The classroom was buzzing with excitement as the teacher stood at the front with Anya by her side. The other kids whispered among themselves, some stealing curious glances at her. Anya shifted nervously, her hands clasped together.“Class, we have a new student today,” the teacher announced with a warm smile. “Everyone, please welcome Anya Giovanni.”“Hi, Anya,” the class chorused, some louder than others.Anya gave a small smile, feeling a little shy. The teacher gestured toward an empty seat in the middle row.“Anya, you can sit over there,” she said. “And before we move on, Anya has brought something special for everyone.”At that, Anya’s face lit up. The teacher walked to the desk and picked up the neatly wrapped cakes Penelope had packed earlier.“Anya wanted to share these with all of you,” the teacher said. “So when you get your cake, don’t forget to say thank you.”The students were thrilled as the cakes were passed around. “Thank you, Anya!” they said, one by one.Anya’
At Liam’s house, the towering bodyguard who had watched Anya so closely earlier walked through the grand hallways with determined steps. He stopped in front of an imposing wooden door and knocked firmly.“Come in,” a deep voice called from inside.The bodyguard entered and found himself in the large, richly furnished study. Behind a massive oak desk sat Liam’s father, Alessandro Moretti, a man known for his power and cunning. His sharp features were set in concentration as he flipped through a thick file, his dark eyes scanning the pages intently.Without looking up, Alessandro asked, “How was the school drop-off today?”The bodyguard straightened his posture. “Everything went smoothly, sir. No issues.”Alessandro finally lifted his gaze, his piercing eyes meeting the bodyguard’s. “Then why do you look like you have something to say?”The bodyguard shifted uncomfortably. “Sir, I saw someone today… a child.”Alessandro’s brows furrowed. “A child?” He leaned forward. “What about the
Anya arrived at school with her bodyguards, just as Liam’s car pulled up a few feet away. As soon as the doors opened, Anya stepped out, holding onto her pink backpack tightly, while Liam emerged from his sleek black car with his two bodyguards flanking him.The moment their eyes met, Liam broke into a wide grin and waved at her.“Hey, Anya!” he called excitedly.Anya beamed and waved back. “Hi, Liam!” she chirped, skipping over to him.Liam adjusted the straps of his backpack and said, “Did you sleep well last night?”Anya nodded eagerly as they began walking toward the school entrance together. “Yes! I slept so well. Nanny Penny read me a bedtime story, and I fell asleep right away.” She tilted her head and looked at him curiously. “What about you?”Liam let out a small sigh. “I tried to sleep early, but my dad was talking on the phone in his study all night. I could hear him from my room!”Anya giggled. “My daddy does that too! Sometimes I wake up, and he’s still in his office
Darla stood by the black SUV, her sharp eyes scanning the school grounds as students poured out of the building, chatting excitedly. Anya, with her bright smile and bouncing ponytails, walked side by side with Liam, their conversation animated. Darla couldn’t hear what they were talking about, but the way Anya giggled and Liam’s hands moved excitedly told her they were enjoying each other’s company.“Did you bring your toy cars today?” Anya asked curiously, looking up at Liam.Liam grinned proudly and nodded. “Yeah! I brought my red race car, the one that goes super fast! I’ll show you tomorrow during recess!”Anya’s eyes sparkled. “Really? I love race cars! I have a pink one at home, but it doesn’t go too fast.”Liam chuckled. “Maybe we can race one day. I’ll let you borrow one of mine!”Anya beamed. “That would be awesome!”Darla watched them carefully as the two approached the car. Liam’s bodyguards stood nearby, their gazes unwavering. As Anya climbed into the car, Darla’s e
Brayden strode into his study, his expression calm but his mind racing with thoughts from earlier that night. Luca followed closely behind, his posture relaxed but alert as always.Brayden sank into his leather chair and fixed his sharp gaze on Luca. “Did you do it the way I asked?” he asked, his voice low and commanding.Luca smirked, setting the black briefcase down on the desk with a soft thud. “Of course, Don. I gave them an empty case, just like you said.” He opened the briefcase given to him by the others, revealing it was completely empty. “Turns out, they weren’t serious about the deal. They were only there to rob us of our goods.”Brayden leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping against the armrest thoughtfully. “I knew it,” he muttered, a small smile playing at the corner of his lips. “Good job, Luca. You handled it perfectly this time.”Luca grinned, pleased with the praise. “Thanks, Don. And the goods?”Without another word, Luca lifted a second briefcase onto th
