THE MAFIA'S NANNY

Chapter 4. A nameless messenger

Chapter 4. A nameless messenger

Isla and Mr Lee arrived at the quarters that was prepared for the nanny. It was located on the East Wing of the Moretti manor, separate from the main building. The exterior was like that of a cottage— giving off a medieval vibe.

"This" Mr Lee began when they were close to the door of the house, "is where you will be staying".

"I understand sir" Isla said, her voice calm and polite.

Mr Lee handed her the keys to the house. "If you need anything, let me know"

"Yes sir" she curtsied.

"Also..." he added, causing Isla to roll her eyes in her mind. "...unless you have something important to do in the main building, you're not allowed inside there".

Isla looked at the building she had just come out from. She wanted to ask 'why' but, didn't bother. What mattered most at the moment is that she already got this job. Anything else, wasn't her business. She just had to do her job well and earn.

"Stay away from Sir Moretti's business. Unless he calls you personally, you're not even allowed to breathe the same air as him and don't ask so many questions. Just do as you are told, do you get that?"

"Yes sir" she replied.

"Your top priority here, is Aria. Make sure she gets everything she wants, do you hear me?" Mr Lee's voice was everything stern and rigid except it has softened a little.

"Yes sir! I will make sure to do my best!" Isla swore.

Mr Lee snorted and left the place.

Isla heaved a shallow sigh as soon as the man left. "Finally...some peace and quiet".

She inserted the key into the keyhole and turned it twice, unlocking the door. She gave the doorknob a gentle squeeak before pushing it open. She walked in.

The room was... surprisingly warm. Beautiful even. Not what she had expected for a help to live in. Soft beige walls framed a cozy, well-lit space that smelled faintly of lavender. A decent three-piece of grey colored couch sat in the living room beside a small bookshelf, its compartments already stacked with a few worn novels. The curtains were plain with a just a cute design of hibiscus flowers spreading sparsely on it. It swayed along with the breeze that had followed her in. The sunlight it emitted spilled across the room resting warmly on the wooden floors.

Isla stood at the doorway, taking it all in. Just for this moment, afraid that if she didn't, it might disappear just like every other safe space she has ever been to. It felt strange to finally have a place she could call home— even if it wasn't really hers.

She walked in fully this time, closing the door behind her. She dropped her credentials calmly on the seat closest to her together with the small bag she was carrying. She rubbed her arms with her palms, chasing the goosebumps that were flaying her skin.

From where she stood, she could see the tiny but homey kitchen tucked into the corner and a hallway which led to another space which she assumed was the bedroom. Everything was basic yet functional. Clean and safe. The word rang in her head again. Safe. But was she?

She lifted her foot towards the kitchen, scrambling for the nearest cabinets. She scanned its contents absently, her hands shaking with every movement. Canned foods. Dried goods. Everything was already prepared for her. She pressed her palm against the counter, he breath catching.

No one had done this for her in a while. A small smile tugged at the edge of her lips.

Suddenly, her phone buzzed in her back pocket. She whipped it out and looked at the screen. A message. For her.

'You keep running Isla. But don't you forget, I'm a good hunter and I always find my game!'

Isla's heart shuddered within her. Her hand shook with tremor allowing the phone to hit the floor with a clattering sound. She hit her butt against the floor, as a wave of cold air wrapped around her.

No name. No signature. Well, she didn't need any. She already knew who.

She took in a deep breath, trying her best to calm her nerves. She held herself steadily.

"No..." she muttered. "You can't... you won't catch me. Not this time!"

She stood from the floor and walked into the bedroom. It was simple too— just like every other parts of the house. A modest sized bed with fresh sheets, a small wardrobe and a desk with a mirror above it.

She reached for the frame of the mirror with her shaky hand, tracing its edge.

"This..." came her voice. Hoarse yet firmer than before. "...is a new life. You're not gonna ruin it".

A knock suddenly came from outside. Isla's heart leapt to her throat. She almost jumped. Her head whipped to the door, senses flaring—high at alert.

The knock came again, softer this time.

Cautiously, she walked to the door, and pulled it open. Just a tiny crack. And there she was—Aria. She was clutching a little teddy bunny in her hand, her doe eyes peering into Isla's.

Isla felt her fear melt away in that instant. It was as though a ray of sunshine just swept into her heart, expelling the loom that was about to overtake her sanity.

"Aria" her voice was a soft gasp as she stooped down to take a good look at the baby girl.

Aria handed her the teddy bunny, pointing towards the garden, a small field that housed some playful items for kids.

Isla let out a soft chuckle. "You want to play?"

Aria gave a small grin and nodded.

Isla touched her tiny nose with her index finger playfully. "Okay. Let's go play with Mr Bunny then!" Isla said, referring to the teddy. Aria was so happy that she pulled Isla by the hand, jumping with her little legs.

'I finally have a playmate. I'm not alone again. I really like this pretty aunty!' she squealed in her tiny mind.

And just like that, the nanny and the mafia's daughter made their way towards the playground, their soft laughters filling the air.

Isla didn't want to think of anything. She shouldn't. She was here and should be strong for this little girl who has taken a liking to her. She made a strict mental note to burn that stupid SIM card and flush the ashes down the toilet hole

before it brought her a lot of trouble.