Chapter 1
I gripped the strap of my bag a little tighter as the black SUV rolled to a stop in front of the mansion. Even after seeing pictures, nothing could prepare me for it: the glass walls reflecting sunlight, the perfectly trimmed gardens, and a driveway that seemed to stretch forever.
Even after working as a hire nanny for a couple of years, I had little to show for it because apparently when you're sick, you tend to use all your life savings on checkups and medication.
I needed this job. Bills, rent, medical appointments... life had a way of piling up, and I'd learned to handle what I could handle and hide what I couldn't and that was enough for now.
The doors opened automatically, and I was met with silence. No greetings. No smiles. Just a housekeeper appearing, clipboard in hand.
"You must be Clara Bennett," she said briskly. "Follow me. Master Oliver is in the playroom. Instructions and schedules are on the desk. Mr. Ethan expects strict adherence."
I nodded, trying to steady my nerves, and followed her down the marble hall. Earlier that week, I had gotten an email with a long list of rules I was to follow but I didn't read it because I always believed there was any fun in abiding by the rules all the time. The playroom was bright, sunlight pouring through the floor to ceiling windows, toys scattered across a thick rug. A small boy sat cross-legged, absorbed in a puzzle. His golden-brown hair fell over his forehead, and when he looked up at me, there was a wary caution in his eyes.
"Hi," I said softly, crouching to meet his level. "I'm Clara."
He didn't answer right away, just studied me as if I were a new puzzle he wasn't sure how to solve.
"I'm Oliver," he said finally, still focused on his pieces.
I offered a small smile. "Nice to meet you."
He gave me a tiny nod and returned to his puzzle. I couldn't help but notice how careful he was with every movement, how he measured the space around him before acting.
The housekeeper cleared her throat. "The binder with instructions and the schedule is on the desk. Meals, nap times, activities, everything is there. Mr. Ethan expects everything to be followed precisely."
I picked up the binder, feeling the weight of responsibility settle over me. I didn't need to say anything else just being here showed that I intended to do my job.
Alone in the playroom, I let myself exhale. From the careful order of the room, the boy's watchfulness, and the clipped efficiency of the staff, I could tell this was a household where rules came before warmth. My own strength and patience were going to be tested and probably tested hard.
I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear and opened the binder. I didn't know what challenges this mansion, the boy, or the man who ruled it all would throw at me, but I would face them. I always did.
