2

V E R A : P O V

“Hey Vera, stop standing around there. Follow me with Yannah. They don't like children here, so hurry up before Don Brooklyn sees us,” Marie whispered to me. So we immediately walked toward wherever she was taking us—most likely to the servants' quarters.

As we walked, I couldn't help asking Marie a question.

“Is the Villareal family staying in this mansion?”

“Ahh… don't worry. Master Draven isn't here. As for the Madam, she passed away a long time ago, so you have nothing to worry about. Just do whatever work you're told to do,” she answered, continuing straight ahead.

I couldn't help worrying after hearing Marie's answer. What if Draven suddenly showed up and threw my child and me out? We didn't know anyone here in Manila we could run to if that happened.

I was pulled from my thoughts when a deep, booming voice spoke from behind us.

“Nanny Marie… is that you?” asked an older man. By my guess, he was around forty-five, but clearly well-preserved. He was dressed elegantly, had a broad physique, and I couldn't help glancing at the bulge underneath his trousers.

I couldn't stop my mind from wandering. It had been a long time since I last felt that kind of desire. Ever since I gave birth, I hadn't looked for a man to satisfy me.

What is wrong with you, Vera! What are you thinking? Stop that right now! my mind quickly scolded itself.

“D-Don Brooklyn… you’re back already?” Marie said, her voice filled with respect, prompting me to bow immediately out of respect as well.

“Good morning, sir,” I greeted the Don while Yannah clung tightly behind Marie and me. My daughter was noticeably nervous, staying quiet the whole time.

From head to toe, the Don scrutinized us with his cold gaze before slightly furrowing his brow.

“Who’s that little girl?” he asked in a heavy, serious voice.

Marie and I both felt an instant surge of panic.

“Ahh… I’m sorry. Sh-she’s my daughter,” I answered without hesitation. What did it matter if he found out Yannah was my daughter? It was better for my future employer to know the truth early on rather than for me to lie.

Don Brooklyn’s eyes suddenly narrowed.

“NANNY MARIE?! What are you planning to do? Turn my mansion into an orphanage?!” he said with a hint of anger, glaring sharply at Marie.

I immediately bowed and practically begged in front of him.

“I’m begging you, Mr. Villareal… I will do everything to prove that I am worthy of being your housemaid. My child won't be a burden, I promise. Please… accept me for the job. We have nowhere else to go…”

I held Yannah’s hand tightly as I tried to keep my voice from trembling. I didn't want to cry in front of them, but I could already feel my chest tightening.

“MARIE!” Mr. Brooklyn shouted loudly, causing Marie to lower her head even further.

Don Brooklyn was about to speak again when my daughter, Yannah, suddenly chimed in.

“Please, sir… take pity on me and my mommy. We won't have anywhere else to go if you send us away. We’ll end up sleeping on the streets… don't you feel sorry for me and my mommy?” she asked with a trembling voice, clutching the hem of my dress tightly.

“I-I won't be a burden to my mommy… I promise…” she added, desperately trying to hold back her tears.

The surroundings suddenly fell silent.

Don Brooklyn looked at Yannah. Beneath his sharp eyes, a hint of an unknown emotion briefly surfaced, but he quickly hid it behind his cold expression.

“Uhmmmmmmmm…”

He tilted his head slightly before placing both hands into his trouser pockets. His posture remained cool and dominant as he observed us seriously.

“Tsk… you’re young, but you sure know how to play on someone’s conscience,” he said, letting out a slight smirk. “I don't fall for drama so easily, little girl.”

His words made me even more nervous.

“However…” he added softly, looking back at me. “I don't like seeing a child sleep on the streets. Make one mistake here in this mansion, and both of you are out. Do you understand?”

I quickly nodded.

“Y-yes, Mr. Villareal…”

“Good,” he said coldly. “Marie, take them to the quarters. And you,” he looked at me, “don't ruin the peace in my mansion.”

“Let’s go before the Don changes his mind,” Marie said as she gently pulled us away. “Don Brooklyn is just like that, but he’s actually nice once you get on his good side.”

“R-really?” I asked hesitantly.

“Yes,” she replied, glancing back briefly in the direction where the Don was left standing. “He’s just really angry at kids right now.”

I frowned. “Why is that?”

Marie took a deep breath before speaking again.

“He’s dreamed of having a grandchild for a long time. But his son, Master Draven… keeps getting involved with all sorts of women. Almost every woman he touches comes here to the mansion claiming the baby they're carrying belongs to the Don’s son.”

My eyes widened slightly at her words.

“In his desire to have a grandchild, the Don supported them. But…”

“But what?” I asked immediately.

Marie shook her head slightly.

“He was disappointed every single time. Because all the children they introduced as his grandchildren… none of them were a match for Master Draven.”

“W-what?!” I whispered in near disbelief, halting in my tracks.

I felt a sudden weight on my chest upon hearing that. I couldn't explain why, but it felt as if cold water had been poured over my entire body.

“Shh… let’s not talk about that anymore,” Marie said quickly, looking around nervously. “I don't know why either, but Master Draven has a fiancée now. If I’m not mistaken, it’s Ms. Savannah Lusfer. She’s been his long-time girlfriend.”

I went completely silent.

So… Draven was still unmarried after all this time.

Without realizing it, I held Yannah even tighter as I lost myself in thought.

What if he finds out I’m here in the mansion? What if he sees my child?

No… that can't happen.

“Marie…” I called softly, forcing myself to calm down. “W-when was the last time Master Draven came home here?”

“Uhmm…” Marie thought for a moment before answering. “Almost four years ago.”

“Four years…” I whispered to myself as my heart rate steadily accelerated.

I didn't know whether I should feel relieved… or even more terrified.