CHAPTER FIVE

ELLA'S POV

"Be a good girl for mommy, okay?" I smiled softly, patting my daughter Ivy's head as we walked next door to the Thompsons'. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, old and retired, had been absolute lifesavers since Ivy was born. They didn't have children of their own, but they had showered Ivy with all the love and attention she could ever need, making their home feel like a second home for her.

As we walked up the path to their front door, I noticed the crisp morning air and the scent of blooming flowers from their garden. It was a quiet, peaceful moment, and I felt a wave of gratitude for having such wonderful neighbors.

I knocked on the door, and it swung open to reveal Mrs. Thompson. She was dressed in a nice outfit, clearly ready for something special, and her husband stood behind her, adjusting his tie.

"Good morning, Ella," Mrs. Thompson greeted me with her usual warm smile, but there was a hint of regret in her eyes. "I’m so sorry, but we have an event to attend today. We won’t be able to watch Ivy."

"Oh," I said, my heart sinking a little. I tried to keep the disappointment out of my voice. "I understand. Thank you for letting me know."

Ivy tugged at my hand, looking up with her big, curious eyes, sensing something was off. I took a deep breath and smiled down at her, trying to stay positive. "Guess I have to take Ivy to work then," I said, forcing a cheerful tone as we turned to head back home.

"Yay!" I heard Ivy exclaim out of joy, her green bright eyes shining in delight. "But you have to promise mommy you're going to be a good girl," I urged as I watched her nod, jumping for joy.

"Let's go," I said with exhaustion as I wiped off the glands of sweat from my forehead. Holding Ivy's hands, I made my way back to the parking lot where my rusty sienna car was parked.

The sight of my car reminded me of my current financial state, my apartment's rent was due, ivy's school fees where yet to be paid and we were just a day and a half away from running out of groceries. Opening the car door, I watched Ivy enter as I closed the door and entered the driver's seat.

Inserting the car key in the key hole, I twisted the key gently and tried to turn on the car but the engines just didn't budge. I tried again, this time, frustration gleaming in my veins. I was already late for work, I couldn't wait anymore.

"Why won't it move?" I heard Ivy question from the back seat. "Don't worry dear, Mommy will fix it in a sec." I lied, alighting the car as I tried to check it's bonnet for errors but didn't find any.

"Do you need help gorgeous," I heard a familiar voice holler from behind me. My face twisted into a frown upon recognition as I watched Kevin, a other neighbor who's apartment was opposite mine, pull out from behind.

Kevin had been hitting on me ever since I've moved into this apartment. I don't still understand why he wouldn't take an hint.

"You know I could help you with a lift to your workplace?" he offered, flashing what he probably thought was a winning smile.I glanced at Ivy, who was fidgeting beside me, and sighed. "Alright, Kevin. Thanks."

The ride was mercifully quick but still awkward. Kevin droned on about his latest gym routine and how he could bench press twice his weight, clearly hoping to impress.

I nodded along, making polite noises, while Ivy stared out the window, clearly bored. When we finally arrived at the hospital, I hurriedly unbuckled Ivy and stepped out of the car. Kevin’s voice trailed off as I thanked him hastily and closed the door.

As we walked towards the entrance, Ivy looked up at me with her big, honest eyes and said, "Mommy, I don’t like Uncle Kevin. He’s boring and talks too much."

I couldn’t help but laugh a little, ruffling her hair. "I know, sweetheart. But sometimes we have to be polite, even when we don’t like someone." Ivy nodded, her features basked in the sunlight's glow.

As Ivy and I progressed through the double doors of the hospital, I couldn't help but notice the incoming figure of a lady in a nurse uniform. Rhea. I scoffed at the thought of her name, she had been my nightmare here at the hospital ever since day one.

"Well, if it isn't Supermom," Rhea sneered as she walked past us. "Shouldn't you be focusing on actual nursing instead of playing house?"

I felt the sting of her words but forced myself to shrug it off. Before I could respond, Penny appeared beside me, seemingly out of nowhere.

"Morning, Rhea," Penny said cheerfully, but with a sharp edge. "Ella's doing a fantastic job, both as a nurse and a mom. Maybe you could learn a thing or two."

Rhea huffed and rolled her eyes before walking away.

Penny turned to me with a reassuring smile. "Ignore her, Ella. She's just jealous."

I nodded, squeezing Ivy's hand a little tighter. "Thanks, Penny. Let's get to work."

I held Ivy's hands once again and led her all the way into the hospital. Once I arrived at the counter, the nurse in charge of the receptionist office, Patricia, exclaimed, "Late again, Ella?"

"I'm so sorry Patty," I pleaded still holding Ivy's hands. "We were stuck in the traffic," I lied, hoping she would believe as I've used the excuse thrice this week.

"Okay, anyways the boss requested you visit him in his office," Patricia's voice chimed as I froze in my tracks. Fear seeped into my bloodstream, causing a shrill silence as the other nurses all turned to me.

Mr Anderson, my boss, was one out of the numerous doctors the New York health organization had assigned to the hospital. He was known for his iron fist whenever he was on his job. The last time he had requested a nurse's presence in his office, she had been sacked.

I bit my lower lip nervously as I turned to ivy, "Stay with aunt Rhea at the visiting area and don't leave without telling her."

Rubbing my gowns hem, I made my way all the way into the elevator, past the stairs and in no time, was at the double doors of Mr Anderson's office. Anxiety pumped ceaselessly in my veins as I stepped into the office to be met by his cold gaze.

A thin silence evades the air, as I took some steps into his office taking in the decors. "I was told you requested my presence sir?" I asked as polite as I could, hoping not to annoy him in any way.

His grew eyebrows quirked up as he turned to me, "I hope we both know why I called you here, Ella."

A chill runs up my spine as his words settled into my bones. Still frozen to the ground, I tilted my head, unable to hold his gaze.

"Pls do not fire me sir," I pleaded, my voice almost fading as I tried to search for compassion in his eyes. My entire life depended on the job, if I get sacked now, I won't be able to pay me bills.

"I will not sack you," He beamed, his voice, low and minimal. My heart leaped, a smile pulling on my cheeks as I turned my gaze swiftly back to him.

"I decided not to sack you because I can see here that you are one of our most hardworking staffs," I could have sworn I saw his frown loosen as I listened attentively. "But you'll have to prove yourself as hardworking."

"How?" I questioned holding my breath.

"I have chosen you as the nurse to head our hospital's charity event this year," he finished, his frown returning almost immediately.

"Thank you, sir. It's a pleasure," I smiled, revealing my teeth.

This was a significant moment for me. The charity event had always been a big deal, a glamorous evening that raised a substantial amount of money for our hospital. For years, it had been Rhea's domain. Rhea, who never missed a chance to belittle or insult me, always prided herself on being the face of the event. But now, it was my turn.

My joy was tempered, however, as Mr. Anderson continued, "You'll be working with a partner."

My heart sank a little. "A partner?"

"Yes, our hospital's biggest sponsor has offered to co-chair the event with you."

I was stunned. "A billionaire wants to run a charity event? Why?" The question slipped out before I could stop it, but Mr. Anderson didn't seem to notice my incredulity.

"He's very invested in our hospital's success," Mr. Anderson replied, his eyes narrowing slightly as if weighing his next words. "Ah, here he is now."

I turned, my curiosity piqued. The door opened, and my breath caught in my throat.

Xavier walked in. The room seemed to shrink around me as he strode forward, every bit the confident, commanding presence I remembered. His gaze locked onto mine, and I felt a jolt of shock and recognition.

This couldn't be happening.