Chapter 21

Isabella's POV How did he even get my number? The thought clawed at me as panic crept in. Then it hit me. I had written it in my application letter.I was skeptical of his sudden urgency. I hadn’t even accepted the job offer;the one with the mouth-watering salary and yet he was already pushing it down my throat. The question lingered uncomfortably in my mind: was there something else behind this?Still, the thought of that salary refused to let me rest. I couldn’t afford to lie there and watch such an opportunity slip away. With that money, I could pay for my mother’s surgery and still support my brother’s schooling.I checked the time—almost 4:00 a.m. We hadn’t returned early from the party, all thanks to Sabrina.I figured I still had a little time, so I set my alarm and allowed myself to rest just for a while.The next morning, the alarm dragged me out of sleep. Half-conscious, I stretched out my arm and shut it off before sitting up to check the time. Six-thirty.“I still have ti

Last Updated : 2025-12-16

Chapter 22

Isabella's POV “Great,” he said, rising from his seat with a quiet determination.“Please, this way,” he said, with a gentle sweep of his hand.As we climbed the stairs, my thoughts kept returning to Damien’s words, twisting softly in my mind.Why did Mia cling to me so suddenly, after nothing more than helping her tie her hair?Damien paused in front of a grand door, its solid frame and intricate lock hinting at layers of protection, perhaps for reasons only he understood. It said everything I needed to know. He was fiercely protective, deliberate in every gesture toward his daughter.He knocked softly, then pushed the door open with measured care.Inside, Mia sat with her back to us, absorbed in her task, unresponsive to the intrusion.She fiddled with a collection of building blocks, her small hands moving with focus and frustration.“Hi, sweetie,” Damien said softly, but she didn’t stir, her attention locked on the blocks before her.Damien turned to me, and in his eyes, I caught

Last Updated : 2025-12-17

Chapter 23

Isabella's POV “Come on, Auntie. You promised something delicious, and I’m starving,” Mia tugged gently, wriggling free from my hug with impatient excitement.“Of course, Princess. Let’s make something delicious,” I said, brushing my fingers over her cheeks with a soft smile.“This way, Auntie!” she squealed, bouncing on her toes as she dashed ahead, pulling me toward the kitchen.Inside, a young woman about my age, maybe a bit older, stood by the counter. Her posture was polite but wary.“Hi, miss,” she said, her smile warm but careful. “How can I help you today?”“Um…” I faltered, unsure how to phrase it. “I’d like to make something for Mia myself, if that’s okay.”Her eyes flickered with doubt. “I don’t think my boss would approve, but… you can tell me what you want, and I’ll make it for you. Just name it.”“I really appreciate that,” I said quickly, “but I’d prefer to do it myself. You might not know me yet, but I’m Mia’s new nanny.”“Nice to meet you, but I can’t allow that. My

Last Updated : 2025-12-18

Chapter 24

Isabella's POV “Daddy,” Mia called out the moment she saw him, her voice bright with joy and ran to hug her. “I can’t wait to serve you my first meal,” she announced dramatically, and we all burst into laughter at her tiny performance.“Auntie, what do we do next?” she asked, bouncing slightly where she stood.“Now we go set the table, and then you’ll finally serve Daddy,” I said, pinching her nose gently.“Really, Auntie? I’ll serve my Daddy?” she asked, her eyes widening in disbelief.“Yes, princess. You’re Daddy’s big girl. Or don’t you want to serve him?” I teased softly.“Yes, Auntie, yes! I want to serve my Daddy,” she squealed, clapping her little hands together.“Good. Then let’s go set the table,” I said, lowering her gently to the floor.“Daddy, I have a surprise for you, but first you need to leave. When I’m done, I’ll come get you,” she said, shooing him away with exaggerated seriousness.“Alright, alright, princess. I can’t wait for your surprise,” Damien said, lifting

Last Updated : 2025-12-18

Chapter 25--- Mia or Ray

“Ummm…. that's so nice but no thank you,” I said but seeing the reaction on their faces I pressed on.“I actually have something I need to finish in the kitchen. I’ll just get back to it,” I added, spinning around before they could protest.I didn't even see that coming. I know rich arrogant billionaire like Damien wouldn't stoop so low to dine with any of his workers. So what's happening now? As much as I hate telling Mia no, I couldn't just afford to cross the boundary. Damien saw through my excuse and didn't press further. He just nodded. Just as I took a few steps forward, I heard a loud clink of a cutlery set against the plates. I turned around quickly and it was Mia.“Please auntie,” she pleaded, making her cute face I can hardly ignore. “Princess, I…….” “Consider it her little thank-you for agreeing to be her nanny,” Damien cut in, snatching the words from my lips before I could finish.Looking at Mia’s cute little face, I knew I couldn’t back down anymore.With a quiet sig

Last Updated : 2025-12-19

Chapter 26

Isabella's POV “How about you stay during the weekdays and go home on weekends?” he asked with concern.I thought about it for a moment. At least this way, I could visit my stepmom at the hospital and still spend time with Ray.Alright, I think that works for now,” I said, forcing a light smile.“Good. Then we have a deal,” he said, standing up and extending his hand.I stood as well, shook his hand politely, and withdrew mine just as quickly.“You can take today off to prepare. I’ll have some of my men pick you up tomorrow, if that’s okay with you,” he said.“That’ll be fine,” I replied.“Here,” he said, handing me his card. “In case of anything, you can reach me directly.”“Thank you,” I said, taking it before leaving the villa.Since I had time to spare, I stopped by the hospital to visit my mom.“Hi, Mama,” I said softly as I pushed the door open.“Hi, sweetie,” she said, pulling me into a tight embrace.She was crocheting, like always. Crocheting is her peace. It’s where her min

Last Updated : 2025-12-20