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 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 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 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.
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 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 stirred awake to the soft brush of sunlight filtering through the large windows, casting a golden glow across the lavish room. The unfamiliar elegance of the space reminded her of exactly where she was—the Giovanni estate in Spain. She lay still for a moment, letting the reality settle in before pushing herself up with a soft sigh.After a quick stretch, she slipped out of bed and padded toward the bathroom, freshening up with a cool splash of water on her face. The reflection that stared back at her in the grand mirror showed slight weariness, but her eyes still held their usual spark. She brushed her curls quickly and tied them up into a loose bun before stepping out.Her mind went immediately to Anya. Time to wake the little princess.Penelope walked down the hall and stopped in front of Anya’s room. She gave a gentle knock. Tap-tap.“Anya?” she called softly.Hearing no response, she eased the door open and peeped inside. The sight brought a warm smile to her lips.
As they began their meal, the room settled into a peaceful rhythm, filled with the soft clinking of silverware and light conversation.Then, Mrs. Giovanni’s voice broke the calm. “So, Penelope,” she began curiously, “how are you enjoying your stay so far?”Penelope paused, wiping her lips with her napkin before answering with a polite smile. “It’s been lovely, Mrs. Giovanni. Your home is beautiful, and the hospitality has been more than generous.”Mrs. Giovanni’s eyes crinkled with genuine warmth. “I’m so glad to hear that. And please,” she added with a soft chuckle, “ there’s no need for formality. You’ve become dear to Anya, and that makes you dear to us.”Penelope’s cheeks warmed slightly. “Thank you. I appreciate your kindness.”With that settled, the conversation tapered off, and they returned to their meal. Yet, Penelope couldn’t shake the feeling of eyes on her.She glanced up, and sure enough—Brayden.Every so often, his gaze flicked toward her, only for him to casually
Penelope stepped out of the cab, her heart still pounding from what she had overheard at Desmond’s house. The cool night breeze did little to calm her racing thoughts as she made her way toward the villa’s entrance.She had to tell Brayden.She hesitated at the door, gripping the cold handle. Part of her still burned with resentment toward him for how he had treated her earlier, but this wasn’t about her. This was about Anya. If those men went through with their plan, Anya would be in danger, and she couldn’t live with herself if she didn’t do something to stop it.Exhaling shakily, she pushed the door open and stepped inside.The house was quiet. The usual staff had already retreated for the night, and the dim lighting cast long shadows across the marble floor.She walked up the grand staircase, her fingers gripping the railing tightly as she debated her next move.Would he even believe her?Would he care?Her hands curled into fists as she
The room was suffocatingly dim, the only source of light coming from the flickering candles placed at the center of the worn wooden table. Shadows danced along the cracked walls, making the two cloaked figures sitting across from each other appear even more ominous.They had been waiting for the arrival of their third partner.The silence was thick, tense. Neither of them spoke, but the rhythmic tapping of one’s fingers against the wooden surface echoed softly in the space.Then, the heavy metal door groaned open, indicating someone was coming in.A figure stepped inside, dressed in a crisp black suit. Unlike the cloaked men, he wore no hood to conceal his identity, but his features remained shadowed in the dim lighting.His polished shoes barely made a sound as he strode forward, his movements exuding quiet confidence. He reached into his coat and pulled out a sleek tablet, placing it in front of them before sliding it across the table.One of
Brayden’s piercing gray eyes swept over the group standing before him, his expression dark and unreadable. The tension in the air was suffocating, pressing down on everyone like an invisible weight. His fingers tapped against the side of his expensive watch as he exhaled sharply. “What happened?” His voice was quiet, but the dangerous edge beneath it sent a chill down Penelope’s spine. Darla stepped forward immediately, her posture straight and composed. “Don Giovanni, it was reckless on Penelope’s part,” she said smoothly, her tone carrying just the right amount of concern and authority. “She insisted that we step back and let Anya play freely, despite my objections. I warned her that it wasn’t safe, but she refused to listen. That’s how we lost sight of Anya.” Penelope’s eyes widened in shock. “That’s not true!” she blurted out, stepping forward. “I never ignored any warnings. I only—” Brayden lifted a hand, cutting her
