THE NANNY'S SECRET

Chapter four

“I understand this is your first time working as a live-in nanny?” Ethan said, his tone casual, but his gaze sharp.

Lena nodded, her hands folded neatly in her lap. She had dressed modestly, “Yes, it is. But I've had experience working with children before. I’m confident I can handle whatever Sophia needs.”

Ethan sat on a nearby cushion, studying her. There was something about Lena that intrigued him, she was both familiar and mysterious. “Good,” Ethan finally said, breaking the silence. “Sophia can be…..particular. She’s been through a lot with previous nannies, so I hope you’re prepared for a challenge.”

Lena offered a small smile, though her mind was elsewhere. The offer her manager had offered at the club the previous night weighed heavily on her. She had been hesitant to accept it, knowing what it entails. But the money was hard to ignore. Before she could dwell on it further, a sweet voice echoed from the hallway.

“Daddy!”

Both Ethan and Lena turned their heads, just as Sophia appeared at the top of the staircase. The little girl, not more than five years old, descended the steps with a mix of grace and excitement.

She was dressed in a pink nightgown, her golden curls bouncing each step, her big eyes sparkled with joy as she saw her father.

Ethan's expression softened immediately, a warm smile spreading across his face, “There's my little princess,” he said standing up to greet her.

Sophia hurried into his arms as soon as she reached the lowest part of the staircase, wrapping her tiny arms around his neck.

Ethan lifted her effortlessly, holding her close as she nuzzled against him. Lena could see the bond they both shared.

“Did you sleep well, sweetheart?” Ethan asked, brushing a curl from her forehead.

Sophia nodded, her eyes still half closed from sleep. “Yes daddy. I had a dream about the beach. Can we go there?”

Ethan chuckled softly, kissing her on the cheek. “Maybe later, princess. First, we have to introduce you to someone very special.”

Sophia looked over at Lena, who had been watching the tender moment, with a mix of admiration and apprehension. There was something about Sophia that tugged her heartstrings.

“Lena, this is my daughter, Sophia.” Ethan said, turning to Lena. “Sophia, this is Lena , she's going to be your new nanny.”

Sophia’s smile faded slightly, replaced by a frown, as she clung a bit tighter to her father.

“Hello, Sophia,” Lena said warmly, squatting to be at eye level with her. It’s nice to meet you. ”

Sophia didn't respond immediately, instead she buried her face in Ethan's shoulder, asif trying to hide from this new stranger.

“Sophia, don't be shy,” Ethan coaxed her, though he gave Lena an apologetic look. “Lena’s here to help you, I'm sure you too will be great friends.”

Sophia peeked out at Lena, her blue eyes filled with uncertainty. “Do I have to, Daddy?” She whispered.” Before Ethan could reply, his phone buzzed on the table, but Ethan ignored it.

He turned his gaze back to his daughter, giving his daughter a reassuring squeeze, “Give Lena a chance, okay? For me?”

Sophia hesitated, then nodded. Ethan set her down, and she stood before Lena. It was clear that the little girl wasn't going to make things easy. She studied Lena with a keen gaze that seemed too mature for her age.

Ethan’s phone kept on buzzing, demanding attention. With a small smile, he picked his phone from the table, and glanced at the screen. It was a message that required his immediate attention.

“I'm sorry, Lena. But I need to step into my office for a moment.” Ethan said, as he grabbed his phone, heading upstairs to freshen up, “Mrs Jerkins will show you around the house, and get you settled in.”

Lena nodded, trying to hide the nervous flutter in her stomach, “Of course, Mr Hayes. Take your time.”

Ethan turned to his daughter who was still clutching his hand, “Sophia, be good to Lena okay, I'll be right back.

Sophia only responded with a reluctant nod, as she stared at Lena, with her mouth pouting.

Ethan gave his daughter a quick kiss on her forehead, before making his way upstairs.

Mrs Jerkins, a woman in her fifties, with graying hair, neatly tied back into a bun, offered Lena a warm smile, “Shall we start the tour, dear? This is a big house, and it's easy to get lost if you're not familiar with it.”

“Thank you, Mrs Jerkins. I’d appreciate that.” Lena replied, trying to match the woman’s warmth despite her nerves.

As they began to work through the grand hallways of the mansion. Mrs Jenkins pointed out various rooms, offering hits of history and information as they went.

They finally reached the staircase that led to the upper floors. As they ascended, Lena couldn't help but notice how quiet Sophia had been. The little girl was trailing slightly behind them, her expression unreadable.

“This floor is where the bedrooms are,” Mrs Jerkins continued, as they reached the top. “Mr Hayes' room is at the end of the hall, and yours is just beside Sophia’s . This way you’ll always be close if she needs anything during the night.”

After Mrs Jerkins had shown Lena to her room and Sophia's room, she decided to leave Sophia and Lena alone, so they could get acquainted.

Sophia's face remained impassive as she walked inside. Mrs Jerkins gave Lena an encouraging smile, “I’ll leave you two. If you need anything, I’ll be downstairs.”

Lena nodded, watching as Mrs Jerkins left the room. Now it was just her and Sophia, and the silence between them felt almost oppressive.

“Would you like us to play a game together?” Lena asked, trying to break the ice .

Sophia glanced at her, her eyes narrowing slightly, “No.”

Lena wasn't deterred. How about reading a book together? I saw a lovely collection on the shelves.

“No.”

“Okay,” Lena said, “what would you like to do?”

“Nothing,” Sophia replied coldly, walking over to her bed, and climbing onto it. She grabbed a stuffed animal and hugged it tightly, turning her back to Lena.

Lena sighed, knowing bonding with Sophia would be very difficult. She approached the bed slowly, and sat at the edge of the bed, “I know this is new, and it can be a little scary having someone different around. But I'm here to help, okay?”

Sophia turned her face to Lena, her blue eyes filled with defiance, “You’re just like the other nannies. You’ll leave too.”

The words hit her hard, she could sense pain in Sophia's voice. “I’m not planning to go anywhere.” Lena said gently, “I want to be your friend, Sophia. But we can take things slow, okay?”

Sophia stared at her for a long moment, asif trying to decide whether to believe her or not. Then, without another word, she turned her back to Lena again, signaling that the conversation was over.

Lena sighed, standing up, and giving Sophia some space. As the day went on, Sophia continued to resist Lena's efforts. Sophia's stubbornness was one thing, but there was something else that weighed heavily on Lena's mind; the offer from her manager.

Just then her phone buzzed. It was a message from the hospital, reminding her of her outstanding payment for a father's treatment.

With a heavy sigh, Lena scrolled her phone screen to her manager’s number. Sending him a message. “I accept the offer.”