Penelope raced inside her room, her breath coming in short, panicked gasps. She slammed the door shut behind her and leaned against it, pressing a trembling hand to her lips. Her heart pounded wildly against her chest as the memory of Brayden’s kiss replayed in her mind.“He kissed me,” she whispered, her fingers tracing her lips in disbelief. “My boss… kissed me.”She shook her head, trying to convince herself it was all in her imagination. Maybe she was just tired, maybe it was a dream. To test her theory, she pinched her arm—hard.“Ouch!” she yelped, rubbing the spot she had pinched. “No… it’s real,” she mumbled with a deep sigh.Sliding down against the door, she buried her face in her hands. “What is happening?” she muttered. “I shouldn’t have gone there looking like that… what was I thinking?”Her thoughts swirled in a mess of confusion and embarrassment until she suddenly remembered the reason she had left her room in the first place.“I was thirsty,” she mumbled, suddenly
The next morning, Brayden sat in his study room, flipping through a stack of files.He needed to review some important files before Luca arrived to drive him to the office.His brows were furrowed in concentration as he reviewed the documents, his fingers tapping lightly against the desk. The room was quiet except for the occasional rustle of papers and the ticking of the large grandfather clock in the corner.Just then, the door creaked open, and a small voice broke the silence.“Daddy?”Brayden’s serious expression immediately softened as he looked up to see Anya standing at the doorway, her school bag slung over one shoulder. A warm smile spread across his face.“Anya,” he said, motioning for her to come in. “Good morning, sweetheart. How was your night?”Anya walked over to him, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “I slept really well, Daddy!” she said cheerfully. “I had a dream about a big castle, and I was a princess!”Brayden chuckled, leaning back in his chair. “A princess,
At Brayden’s company, the atmosphere was professional as usual. Employees moved swiftly, carrying out their tasks, while the air buzzed with the low hum of conversations and ringing phones. Inside the large, glass-walled conference room, Brayden sat at the head of the long, polished table, waiting for his guest to arrive. His fingers tapped lightly on the table as he reviewed the documents before him. Luca stood nearby, a tablet in hand, ready to assist when needed.A soft knock on the door interrupted the silence."Come in," Brayden called, his tone neutral.The door opened, and a tall, elegantly dressed woman strutted inside. She wore a fitted Sky-blue business suit, her heels clicking against the floor as she approached. Her dark brown hair was styled in perfect waves, and she carried herself with confidence."Mr. Giovanni," she greeted with a charming smile, extending her hand. "It’s a p
The next morning, a soft knock echoed through Brayden’s room. He ran a towel through his damp hair, his bare chest still glistening from his shower. “Come in,” he called, reaching for his watch on the dresser.The door creaked open, and Mrs. Giovanni stepped in, a bright smile plastered across her face. Her eyes twinkled with warmth, and her posture was relaxed, yet something playful lingered beneath her gaze.“Good morning, son,” she greeted, her voice airy and cheerful.Brayden, fastening the buttons of his crisp white shirt, raised a brow at her unusual buoyancy. “Morning, Mom. You’re in a good mood. Is everything alright?”Mrs. Giovanni’s smile widened, her arms crossing as she leaned lightly against the doorframe. “Everything is perfect. Just wanted to check on my handsome son. How was your sleep?”Brayden narrowed his eyes slightly, his lips curling into a knowing smirk. “It was fine,” he said slowly, his tone cautious. “You’re never this cheerful without a reason. What’s
Penelope’s breath hitched, her pulse racing. “I—” Her voice cracked slightly.The question felt like it came out of nowhere, sharp and probing.Penelope fought to steady herself. “No,” she answered, her voice firmer than she felt. “I’m just his employee. There’s nothing between us.”Mrs. Giovanni stopped walking and turned slowly to face her, folding her arms across her chest. Her eyes—so piercing, so much like Brayden’s—searched Penelope’s face.“Really?” she asked, her voice almost teasing but with a sharp edge beneath.Penelope felt a bead of sweat trail down her spine. She met the woman’s gaze and nodded. “Really,” she repeated, forcing confidence into her tone. “He is my boss. That’s all.”A slow, knowing smile tugged at Mrs. Giovanni’s lips. “Hmm,” she mused softly, her eyes flickering with something Penelope couldn’t quite place. Amusement? Or curiosity?A Warning—or a Welcome?They resumed walking, and the tension softened slightly.Mrs. Giovanni spoke again, this time wi
The butler, an elderly woman with neatly tied silver hair and a warm yet professional demeanor, stepped forward with a small bow. “Señorita Anya, let me show you to your room,” she said in a soft, accented voice.Penelope noted her presence immediately. The woman carried herself with elegance and grace, her every movement precise.“Hola! What’s your name?” Anya asked cheerfully, her voice still laced with sleepiness from the long trip.The woman’s lips curved into a gentle smile. “My name is Isabella,” she replied. “You may call me Bella if you like, niña.”Anya giggled. “I like Bella! You have a pretty name.”“Gracias, niña. Now, let’s get you settled in.”Isabella opened a grand double door, revealing a breathtaking room filled with soft pink and gold accents. The canopy bed, draped in sheer fabric with tiny lights twinkling like stars, sat at the center. A soft, fluffy carpet stretched beneath their feet, and a large dollhouse stood near the window.Anya’s eyes widened in awe.
