Chapter 3 Three

Ruby sat in the back of a luxurious car as it drove her home. She had never dreamed of being in such a car her whole life but even the feeling wasn't exciting to her at the moment.

The driver, the same one she had seen on the day of the accident, was silent, his eyes focused on the road ahead. She rested her head on the car side window, her mind filled and racing with thoughts of what lay ahead.

When they finally arrived at Carrington mansion, Ruby couldn't help but be in awe.

The estate was magnificent. It had well trimmed lawns, gigantic green trees, and a fountain was perfectly situated at the centre of the massive landscape.

The mansion itself was a grand, three-story building with white walls and large, transparent windows.

The driver opened the door for her, and Ruby stepped out. As she walked up the steps to the gigantic front door, she couldn't help but feel like she was entering a prison rather than a home.

The door was opened by a stern-looking woman in a crisp white uniform. "Gooday, Welcome to Carrington Manor, Miss Rivers," she said with a formal nod. "My name is Miriam Lancaster. I am the head housekeeper and I have been expecting you. I'll show you to your quarters."

Ruby followed Mrs. Lancaster through the passageway, her eyes wide as she took in the exceptional interior decoration.

The house was beautiful, but it also felt empty and hostile. Everything was immaculate, but it felt lifeless.

Mrs. Lancaster led Ruby up the stairs and down a long passageway. "This will be your room," she said, opening a door at the far end of the passage .

The room was spacious, with a large bed, a wardrobe, and a desk. The window faced the gardens, and there was an ensuite bathroom attached.

"Dinner is served at seven," Mrs. Lancaster informed her. "Your duties begin tomorrow morning. Rose's room is the next room. You'll find a schedule of her activities on the desk. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask."

Ruby nodded, her throat tight. "Thank you."

Mrs. Lancaster left her alone in the room, and Ruby sat down on the edge of the bed, feeling completely unsettled and depressed.

She wanted to cry, but she couldn't afford to break down now. She had to be strong, for her mother's sake.

After unpacking her scanty belongings, Ruby forced herself to look over the schedule on the desk.

Rose Carrington's day was carefully planned, from her private tutoring sessions to her hobbies.

Ruby had never been responsible for a child before, and the thought of caring for a spoiled, wealthy girl like Rose was sure going to be tiring.

---

The next morning, Ruby woke early. She didn't really get a good night's rest because she spent the night tossing and turning, troubled by thoughts of her sick mother, her dead brother, and the task ahead of her.

The sun had hardly risen when she made her way to Rose's room.

She knocked on the door softly while saying "Good Morning, Miss Rose.May I come in?"

There was no response. She waited a few minutes before carefully opening the door and peeking inside.

"Rose?" Ruby called softly, stepping into the room.

The blankets on the bed shifted, and a little face peeked out, scowling at Ruby. Rose had jet black hair and brown eyes-so much like her father. Her face was filled with suspicion.

"Who are you?" Rose questioned, her voice tiny yet sharp.

"I'm Ruby," she replied gently, trying to keep her tone reassuring. "I'm your new nanny."

Rose sat up frowning. "I don't need a nanny. I can take care of myself. Go away, I don't want you in my room."

Ruby murmured to herself "I don't want to be here either but I have to be here."

She had expected Rose to be difficult, but she did not expect an outright rejection.

"Rose dear, I know you don't know me yet, but I'm here to help you," Ruby said, forcing herself to stay calm. "We can get to know each other better and have fun together."

Rose folded her arms across her chest, her expression stern. "I said I don't want you here. You're just like the others. You'll leave, too."

These words concerned Ruby. Rose wasn't just being difficult-she was hurt.

It was obvious that the little girl was tired of being attached to someone and being abandoned later. She had already lost her mother, and she had also lost count of how many Nannies she had had through her 6 years of living.

They all had resigned due to her dad's merciless and harsh behaviour towards them.

"I'm not going anywhere, Rose," Ruby said softly, stepping closer to the bed. "Trust me and see. I will always be here for you till you don't want me to be."

