Chapter 3

*EMMA'S ROOM*

Emma, with her curly blonde hair and bright blue eyes, sat on a plush couch, her tiny feet tapping impatiently on the floor. She was surrounded by toys and books, but her attention was focused on the woman standing before her.

Alina, dressed in a simple yet elegant black dress, smiled warmly as she approached Emma. "Hi Emma, it's very nice to see you."

Emma's gaze narrowed, her eyes scanning Alina from head to toe. "You're the new nanny?" she asked, her voice laced with disdain.

Alina nodded, unfazed by Emma's haughty tone. "Yes, I'm your new nanny and my name is Alina. I'm very excited to get to know more about you, your favorite meal? Your favorite color? Your hobbies? I just can't wait." Alina said, trying to sound friendly and approachable.

Emma snorted, her lips curling into a pout. "I don't think getting to know me is part of your job Alina, and I don't need a nanny. I'm perfectly fine on my own."

Alina's smile didn't go off even though she was tired putting up with a fake smile. "I'm definitely sure you're okay on your own. But sometimes, having a friend to play with can be a lot of fun."

Emma raised an eyebrow, with an amused expression on her face. "You think you're my friend?"

Alina knelt down beside Emma, her eyes meeting the child's. "I'd like to be, Emma. If you'll let me."

Emma scoffed, crossing her arms over her chest. "I don't need your help. And I certainly don't want to get to know you better. You're just a servant, after all."

Alina's eyes widened at the girl's rudeness, but she tried not to take it personally. She remembered Lucas's warning about Emma's behavior and decided to try a different approach.

"Okay, Emma. I understand you might not want to talk to me right now. But maybe we can start with something fun? Like playing a game or going for a walk?"

Emma raised an eyebrow, her expression skeptical. "What's in it for me?"

Alina hesitated, unsure of how to respond. She didn't want to bribe Emma into behaving, but she also wanted to establish a connection with the girl.

"Let's just say it'll be a fun surprise," Alina said, trying to sound enticing.

Emma shrugged, her shoulders barely moving. "Fine. But if this is boring, I'm blaming you."

Alina tried to hide her disappointment at Emma's response, but it was clear that the girl was not interested in making friends. Emma's eyes gleamed with a mischievous light as she began to dictate terms.

"I want to go to the park, but don't expect me to hold your hand or anything gross like that. And don't even think about trying to talk to me about feelings or any of that nonsense. I'm only going because I want to, not because I like you."

Alina's face stung from the verbal slap, but she tried to remain calm. She remembered Lucas's warning about Emma's behavior, and she was determined to rise above it.

"Okay, Emma. We'll go to the park tomorrow, You'll behave right?"

Emma snorted, rolling her eyes. "I'm not a baby, you know. I can take care of myself. And don't bother trying to tell me what to do. I do what I want, when I want."

Alina chuckled, before turning to Lucas who was watching from a distance without saying a word. He stepped out of the room followed by Alina.

"You've had kids before?" He suddenly asked her.

"Yeah, one... But she's gone." Alina replied her eyes getting misty all off a sudden.

"Oh my gosh! I'm sorry if I hit a sore spot. Are you okay?" Lucas asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Why did you ask anyway?" Alina turned to stare at his handsome face.

"Well, the way you were with Emma. Usually, her nannies don't last. They stay for a day and leave because they can't tolerate her."

Alina smiled. "She's a nice child."

"Don't let her looks deceive you. You don't know Emma, a little advice if you care to listen. The only person who she understands is her father. So don't think you'll be any different from all the previous nannies."

"Tssk! That was rude. You're starting to sound like Emma." Alina made a sour face and they both laughed together.

"So, how do you like your job?" Lucas asked.

"I'd rather be quiet for now. Let's get to know more..." Alina said.

"That's great. I hate to go but I have to. The maids will show you to your room. It's beside Emma's. Don't worry, I'll visit often." Lucas said and Alina nodded before waving at him.

~ ~

Alina's eyes widened as she stepped into her new room, her gaze sweeping across the spacious interior. She couldn't believe the sheer size of it – it was like a miniature apartment!

"Wow," she breathed, her voice barely above a whisper. "This is...huge!"

She walked further into the room, her feet sinking into the plush carpet. The walls were painted a soft, creamy white, and the furniture was a warm, honey-brown wood. A large window dominated one wall, flooding the room with natural light and offering a stunning view of the estate's gardens.

Alina's eyes landed on the bed, a majestic four-poster affair with curtains that looked like they were made of silk. She felt a thrill of excitement – she'd never had a bed that big all to herself before!

As she explored the room, Alina couldn't help but compare it to the tiny space she'd shared with Mia back in their apartment. This room was easily three times the size of that one, with plenty of space to move around and stretch out.

She ran her hand over the smooth surface of the dresser, admiring the intricate carvings on the mirror above it. A separate sitting area beckoned, with a comfortable-looking armchair and a matching ottoman. And through a doorway, she glimpsed a sparkling en-suite bathroom, complete with a walk-in shower and a tub that looked big enough to swim in.

"Far bigger than the one I shared with Mia," Alina said aloud, her voice full of wonder. "I could get used to this..."

~ ~

Sitting on the edge of her bed, she recalled she hadn't done something she had never failed to do. She had not spoken to her mother since yesterday, she searched her handbag for her phone and dialed her mother's phone number.

"Mum, you won't believe where I am right now," Alina said, her voice barely containing her excitement. "I'm at this incredible mansion, and I'm going to be taking care of this little girl named Emma."

Her mother's voice came through the line, warm and curious. "A new job? You're gonna be a nanny? Alina sweetie... Are you sure you can do it?".

"Mum, I have to stop living in the fear of the past and move on right? Besides, I have to take care of you. I promised you I'd never leave you remember?"

"Okay, we have to be positive baby. Tell me more about the job?"

Alina launched into a description of the Blackwood Estate, her words tumbling out in a rush. "It's like a palace, Mum! There's a grand foyer with a sweeping staircase, and a living room that's bigger than our whole house. And the garden! Oh, the garden is stunning. I've never seen so many flowers and trees in one place."

Her mother chuckled. "Sounds like you're in awe, kiddo. But what about the family? What are they like?"

Alina's tone turned a bit more hesitant. "Well, Emma can be a bit...challenging. She's very spoiled and rude, but I'm trying to be patient and understanding. And Mr. Black... I mean her father... He's okay. And then there's Lucas, his friend...he's really nice and helpful."

"What about the child's mother?"

"She's adopted." Alina said in a whisper.

Her mother's voice turned serious. "Alina, be careful, okay? You're in a new environment, and you don't know these people yet. Keep your guard up and don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything."

Alina nodded, even though her mother couldn't see her. "I will, Mum. Don't worry. I'll be fine."

As they chatted for a few more minutes, Alina couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and wonder. She was really doing this – she was living in a mansion and working for a wealthy family. And despite the challenges, she was determined to make it work.