The car ride from the airport was wrapped in silence, broken only by the soft hum of the engine and Anya’s gentle breathing. She was fast asleep, her small head resting on Brayden’s lap. Penelope sat stiffly beside him, her gaze fixed on the window as if the passing night scenery were the most fascinating thing she had ever seen.The truth was, she was avoiding looking at him. Sitting so close, their shoulders nearly touched, and the tension in the air was thick and awkward.Suddenly, Brayden’s deep voice broke the silence. “Are you nervous about meeting my parents?” His tone was calm but curious. “You don’t have to be. They don’t bite.”Penelope’s fingers twisted in her lap, and she forced a small smile. “I’m not… nervous,” she lied, her voice barely above a whisper.He glanced at her sideways. “You’re Anya’s nanny. That’s all that matters to them,” he added simply. “You do know how much she loves you.”Penelope nodded, her throat tightening as she swallowed hard. “I understand
The dimly lit hallway was silent except for the soft echoes of footsteps. Darla moved quietly, heading toward Brayden’s room, but she stopped in her tracks when she saw him.Her breath hitched.Brayden stood just outside Anya’s bedroom door, staring down the hallway, lost in thought.But what made Darla’s blood boil wasn’t just the way he stood there.It was who he had been with.She had seen everything.She had seen the way Brayden caught Penelope in his arms.She had seen how he held her close, his grip firm, his eyes locked on hers.She had seen how long he lingered.And the worst part? He hadn’t pushed her away immediately.Darla’s hands clenched into fists at her sides.That woman.That nanny.Penelope finally disappeared into her room, and Darla forced herself to breathe. She needed to stay calm. She couldn’t let Brayden see how furious she was.She took a deep breath, straightened her dress, and then stepped forward, her heels clicking against the floor.“Brayden,” she called
The evening breeze was cool as Penelope, Anya, and the bodyguards rounded up at the park. The sun had already started dipping below the horizon, casting a golden hue over the playground. Anya stretched her arms with a tired but satisfied smile.“What do you think, Miss Penny? Ice cream before we go home, right?” she asked, looking up at Penelope with hopeful eyes.Penelope chuckled, brushing Anya’s soft curls away from her face. “Hmm, You’ve had a long day, huh?”Anya nodded eagerly. “And ice cream makes every day better! So I think I need it to wrap everything up.”“Marcus, isn’t there enough time for a quick pick up of ice cream?” Anya asked in her small tiny voice, while giving him puppy eyes.Marcus, who stood nearby with his hands in his pockets, glanced at Darla. “Darla, We’ve got time, huh? This kid might eat me raw if her request isn’t granted.”Darla sighed but nodded. “Fine, but make it quick. We’ve got to get home on time.”“Sure, Darla.” Anya beamed and grabbed Penelope’
The drive to the mall was smooth, with Anya bouncing excitedly in her seat, her little hands pressed against the tinted window as she watched the city pass by.“I love going out!” she chirped, turning to Penelope with bright eyes. “It’s been so long since Daddy let me go to the mall! Did you know I used to go a lot when I was little? But, daddy suddenly changed and stopped taking me to the mall.”Penelope smiled, adjusting Anya’s hair that had fallen into her face. “Really? I guess daddy was just too busy, sweetheart. What did you love buying the most?”“I love buying, Dolls!” Anya chirped and giggled. “And dresses! But I also liked candy and teddy bears. Daddy always let me have whatever I wanted. He always says money isn’t the issue because I’m a princess. His one and only princess!”From the front seat, Darla let out a small scoff, rolling her eyes as she stared ahead.Penelope ignored her and nodded at Anya. “Daddy is correct, Anya. You truly are a princess. You are not just hi
The soft glow of morning sunlight seeped through the thin gap between Penelope’s curtains, casting long, golden streaks across her bedroom floor. The warmth of the light gently caressed her face, stirring her from a restless sleep filled with fragmented dreams and lingering thoughts of the night Brayden said those words to her.Her eyes fluttered open, squinting slightly as she adjusted to the brightness.She sat up slowly, the cool morning air brushing against her skin, sending a slight shiver down her spine. Her heart felt heavy—a mixture of nerves and emotions tangled deep within her chest. The memory of Brayden’s intense gaze, the heat of his words, and Darla’s piercing glare clung to her like shadows she couldn’t shake off.Penelope rubbed her face, trying to push the thoughts away. It’s just another day, she told herself, standing up and slipping into her slippers. She pulled her robe tighter around her body as she stepped into the hallway, her footsteps soft against the po
Inez stepped into the mansion, her sharp eyes sweeping across the living room. Her gaze softened slightly when she spotted Anya curled up against Penelope on the couch, watching a movie. The little girl looked peaceful, her small hands clutching a stuffed bunny.Anya immediately noticed her and sat up. “Ma’am Inez! Where were you?” she pouted.Inez chuckled as she walked closer. “I had to step out for a bit, little one. Did you miss me that much?”Anya crossed her arms dramatically. “I was looking everywhere for you!”Inez smirked. “I’m here now, aren’t I?” She ruffled Anya’s hair, then straightened. “I should go prepare your daddy’s dinner before he arrives.”“Okay!” Anya chirped, then leaned against Penelope again, her focus returning to the screen.“Inez, hope you’re good? I never knew you’d take so long at where you went.” Penelope finally spoke up, staring at Inez.“Oh yeah. I never knew I’d take so long too, but everything went well. I had actually gone out to see my younger