Chapter 4

By 7 am, I was already dressed and even ready to leave the house.

I even took extra care of my appearance today. I can only imagine how neat a man like Mr Ross wants his staff to be. Especially someone that is supposed to be his daughter's nanny. If at all anything, I need to look like a put together lady. I wonder is he will require me to wear a uniform.

At this point, I'll probably agree to anything. I tied my mini twists up in a bun. Thank God for the length I managed to get from my father. I'm wearing a yellow sundress that I've not worn in over three years. I didn't exactly have anything to dress up for...

Anyways, I look really pretty if I may say so myself. I wore a black sandal that I keep for special occasions. Ain't no body got no money for no new shoes! My sandals look hella cute anyways. They have both got this little black bows on them.

I'm even sure his daughter would fancy them. Girls like cute stuff after all. Is it me or am I sounding like an old aunt?

I check the time again and it's almost 8 am. I don't think I even have the stomach for a complete breakfast so I make myself a cup of coffee and a slice of toast bread. That should keep me till I get back home. I put on some lipgloss and leave the house.

Let's hope everything goes as planned today. I really need this job. The Uber I called has just arrived so I take my purse and leave the house.

Should I have worn the blue gown instead? There's no time for second thoughts. I look good enough.

I get to the address in less than 10 minutes. Right now, it's just 8:40. So that's good enough for me.

The house before me stands regal and elegant in all it's glory. It's clear that it's definitely owned by a rich man. How rich could this man really be?

The huge house amidst meticulously manicured lawns and tranquil water features unfolds like a mansion as the huge black gates open to let us in. Its sleek, contemporary design boasts expansive glass walls, seamlessly integrating indoor and outdoor spaces.

There are men in black uniforms around the lawn. Yup, this man is definitely important.

The facade's warm, white colored stone and crisp and white accents evoke sophistication and elegance.

There's a smaller gate in front of the main house. So much security. Damn. I get down from the Uber and walk over to the black doorbell or in this case, the gate bell and press it twice.

Almost immediately, a voice sounds through the speaker.

"Who is that?"

"I am Mia Pierce. I have an interview by 9 am with Mr Ross". A silence follows for a while before the small gate begins to open on it's own.

As I'm going up the tiled steps leading up to the door of the house, the main door opens and I come face to face with Sheila. A wide smile comes to my face. Finally, a familiar face.

"Welcome, welcome. You are quite punctual. I love it". Nerves start sprouting in my stomach.

"I'm glad you do. Do I look okay though? I was trying to go for a simple but neat look. Did I pull it off? I'm really nervous. Oh God, I'm rambling. Aren't I?". I put my face in my hands and mellow down.

"Oh love! It's completely normal to get jitters. By the way, you look absolutely gorgeous. He is a good man, strict but a very nice man. You will do great. I trust you. He is ready for you now". My heartbeat returns back to normal at her words. I let out a breath I have been holding.

"Thanks a lot". She opens the door to let me in. Upon entering, a soaring gold coated foyer greets with a stunning chandelier and sweeping staircase. Polished marble floors reflect the light of the whole hall.

As I enter the grand living hall, I'm enveloped in opulence and sophistication. The spacious room stretches at least 25 feet high, with floor-to-ceiling glass walls that disappear into the walls, seamlessly merging indoor and outdoor spaces.

Natural light pours in highlighting the rich, dark hardwood floors, the creamy white walls adorned with precise artwork, the plush, wine sectional sofa and the accent colors and ottoman's in luxurious fabrics.

"You can take a seat here. I'll inform him that you are here. He should be down soon". I nod in response.

I try to make myself comfortable regardless of how out of place I really feel while waiting for Mr Ross to come down.

Not long after, I hear footsteps and turn towards the staircase to get a better look. That must be Mr Ross.

The face I turn to look at leaves my greetings stuck in my throat. This has to be a bad nightmare. I'm definitely screwed.

Standing at an intimidating height, a vision of refined masculinity, with chiseled features and a strong jawline, he walks up to me. He has on a tailored navy blue suit that accentuates his broad shoulders and lean physique, the crisp lines and precise cut showcasing his sense of fashion. He has on black shoes polished to perfection which complements his outfit, adding a hint of power and authority. His wavy jet black hair is swooped to the side like the last time I saw him only this time, he looks appetizing. What? Did I just think that? My thoughts are scar-

"Take a picture, it will last longer". He caught me. Forget about his face, I hate his guts.

"Eww. Cringe". I mutter under my breath. He raises a brow.

"I didn't quite catch that. Did you say something?". I hope he didn't hear me. I need this job despite whatever dislike I have for him.

Determined to salvage this situation, I stand up to face him with a smile on my face.

"It was nothing. I was just saying how beautiful your house is and by extension even you. I'm sure you must get compliments everytime. I am Mia Pierce and I'm here for the interview for the nanny position". A look of shock crosses his expression briefly. Good.