Penelope’s heart pounded violently against her ribs as she sprinted through the park, her breath coming in ragged gasps. Her voice was hoarse from screaming.“Anya!” she called, desperation clawing at her chest. “Anya, where are you?”The afternoon sun bathed the park in warm light, but to Penelope, everything felt cold and suffocating. Parents strolled with their children, unaware of the panic gripping her. Some cast curious glances, sensing the distress in her voice, but no one had seen a little girl wandering alone.Behind her, Darla and the other guards moved swiftly, searching every bench, every slide, every hidden corner.“Spread out!” Darla barked at the men, her sharp eyes scanning the playground. “Check near the fountain and behind the bushes. Someone had to see something!”Penelope’s hands trembled as she gripped her phone, hesitating for a moment before shoving it back into her pocket. Calling Brayden now wouldn’t do any good. She had to find Anya firs
Penelope sighed as she pulled the soft blanket over Anya’s small body, brushing a few strands of hair away from her peaceful face. The little girl had dozed off mid-sentence, exhausted from the morning’s activities. Penelope smiled faintly, leaning down to press a gentle kiss to her forehead before straightening up.She walked quietly out of the room, careful not to wake her, and stepped into the hallway where Darla stood, already waiting.“She’s ready for school,” Penelope said softly.Darla gave a curt nod and opened the door wider. Anya stirred, blinking sleepily as she saw the bodyguard. “Darla…” she mumbled, rubbing her eyes.“It’s time to go, princess,” Darla said, her tone softer than usual.Anya yawned and stretched her little arms before slipping off the bed. Penelope helped her into her coat and adjusted the straps of her pink backpack.“I’ll see you when you get back, okay?” Penelope said, crouching to Anya’s level.Anya nodded before wrap
The morning sunlight filtered through the large windows of the dining room, casting a warm glow over the space. The sound of clinking cutlery and soft footsteps filled the air as the household staff moved about, ensuring that everything was in place for breakfast.Brayden sat at the head of the table, dressed in a crisp black suit, his expression unreadable as he scrolled through his phone while sipping his coffee. His plate was mostly untouched, the food before him barely registering in his mind. He had a long day ahead, and his thoughts were already occupied with business matters.The sound of small, hurried footsteps caught his attention. Looking up, he saw Anya running toward the dining area, her face bright with excitement. Behind her, Penelope followed at a more measured pace, her hair slightly tousled from sleep. She wore a simple dress, her features neutral as she realized who was seated at the table.Brayden’s eyes flickered to Penelope brief
Brayden stepped into his villa, exhaustion weighing heavily on his shoulders. The evening had been unnecessarily draining, filled with public appearances, staged moments, and the suffocating presence of Victoria Monroe. He had tolerated it all with his usual indifference, knowing full well what she was playing at, but he couldn’t let his irritation cloud his judgment.He loosened his tie as he walked through the quiet hallways, his footsteps silent against the polished marble floor. The house was dimly lit, the only source of light coming from the security fixtures along the walls. He made his way toward Anya’s bedroom, his body instinctively guiding him there despite the late hour.Pushing the door open slightly, he peeked inside. The warm glow of the nightlight illuminated the room, casting soft shadows along the walls. His daughter lay curled up on her bed, her small body wrapped in the blankets, her soft breathing the only sound in the room. But
The evening had played out exactly the way Victoria planned.From the moment they arrived at the high-end restaurant, everything had been carefully arranged. The paparazzi had been stationed at strategic angles, capturing shots of them walking in together, exchanging subtle glances, and sharing what appeared to be a pleasant dinner. Every element screamed elegance and power—just as she wanted.The moment they stepped out of the restaurant, the flashing lights returned in full force. Reporters and photographers called out to them, asking questions about their relationship, speculating on the nature of their bond. Victoria smiled, clutching Brayden’s arm with just the right amount of intimacy.Brayden, however, remained impassive. His face betrayed no emotion as he led her through the chaos. He was used to this. His presence alone was enough to stir media frenzy, but tonight, the focus wasn’t just on him. It was on them.As they reached his car
Penelope woke up the next morning feeling drained. She had barely slept the night before, tossing and turning as thoughts of Brayden and Victoria clouded her mind. Even now, as she forced herself out of bed and went to freshen up, the memory of the news report still played in her head. The images of Brayden and Victoria looking so comfortable together, so intimate, were burned into her mind. But today, she wasn’t going to let it affect her. She had a job to do, and that was all that mattered. Taking a deep breath, she pulled on a simple but neat outfit and stepped out of her room. She was expecting Brayden to have already left for work by now, which would make it easier for her to avoid him. But when she descended the stairs and stepped into the dining area, her feet almost stopped in their tracks. He was there. Brayden sat at the dining table, dressed sharply as always in a crisp dark suit. He had a newspaper spread open in front of him, his focus on the articles as h