The Nanny And The Billionaire’s Heart

Arina’s POV

I am a twenty-year-old woman, and I have a new job as a nanny.

The word is still awkward for me to say—nanny.

However, this is my only opportunity to support my weak father and my sister, Ayla.

Taking care of other people's kids was not the first thing on my list.

I had big dreams—dreams that the universe didn’t seem to care about. For now, though, it is all about survival above all else.

And maybe... just maybe, it won’t be that bad.

That day, I put all that I owned in one small box—two old dresses, a few books, my slippers which were very worn out, and Dad’s wristwatch that had stopped working but still held so many memories that it was impossible to throw away.

The moment I walked out of our house, the morning air was as if it were prepared for my death.

My father put on a smile although his eyes were sad and his face was distorted with the effort.

Ayla, my sister, grasped my arm so tightly it was like she was anchoring herself to me.

“Don’t bother, Dad,” I replied gently, and with a smile that did not reach my eyes.

“The moment I receive my first salary, we will finally get that roof repaired... and maybe you will have less work at the workshop.”

He answered with a slow and calm nod. “Do not forget to take care of yourself, Arina. And always remember that money does not buy kindness.”

I gave him a weak smile, acknowledging his wisdom.

I then went to Ayla, who was nervous—her small hands were shaking.

“Be the good girl, alright? You still have to listen to Dad.”

She wiped her nose with her arm, sniffed, and nodded.

After the cab driver took my box, I glanced at my dad and sister for one last time.

The transparency of the window and the movement of the car made my heart stop for a moment.

Leaving them was like ripping a part of me away. But this job... it was all for them.

“Driver, take me to Bruce Estate,” I said.

The journey felt longer than usual.

I saw how the city changed from dusty and narrow streets to wide clean roads with luxury cars parked and tall white fences.

I was totally gobsmacked when the cab arrived at Bruce Estate.

The gate loomed over us, taller than our entire house.

Two guards stood at attention, dressed in black uniforms.

When I mentioned my name, they checked a clipboard and nodded.

“Please wait here,” one of them instructed in a terse manner.

After a few minutes, a woman in her early forties approached me.

She carried herself with confidence, and her crisp black uniform indicated a sense of order.

“Good day,” she said with a polite smile. “I’m Maria, the head of staff here.”

“Good day, ma’am,” I responded, feeling a bit shy.

“The boy you’ll be caring for is named Kael,” she continued, her tone becoming gentler.

“He’s six years old. Before you meet him, I’ll show you to your room.”

As we walked down the expansive hallway, I couldn’t help but admire the stunning surroundings—the marble floors gleamed like glass, the chandeliers sparkled like stars, and large family portraits adorned the walls.

“This is the Bruce Estate,” Maria explained, her voice echoing softly.

“Mr Damon Bruce owns it. He’s quite busy and not very approachable—cold and distant, but fair.

Your main responsibility will be Kael, as the maids will take care of the cooking, cleaning, and other tasks.” Be patient, he is introverted.

I nodded, feeling my nerves tighten.

“His grandmother suggested hiring a nanny because she’s concerned he might be lonely.”

“That’s thoughtful of her,” I replied quietly.

Maria offered a faint smile. “The only residents here are Mr Bruce, his grandmother, Kael, and occasionally his fiancée, Miss Viva.”

She lowered her voice slightly.

“But that’s not really your concern.”

We arrived at a large oak door at the end of the hallway, and she paused.

“This is your room. Kael’s room is in the right corner. If you need anything, just let me know.”

“Thank you,” I said softly.

As I stepped inside, I gasped.

The room was bigger than our living room back home.

The walls were painted in soothing shades of cream and gold.

The bed looked incredibly inviting, and the curtains billowed like soft clouds.

A spacious wardrobe stood in one corner, already filled with neatly arranged clothes.

For a moment, I thought I had entered the wrong room. “Is all of this for me?” I whispered.

Maria chuckled. “Yes. The master wanted to ensure his staff was well taken care of.

Get some rest; you’ll officially start tomorrow.”

Once she left, I opened the wardrobe again, touching the fabric as if it might disappear.

I placed my small box on the bottom shelf, my throat tightening—life really could change in an instant.

Damon's POV

It’s Friday, and I decided to leave work early—a rare occurrence for me—to pick up my son from school.

Running Bruce Automobiles, one of the city’s largest car companies, has consumed my life, taking away my time, my peace, and my heart.

