CROWNED WITH LOVE AND REGRET

The rain poured relentlessly over Ashford City, blurring the glittering skyline into a haze of lights and shadows. Hena Prat stood beneath the narrow shelter of an old bus stop, clutching a worn folder against her chest. Inside were her certificates, references, and the last fragments of hope she had left. Her shoes were soaked, her stomach had been empty since morning, and the landlord's warning echoed in her mind. "Three days, Hena. If the rent isn't paid, you're out." She closed her eyes for a brief moment, forcing herself not to cry. Life had never been kind to her. After losing both parents in a car accident six years ago, she had taken care of her younger brother while juggling part-time jobs and school. She had graduated with honors, yet every interview ended the same way. "We'll call you." They never did. Her phone buzzed in her pocket. An unknown number. Hena hesitated before answering. "Hello?" "Miss Hena Prat?" "Speaking." "My name is Mrs. Evelyn Brooks. I'm calling on behalf of the Black Family." Hena frowned. The Black Family? Everyone in the country knew the name. They owned Black Corporation, the largest business empire in the nation. Their influence stretched across real estate, banking, luxury hotels, and technology. "I... I'm listening." "We reviewed your application through an agency. We would like to offer you a position as a private nanny." "A nanny?" she repeated in surprise. "Yes. The salary is five thousand dollars every month, with accommodation, meals, and medical care fully covered." Hena almost dropped her phone. Five thousand dollars? That was more money than she had earned in an entire year. "There must be some mistake." "There isn't." "But... why me?" There was a brief silence. "Our young master personally approved your profile." Hena's heartbeat quickened. She had never met anyone from the Black family. Why would their mysterious young master choose her? Mrs. Brooks continued, "Your interview is tomorrow morning at eight. A car will pick you up." Before Hena could ask another question, the call ended. She stared at the dark screen, her thoughts racing. Something didn't feel right. Powerful families didn't hire strangers without reason. Especially not one as influential as the Blacks. Yet desperation had a way of silencing doubt. She needed the money. She needed a future. The next morning, a sleek black luxury car stopped in front of her tiny apartment building, drawing curious glances from neighbors peeking through their windows. Hena stepped into the car, smoothing the wrinkles from her simple cream blouse. The driver remained silent as the city slowly gave way to towering iron gates bearing a golden crest with a single bold letter. The gates opened automatically. Beyond them stood a mansion unlike anything Hena had ever imagined—grand fountains, manicured gardens, marble staircases, and a palace-like estate that seemed to belong in another world. As she climbed the front steps, two rows of uniformed staff bowed respectfully. "Welcome, Miss Prat." A woman in her sixties approached with graceful confidence. "You must be Mrs. Brooks." "I am," the woman replied with a warm smile. "The young master is waiting for you." Hena swallowed hard. "Is he... kind?" Mrs. Brooks paused just long enough to make Hena uneasy. "No." The smile vanished. "Our young master has dismissed twenty-three nannies in less than a year." Lena blinked. "Twenty-three?" "He has an unforgiving temper. He trusts no one, tolerates no mistakes, and has no interest in keeping employees." Mrs. Brooks leaned in slightly. "If you value your pride, you may still leave now." Hena looked toward the towering mansion. Something inside told her to turn around. Another voice reminded her of unpaid rent, her brother's school fees, and the empty refrigerator back home. She straightened her shoulders. "I'm staying." Mrs. Brooks nodded before leading her through the enormous double doors. At the far end of a lavish office, a tall man stood before a floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the city. His tailored black suit fit him perfectly. Broad shoulders. Powerful posture. One hand tucked casually into his pocket. Without turning around, he spoke in a cold, commanding voice. "So..." He slowly faced her, revealing piercing gray eyes that seemed capable of seeing through every lie. "This is the woman foolish enough to think she can survive in my house." Hena lifted her chin, refusing to look away. For the first time in years... Someone had challenged Dariel Black.