Chapter 5 SAMANTHA'S POV

The nanny, Maria, she'd introduced herself with a quick nod and wide smile, grabbed the second suitcase from the front step without a word.

She wheeled it smoothly beside mine as we stepped into the foyer. Marble floors gleamed under our feet. I was just too conscious of everything, everything here costs real money. My eyes roamed around, a faint smile clung to my face.

The air smelled expensive, like I had to drop some cents to breathe comfortably here, fresh linen and citrus filled my nostrils.

We turned into the sitting room and my stomach twisted tighter. I jammed my lips together immediately, I can't be found drooling.

Victoria Langford sat on the biggest couch I'd ever seen, cream leather, wide enough to swallow my whole frame. Her laptop balanced on a glass table in front of her.

My eyes ran through the masterpiece of a human in front of me, blonde hair stuck behind her ears perfectly, a free-sized dress that allowed her skin shine effortlessly, diamond studs catching the light.

Her eyes caught mine as we entered, blue eyes that could send a man to his knees. For a moment I understood why Marcus was with her, but he was still an asshole for all I care, and I'll never forgive him.

"Welcome, Miss Harper," she said, voice cool and smooth. "Come on in. Sit."

She motioned to the couch across from hers, her eyes flew back to the laptop. I forced my legs to move. Maria parked the suitcases near the wall and disappeared down a hallway. pleated skirt flowing with her, hitting her calves.

I lowered myself onto the edge of the seat, back straight, hands clasped in my lap so she wouldn't see them shake.

Cold crawled up my spine. The AC hummed softly from a vent overhead, but I knew the real chill came from the man I'd just seen half-naked in this same house. Marcus. My Marcus. Or what used to be.

Victoria tilted her head, her eyes smiled alongside her lips. "You look a little pale. Long trip?"

"Just... excited. And maybe a little nervous." I forced a smile, rubbing both palms, hoping they don't rat me out.

Her lips curved. The smile didn't reach her eyes this time. It was the kind that could slice through glass.

"That's... Understandable. New beginnings are always a bit... unsettling." She closed the laptop halfway, fingers resting on the edge. "Tell me about yourself, Samantha. Why this job?"

I swallowed. "I'm organized. Reliable. I've handled schedules, travel arrangements, and personal errands before. I'm good under pressure." My voice sounded steadier than I felt. "And I need the stability it brings. For my family."

She nodded slowly. Eyes flickered all over me, like she was sizing me up.

"Family. Really important. You mentioned a sister in your application?"

"

Yes. Mia. She's... sick. Needs surgery soon. This job means I can help her, hopefully."

Something flickered in Victoria's gaze, softened, maybe. "I respect that, you see... Not all of us are fortunate to have a sibling or siblings." She leaned back.

"Now, the practical side. You'll handle my calendar, correspondence, some household oversight. You'll live here full-time, I'm sure you already know about that, hence the bags. Your room is upstairs, private bath, good view., I know you'll love that."

I shook my head too fast. "No. It all sounds perfect."

"You seem... distracted. Do you have any questions?" Her eyes studied me for another long second.

"No Ma.. I just.. I'm not. I Promise." I could feel my insides burn as I part my lips to flaunt my pretentious smile.

Victoria's smile sharpened. "Good. Because I value focus. And loyalty. This house runs on trust."

The word loyalty hit like a slap. My palms went damp again. I wiped them on my skirt under the table.

"Tell me," she continued, "how do you handle conflict? If someone crosses a boundary?"

I met her eyes. "I speak up. Calmly. But I don't back down."

"Interesting. And if it's personal?" Eyebrows arched, eyes stern on me.

I felt a lump form in my throat, I wrapped my palms around my duffel bag, steadying myself with it. Images flashed again, Marcus's shocked face, his bare chest, the way he'd said my name as it burned.

"Personal is... harder. But I'd still protect what matters, personal issues should never affect the Job... And business.

Victoria watched me for a beat. Then she nodded. "Fair enough Samantha."

Silence stretched. She opened the laptop again, fingers flying over the keys. I sat there, heart hammering, mind screaming questions I couldn't ask.

Where is he? Why is he here?

Did he know I was coming? How long has this been going on?

I wanted closure, I wanted to hear what happened, to know why he stopped calling, to know why he gave me a ring and disappeared.

I bit the inside of my cheek until I tasted blood. Closure wouldn't pay Mia's bills. Closure wouldn't keep a roof over my head. This job would. I chose the job.

"I'm never going to let him close to me. Sara said he's dead, so is he!" I tried so hard to convince myself of why I should let him be.

For Mia.For myself.

Victoria finally looked up. Her smile this time was warmer, real.

"I like you, Samantha. You're direct. You don't waste words. I think we could work well together."

Relief crashed through me so hard my shoulders sagged. "Thank you. You not going to regret hiring me."

She nodded, closed the laptop fully. "Maria!"

The nanny appeared almost instantly, hands folded in front of her.

"Take Miss Harper's bags to the east guest suite. Show her around later. She starts tomorrow morning, eight sharp."

"Yes, ma'am." Maria grabbed both suitcases again.

Victoria stood, smoothing her hair. "And... Welcome to the house once again, Samantha. Dinner's at seven if you'd like to join. Otherwise, your room has a small kitchenette. You could use that, ask Maria foranythingyou want."

"Thank you, Ms. Langford." I stood too, legs shaky.

"It is Victoria, Samantha," she corrected, already turning toward the hallway. "We're not formal here, Maria would tell you."

She disappeared around the corner.

Maria motioned for me to follow. I grabbed my duffel from the floor and trailed her up the wide staircase. My room was at the end of the hall, big windows, queen bed, soft gray walls, a tiny sitting area with a fridge and microwave. Luxurious. Quiet. Safe.

Maria set the suitcases down. "Anything you need, just call the house line. Extension zero."

"Thank you." I smiled back, eyes stuck on the beautiful artwork hung on the wall. She left with a small nod. The door clicked shut.

I fished my phone out of my duffel bag immediately; I had to speak to Sara at once.