He puts his hands into his pockets.

"You are quick and smart, I must say. Anyways, take your seat". He stretches his hand towards the chair but I wait for him to take a seat first.

"Thank you sir". I put my purse on my leg and keep the fake ass smile on my lips.

"You look familiar. Have we met somewhere before?". He cocks his head to the side. Shit! It's fine. I can still play it well. If he decides to behave like he doesn't remember, who am I to remind him?

"No sir. I don't think so. I'm sure I would remember a face like yours if I have met you before". I chuckle dryly.

"If you see so. So Miss Pierce, what makes you the best candidate for the position of my daughter's nanny? Because according to the details I have gathered about you, you have worked almost any kind of menial job except being a nanny. So why should I hire you?". Oh, he definitely remembers me. I try to ignore the fact that he has been digging around me. Stalker much?

"Yes I don't have direct experience as a nanny but being a baby sitter times without number has taught me a numerous amount of things about children. Moreover, I have a little sister who is under my care. So I know that I'm very capable of taking care of your daughter". He nods in response and doesn't say anything. He stares at me for some seconds then stand up.

"My daughter's name is Lily. She is 6 years old. She will be down here in a few minutes. Get her to like you in one week. Do that and the job is yours. Any bad complaints from her about you and you will be gone. Also, you are expected to live in the house during the time you will be working here. You will be paid $50 dollars per day. Make a decision on whether you want your pay given to you everyday or at the end of the month. I need a reply by the end of the day. I will send you an email about your job requirements and the rules you must abide to while working here. If you don't mind, I would like you to start today. You can move in tomorrow". Utterly shocked, I quickly stand up.

"I don't mind starting today. Thank you for the opportunity. You won't regret it". A genuine smile takes over my face this time around.

"Don't thank me just yet. Get her to like you first. You will receive an email before the end of the day. Sheila will show you around". I nod in appreciation.

"Sheila!". He yells her name calmly. Disadvantages of having a huge house I guess.

Rich people problems.

"Sir?"

Sheila rushes out from a door that's at the side of the hall. She has an apron on.

"Show Mia around the house. Tell her Lily's schedule for the day. I will be back quite late so make sure Lily has her dinner on time and she's in bed by 9pm".

"Yes sir. Have a nice day". He nods in response and takes his phone out of his pocket.

He dials a number and places it on his ear.

"Andy. Come inside". Less than a minute later, a huge looking man comes in. He stands in front of Mr Ross while looking dead serious. I can't believe I picked a fight with a man that has so much security. My temper and mouth might really kill me one day.

"This is Miss Mia. She will be working as Lily's nanny. Anytime she leaves the house, she should be accompanied by a guard. Have a car drop her off at her house tonight and the car should pick her up by 9 am tomorrow morning. Am I clear?".

"Yes sir". Andy spares me a glance then returns his eyes to his boss.

"Let's get going. Have you sorted out what I asked you to?"

"Yes sir. Everything is good now".

"Good. The clients will be at the office soon. Let's leave". With that said, they leave the house.

The minute the door closes, I rush to hug Sheila.

"Thank you so much! This couldn't have happened without your help". I pull away from her with a huge smile on my face that is mirrored on hers.

"You are welcome love. I am very happy for you. Let's get on with the tour. Shall we?" She pokes out her arm for me.

"Yes, we shall". We laugh and walk further into the house together.

As we are about to go up the stairs, a tiny, golden-haired little girl emerges, her descent a vision of innocence and elegance. She's dressed in plush, pale pink pyjamas adorned with delicate lace trim and tiny, sparkling stars.

She must be Lily. She has bright blue eyes like her father. Her long, curly blonde hair cascades down her back tangled from sleep.

Her tiny bare feet covered in a Doc McStuffins themed socks peek out from beneath her pyjamas. A brown teddy bear is clutched tightly in her left hand. A frown is on her lips making her look like a cute angry bird. I almost laugh at her expression.

As she reaches the bottom of the steps and faces us, her frown etches deeper into her face.

"Where is my dad?!". She yells at us. I'm immediately taken aback by her attitude. She's probably just upset that her dad left without seeing her.

"You must be Lily. I'm Mia. I'm your new nanny. Your dad just left for work. I'm sorry". A downcast look takes over her face briefly before her angry look comes back.

She eyes me angrily, hisses and starts going back upstairs. Mid-way she stops and looks back at us.

"I want some pancakes for breakfast with grapes". She continues on her way. If I thought her father was bad, this girl is even worse.

How can such a little girl have such a bad attitude? Well, she better watch it. Calm down Mia, you need this job. I turn to look at Sheila with a baffled questioning look and she just shrugs in response.

"That's just how she is". If Sheila can put up with her? Why can't I? She's just a little girl. She can't be that bad to win over. Can she?