13 – A NEW BEGINNING

POV: LAUREN

I watched that arrogant, imposing man in his impeccable suit walk away, hand in hand with the adorable boy with bright eyes. The boy, however, kept looking back, his sad expression mirroring what I felt inside.

“I understand your pain,” I thought, feeling the tightness in my chest. He was so young, facing something so difficult.

Suddenly, the boy let go of his hand and ran back to me, gripping the fabric of my clothes with determination.

“Please, fairy, you like me, don’t you?” he asked with captivating sweetness, blinking his eyelashes innocently. “I promise I’ll behave. Stay with me!”

I held his small hands, surprised and thoughtful.

“Of course I like you, my brave little one,” I replied with a smile, watching relief light up his face.

“Then you’ll take care of me?” he asked hopefully, bouncing with excitement as he swung my hands.

“And? Will you accept?” That firm, commanding voice interrupted, drawing my attention. His piercing blue eyes locked onto mine, radiating the impatience of someone used to having everything under control. He seemed like the type of person who got whatever he wanted with little effort.

I stood still for a few seconds, staring at the card in my hand. The elegant lettering and the number written on the back seemed almost unreal—just like the offered salary, far beyond anything I could imagine. The idea of working for Henry Carter, a billionaire notorious for his demanding reputation and constant presence in headlines, was difficult to process. A wave of discomfort washed over me, something he immediately noticed, his brow furrowing as he maintained steady eye contact.

I sighed, reminded of the debt weighing heavily on me. Refusing wasn’t an option.

“It’s a fair offer,” he said with that natural air of superiority. “If you accept, the start will need to be immediate. Your stay at my residence will also be required as soon as possible.”

“Stay at your residence?” I asked, feeling my face heat up. “Are you saying I’ll have to live in your house?”

“I pay well for a reason, Miss Becker,” he replied firmly, crossing his arms. “Theo needs someone he can truly connect with. Your presence in his daily routine is essential. Don’t worry—I’ll cover any additional nighttime hours if necessary.”

I sighed again, glancing at Theodor, who was staring at me with those big, hopeful eyes.

“Please, Fairy!” Theo pleaded, his voice whiny and his eyes brimming with tears, as if he was about to cry. “Don’t leave me too.”

My heart clenched. Saying no felt impossible in the face of such a sweet and sincere child. The connection I felt with Theo was genuine, even if it was recent.

“I…” I began, but stopped when I noticed Henry’s expression. He wore a mix of forced patience and restrained arrogance. “Alright, I’ll do it.”

“Excellent. Let’s head to your residence, and as soon as you’re ready, we’ll leave for my home,” he declared with a slight smile that seemed to hold a challenge. “Please, try not to take too long. Theo is excited about your presence, and I detest…”

“Let me guess—wasting time,” I muttered, cutting him off. That made him raise an eyebrow in surprise. “Fine, let’s go!”

Still processing everything, I watched as a luxurious car pulled up beside me. Henry opened the door with effortless elegance, while his friend tried to stifle a discreet laugh behind his hand. I climbed in, feeling a bit dazed, and soon Theo bounced in excitedly, followed by Henry.

Before closing the door, his friend, Lucian, leaned in and whispered something into Henry’s ear, giving me a meaningful look.

“Good luck with the new job, Miss Becker,” Lucian said with a playful smile before shutting the door. A shiver ran down my spine.

“Don’t take Lucian seriously,” Henry said in his typically superior tone. “I’m not that terrible.”

I averted my gaze, trying to ignore the comment, and focused on Theo, who rested his head against my arm affectionately. When we arrived at my friend Kate’s house, where my mom and I were staying temporarily, I prepared myself for what was to come.

As soon as I entered, I sat down with my mom to tell her about the new job. I chose my words carefully, avoiding the more uncomfortable details about Henry Carter. The name on the card was unmistakable; I knew exactly who he was.

Kate, as always, couldn’t resist making a joke.

“So, you’re going to work for a handsome, powerful billionaire? Sounds like the perfect opportunity to find your second chance, Lauren,” she teased, nudging me with a grin.

“Kate, don’t be ridiculous,” I replied, rolling my eyes as I tried to hide the blush rising to my face. “He’s… irritating. Arrogant and bossy.”

“And charming?” she teased, her smile turning mischievous.

“He’s charming, but that doesn’t mean anything,” I admitted with a sigh. “I’m just going to work for him, nothing more. I already have enough problems to deal with in my life.”

As I was packing a few clothes, I paused for a moment. Kate noticed my hesitation and came closer.

“What’s wrong?”

“I need to tell you something.” I sat down on the bed, taking a deep breath before continuing. “I’m pregnant with Ethan’s child.”

Kate’s smile vanished, replaced by an expression of surprise and concern.

“Lauren, why didn’t you tell me before?”

“Because I didn’t know how to deal with it,” I replied in a low tone. “But I’m going to have this baby, Kate. I’ve always dreamed of being a mother, and even though this isn’t happening the way I planned, I’ll have this child. I’ll protect them and give them all the love I have.”

Kate hugged me tightly. That was what I admired most about her: she always knew when to joke and when to offer support.

“Are you going to tell that idiot ex of yours about the baby?” she asked hesitantly, though her anger was evident in her voice.

“He gave up on our child when he decided to end our marriage and run after another woman,” I replied bitterly.

Kate placed her hand on my stomach, stroking it gently.

“Who needs Ethan when you’ve got super Aunt Kate?”

“To hell with that jerk. This auntie is going to spoil this baby so much!” she exclaimed, and we ended up laughing together.

After saying goodbye to my mom and Kate, I went downstairs to the car waiting for me. Henry was distracted by his phone, his expression tense and impassive, as if I weren’t even there. Theo, on the other hand, lit up the moment he saw me and quickly snuggled into my arms when I sat down.

Henry lowered his phone and fixed his calculating gaze on me.

“Ready for a fresh start, Miss Becker?” he asked, deliberately provocative.