Chapter 6: A New Morning
929 Words
Lena woke up early, stretching as the morning sun filtered through the elegant curtains of her new room. It took her a moment to remember where she was.
Right. The Blackwood Mansion.
She let out a deep sigh, running a hand through her messy hair before sliding out of bed. The soft carpet felt luxurious beneath her feet, a stark contrast to the cold, creaky floors of her old apartment.
With a yawn, she grabbed a fresh set of clothes and headed into her private bathroom.
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A Bath Fit for a Queen
Lena turned on the water, watching as the massive bathtub filled with warm, steaming water. The elegant marble surroundings and fancy rose-scented bath products made her feel like she had just entered a five-star spa.
She dipped her fingers in, shivering at the perfect temperature.
This is way too fancy for me.
But, who was she to complain?
Stepping in, she let herself sink into the warm water, closing her eyes.
It had been a long time since she had been able to truly relax. Between juggling three part-time jobs, university stress, and now a demanding babysitting position, she had barely had a moment to herself.
But now?
Silence. Peace. Warmth.
A small smile crept onto her lips as she rested her head against the edge of the tub.
After soaking for a while, Lena finally forced herself to get up, wrapping a fluffy towel around herself. She got dressed, tying her hair into a loose ponytail before heading downstairs.
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Breakfast in the Blackwood Kitchen
Lena had planned to grab a quick snack, but as she stepped into the massive kitchen, she felt tempted.
The countertops gleamed under the soft morning light, and the neatly arranged ingredients called to her.
Might as well make something good.
She tied an apron around her waist and got to work.
Soon, the smell of freshly made pancakes and coffee filled the air. She plated everything neatly, setting the table with warm pancakes, syrup, scrambled eggs, and fresh orange juice.
She smiled to herself. It had been a long time since she had enjoyed a proper homemade breakfast.
Sitting down, she ate peacefully, savoring every bite.
This place may have felt too grand, too foreign, but at least she could still find small comforts.
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Checking on Ellie
After finishing her meal, Lena cleaned up before heading upstairs to check on Ellie.
She pushed open the little girl’s bedroom door quietly, peeking inside.
Ellie was still curled up in her bed, her tiny frame rising and falling with soft, even breaths.
Lena’s heart melted at the sight. She looked so peaceful.
Without thinking, she stepped forward and leaned down, pressing a soft peck to Ellie’s forehead.
"Sweet dreams, little tornado," she whispered with a small smile.
As she turned to leave, she didn’t notice the dark pair of eyes watching her from the hallway.
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Damian’s POV: The Unexpected Sight
Damian had woken up early, heading downstairs for his usual black coffee, when he stopped in his tracks.
Through the slightly open door of Ellie’s bedroom, he saw Lena.
She was standing beside Ellie’s bed, her expression gentle, her voice soft as she whispered something. Then, before leaving, she bent down and kissed Ellie’s forehead.
Damian stiffened, gripping the edge of the doorframe.
His jaw clenched as a strange, unfamiliar feeling twisted inside him.
It wasn’t anger. It wasn’t irritation.
It was something else.
Something that made his chest tighten.
Lena turned and walked out, completely unaware of his presence.
Damian remained frozen for a moment, staring at his sleeping daughter before finally stepping back.
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Lena Heads to University
Lena walked outside, taking a deep breath of the crisp morning air.
Despite the luxury surrounding her, she hadn’t forgotten her responsibilities.
She still had university, and she wasn’t about to let that slip just because she had moved into a mansion.
As she walked toward the sleek black car waiting for her, the chauffeur, Mr. Reed, gave a small nod.
"Good morning, Miss Carter."
"Morning, Mr. Reed," she greeted, climbing into the car.
The drive to the university was smooth, the streets relatively quiet in the early hours.
As soon as she arrived, she blended back into her normal world—the world of crowded hallways, exhausted students, and last-minute exam preparations.
But something felt different.
She wasn’t stressed about money anymore.
For the first time in a long time, she felt like she could breathe.
Still, her mind lingered on the mansion.
On Ellie.
On Damian Blackwood, the cold, arrogant man who had hired her… and who, for some reason, had watched her that morning without saying a word.
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Meanwhile, Back at the Mansion
Damian sat in his office, flipping through documents, but his mind wasn’t on work.
It was on her.
Lena Carter.
She had only been in his house for a short time, yet she had already made herself comfortable.
She cooked as if she had lived there forever.
She laughed with Ellie as if they had known each other for years.
And this morning… she had kissed Ellie’s forehead so naturally, like a mother would.
His grip tightened on his pen.
She’s just a babysitter. Nothing more.
Yet, the image of her—smiling down at Ellie so gently, with genuine care in her eyes—refused to leave his mind.
With a frustrated sigh, Damian leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his dark hair.
For the first time in a long time, he felt uneasy.
And he hated it.
- Writer
