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CHAPTER 1

LUCIANA MILANO

(Present time)

“Ophelia Marie Milano can you please hurry up baby, momma is going to be late” I yelled from downstairs. Ophelia is my pride and joy, she’s my everything and everything a mother would wish for. She’s a beautiful 4 year old with gorgeous black hair that she sadly inherited from her father and magnificent hazel eyes that she got from me.

I was 20 years old when I got knocked up by my ex boyfriend. He was my first and he forgot to use a condom and then realized that he isn’t ready for a kid. His parents wanted me to abort Olly but I would have never even for a million dollar. I would not kill a part of me. When Chase found out that I was pregnant, the reaction he had wasn’t something I expected he was shocked and then he panicked and then walked out the front door. Next day he calls and says he isn’t ready for a kid because he is only 20 years old and he have a whole life ahead of him.

I made the best decision by keeping Ophelia, with her around there’s never a dull day or moment. My parents were very understanding but also they were really disappointed in me for falling pregnant at such a young age. Soon after Ophelia was born my parents fell in love with her. They helped me when she stayed up the entire night crying non stop. I’m totally grateful for my amazing family.

As for me I work at a small coffee shop called The Cube. The people there are really welcoming and friendly. The little money I earn from there I use it to buy groceries and essential things for Ophelia and I. I live in an small apartment in the city of New York. It’s not very big but it is really cosy and homely. My parents actually got me this apartment when I turned 16 as a gift and it did turn out handy because once Ophelia started growing I felt it was the best that we had our own place.

Mum and dad helps to pay for Ophelia crèche that she goes too. It’s a very well known crèche since dad wanted his grand daughter to be safe and to have a good education. I know she’s still little to be going to school but in this crèche they actually teach the kids from a young age.

“I’m ere mama” my little Angel said as she walked down the stairs with her Barbie dolls in her hand. I bend down to give her a kiss on her cheeks and then her cute button nose which she let out a cute giggle.

“it’s here baba not ere” I corrected her as I put her hair neatly in a ponytail and added a pink ribbon to it. She nodded and turned to kiss my cheek “I love you so very much mama” she smiled showing her pearly white teeth. “I love you more Ophelia Marie” I whispered trying to hold back a tear that was threatening to fall down.

“are we going to see Aunt Lynn today?” she asked as we walked down the street to the coffee shop where I worked. Olly didn’t have school today so I decided to take her to work with me since the people I work with loves her to bit and I know she would be safe with me by my side. Speaking of Lynn she’s my best friend from middle school. She’s have dark chocolate wavy hair with light brown eyes whilst I have milk chocolate hair and hazel eyes. Lynn has been there during my entire pregnancy, she never left my side. She is what you call a best friend. She was there through all my ups and down.

“yes baby, she invited us for supper tonight and she’s making your favorite Mac and cheese” I replied as we entered the coffee shop. “yayy I can’t wait to see her” Olly replied excitingly. Just like how Lynn loves Olly, it’s the same with Olly, she believes that Lynn is her fairy God mother since Lynn always spoils her with everything.

It was now 5pm and I just finished off my shift for the day. I changed back into my normal clothes and went to fetch Olly who was in the bosses office drawing and coloring. When I entered the room Olly turned and ran to hug me. She buried her face into my leg “ I missed you momma” she whisper. “I missed you too baba, now come on, aunt Lynn is waiting for us” I said as I placed a kissed on her head and then took her hand to leave the shop.

Once we arrived at Lynn’s house I was engulfed into a huge warm hug from my best friend. “ God I missed you so much” she said as she let go of me and then bent down to look at Ophelia who was pouting at her with her thumb in her mouth. “ I missed you too my little Lia and look at how beautiful you are growing up, I feel sorry for your mom when you grow older and guys would be lining up for you” she said laughing which earn a glare from me and a confused look on Ophelia’s face. “yeah right, I’m not going to let any guy come near her until she’s older” I said while looking down at my little angel. She’s so pure, she reminds me of myself when I was little.

“princess why don’t you go and color on the dinning room table and while your mum and I have an adult talk and all prepare all your favorite dishes okay “ Lynn said while she gave Ophelia a coloring book and some crayons.

We both walked into the kitchen and sat down on the chair and let out a huge sigh. “ how are things going?” Lynn said sitting next to me. This girl knows me in and out, she knows exactly when something is wrong with me. I let out another sigh and turned to look at her “ I’m just really struggling with stuff right now “ I replied softly “ the coffee shop isn’t paying that well now and it’s not enough for the essentials things that we need plus Olly is a growing girl and she would be need stuff and I’m afraid that I wouldn’t be able to afford them when the time comes” I continued. “Things are looking a little bad and I really don’t want to ask my parents for more money because they are already having to pay for the house I’m living in and also for Ophelia crèche so I don’t want to be a burden to them”

“you aren’t a burden to your parents Luci and I don’t think they would ever deny you the money if you needed if and even with me, you know you can always ask me for anything, I would be happy to help out my best friend and her daughter” she replied smiling at me. I nodded my head and I tested my head on the counter top, I have already started getting headache just thinking about what’s going to happen in the future.

“I really need to get a new job” I finally stated, I always thought that getting a new will solve everything also I do have some experience because while I was pregnant I did some online classes and graduated so I am suitable with getting a job.

“great!! That’s a good idea, I actually saw this advertisement today and they are looking for an personal assistant and also the pay is really good” she chirped waiting up and started to shuffle in her bag that was near me. “ plus I think they have an interview for the day after tomorrow so you can actually apply for it and who knows you might even get the job” she said handing me a small pamphlet. I took it as I started to read through it.

Job offer : personal assistant

Must have experience and qualifications

Must be skilled and a hard worker

If you think you are suitable for the vacancies please email us your resume and we will contact you as soon as possible

Company name : Vasilios Enterprises

Looks like I might just apply for this and see where it goes at least the pay would be good and I can actually save up for Ophelia’s future. “ Thank you so much Lynn, I honestly don’t know what I would do without you” I said as I hugged her extremely tightly. I heard her chuckle as she replied “this is what Best friends are for Luci”