Chapter Two

Ethan's POV

I was so relieved to finally see my 7 months old fast asleep. She was such a handful. I couldn't help but become sorrowful as I watched her tiny face. She reminded me of her mother, who had passed away while bringing her to the world.

‘I wish she’s here with me, I wouldn't have to bring Lily to the office, after her nanny suddenly resigned.’

The more I looked at Lily's tiny face, the more memories of my late wife flashed through my mind. Lily’s face, lips, smiles and eyes all looked like my Michelle.

My phone's sudden ring shattered my thoughts, it vibrated loudly on the table, that I was so scared it might wake Lily. I glanced at the screen and my frustration at the caller disappeared after seeing it was my mom.

“Hello mom,” I said in a low tone, moving far away from Lily’s cot.

“I heard Lily caused a tantrum in your office today,” my mom said, a hint of mockery in her voice. She was always quick to know everything happening in my office, making me wonder who her informant was.

“Mom, she's sleeping now. Her diaper was wet, that's why…..”

“Get a wife, Ethan.” Mom interrupted me, her tone sharp.

“It's been over 7 months since your wife died. I know you love her so much, but you need to find another lady to help you take care of your daughter and yourself. Aren't you tired of hiring nannies every month?”

She was right; just in the past two months, Lily had six nannies. Each left with an excuse that my baby was too much to handle. But the thought of remarrying made me nervous. What if I didn't find a woman who will love my daughter like I do? I’ve heard of many stories of stepmothers treating their stepchildren poorly, I wouldn't want my daughter to experience that.

“Ethan, are you there?” Mom’s voice snapped me back from my thoughts.

“Yes, mom. I’ll look into it,” I said, running my hand through my hair.

Mom let out a deep sigh. “You always say that, but I never hear back from you.” Her voice was laced with frustration.

“Ethan, I’m arranging a date for you with Jackson's eldest daughter.”

“Jackson family?” I repeated, to be sure I heard clearly.

“Yes. Your marriage with her will also strengthen our business ties.” A satisfied chuckle escaped her throat.

“Mom, please cancel the date. I can't marry that girl.” I said firmly. Without waiting for her response, I hung up and switched up my phone. Call me rude if you want, I was just tired of my mom trying to matchmake me with some rude billionaire's daughters.

I’d never met with the daughters of the Jackson, but I’ve heard a lot about them. They were described as rude, entitled and lazy. I wouldn't want to marry such a wife.

Shortly after I returned to my seat to begin work on some files, Lily’s cry filled the air.

Gosh! I slammed my palm on my forehead in frustration. This girl hadn't even slept for up to an hour.

Hesitantly, I picked her up from the cot and started to sing lullabies for her. When she couldn't stop crying, I grabbed her milk and began feeding her. After finishing the whole bottle, she started to cry again.

‘The new secretary,’ she crossed my mind.

Just as I picked up my phone to call her office line, the door swung open and there she was.

If it was to be a normal day, I’d have scolded her for barging into my office without knocking, but today, she was highly welcome.

“Oh, Lily is awake,” the young, annoying woman said, walking towards me. To my surprise, Lily stopped crying, and she happily flashed her two teeth at her.

“Miss…….”

“Ava Blackwood,” she provided.

“Have you been oriented to the workplace?” I asked, my gaze fixed on my laptop screen.

“Yes, sir. I’ve started work already and I’m here to give you some files for review,” she said, gently placing the files before me, while cradling Lily.

“How do you know so much about babies?” I asked, still focused on my screen.

She was quiet for a moment, prompting me to glance up. Her expression had turned somber but I acted like I didn't notice, to maintain my professionalism.

“You don't have an answer to my question?” I said curtly.

“My mother passed away after giving birth to my younger brother when I was ten. I started taking care of him from that age, even though I had a stepmother, she had never cared for us. I lost my brother when he was six years old.” Her voice cracked with emotion and tears welled up in her eyes.

I felt a pang of sympathy, and the mention of her uncaring stepmom only heightened my fear about remarrying.

“I'm sorry for bringing the hurtful memories,” I said firmly. She nodded, managing a smile.

“You can bring my baby and return to your duty post,” I said, but as I stretched my hand to receive Lily, she started to cry, louder than before.

A low, frustrating hiss escaped my lips. Why would my daughter become so attached to a stranger?

“If you don't mind, I can take her with me to my office,” Ava said with a smile.

My face twisted into a frown and I slowly nodded reluctantly. Ava's smile widened and she happily turned away with my baby.

‘Lily needs a nanny,’ I remembered.

“Ava, Can you be Lily’s nanny and I’ll double your salary?” My words tumbled out.

She halted mid-step, and turned back slowly, and her eyes clouded over.