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 Lorenzo’s POV“Please help me!” My voice cracked as I dropped to my knees, clutching at the hem of a nurse’s scrubs. “Please, I’m begging you! My father… he’s dying! Do something!”The nurse took a hesitant step back, her face full of pity but devoid of action to render any sort of help. “Miss, I—I’m so sorry. There’s nothing—”“There’s Nothing?” I screamed at the top of my voice, my voice echoing down the cold hospital hallway. I just didn’t care!“He’s having a stroke! A heart attack! Do you understand? My father, He’s in pain! You have to save him! He is all I’ve got, please!” I yelled more on seeing no one was ready to help me out.“We’re doing all we can,” another nurse murmured, but her words felt hollow. Her gaze darted away from mine, as if she couldn’t bear to look at me.Was I looking so terrible that everyone kept avoiding my gaze? Why wouldn’t they just help me save my father? That’s all I’m pleading for!“No, you’re not doing anything!” I yelled and burst into mo
The hum of the engine was steady as we glided down the dimly lit streets of Los Angeles. The city looked deceptively peaceful, a thin layer of fog clinging to the edges of the road like a ghostly veil.I sat in the backseat of my sleek black car, my gloved hands resting loosely on my knees. My mask—a staple of my identity—covered the lower half of my face. It wasn’t for protection; it was a symbol. A warning. Brayden Giovanni wasn’t a man to be crossed.“Luca,” I said, my voice low but commanding.“Yes, boss?” Luca, my driver and personal assistant, kept his eyes on the road ahead. He was an older man, maybe in his late fifties, with graying hair and sharp instincts. He’d been with me for over a decade, loyal and efficient.“How do you think the deal went?”“The deal?” he echoed, glancing briefly at me in the rearview mirror. “Smoothly, as expected. Those Colombians didn’t dare argue once they saw we came prepared.”I let out a small grunt of approval. “Good. They needed to understa
Brayden Giovanni’s POV“Be careful with her,” I barked as the nurses rushed forward, carrying the unconscious woman into the hospital. My tone left no room for argument.Blood was smeared across her face and arms, her clothing torn in places, revealing deep gashes and bruises. Her head lolled to the side as they laid her on the stretcher. I didn’t miss the faint rise and fall of her chest. She was alive, barely.“Yes, sir,” one of the nurses stammered, visibly shaken by my presence.“Move faster,” I growled, following close behind as they wheeled her toward the emergency ward.The hospital’s fluorescent lights flickered above us, casting a harsh glow on the chaos around me. The moment we entered, the staff seemed to freeze, their eyes darting toward me before scurrying to action. My reputation preceded me, even here.“Get the best doctors available,” I ordered sharply. “I want her stabilized immediately.”“Yes, Mr. Giovanni,” a nurse said, her voice trembling as she rushed to comply.
Penelope’s POVThe silence in the room was deafening. I sat on the hospital bed, staring blankly at the wall in front of me that suddenly looked so interesting to me.My body felt heavy, like a weight was pressing me down, but nothing could compare to the crushing void inside my chest. I felt so empty— Like something had left me the moment I discovered my father couldn’t make it out of this cruel hospital alive!I didn’t cry. I couldn’t cry. There were no more tears left.“Miss Lorenzo,” the deep voice broke into my thoughts and the silence of the room, pulling me out of my trance.I turned my head slightly, barely registering the man standing by the door. Brayden Giovanni. The stranger who brought me here, who claimed to have hit me with his car. I didn’t care who he was. Nothing mattered anymore.“Are you okay?” he asked, his voice low and calm.I let out a bitter laugh, hollow and lifeless. “Am I okay?” I repeated, shaking my head. “What kind of question is that?”He stepped close
Brayden’s POVThe morning light spilled over the hospital driveway as Luca and I waited for Penelope Lorenzo to finish her discharge process. I had instructed Luca to handle the hospital fees first thing this morning. It wasn’t a question of cost; it was about resolving the mess I’d inadvertently caused.Penelope finally appeared, her steps slow and hesitant. She was clutching her bag tightly, her wary eyes darting from me to Luca and then back to the car.“Miss Lorenzo,” I said, gesturing toward the black sedan parked by the curb. “This way.”She hesitated, her fingers tightening around the bag’s strap. Then, with a barely audible sigh, she stepped forward and slid into the back seat. I followed, sitting beside her. Luca, as always, took the driver’s seat without a word.As the car pulled away, I felt her shift uncomfortably in her seat. Her silence was heavy, but I didn’t mind waiting.Finally, she cleared her throat, her voice uncertain. “Um…”I glanced at her. “Yes?”“What kind of
Chapter 6 Brayden’s sleek black car screeched to a halt in front of Giovanni Industries, and he wasted no time stepping out. His towering figure, clad in a sharp black Tuxedo suit cut an imposing silhouette.Without a word, he stormed toward the towering building, his long strides purposeful, while Luca hurried behind him, his weathered face tense.“Luca,” Brayden barked as they entered the elevator.“Go straight to the surveillance room. I want the footage from my office pulled immediately and sent to my computer. No delays.”“Yes, sir,” Luca said with a curt nod, though his voice held a hint of unease knowing it was all his fault.The elevator doors slid open with a ding, and Brayden strode out.Employees scattered to clear his path, their heads bowed.He pushed open the door to his expansive office, the tension rolling off him like waves.The usual pristine order of the space now felt suffocating, every detail reminding him of the audacity of someone daring to infiltrate his
Penelope walked up the grand staircase of the Giovanni mansion, her mind replaying the tense encounter with Anya’s bodyguard. She could still feel the disdain in the woman’s glare, sharp and unwelcome. Trying to shake off the discomfort, she focused on her footsteps. But as she neared the upper floor, voices floated through the air.“I told you, Anya, you need to wash your hands first,” an older voice said, gentle but firm.It was Inez, standing near a slightly ajar door. She was speaking to the little girl, who was still clutching her backpack. The bodyguard stood nearby, arms crossed and face set in a stony expression. With the look on her face and the way she has spoken to Penelope earlier, Penelope hesitated.She was unsure whether to interrupt them, but Inez caught sight of her and beckoned her forward.“Miss Lorenzo,” Inez called. “Come here for a moment please.”Penelope sighed, knowing she'd be caught and there’s no running back. She gently descended the final step cautio
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 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.
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