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Four

"It would be amazing if you got that job!" I shot Sam a glare. "What?" she asked, her mouth full of popcorn.

"The other day, you were so against babysitting. You didn't think it was fitting for someone like me." She rolled her eyes.

"Yeah, it doesn't if you were doing it in a basic home. But this family is rich! Freaking rich!"

"Money does change people's minds faster than a snake bites." I tossed some popcorn into my mouth, the movie on the television fading into the background as I remembered something. "It's been two days, Sam. What if I didn't get the job?"

"Chill, girl. Whether you get the job or not, you'll be called or texted at least." I had to agree with her and tried to remain calm.

Speaking of calm, my mind drifted to Mr. Powers. Recalling those eyes made my insides turn soft, a sensation my sober self hadn't felt towards men for some time. But I quickly gathered myself, reasoning that he was one of those fine men you see just once in your life. The kind that leaves your head spinning when you suddenly recall that incredibly handsome man you once saw.

So, I told my brain to stop planning a wedding. The likelihood of meeting him again was very slim.

But it would be so nice to see his face again. I hugged the bowl to my chest and allowed myself to indulge in some fantasy. I know I just told my brain not to, but I couldn't help it.

"Uh oh... I haven't seen that look on your face since Kyle." At the mention of that name, my fantasy crashed like a fragile plate, shattering into pieces.

"You know I don't like hearing that name, Sam," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. The light, jelly feeling inside me was suddenly replaced by a profound heaviness.

"Grace..." I shot her a warning glare.

"I don't want to hear his name."

"But..." My phone's ringtone cut off whatever she was about to say. I picked it up from my side, and PRIVATE NUMBER was boldly displayed on its screen. Normally, I'd ignore such calls, but I was expecting one, so I answered.

"Hello?"

'Grace Sands?' The way he said my name...

"Yes, this is she."

'You have been selected to be the babysitter for Ruby. You are to report to the house tomorrow by one for your training.'

"Really? Thank you very much, sir."

'Do. Not. Be. Late.' His voice was so... I couldn't quite place it. But I felt the need to know who I was speaking with.

"Who am I speaking to...?" The call was disconnected before I could finish my question. Slightly annoyed, I stared at the blank screen for a few seconds. He really hung up on me. I didn't want to judge too quickly, but what an attitude!

"Who was that?"

"I don't know. But I got the job."

Her face brightened. "Really? Yay! I knew it! Congrats, girl."

"Thanks. I hope this turns out to be interesting, though."

"What if it isn't?"

I shrugged. "I'll probably quit."

"No, no. You're not quitting. You won't have to. Rich people have the most drama, so it'll be fun. So, who are you babysitting?"

"A girl named Ruby."

"She sounds cute. Have fun." Her expression turned serious. "I hope this means no more of your nighttime drama."

"Yes, it does. I promise." She gave me a reassuring smile and then threw her arms around me for a tight hug.


“I'm sure going to miss working here. Trust me, Ruby is a great darling. You will love working here,” I smiled at Fiona, the lady who had interviewed me. It turned out she was Ruby’s nanny.

“Fiona?” She turned to face me. “Why are you quitting this job if you love it so much?”

She sat down on a stool in the kitchen, and I took the one beside her. We had just finished my training. I was introduced to the whole house, given a list of Ruby’s likes and dislikes, and shown her weekly calendar.

“Well, my husband has finally retired from the military, and I would love to spend some time with him. It has been so long.”

“You must miss him so much.” She gave me a short smile and nodded. “How many years have you been Ruby’s nanny?”

“Ever since she was born. So, five years, if my math is right.”

“Whoa, ever since she was born? Why? Isn’t her mother around or something?”

Fiona jolted as if something had sparked inside her. “Grace! You are a nice lady, and I want you to be the one to babysit Ruby. But if you want to keep this job, you must mind your business. Their family is no issue of yours. Just do your job and get paid. Okay?”

“Uh… yes. Alright. Mind my business.” The way she said those words, though... Maybe Sam was right. They are probably one of those rich families with secrets.

Instantly, Fiona switched from a concerned mother giving advice to a cheerful youth. “Speaking of getting paid, your monthly salary is five thousand dollars.”

If I had been drinking water at that moment, I would have choked. Five thousand dollars for babysitting?

Fiona chuckled at my bulging eyes.

“You have no idea how much I am being paid. Just enjoy your job and the pay. As I said, Ruby is an angel; you will have no issue with her.”

“I have a question, though. Why does she have to go to another floor to get schooled? It's called homeschooling for a reason.”

“It's how the teacher wants it; he says it's more convenient for him since he's in a wheelchair. I had my worries too since the teacher is a grown man, so I usually sit with them throughout the lesson. But as you know, I had to train you today, so I sent the housekeeper instead.”

I sighed. “If that’s the case, then this should be fun.”

Fiona got off the stool and walked toward the exit. “It’s almost three o'clock; Ruby should be on her way now.” I stood up and followed her. She raised a finger as if to say something else.