Rose didn't even have a choice. She had to be here to work out her debt and also enjoy the employee benefit while it still lasts.

Rose's face looked doubtful towards Ruby's words,"Why should I trust you? You're just here because my dad hired you. You don't care about me."

Rose was right, but Ruby refused to back down. "You're right, your dad did hire me," Ruby admitted, "but I wouldn't accept the job if I didn't care about you. I know we've just met, but I promise to always be here for you."

Rose stared at her for a long while, her expression hard to read. Finally, she threw off the bed covers and slid out of bed. Her small feet landed on the rug. She stood up straight, her face still unconvinced.

"Hhmm, We'll see about that," Rose said, her voice cold. "But don't think you can boss me around. I'm not like other kids."

Ruby smiled. This was a huge step and she seems to have overcome it. "I wouldn't dream of it. How about we get you ready for breakfast?"

Rose didn't respond, but she didn't hold out either as Ruby led her to the bathroom.

Ruby could sense the walls Rose had built around herself as she was almost done with Ruby's Morning routine, and she knew it would take time and patience to break through them.

Once Rose was dressed and ready, Ruby followed her downstairs to the dining room. The table was already set, and a small team of staff members was busy preparing the meal.

Brad was seated at the head of the table, glancing through a business magazine.

As soon as Rose saw her father, her attitude changed. She looked excited and happy. She ran to him,"Daddy!" she yelled, climbing onto his lap and wrapping her arms around his neck.

Brad's serious expression softened as he hugged his daughter. "Good morning, sweetie. How was your night? Did you sleep well?"

Rose nodded, "I guess. Ruby woke me up."

Brad thought to himself "First name basis already, she must be doing something right."

Brad's eyes shifted to Ruby, his eyes cold. "Is that so? How are you finding your new duties, Miss Rivers?"

Ruby swallowed, trying to remain calm under his intense examination. "It's been... a learning experience, Mr. Carrington. Rose is a very bright and beautiful girl."

Rose smiled.

Brad's lips wiggled in what might have been a smile, but it disappeared as quickly as it had come. "She is. And I expect you to take good care of her."

"I will," Ruby promised.

"Good." Brad's tone left no room for response. "You'll accompany Rose to her lessons today. I am sure you are already familiar with her schedule."

Ruby nodded, "Of course."

Breakfast was a quiet affair, with Rose sticking close to her father and Ruby feeling like a stranger.

After breakfast, Ruby took Rose to her private tutoring session in one of the mansion's many rooms. The tutor, an older woman named Mrs. Gosling, greeted Rose warmly and then glanced at Ruby with polite curiosity.

"You must be the new nanny," Mrs. Gosling said with a smile. "I'm Mrs. Gosling, Rose's tutor. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Likewise. My name is Ruby," Ruby replied, returning the smile. "I'll be staying with Rose during her lessons today."

"Of course." Mrs. Gosling turned to Rose. "Shall we begin, Rose?"

Rose nodded, already seated at the desk and flipping through her textbook. Ruby took a seat in the corner of the room, watching as the lesson began.

Rose was clearly a bright child. She answered questions thrown at her quickly and with confidence. Ruby was amazed at what this 6 year old could do.

After the lesson, Rose had a break before her next lesson.

Ruby decided to do something fun with Rose so as to further break the remaining awkwardness between them. But she has no idea what Rose would enjoy.

"Rose," Ruby said, "would you like to play a game? Or maybe we could go for a walk in the garden?"

Rose looked up from the book she was reading and replied. "We are not friends. Why would I play a game with you? Plus I can't go for a walk without Dad's permission."

Ruby bit her lip, trying to find the right words. "We are going to become friends soon."

"Plus, let going for a walk in the garden be our little secret. Your dad doesn't have to know." she smiled.

Rose looked excited but tried to hide it. she sighed and closed her book. "Fine. We can go to the garden. But don't think we are friends."

Ruby smiled, relieved to have made even a small breakthrough. "That's okay. We would be friends very soon"