CHAPTER 002: *First day at work*

"That was wonderful."

I looked up to see mom approaching. She looked just as happy as I was. We'd both suffered to make ends meet, just so that we could live a normal life. Her cafè wasn't even picking up.

“How come you never told me about your friend Laura?" I asked standing up.

Mom shrugged, smiling as she spoke, “She lives in Italy. But I guess she's back now.”

“In less than thirty minutes, I've gotten an amount of money I've not even been able to save. Now, I'm sure I'll enroll in a college next year. My dreams are coming true, Mom.” I exclaimed, smiling as a single tear dropped down my cheek. This is so unbelievable.”

“It's lovely." Mom answered by picking up a jar of milk and a glass. “It's amazing how things can turn around within a twinkle of an eye.” She said, pouring some milk into the glass and pushing it towards me.

I stared at mom and then the glass of milk in her hand.

“You complained of a headache, right? Have this and some burgers.” She said placing the milk before me.

"Thanks. But I don't remember mentioning that."

"You did. And you look exhausted."

"What about you, Mom? I should say the same about you. Once I get a shower, I'll come here and take over, so you can rest your feet awhile." I said.

But she objected.

"Liam has been in the house all morning. He'll be here soon, so we both can go get some rest."

"Oh. Mom, you let him stay back from school again. But, you never allowed me such privileges!" I made a face at her.

"He's a boy, Scarlett, you can't make him do things your way all the time."

"For real, Mom!? No, I disagree!" I said, biting into a burger. "But, whatever."

Mom shrugged as she pulled out the stool behind the counter and sat down.

"But mom. What do you think about the job offer?" I asked, wanting to hear her thoughts.

"You made the right decision. Earlier on, she'd spoken about why she needed a nanny.”

"Why?” I enquired out of curiosity.

"Well… the child belongs to her middle son who's wife seeks a divorce. The mother of the child is irresponsible, and that will have a bad influence on the child's life. So, she's brought back to her grandma while her son and his wife are having a series of cases in court. But Laura is a business woman, hence, you're employed to take care of the baby.”

I nodded as mom explained. Now I understood how desperate she was to get a nanny. Small wonder I was overpaid.

“However, put in your best. This might be that opportunity you've been waiting for to grow. Who knows, after the whole thing is sorted, you might be retained as a full-time nanny until you decide to resign.”

I arched a brow at her in suspicion, “What do you mean by ‘that opportunity you've been waiting for?’"

She smiled coyly at me, and left me there in puzzlement as she went to rinse the glass.

••••••••

“Yeah, we've arrived. This is the house, Ms." Laura's driver said as he drove through giant gates, into a beautiful mansion in the outskirts of the city.

“Alright. Thank you." I said, picking my bag as I pushed the door open, stepping out.

As I stepped out into the fresh air, I was amazed by the breathtaking view before me. It was a mansion. It stood tall and proud, its white walls shining in the sunlight. Delicate vines climbed up the sides, adding a touch of whimsy to the elegant structure. Large windows let in streams of golden light, and the whole place seemed to radiate warmth and comfort. A stone path led up to the front door, which was flanked by lush green hedges. All in all, it was a house that seemed to have been taken straight from a fairy tale. And I was completely astounded.

“So much luxury." I uttered in admiration. I couldn't help but gasp at the sight of such opulence. It was like something out of a storybook, and I couldn't wait to see what the inside held in store. I imagined marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and all manner of fine furnishings.

“She's awaiting your presence. Let's take you in, ma'am." The driver spoke, breaking into my thoughts.

“Alright. Let's go. I said, stepping aside so he could lead me into the house.

Once inside, the driver handed me over to a maid who showed me to a seat, and went back in to inform Laura who seemed busy at the moment.

As I sat in the sitting room, I let my eyes wander around, taking in the opulence and splendor. It was like a glimpse into another world, so different from the modest cottage I shared with my mother and brother. While others lived in luxury, we struggled to make ends meet, and often shared our space with unwelcome visitors like rodents and bugs. It was hard not to feel envious and a little resentful, but I tried to remind myself of all the good things in my life. And I believed that one day, I was going to attain this height.

