Chapter 9

Mr Ross:

Shocked. Yes, shocked is the word. But that might still be an understatement for how I feel right now.

I'm currently in Lily's room looking at my new nanny having a sort of bonding session with my daughter. I was so worried when Lily entered the house hysterical. I still am actually. I thought I would just have to let her be tonight then take her out for some icecream tomorrow to ask her what happened.

But this? This I did not expect. Mia made sure we checked on her and now she's even consoling my daughter. It's in moments like these that I terribly miss her. If she was here, she would have been holding Lily to herself like this. The both of them talking in whispers, keeping secrets from me, looking out for each other.

Gratitude fills my heart for Mia. She is the first nanny out of the 47 nannies I have hired in the past six years that has actually tried to be there for Lily and try to be her friend.

Although Lily tries to hide it, it's clear that she's starting to have a soft spot for Mia. The sight in front of me makes me feel relaxed for the first time in a long time.

We leave her room and Mia goes downstairs to get us something to eat. They are both hiding something but I don't know what it is. For now, I just feel content with the fact that someone else is there for Lily and looking out for her. I'm sure I will eventually find out the truth sooner or later..

Before we eat, she stops us. I am already very hungry and I can tell it's the same case for Lily. Before I know it, a prayer is being said.

I drop my fork and Lily mumbles something incoherent. The nerve of this woman to pause my eating.

"Close your eyes. Father, we thank you for this food you have provided for us today. Father, may you continue to give to us so that we can do so for others who don't have. Thank you for your mercy, Lord. In Jesus name, Amen". We don't even bother closing our eyes. Well, regardless of what her actions did, I can't deny that she has shown that she has our best interests at heart. It's too early to say anything tho.

We all dig into the food and head off to bed right after.

I know something is up the next morning when Mia wanted the driver to take her and Lily to the school. I know that I won't be able to find out anything if the driver takes them so I offer them a ride instead and thankfully, she agrees. Not that she has much of a choice though.....

When we get to the garage, I decide to take my Rolls-Royce phantom when I hear an excited squeal.

"You have a 2024 Rolls-Royce phantom?! Oh my goshhhhh!". She starts squealing and running around the car in excitement. Have I ever seen a woman this excited over a car? Absolutely not.

Have I ever met a woman who probably by the looks of it knows the names of the cars I have here? Definitely not.

Lily looks up at me and we both just stand staring at Mia. Upon the realization that we are staring at her, she gets nervous. She clears her throat and starts moving from one foot to the other.

"Well, the car looks nice. That's.... that's all. We will be late". She is definitely embarrassed. She looks at us and starts smiling. Soon enough, she stops being tense.

At this realization, I can't help the smile that takes over my lips but I wipe it off before I'm caught. Why should I be smiling when it's her business what she likes?

Without saying anything, I just walk to my car and open the door. They both take the cue and do same.

Lily and Mia sit at the back while I drive to the school. Subconsciously, I keep stealing glances at them. Well, Mia through the overhead mirror. However, I'm not lucky this time because her eyes meet mine. I look away quickly and clear my throat.

"So why are you following her to school? If I recall properly, it's not part of your job description". I know that she won't tell me the truth. Whatever it is, both of them are intent on keeping it away from me.

She puts on a fake ass smile that's very obvious.

"I just wanted to know her school and after seeing her off, I'll go to school cause I still have about two hours left before my next class...sir". She knows I am not buying that excuse but still keeps a smile on. Well, two can play that game.

"Yes daddy and I told her to follow me today". I nod and keep quiet. A part of me is jealous that Lily prefers to keep a secret with someone she just met barely a week ago. I'm only consoled by the fact that Mia seems like a good person at heart. Although I've still not forgotten her scene at the supermarket. She is still going to pay for that...

Silence envelopes the car till we reach the school. I enter the parking lot that is not even up to the size of my garage and open the door for them to come down. I decided to put her in this school because it would allow her to be out of the public eye until she gets older and she will be able to interact with kids her age. Though she hasn't brought any friends over before, I hope she can soon.

Once they alight, I pull out of the parking lot. But what they don't know is that I parked my car a few blocks away from the school and walked into the school premises wearing a face cap to reduce the risk of being recognized. When your face is always in magazines every month, it's kind of hard to be in public without someone recognizing you. Even the teachers don't know that I'm her father. Only the headmistress.

It's been about five minutes since I left with my car and both of them are still in the parking lot. They are both standing and looking at something.

What could Mia be doing?