CHAPTER 4

Sienna didn't know whether she should be happy or even more afraid because of Don Xavier's decision. Becoming her own son's personal assistant felt like a dream come true because she would finally be able to stay by Lucas's side every day. But the price of that dream was that the Don himself would now be watching her. One mistake could ruin everything and put her life in danger.

The next morning, Sienna woke up early to get ready. She put on her uniform, carefully wore her thick glasses, and simply tied her hair back.

When she entered the De Luca family's dining room, she found Xavier sitting at the end of the long table, reading reports on his tablet while drinking black coffee. Beside him, Lucas was quietly eating pancakes. The atmosphere in the room was so serious and formal that they looked less like father and son and more like two people attending a business meeting.

"Elena, you're here," said the head housekeeper, Martha, as she gently pulled Sienna aside. "Starting today, you'll be responsible for everything Lucas needs. His meals, changing his clothes, and watching over him while he plays. And remember, don't let him out of your sight."

"Yes, Auntie Martha. Thank you very much," Sienna replied before slowly walking toward the table.

When Lucas saw Sienna, his face immediately lit up. The sadness disappeared at once, replaced by a bright smile.

"Nanny! Let's eat pancakes!" the little boy called happily as he started climbing down from his chair to run to her.

"Lucas. Sit down," Xavier said firmly without even looking up from his tablet.

The little boy immediately stopped and slowly sat back down with his head lowered.

Sienna felt sorry for him. She knew this was how Mafia heirs were raised—strong, disciplined, and never allowed to show emotion. But Lucas was only three years old. He needed the love and care of a parent, not the discipline of a boss.

"Elena," Xavier called.

This time, the Don lowered his tablet and looked directly at her. He studied her carefully, as if checking whether she looked tired or if something was different about her.

"Take Lucas to the garden after he finishes eating. A tutor will be arriving this morning for his advanced lessons."

"Yes, Don Xavier," Sienna replied with a respectful bow.

In the mansion's large and beautiful garden, Lucas happily played on the grass while Sienna watched him from a nearby bench. Every time the little boy laughed, Sienna felt all the exhaustion and pain she had carried for years slowly disappear. The longing she had endured for the past three years faded little by little each time Lucas called her in his tiny voice.

"Nanny, look! I caught a butterfly!" the little boy shouted as he ran toward her with a small toy net in his hand.

"Good job, baby boy," Sienna replied with a smile. She took out her handkerchief and gently wiped the sweat from the back of his neck. Every touch was filled with care and the love she had to keep hidden.

At exactly ten o'clock that morning, the garden gate opened and a man walked in.

His name was Marco, Lucas's new tutor for languages and arts. Marco was young, handsome, and always smiling—the complete opposite of the Don's serious and intimidating presence.

"Good morning. Are you Lucas's new assistant?" Marco asked with a friendly smile as he walked over to the bench.

"Yes. I'm Elena," Sienna replied politely as she remained standing beside it.

While Marco taught Lucas, Sienna stayed nearby to hand the little boy whatever he needed. Since Marco was naturally friendly, he often talked to Sienna about Lucas's interests, and from time to time, he would make jokes that brought a smile to her face. After the past three years, this was the first time Sienna had felt even a little peace inside the mansion.

"You look beautiful when you smile, Elena. You should smile more often," Marco said casually while arranging the books.

Before Sienna could reply, the surroundings suddenly fell silent when they noticed someone approaching.

Don Xavier was standing at the entrance of the garden with two armed bodyguards behind him. The sleeves of his white shirt were rolled up, and his dark eyes were fixed on Sienna and Marco. The Don had seen Sienna smile—a smile she had never shown him.

"It looks like you're enjoying the lesson," Xavier said as he slowly walked toward them. Every step carried authority and obvious displeasure.

Marco quickly lowered his head in respect.

"Don Xavier, I'm only trying to make the lessons more enjoyable for Lucas."

Xavier ignored the tutor.

His eyes remained fixed on Sienna, who had already adjusted her thick glasses again and lowered her head in fear. A strange irritation settled in Xavier's chest, and he couldn't explain it. Why could this maid smile so easily at another man, yet whenever she faced him, she looked terrified, as if she had seen a ghost?

"Class is over, Marco. You may leave now," Xavier ordered coldly.

"B-But there's still thirty minutes left—"

"I said leave," the Don cut him off. His voice wasn't loud, but it was enough to make it clear that his orders were not to be questioned.

Marco had no choice but to quickly gather his things and leave the garden.

When only the three of them remained, Xavier picked Lucas up and handed him to one of his bodyguards.

"Take Lucas inside. I need to speak with someone."

Once the child was out of sight, Xavier turned to Sienna. He walked toward her until she had no choice but to step back, her back finally pressing against the trunk of the acacia tree.

"Elena," the Don whispered as he grabbed her chin and forced her to look up at him for the second time. His grip was tighter now, almost leaving another mark. "Have you already forgotten what I told you last night? Your job is to watch over Lucas, not to chat with his tutor."

"D-Don Xavier, that's not what happened... We were only talking about Lucas's lessons," Sienna explained as she desperately avoided the Don's intimidating gaze.

"I don't want to see any flirting inside my home," Xavier said seriously as his thumb slowly brushed across Sienna's lower lip. His touch was rough, possessive, and carried a strange tension that unsettled her. "From now on, you will not talk to anyone during your working hours. Your attention... should be on my son. And on me. Am I wrong, Elena?"

Sienna's whole body trembled. They were standing far too close to each other. She was terrified that the rapid beating of her heart would expose the deepest secret she had been hiding.