Chapter 5: Settling In
801 Words
Lena adjusted the strap of her duffel bag as she stepped into Blackwood Mansion—her new home. It still felt unreal. The grand entrance, the polished floors, the overwhelming elegance—it was the opposite of her tiny apartment.
The butler, an older man with a neatly trimmed mustache, bowed slightly before gesturing down a long hallway. "Miss Carter, your room is this way."
Lena nodded, following him past towering bookshelves, luxurious furniture, and pristine paintings that probably cost more than her entire tuition. She felt out of place, like a guest who didn’t belong.
This is just a job, Lena. Focus.
When the butler stopped in front of a door and pushed it open, Lena’s eyes widened.
The room was massive. A king-sized bed with silk sheets sat in the middle, a soft rug covered the floor, and a beautiful reading nook was nestled by a huge window overlooking the city. A walk-in closet and a private bathroom were included.
Okay, maybe living here wouldn’t be so bad.
A tiny giggle snapped her out of her thoughts.
"Miss Babysitter!"
Before Lena could react, Ellie launched herself forward, wrapping her small arms around her waist.
"You’re back!" Ellie squealed, squeezing Lena’s neck. "I thought Papa scared you away!"
Lena laughed, setting Ellie down. "Nope, I’m here to stay."
Ellie beamed. "Yay! Does that mean you’ll play with me all the time?"
Lena ruffled her hair. "I’ll take care of you, but you have to be good, okay?"
Ellie gasped dramatically. "I’m always good!"
From behind them, Damian snorted.
Lena turned to see him leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed. "That’s the biggest lie I’ve heard today."
Ellie pouted, stomping her foot. "Papa!"
Damian sighed, running a hand through his hair. "She’s a handful. I hope you’re prepared."
Lena glanced at Ellie, who was already climbing onto her bed like a monkey.
She smiled softly. "I think I can handle it."
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Adjusting to Life in the Mansion
Lena quickly realized that taking care of Ellie was a full-time job.
The little girl had endless energy, bouncing from one activity to another. She wanted to play tea party, then hide-and-seek, then draw pictures, then make cookies in the kitchen.
Lena barely had time to sit down.
By the time lunch rolled around, Lena felt exhausted.
She slumped into a chair, rubbing her forehead. "Ellie, don’t you ever get tired?"
Ellie grinned, swinging her legs. "Nope!"
A deep chuckle made Lena look up. Damian stood by the kitchen island, sipping his coffee. "I told you she’s a handful."
Lena exhaled. "Yeah, but I didn’t think it would be this much work."
Damian smirked. "Regretting it already?"
Lena narrowed her eyes. "No. But I think you should give me a raise."
He raised a brow, amused. "You just got here, and you’re already negotiating?"
Lena crossed her arms. "Well, I didn’t know I was signing up to babysit a human tornado."
Ellie giggled, throwing her arms in the air. "I’m a tornado!"
Damian shook his head, setting his cup down. "You wanted the job. No backing out now."
Lena sighed dramatically. "I guess I’m trapped."
Ellie jumped onto Lena’s lap, wrapping her arms around her. "Yay! You’re mine now!"
Lena chuckled, brushing Ellie’s hair. She had only been here for a few hours, but she already cared about this little girl.
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That Night
Putting Ellie to bed turned out to be another battle.
Lena had read her two bedtime stories, given her warm milk, and even let her choose her own pajamas. But Ellie was still bouncing on the bed, full of energy.
Lena groaned, rubbing her temples. "Ellie, it’s past your bedtime."
Ellie grinned mischievously. "Papa lets me stay up late!"
Lena crossed her arms. "I doubt that."
Ellie giggled, then suddenly hugged Lena’s waist.
"I like you," she whispered.
Lena’s heart melted.
She hugged Ellie back, brushing her soft curls. "I like you too, Ellie."
Ellie pulled back, grinning up at her. "Can you stay with me until I fall asleep?"
Lena hesitated, then nodded. "Okay, but only for a little while."
Ellie snuggled under the blankets, gripping Lena’s hand. Within minutes, her breathing evened out, and she was asleep.
Lena stared at her tiny face, feeling a strange warmth in her chest.
A deep voice broke her thoughts.
"You’re good with her."
Lena turned to see Damian standing at the doorway, his eyes unreadable.
She shrugged. "She’s easy to love."
Something flickered in Damian’s expression, but it was gone in an instant.
"Get some rest," he said. "You’ll need it."
Lena rolled her eyes. "Wow, such kind words."
Damian smirked slightly before walking away.
Lena shook her head, glancing at Ellie one last time before heading to her own room.
This might actually work.
End of the chapter
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- Writer
