Chapter 3

“Marianne, I need your help to find a nanny. The housekeeper can't handle both the mansion's duties and taking care of him anymore, especially with the big contract coming up with the Ferragamos. My time will be even more limited."

"Mr. Collen, I've already told you, you are very demanding when it comes to the nanny's profile. I don't know who else to talk to. Besides, agencies don't want anything to do with Jhin anymore; all the nannies have stayed away because of his behavior."

"But there must be someone in the world who can take care of him. Post the job offer and, if necessary, double the salary. I don't understand why no one wants to care for my son." Marianne barely rolls her eyes.

"Sir, as I said before, Jhin needs psychological help."

"He is getting that help. His trauma from losing his mother has been hard to overcome. I need someone who cares for him and sees beyond his personal care."

"Sir, that's very difficult. I advise you to look for someone less professional and more maternal; that might help."

"But what about love? Don't you want someone who will also give him love?" Marianne tries to persuade him.

"Yes, I want that," Eduard is truly confused. He knows it's challenging to find someone with all those qualities in one person, and even if he does find them, the other problem is getting his son to accept that person. He's going crazy.

Eduard has no idea what he's going to do with his little son, but Marianne's words echo in his head, and he can't think of anyone who fits the criteria.

Both he and Johanne are going through different situations, but they have similar needs. Both are fighting to take care of their little ones, no matter what.

Johanne continues her job search; she has gone to George's place a couple of times and has earned his trust.

He had recommended her for shifts in different places, but nothing stable, so the money was still not enough. Fortunately, George's wife was very kind and helped her take care of her baby while she worked. They had developed a close bond.

One afternoon, she went to pick up her baby after her long shift at work. The supermarket door opened.

"I already told you, Marianne, we must sign that contract immediately!" Eduard's harsh voice echoed in the place, making Johanne look at him immediately.

"But sir, it's just that..." Marianne noticed Johanne's presence.

"Ah, but what do we have here? The little thief," Eduard confirmed, and it was her again. Johanne felt ashamed and couldn't even defend herself.

"Hello, Marianne, the usual?" George tried to break the tension of the situation, but it was Eduard who spoke.

"Yes, George, quickly, please, we're in a hurry."

"Right away."

"Sir, I think we should go somewhere else. We can't frequent a place that welcomes people like this woman. I can't believe that George still allows her in here," Eduard said with some annoyance.

"It's the only coffee shop near the company. Where else are we going to get coffee like the one George makes? Stop being ridiculous," Marianne simply pressed her lips together, her boss had embarrassed her.

Johanne could only remain silent until Eduard's phone rang, calling from his house.

"Sir, it's Greis on the phone. I can't handle her son anymore. Come and get him, or I'm leaving."

"Oh no, Greis, that's not acceptable. You can't quit; you've been with us for 10 years. Please be patient while we find a nanny."

"Sir, either you find a nanny, or I swear I'm leaving," Greis hung up, leaving Eduard taken aback by her words. He realized that Johanne couldn't stop looking at him, and although it seemed risky, he decided to talk to her.

"Miss, have you found a job?" Johanne turned to look elsewhere but saw that he was talking to her. She was surprised and pointed to herself with her finger, "Me?"

"Yes, you."

"No, sir. Why would I?"

Eduard hesitated for a moment, "I overheard your conversation with George earlier. You mentioned that you needed work and were good at household chores. I'm in desperate need of a nanny for my son, but it's not an easy job. Are you willing to consider it?"

Johanne was taken aback by the unexpected offer. She looked at her baby and then back at Eduard, "I... I don't have any experience as a nanny, but I love children, and I'm willing to learn. But why would you consider hiring someone like me after what happened?"

Eduard took a moment to answer, "Sometimes life gives second chances, and I believe people can change. I also saw how you took care of your baby, and that counts for something. My son needs someone who cares, who can be patient with him, and who will help him heal from his loss. Can you do that?"

Johanne's heart was racing, but she felt a glimmer of hope. "Yes, I can do that. I promise I will do my best."

Eduard nodded, "Then it's settled. You'll start tomorrow. I'll talk to Marianne to arrange the details."

Johanne couldn't believe her luck. She had a job, and it was a chance to be there for her baby and help another child in need. It wouldn't be easy, but she was determined to give it her all. As she left the supermarket that day, she felt a mix of excitement and nervousness for the new chapter that was about to begin in her life.

 "Do you have time for an interview?"  George looks at her, nods, and smiles. He had known Eduard for many years and knew he was a good man, somewhat reserved, but good-hearted. Even though he had known her for only a few months, he could tell she was also a good person.

 "Yes, of course."

 "See you tomorrow at 8 at this address, please be punctual." - He hands her a card with the details of his mansion, and she receives it with excitement.

Marianne, who was in complete disagreement, just wants to explode in anger. She couldn't understand her boss's hasty decision.

The next day.

 "Good morning, Mr. Collen." She arrived impeccable and punctual that morning.

"Good morning, Miss, remind me of your name, please."  He hadn't even bothered to ask who she was; he receives her resume and looks at it.

 "I'm Johanne Warrent, it says so on my resume." She exudes overwhelming confidence that morning, as her motivation for her son made her feel secure.

"But, on your resume, besides not having any studies, you also don't have any experience as a nanny, and that worries me." He raises an eyebrow while still reviewing the information, he wasn't entirely convinced.

 "Sir, I'm a mother, and I helped my own mother raise two younger siblings, I can assure you I have plenty of experience."

 "Hmm." Eduard now looks her up and down.

Johanne was quite humble, her clothes showed that, but she was very cultured and beautiful.

Her blonde hair and slim figure showed natural beauty, but that wasn't the most important thing; what captivated him was her charisma and the urgency to find someone to take care of her son.

 "Sir, I assure you that if you hire me, I will do my best to be the best nanny for your son, I'm very patient."

 "Look, this is the salary." He hands her a sheet with the employment terms; she almost lost her jaw at the amount, but she composed herself, she couldn't show her real need.

"Very well, Mr. Collen, you tell me when I start." Convinced that she had the job, she tries to persuade Eduard.

 "Just a moment, please. You have to pass the most important test." When he said that, she felt her hope crumble, as she supposed the test was getting his son's approval, and she had never interacted with children before.

 "Jhin, son, please come here."  Two minutes later, the little boy comes down the stairs, his face pale, as he didn't like going out in the sun; his eyes showed sadness, and his cold expression, like his father's, lacked any emotion.

 "Another nanny, Dad? I don't want one."  The boy crosses his arms.

 "We need someone to help take care of you."  The boy doesn't take his eyes off Johanne; she feels intimidated for a moment, but her maternal instinct helps her to handle the situation better.

 "Sweetie, my name is Johanne, nice to meet you."  She extends her hand, but he hides his.

 "If you want, we can play together. I like to play; do you like it?"  He shakes his head; she knows she's already losing.

 "He's not into games; we have a strict study and learning routine, and play is generally not part of that routine." Eduard intervenes promptly.

 "What do you mean he doesn't play? He's just a kid."  She covers her mouth, knowing she made a big mistake.

-"Dad, I do want to play. Tell her to teach me how."  Those words made Johanne's heart ache; it didn't take a genius to see that the boy lacked love.

With no other alternatives at the moment, Eduard agrees.

 "Alright, you're hired, but your schedule will be from 9 in the morning to 5 in the afternoon. At that time, I'll take over, and you can't bring your baby to work. You need to figure out what to do with him. If you have no objections, we can sign the contract right away."

 "Perfect, Mr. Eduard. So, when do I start?"

 "Today, ¡now!"