MY HUSBAND'S SECOND WIFE

Stephanie knocked twice on the gate and took a step back, awaiting response. She tucked her hair behind her ear as she took a quick look around. The estate was dazzling and luxurious, she couldn't imagine how lucky the occupants were to live in such heaven. 

The rest of the houses in the vicinity were alike, giving the entire environment a uniformed beauty. She could literally smell the wealth of the occupants in the air. 

She looked back at the gate and was about knocking again when it was finally opened up, a short plump man in a security uniform showing up. Stephanie could tell his uniform was more expensive than what she wore. 

"Do you need something?" He asked grumpily, giving a head - to - toe stare at her. 

"Yes. Um...good morning. My name is Stephanie and I'm here for the interview", she responded, ignoring the rude fact that he hadn't greeted her. 

A glare of ridicule crawled into the man's face as he repeated another head - to - toe stare at her. He had a deriding expression that made Stephanie wonder if she was looking unserious. She had to stare down at herself. Her shoes weren't that bad, although the left shoe had a little hole by the side. Her black skirt was knee-length and she was so sure it was good enough. Perhaps, her rumpled T-shirt might be the problem. But it wasn't her fault, they were out of electricity bills. 

But she had asked her mum before leaving the house and her mum confirmed she looked good enough. 

"Well... since it's not in my place to decide, you can come in", the security muttered as he finally stepped away and let her in. 

Walking pass the gate, Stephanie's breath got suspended as her eyes beheld the beautiful sight. It was actually a duplex, and its beauty was overwhelming. She heard the occupants of the house were actually the owners of the entire estate. No wonder the securities dressed better than her. 

"Wait here, while I inform my boss", the grumpy man said and left, earning a glare at his back. 

There was another security seated by the gate and he stared at Stephanie with warmer eyes. 

"So... you're here for the job interview?" He asked, making Stephanie take her eyes off the duplex she had been admiring. 

"Oh! Yes, good morning", she bowed a little, acknowledging he was older. 

"It's fine, dear. I wish you best of luck. Although, I must tell you - this might be an impossible job. The kids...", he paused and sighed. "They're something else. I've actually tried bringing two people from my family, but they couldn't last a day. The kids just doesn't want a nanny".

Stephanie lowered her head in agitation. She knew the man wasn't just pulling her legs or trying to threaten her. She had heard so much about the six year-old twins and how much they hated having a nanny. They've tormented every single nanny they've had in the past to make them leave, it makes their grandmother so frustrated. But their grandmother was too busy to take care of them, so she really needed a nanny for them. To keep attracting employees, she made the pay so huge and tempting. And that was the reason Stephanie was there. She didn't care about the kids' characters, she was determined to get the job at all cost. 

"But why do they hate nannies?" She turned to the security and asked, holding her worn-out bag to her chest. 

"I.... can't really place my finger on it. But after the death of their mother, the kids and their father became introverts. Their father doesn't even associate with them anymore, and neither do the kids. So, I guess the kids just doesn't want anyone coming into their lives to play the mummy-duties".

"Hold on, their father doesn't associate with them?" Stephanie scoffed. 

"Yes. I wouldn't want to use the word 'hate', but Mr Rayder stopped caring for his kids after their mum's demise. He believes they were the cause of her accident. You see, Mr Rayder loved his wife so much, she actually meant the world to him. Hence, losing her wasn't something he could condone. I don't know the full story, but I heard he blames her death on the kids' negligence. Although, her body was never really found, but everyone believes it must've burnt down in the fire. It's a pathetic story. Although,Mr Rayder might be unreasonable for disliking his kids, but the young man has been in pains since then", he sighed and shook his head. 

"He used to be a man full of fun and happiness, but now, he's just a cold-hearted introvert" he concluded. 

Stephanie was still trying to digest the story. It was quite pathetic that their mother died, but why would a father hate his kids for any reason? That was enough reason to make them hostile.

Just then, the grumpy security returned, his gaze sliding between Stephanie and the other security. 

"You can go in. But I still think you'd be wasting your time", he mumbled to Stephanie as he walked pass her. 

She scoffed at him, wondering what his problem was with her. Or was that how hostile he was towards other employees?

She decided to wave it aside and proceeded to go into the house.