Lina. True to Lina's word, a sleek black vehicle gracefully pulled up to her apartment precisely as the clock struck 5:59. Waste no time, Joana swiftly exited her apartment, dashing down the stairs to ensure she reached the waiting car promptly at 6:00.

Observing Joana's timely arrival, Lina checked her watch, revealing a faint expression of annoyance. "Six o'clock on the dot," Lina remarked with a hint of relief underlying her composed tone. "Though slightly out of breath, at least you made it."

Apologizing for her breathlessness, Joana quickly composed herself, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear and efficiently fastening her seatbelt. She offered an explanation, saying, "The neighborhood isn't the safest, so I preferred not to wait outside."

Lina chose not to respond, and the car smoothly departed from the curb, gliding through the streets with ease. As they embarked on their journey, Lina matter-of-factly outlined their plan for the day. "Firstly, we will proceed to the lawyer's office for you to sign the contract," she informed in a matter-of-fact tone, her gaze focused outside the window, her face subtly portraying a touch of disapproval. "Following that, you will be given a tour of the penthouse apartment where you will be stationed for most of your time. I assume there won't be a need for you to return to your previous residence to retrieve your possessions?"

Considering her belongings, Joana briefly reminisced before responding thoughtfully, "Well, I do have some clothes and personal items there—"

Interrupting, Lina promptly clarified, "Your employer will provide you with everything you require: clothes, toiletries, books, and any other necessities or desires. Unless there are sentimental belongings of immediate importance, I advise against investing your time and energy into such matters."

Joana nodded, clasping the delicate silver locket hanging around her neck, her sole sentimental possession. Pausing for a moment, she acknowledged Lina's advice, thinking that anything else in her apartment held little significance to her. "I understand," she responded softly, acknowledging Lina's guidance.

For the remainder of the car journey, a tranquil silence filled the space between Joana and Lina. Seated opposite each other in the back seats, their gazes never met as Lina remained entranced by the passing scenery beyond the window. Unperturbed by the apparent indifference, Joana remained resolute, having grown accustomed to such treatment as a human in a world predominantly governed by werewolves. She understood that while some werewolves treated humans as equals, a vast majority regarded them as an inferior race. Suspecting Lina belonged to the latter group, Joana paid it no mind, determined to forge her own path.