But my son, Kael, is the one thing I will never compromise on.

When I arrived at Royal Choice School, I saw Kael running towards me, his little arms waving excitedly.

“Daddy!” he shouted, filled with joy.

I bent down to hug him, and his laughter was the only thing that could warm the coldness I felt inside.

On the drive home, Maria was already waiting for us at the entrance.

“Good afternoon, Sir,” she said, and I replied, “Afternoon,” while loosening my tie.

She then informed me she had found a nanny, and I nodded in approval, glancing at Kael, who was starting to doze off.

I instructed her to take him upstairs, change his clothes, and prepare his lunch.

As Maria took care of that, I headed to my study.

The familiar scent of leather and cologne surrounded me as I powered up my laptop.

Work was my refuge, a distraction from the memories of the past—especially of the woman who left and the promises that shattered with her departure.

Since then, my heart has been locked away, and I have no intention of letting anyone in.

A few minutes later, Maria knocked gently on the door.

“Sir, the nanny is here,” she announced. I didn’t look up right away.

“Let her in,” I instructed. A soft knock followed, and I said, “Come in.”

Then I heard her voice—gentle and soothing, like music after a storm.

“Good evening.” I looked up to see a young woman standing at the door.

Her hazel eyes sparkled in the light, and for a moment, I was taken aback. Her hair fell gracefully over her shoulder, shining under the chandelier, and her lips were small and slightly parted, a mix of nervousness and beauty.

“Evening,” I muttered, clearing my throat.

“I’m Arina,” she introduced herself, bowing slightly.

I leaned back in my chair, trying to suppress the unexpected feelings stirring within me.

“That’s fine.

My son is Kael—the boy you’ll be caring for.

Your main job is to keep him happy, make sure he eats well, studies, and plays. He’s all I have.”

“Yes, Sir,” she replied softly, her calm voice prompting me to look at her again.

But I quickly dismissed her before my thoughts could wander further.

“You can go.”

Arina’s POV

I was lying on my bed, trying to calm my racing heart when Maria entered again.

“Mr Bruce wants to see you,” she said, and my pulse quickened.

I stood up, smoothing my skirt, suddenly aware of how plain I looked compared to the opulence around me.

Walking to his study felt like stepping into a lion’s den.

I had seen pictures of Damon Bruce in magazines that my sister Ayla brought from the bookstore where her friend worked.

He was known as the city’s youngest billionaire, a man whose heart no woman could warm.

Now, I was about to meet him in person.

When I entered, he was focused on his laptop, his sleeves rolled up, revealing strong arms with prominent veins.

His light brown eyes met mine, and for a moment, everything else faded away.

His face was sharp and masculine, but there was a quiet sadness behind his cold gaze.

“Good evening,” I managed to say, hoping my voice wouldn’t shake.

He studied me briefly before explaining my responsibilities.

His tone was professional and distant, but there was a warmth in the way he spoke about Kael.

After he dismissed me, I went to meet the boy.

I knocked softly on his door before entering.

He was on the floor, surrounded by toys—tiny cars, action figures, and colouring books.

“Hi, Kael,” I said with a smile.

“I’m Arina. I’ll be taking care of you from now on.”

He looked at me for a few seconds, his expression unreadable, then returned to his toys without a word.

Children can be shy, I reminded myself, especially those who feel lonely.

I sat beside him quietly, watching as he lined up his toy cars.

When he yawned, I smiled and gently said,

“Looks like someone’s sleepy.” He nodded silently.

“Come on, let’s get you tucked in.” He climbed onto the bed without a fuss.

I pulled the blanket over him and ran my fingers through his soft hair. Within minutes, he was asleep.

Something tightened in my chest.

He looked so small and innocent. When I returned to my room, I changed into my pyjamas and lay down, staring at the ceiling.

The silence of the estate felt heavy, but my thoughts were louder.

The salary for this job could help pay off my dad’s debt and maybe improve Ayla’s life.

That was enough reason to endure anything.

Still, I couldn’t help but wonder how a man like Damon Bruce—so handsome, successful, and young—could choose to live in such solitude.

Was his wife deceased? Or had she left him? Either way, Kael deserved love.

If nothing else, I could at least provide him with that, because I know what it’s like to grow up without a mother.

Ayla and I experienced that pain every single day, and it never truly fades.