Chapter 4: A Nanny For His Son

Annalyn’s Point Of View

I sat in the passenger seat of the red BMW car, my fingers laced tightly in my lap. The silence between us was soft, yet it buzzed with questions I wasn’t ready to answer. The man driving, glanced sideways at me briefly before turning back to the road.

“You okay, Anna?” he asked, his voice low, concerned.

I hesitated. Was I okay?

In my heart, I asked myself that same question and the answer was an obvious no. No, I wasn’t okay. I was stepping into an unknown territory, stepping into a life that didn’t belong to me, playing a role I wasn’t sure I could fill. How could anyone be okay with that? But instead of saying any of this, I gave a tight smile and nodded.

“Yes,” I lied. “I’m okay.”

He didn’t press me, just gave a small nod as if he understood the weight behind my words. A moment passed, then he spoke again, breaking the silence.

“About earlier… Alex can be an ass sometimes. I’m sorry for the way he spoke to you. You’ll see, he’s not all that harsh once you really get to know him.”

I huffed softly. “That's hard to believe. The man I saw was already cold as ice.”

“Definitely hard to believe, with what he's shown you a few hours ago” he said with a chuckle. “But trust me, he's not all bad. .”

I sighed and leaned my head against the window. “I don’t know how I’m supposed to work with someone like him.”

“Well,” he said, slowing the car slightly as we approached a set of gates, “let’s just say you’re not the only one trying to figure that out.”

I turned to him then, really looking at him for the first time. He was undeniably handsome.. clean-shaven, warm eyes, a relaxed sort of confidence. But in a calm, gentle way. Not like Alex’s sharp-edged beauty that made you feel small. If it came down to character, I’d pick this man a million times over. I found myself saying so in my mind, over and over again, just to keep myself sane.

“I’m Damien, by the way,” he added, glancing at me. “Alex’s best friend. And Nolan’s Godfather.”

“Annalyn,” I said simply, giving him a polite smile. “Nice to meet you properly.”

He gave a friendly nod, then turned his attention back to the road as the gates opened and we drove through. My breath hitched.

The estate was nothing short of breathtaking.

I stared as we passed endless rows of perfectly trimmed hedges, fountains that looked like they belonged in fairy tales, and flower gardens bursting with color. This wasn’t just a house, it was a kingdom. A part of me felt like I was intruding.

“Where… are we?” I asked softly.

“Welcome,” Damien said, pulling up a slight grin, “to the Grey’s Estate.”

My jaw slackened. I had never seen anything like it. My entire apartment complex could’ve fit into just the driveway. As we pulled into a circular path lined with marble statues, I could only stare. And question what exactly I’d gotten myself into.

We stepped out, and Damien gently nudged me forward. The air inside the mansion was cooler, scented with lavender and wealth. The floor beneath my shoes gleamed like it had been polished just for my arrival. I had barely caught my breath when a voice cried out behind me.

“Mommy!”

I turned just in time to catch a small blur of energy launching himself into my arms. Nolan. His arms wrapped tightly around my neck, his small frame warm and trembling.

I froze for a second but then instinct took over. I hugged him back, pressing my cheek to his soft curls. The affection in that little body melted something inside me I didn’t know needed melting.

“I missed you mummy,” he whispered, his tiny voice cracking. “I thought you weren’t coming back.”

I lifted him higher and looked into his wide, trusting eyes. “I’m here now,” I whispered. “And I’m not going anywhere.”

I wasn’t sure if it was a promise I could keep but I meant it.

Then came the sound I had been dreading.

“That's enough, Nolan, Go upstairs change into your pajamas,” a deep, commanding voice rang through the room.

Alex.

Nolan clung to me tighter, not moving. I could feel his hesitation. Damien stepped in, crouching beside us with a knowing smile.

“Hey, Little Champ, guess what I bought for you?” he whispered. “Chocolate. Your favorite.”

Nolan’s eyes lit up like Christmas morning. “Really?!”

Damien winked and scooped him up into his arms. “Come on, why don't we go up and eat it before your dad catches us.” Nolan giggled and the sound melted my heart in seconds.

As they disappeared upstairs, the warmth in the room faded. I felt a chill crawl up my spine.

I turned and there he was. Alex.

Even in just this fitted charcoal round neck and black pyjama's trousers, he still looked effortlessly powerful. His hair was slightly tousled, like he hadn’t bothered trying to impress anyone and somehow that only made him more intimidating.

He walked toward me slowly, his eyes unreadable. I stood frozen, my breath caught somewhere between admiration and annoyance.

“Thought you wouldn't show up,” he said, a smirk curling at his lips. “After all that drama you pulled at your place, one would think you are some tough cookie.”

I clenched my jaw, refusing to give him the satisfaction of a reply.

He didn’t seem to care. Instead, he launched straight into his speech.

“In this house, there are rules,” he said. “You don’t take my son out without my permission. You remain on school grounds during school hours and return him home after school, no branching. You don’t leave the house unless I say so. No visitors. Especially no men. You only get to take breaks when Nolan is sleeping, You work on my son's schedule. Not yours. Understood?”

I stared at him, stunned. My fingers curled into fists. I opened my mouth to speak… To Object.. then a voice called out from the top stairs.

“Alex, darling,” the voice purred. “Are you coming? I’ve been waiting…”

I moved slightly to catch the sight of a woman standing by the stairs railing. Long legs, red silk nightwear, her body draped in confidence and seduction. Her eyes flicked to me and then back to him, curling a smile.

I felt my stomach twist.

She was beautiful. Looked like something out of a fashion magazine, she's the type of woman fit for a man like Alex.

But if he had a girlfriend, why not make her care for Nolan instead?

Alex didn’t turn to her at first. His eyes were still locked on mine.

Seconds passed. Then she called again, her voice softer. “Come on…”

He finally turned without a word and walked toward her.

I stood there alone, the echo of her giggle as she closed the door rang down the stairs.

And for the first time since stepping into the Grey’s Estate, I realized… I hadn’t even begun to see what I was walking into.