3: Contract Signed

Ivy's POV

Dr. Gabriel’s last request wasn’t really difficult. In the first place, the reason I was in front of him was to work and get big amount of money for Noah— not to fall in love with him and be his woman.

Not that it was up to me since I was sure women were lining up just to be his wife.

I signed the contract. And the second I brought down the pen, and locked eyes with him for a brief moment, it felt like I surrendered something I couldn't quite name, but I was quick to wash it off with trust.

I knew I have to trust him, as he trust me, considering I’ll be living here from hereon.

Gabriel didn’t say anything after that. He just nodded once, then gently pulled the papers away like they didn’t weigh as much as it did. He placed them back into the drawer—neatly, like everything else he touched.

When he stood up, I did too, unsure if I should say something.

“She should be upstairs by now.” His voice was thick but low. He walked around the desk, his movement more precise this time. “I’ll introduce you to her properly, come.”

I swallowed, my eyes not leaving him. “You mean, your daughter?”

He nodded and glanced at me. “Sophie. You should get used to calling her by her name.”

Upon mentioning her daughter’s name, Dr. Gabriel’s expression softened. He then turned his back on me to walk out the door and lead me to where his daughter was.

As if on cue, I followed him out of his study room and up the staircase. The hall upstairs was quieter, cozier. There was a warm nightlights that was glowing along the hallway, too.

And as if I wasn’t mesmerized enough, the delicate air made its presence known, making the house for some reason feel less like a mansion, and more like a home. It was enchanting.

My reverie ended when Dr. Gabriel stopped in front of a white door with star-shaped stickers pressed along its frame. His hand landed briefly on the knob—hesitating for a second, before he opened it slowly.

“Sophie,” he called gently.

Baby powder and lavender scent come out of her room, I was actually taken aback. It smelled so much of a baby’s room that I didn’t hear her age directly from Dr. Gabriel’s lips, I would think Sophie was only two or three. She smelled taken care of.

One step, and I heard a soft lullaby played from a tiny speaker on her shelf. Then, on a little bed shaped like a house, was Sophie, with wild chestnut curls, her arms hugging a plush bunny like her life depended on it.

She looked like a cartoon character— and I wouldn’t dare question how when she had Dr. Gabriel as her biological father.

“Sophie?” Dr. Gabriel called her name once again, more quiet this time, almost as if he didn’t want to disturb her rest.

But she moved. Sophie blinked, rubbing her eyes. “Daddy?”

Her voice was small and sleepy, and I watched something shift in Dr. Gabriel’s eyes—like everything else faded out except her.

Sophie’s eyes turned to me, eyes a bit confused but still, she looked peaceful.

“I brought someone with me,” he said, stepping closer to her and crouching beside her bed. “She’s going to stay here for a while. Her name’s Ivy.”

Dr. Gabriel glanced back at me, then gave the tiniest nod, as if telling me it was okay to come closer. I did.

I stepped in, slowly.

Sophiethen sat up, eyes now more curious, cheeks flushed from sleep. She wiped both sides of her face. She didn’t look scared—just unsure. Perhaps, Dr. Gabriel have already given her a heads-up about me?

Gabriel tucked a strand of Sophie’s hair behind her left ear. His hand was steady, his touch reverent. “Do you remember I told you we’d have someone kind to help out while I’m at work?”

She nodded.

“That is her.” Dr. Gabriel looked at me once again, eyes soft, voice calm, unlike the professional doctor I was infront of just a while ago.

I knelt carefully beside the bed, not too close, but close enough to ensure she could see my face clearly. “Hi, Sophie. I’m.. really happy to meet you.” I subtly breathed… a bit nervous about how she would react.

She looked at me for a moment. Then, softly: “Are you nice?”

Which I didn’t really saw coming, out of many reactions I expected from her.

Dr. Gabriel looked at me— both of them—waiting for me to answer and speak for myself.

“I’ll try my best,” I honestly replied, letting out a small smile. “But I know how to braid hair and make chocolate pancakes.”

Fortunately, that remark made her smile a little.

She looked at her dad. “Can I show her my books tomorrow?”

He nodded. “If you wake up on time, and eat your breakfast.”

She giggled sleepily. Gabriel caress her hair from the back, and leaned in to kiss the top of her head. It was so brief, so subtle—but the way he looked at her made it clear that he consider Sophie the only pure thing left in his world.

Sophie lied back down. He pulled her covers up, smoothly tucked them around her shoulders like he’d done it a hundred times before.

“Goodnight, Sophie.”

“Night, Daddy.” Then she turned to me. “Night, Ivy.”

“Goodnight, sweety.”

When we stepped out, Dr.Gabriel closed the door slowly behind him. And for a few seconds, we both stood there in silence.

“I have to say this…but you’re a different kind of person around her,” I whispered. “I didn’t expect I’d witness that..”

His eyes stayed on the door. “She’s all I have.”

There was no emotion in his tone. But something about the way he said it— held every weight, every crack, every quiet war he must’ve fought alone just for his daughter. There was something deep about it that I… understand.

Love.

“I’ll do my best,” I said, meaning every word. “You won’t regret hiring me… Gabriel.”

He turned to me then, and the way he looked at me wasn’t cold or guarded—it was grateful. But quiet. Always quiet.

“She’ll like you.” He paused. “And if she doesn’t, she’ll tell you.”

I almost smiled.

He walked me down the hall again, stopping in front of a room with a cream-colored door.

“This will be yours,” he said, before opening it.

The room was simple and clean, but cozy. A large bed, white sheets, soft lighting, a small desk by the window. Nothing extravagant—but more than enough for someone like me. And I’m more than thankful to have a room in his house. To have a space that looked so comfortable, and kind.

“I’ll leave you to settle,” he said. “You’ve had a long day.”

“Thank you… Gabriel.”

He gave me a curt nod, then turned to leave.

But just before he disappeared down the hall, he stopped.

“I’ll have someone bring you warm clothes and a fresh set of toiletries,” he said without looking back. “If you need anything else… I’m down the hall.”

I nodded, holding my breath. And just like that, he was gone.

I closed the door behind me and settled down on the edge of the bed. My chest was a bit heavy, mixed with something good. For the first time, something beside pain and exhaustion was knocking in my heart.

This house. This life. This job. That child.

It was too much.

And yet… it didn’t feel like a mistake.

Not yet.