“Her father will be around by seven p.m., so you have to stay until then. Remember to start early tomorrow. Seven a.m. is the time. If you can come earlier, that would be better.”

“Thanks, Fiona.” As soon as we reached the living room, the entrance door opened, and a little girl stood by it. As she fully entered the room, my face immediately lit up in a huge smile. She was so freaking pretty. She wore a black gown top with a pink flower in the center, paired with blue leggings. She had on flip-flops, so as she ran toward Fiona, they made clapping sounds against the tiles.

“There’s my baby.” Fiona hugged her to her chest, almost burying the girl with her love and... her chest. When she let her go, Ruby looked toward me. Her eyes were honey-like in color, and her hair was pure black, the way it fell framing her round face beautifully.

Fiona took the backpack off her back as Ruby turned to her again.

“Is she my new nanny?” Her voice was just as it should be—like a child's, not too high-pitched like some girls tend to have.

“Yes, Ruby. Say hello.”

She extended her tiny hand to me. “Hi. I’m Ruby. You?”

“Grace,” I replied. Your babysitter, not nanny.

“You’re pretty.” She batted her lashes furiously, her face revealing deep dimples as she smiled.

“Thank you, Ruby. You’re also pretty.”

“Do you want to go look at my toys? I have an Iron Man action figure.” My, my. I was expecting some Barbie gang, but this is good.

I struck a dramatic pose. “Don’t tell me you’re a Marvel fan too?”

She jumped happily and smiled again. Damn, she’s pretty. “I am. I love Hulk!”

“This is great. Let’s go upstairs and look at those action figures,” I smiled at Fiona, who gave me a thumbs up.

Ruby grabbed my hand, her little one barely covering a quarter of mine. “Let’s go, Grace. We can even watch Thor too if you want.”

“I would love to.” I laughed loudly as she somehow dragged me upstairs. She was a nice kid, for sure. And I should totally enjoy this new job.


It was already past seven, and her father had yet to arrive. We were both in the living room, watching YouTube videos. Fiona was still around, making dinner in the kitchen.

As I pondered how my night would unfold, a sound from the entrance door drew our eyes away from the laptop. "Daddy!" Ruby got up and rushed to the door, hugging him before he could fully enter.

"Hey, Ruby. How are you?" I stood up straight as I waited for him to come in. His voice was like the one over the phone, and even though his attitude had annoyed me a bit then, I decided to keep cool.

"I'm fine, Daddy. I got a new nanny." Babysitter. Say babysitter. It's not that hard to say.

"And she's very pretty." The way she elaborated, you'd think I was Priyanka Chopra.

"Nice. Let's go in."

I decided to walk closer to the door, as it would be rude if my employer had to come to me. Reaching the single step that led to the living room from outside, I stopped.

I looked up from my shoe, which I was checking for a stain from Ruby's painting earlier in the afternoon. As soon as my eyes met Ruby's father's, my jaw dropped slightly.

Mr. Powers, the man I was fantasizing about marrying, stood in front of me, his daughter in his arms looking like she had just won the lottery. He put her down and walked toward me. His blue eyes looked down at me as he stopped a few meters from the edge of the step.

"Miss Sands. I heard you came early today." Oh my God, his voice. It was so deep yet soft. "Good. Keep up that pace, and you'll have your job for a while."

Stay calm.

He pocketed his hands in his suit trousers, which, as I mentioned before, he wore perfectly. "I trust Fiona has briefed you."

Unable to trust my voice, I nodded, biting my lip as I clamped it shut.

"Alright." And he walked past me, his shoes climbing the steps gracefully.

I facepalmed myself and groaned inwardly. How will I survive this? My boss is a freaking hot, sexy, handsome man. And... I'm babysitting his daughter! My poor hormones!

"Grace..." I dropped my hands from my face and gave Ruby a warm smile.

"Ruby, I have to go. I need to get as much rest as possible right now."

"What? Aren't you staying for dinner?" Fiona suddenly appeared.

"No, Fiona. As you know, I have to be up early tomorrow." And the thought of drunken me won't be happy about this! But whatever! I need to be decent!

I sang the words in my head.

"I wish you could live with us. I can't wait to see you again!" Ruby said, and I walked over to her, grabbing my stuff from Fiona, who had helped me gather them.

"Ruby, I'll be back tomorrow, and maybe we can check out that pool you mentioned."

"Okay. Goodnight, Grace."

"Goodnight, Ruby."

An iPhone ringtone filled the room immediately. Checking to see if it was mine, Fiona said, "Oh, that's my phone. It's probably my son Kyle."

I felt my head spin. Fiona must have noticed some change in my demeanor when she looked up from her muted phone. "Darling, are you alright? You look rather pale."

"I... I need to go now," I managed to say. "Goodnight, Fiona. Have a nice evening."

"Night. Sleep well." I smiled and walked out of the room. As soon as I reached the elevator, I punched in the floor number and let out the breath I'd been holding in.

What has Kyle done to me?

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