Chapter 4: The Decision That Changes Everything
940 Words
Lena sat on the worn-out couch in her tiny apartment, staring blankly at the contract in her hands. Damian Blackwood had emailed it to her within minutes of her leaving his mansion, as if he already knew she would consider the offer.
She chewed her lip, scrolling through the terms again.
Live-in babysitter
Attend university freely
Strict confidentiality agreement
Immediate termination if rules are broken
The pay was insane. More money in a month than she could make in six by working at the café. Enough to wipe out her tuition debts and still have extra.
But the catch? She’d have to live with that arrogant, cold, and completely impossible man.
And his tiny menace of a daughter.
She groaned, falling back against the couch.
"This is crazy."
Her best friend, Mia, popped a piece of popcorn into her mouth, eyeing her from the other side of the couch. "Yeah, but like… it’s rich-people crazy. That means the paycheck is worth it."
Lena shot her a glare. "I’d have to live there. With him."
Mia wiggled her eyebrows. "He’s hot, though."
Lena threw a pillow at her.
"Ow!" Mia dodged, laughing. "I’m just saying! If I had a rich, hot boss, I wouldn’t be complaining."
Lena buried her face in her hands. "This is not about him being hot."
Mia smirked. "So you admit he is?"
Lena groaned louder. "Mia!"
Mia giggled, then leaned back. "Okay, okay. Seriously, though. It’s a good opportunity. It sucks that you’ll have to deal with a grumpy billionaire and his demon child, but you need the money, right?"
Lena sighed. She did need it.
Her tuition fee was due in less than a month. Her part-time job at the café wasn’t enough to cover it. This job was perfect in every way—except for the fact that Damian Blackwood was the employer.
Mia nudged her. "If it helps, just imagine it’s a drama. You, the hardworking university student, taking a job at the mansion of a cold billionaire." She threw her arms up dramatically. "Who knows? Maybe he’ll fall for you!"
Lena choked on air. "Mia, NO."
Mia waggled her eyebrows. "Or maybe you’ll fall for him?"
Lena grabbed another pillow and smacked her.
Mia cackled.
After the laughter died down, silence settled between them.
Lena stared at the ceiling, deep in thought.
Could she really do this?
It wasn’t just about handling Ellie—it was about living in that house. Sharing a space with a man who clearly had no patience for people.
A man who had looked at her like she was just another inconvenience.
But then she thought about the tuition deadline. The late fees. The possibility of dropping out.
Lena sat up.
"I’m taking the job."
Mia beamed. "Hell yeah!"
Lena rolled her eyes but couldn’t help but smile.
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The Next Morning – Blackwood Mansion
Lena adjusted the strap of her backpack, taking a deep breath before pressing the doorbell.
This time, the butler opened the door without a word and led her straight to Damian’s office.
He was already at his desk, as cold and intimidating as ever.
The moment she stepped in, he barely glanced up. "You accepted?"
Lena straightened her back. "Yes."
He nodded, clicking something on his laptop. "I’ll have your room prepared. You’ll move in today."
Lena blinked. "T-Today?!"
He finally looked up, his eyes sharp. "Was that not clear?"
Lena bit back a groan. Of course. No warnings. No adjustments. Just his rules, his way.
"Fine," she muttered. "But I need time to pack my things."
"Two hours," he said. "Then be back here."
Lena gaped. "TWO HOURS?!"
"One hour, then."
"You—! That’s not how negotiations work!"
His bored stare made her want to scream.
Lena inhaled deeply through her nose. "Fine. Two hours."
He returned to his laptop as if she wasn’t even there anymore.
This man is impossible.
Just as she turned to leave, the door burst open.
Ellie ran in full speed, wearing a pirate hat and carrying a wooden spoon like a sword.
"PA-PA!" she screamed. "THE ENEMY RETURNS!"
Lena didn’t even have time to react before Ellie charged straight at her.
Lena yelped as Ellie jumped onto her leg, clinging like a koala.
Ellie gasped dramatically. "I found her weakness! She doesn’t know how to fight back!"
Lena stumbled but quickly caught her balance. "Ellie, I—"
"Shh!" Ellie pressed a tiny finger to Lena’s lips. "Pirates don’t explain! They attack!"
Lena shot Damian a desperate look.
He sighed heavily, rubbing his temple. "Ellie, let go of her."
Ellie pouted. "But she’s my prisoner now!"
"Ellie."
With a dramatic groan, Ellie slid off Lena’s leg and crossed her arms. "Fine."
Then, she grinned up at Lena. "Are you moving in today?"
Lena hesitated, then nodded.
Ellie squealed, jumping up and down. "Yay! Can I show her my toys, Papa?"
"No," Damian said flatly.
Ellie pouted. "Why not?!"
Damian didn’t even look up. "Because I said so."
Ellie turned to Lena, her big brown eyes pleading.
Lena felt her resolve crumble instantly.
"I’ll check them out later," Lena whispered.
Ellie beamed. "Okay!"
She suddenly hugged Lena’s leg again before bolting out of the room.
Lena let out a breath. "She’s… energetic."
Damian finally looked at her. "She’s a handful. Hope you’re ready."
Lena squared her shoulders. "I am."
He studied her for a second, then nodded. "Good. Two hours. Don’t be late."
Lena rolled her eyes and turned to leave.
As she stepped out, she muttered under her breath—
"Jerk."
She swore she heard him chuckle behind her.
End of the chapter
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- Writer
