Chapter 1:Hired By Accident; Trapped By Charm

I felt like the odds were stacked against me, especially after I gave 50 bucks to a man who promised to get me a slot in an orphanage as a part-time home-nanny. I didn’t even stop to think what if it was a scam? But then again, why would he scam me out of 50 bucks, when that was exactly what I would earn from the job?

My bank app glared at me with one hundred and two dollars and nineteen cents. I glared right back,

by standing in the queue of a coffee café to order toast and scrambled eggs.

I hadn’t eaten anything solid in nearly twelve hours, but I wasn’t about to let the last of my pride die with my last twenty-dollar bill. I had one job interview lined up, one backup plan, and zero hope ,,until the phone rang.

“Rennie Brooks?”

The voice was calm and businesslike. Not a number I recognized.A private number.

“This is Dana Ellis, assistant to Mr. Shawn Wolfe.With a job offer.You were referred to us by Saint Mary's orphanage home.”

This sounded too good to be true, because renowned businessmen always hired top-notch professionals, not individuals who were planning how to budget 100 dollars for a five-day feeding plan. So I answered, “Okay, this is Rapunzel calling from the mystical terrace.” I replied sarcastically,I was ready to hang up the call until I saw the message: “Caller is requesting a video call.” This still felt like something a serious prank caller would do.

Not until she switched to video call and I saw the great Wolfe Estate which, before you could see it on your screen, you had to subscribe to premium on the platform, immediately I realised what a fool I was.

I sat up straighter on the park bench, my heart skipping a full beat.

“I am really sorry still short of words,I didn’t even know she knew I was looking lost in the estate's glory.” She snapped her fingers, which instantly drew me back.

“She said you’re qualified, professional and have a way with children.”

Well, she wasn’t wrong. I just didn’t know my reputation was making moves before I could. So after all those years of working in private homes, orphanages and also working as a babysitter, finally paved  way for me.

Dana continued, “Mr. Wolfe’s daughter, Diane, is need of a caretaker . He needs someone who can cook and clean after her... and stay with her full-time.”

“You mean as in... a nanny?”

“Yes. A live-in housekeeper and caregiver. Dual role. Full access. Very well compensated.”

I blinked. “How well?” trying to press as much as I could,because even if the pay was 2,000 dollars, I was ready. She didn't even give a reaction when she said,

“Six figures. Plus housing, meals, and transport. But there’s one thing—Mr. Wolfe is extremely selective. He doesn’t tolerate incompetence.”

Of course not. He’s a billionaire. They never do.

I looked around the park. My life packed in one overstuffed backpack, my pride hanging by a thread.

“When do I start?”

“The exact time Mr. Wolfe will be coming down the stairs, in five hours.”

Three hours later, I stood in front of a golden-black iron gate so tall it could block out heaven's light. My cab driver stared at the house like it might grow legs and walk.

“Are you sure this is the right place?” he asked.

The Wolfe estate was more of a fortress. With settings of a palace and one massive fountain sprinkling across the walkway into the other fountain,leading up to the double oak doors. A fleet of sleek black cars idled near the garage, and I caught a glimpse of uniformed staff's bustling between the hedges.

I adjusted the strap of my bag, swallowed my nerves, and rang the gate's massive doorbell.

“State your name,” came a robotic voice.

“Rennie Brooks”I’m here to see Mr. Wolfe.”

A pause. Then, “Proceed.”

The gates groaned open like the beginning of a thriller film. As I stepped through, my heartbeat was in alignment with my footsteps.

I barely reached the front steps when the door opened.

Dana Ellis looked exactly like her voice: sleek, perfect posture, expression blank as a fresh spreadsheet.

“You’re early. Mr. Wolfe likes punctuality.”

“I took the first cab I could find. I didn’t want to risk being late.”

She nodded once, approving but not impressed. “Follow me.”

Inside, the mansion was warm but intimidating. Dark wood floors, modern art on the walls, everything minimal and expensive. It didn’t smell like a home. It smelled like new money and old expectations.

Dana led me to a sitting room. “Wait here. He’ll be down shortly.”

I sat on the edge of a white sofa, afraid to wrinkle the perfection. My fingers ran across the hem of my thrifted blouse.

And then I heard footsteps.

Measured. Heavy. Confident.

Shawn Wolfe entered the room like he owned the air in it.

Tall. Built. Power practically radiated off him. Dark tailored suit, darker eyes, and a physique you could use for a modelling magazine. He stopped across from me, hands in his pockets, appraising me like I was a stock to invest in.

“Miss Brooks,” he said, his voice low and smooth. “You come highly recommended.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“Don’t call me sir. Mr. Shawn is fine.”

I nodded.Still with butterflies in my stomach.

“I don’t like strangers around my daughter. Why should I let you stay?”

Straight to the point. No warm-up. I took a breath.

“Because I’m not just a babysitter. I understand kids, not only them their needs and feelings, I am also multifunctional,I could play the role of a babysitter and professional housekeeper.

The Chicago flirty guts in me almost made me say wife and mother.

For a flicker of a moment, something passed through his eyes. Something that looked like “she is making sense”.

“And what makes you think you can handle those roles”

“Because I’m not afraid to try and years of experience working as both a babysitter and also a housekeeper.”

He studied me.His eyes scanning me like a detector.I didn’t look back. Finally, he nodded once.

“She’s upstairs. Dana will show you the room. You start now.”

Just like that, I had a job.

Just like that, I stepped into the lion’s den.

THE GUEST ROOM

The guest room wasn’t a room. It was a suite. Cream-colored everything. A walk-in closet. A private bathroom with a rainfall shower. I tried not to look impressed.

After Dana left, I sat on the bed and exhaled. checked everything out, even played with the shower knob then peeked into the drawers filled with luxury lotions which I was definitely planning to sneak home on my next break

What the hell had I just agreed to? 

  

I was so curious to find out how rebellious the child was going to be, because in a home where 20 nannies were rejected in the past one week it could only be because of the child.

So I started looking for Diane's room, and I finally found it after opening the doors to luxurious rooms with king beds and diamond engraved drawer's.

And as I opened it, what she did to me wasn't what one could use words to say.