Exactly two minutes after my arrival, Laura Gray walked into the sitting room, with a pretty little redhead. At first glance I knew she was the child I would be babysitting. With round cheeks and charming blue eyes, she was adorable.

I rose to my feet as they approached me, with a maid following close behind.

“Hello Scarlett. Nice to see you again!” Laura stopped before me smiling warmly. She was indeed happy that I showed up as agreed– of course I hadn't intended to stay back after getting such a huge amount of money as a part payment.

“Good morning Ma'am." I greeted politely, with my hands folded before me. I turned to the girl, I could see she was quietly watching me, so I decided to wave, “Hello… Marissa. Nice to see you.” I said, smiling friendly at her.

"Marissa, here's your new friend, Miss Scarlett. She'll be taking care of you, while I'm away, alright?” Laura said to her granddaughter, stroking her beautiful red curls.

“Okay grandma. What about my chocolates?" The little girl asked.

Laura looked at me, and we both smiled, then she went down on one knee, "You can trust her on that. She knows how to make your favorite chocolate drinks. She made the chocolates you enjoyed last night.” Laura said, persuasively.

“Really?" She asked, looking surprised. Then she spoke to me, “Did you make those chocolate cookies for me, Miss Scarlett?" She asked, her beautiful blue eyes glued to my face.

I looked up at Laura. She nodded at me, indicating I had to agree with her, if I wanted to win her little strong-headed daughter over.

"Yes, Marissa. I baked them with my mom. Would you like me to bring you more?” I asked, beaming down at her.

"Grandma, can Miss Scarlett bring me more chocolates?” She asked, tugging at Laura's hand.

"Yeah sure. As long as you agree to have her around here as your friend.” Laura spoke, winking at me.

"Okayy. Miss Scarlett can live with me.” Marissa said as she toddlered towards me and gave me a hug around my knees. "See grandma, we're friends now.” She giggled.

“That's smart, Marissa.” Laura complimented her granddaughter. Turning to me, she said, "I guess that's settled. Welcome Scarlett. Do feel at home. The maid will show you around. But before then,” she paused, and uttered a few words to her maid, who walked out swiftly, and returned with the other servants instantly. Laura settled into the couch nearest to her as she started introducing her domestic workers by their names and duties.

"Scarlett, here are my domestic workers.” She made a sleeping gesture at the uniformed workers before us. I loved their looks. It seemed that one of the Gray's Family qualifications for employment was good looks. I was intrigued to find out about the different duties they performed.

“There's Miguel, the general driver, and Jade, my personal driver. Of course, there's Arielle, the cook who whips up the most delicious meals. And Azula; cleaner.”

My gaze settled on the last one Laura introduced, Azula, and she looked back at me menacingly. It made me uncomfortable, so I looked away.

“Azula, show Scarlett to her room, immediately. And make sure she settles in perfectly." Laura commanded, rising to her feet. Azula was ordered to show me around and take me to my room, while Arielle was instructed to prepare breakfast for me. I was taken aback by Laura's warm welcome. It made me feel at home. It was humbling to see how happy she was to have me there, and I felt a little overwhelmed by her kindness, even though I was there to render a service.

Just then, Laura received a call. She searched her handbag for her phone until she found it. Taking a quick glance at the caller ID, she picked up, speaking into the phone, “Hello Stephan,”

At the mention of Stephan, the servants all kept quiet. I looked at the little girl, she seemed to be upset and displeased as she quietly listened to each word of the conversation. Putting two together, I came up with the conclusion that ‘Stephan’ was the middle son mom had told me about. He was the little girl's father, and from the look of things, he had a poor relationship with his daughter.

As the call ended, Laura turned to the servants and said: “Go do your different chores. My son will be here in a few hours, and you know what that means.”

“Azula, show Scarlett to her room. Make sure she’s comfortable. Is that clear?"

The rude lady bowed in response, requesting I follow her. All I could see was that Laura was strongly in charge of the house, and nobody dared object. But the image she portrayed at the cafè the previous day was different.

“Good. You can all take your leave." I heard her say to the others on a note of finality, and they all dispersed.