Chapter 5 Five

Ruby Rivers was content and at ease over the past six months at the Carrington mansion.

What had begun as an unpredicted and impossible situation-becoming the live-in nanny and pretend wife of Brad Carrington-had slowly become convenient.

Ruby found herself growing closer to both Rose and, surprisingly, Brad.

Brad had changed notably. He took her shopping from time to time and even started picking her up from school, even though he claimed that it was on his way back from work.

He did look at her coldly and didn't sound cold either. Even Rose, who she had once thought would make her life difficult, now loved her dearly.

While all these changes were suitable for her, Ruby couldn't let herself get too comfortable.

She reminded herself daily that this was all temporary. She had only four months left in this arrangement, and then she would be free-free from her debts, free to finish school, and free from the complicated feelings she was developing for Brad.

It was a peaceful afternoon at the Carrington mansion. Ruby was in the kitchen, cleaning up after lunch.

As Ruby walked toward the living room, she stopped when she heard Rose talking to her father..

"Daddy, will Ruby stay with us forever?" Rose asked in a small, concerned voice.

Brad looked down at Rose, surprised. He puts down his phone, carries her up and sits her on his lap. "Why do you ask that, sweetie?"

Rose looked up at him. "I really like her, Daddy. I don't want her to leave me like the others. I... I wish she could be my mom."

Brad felt his heart pound. It was true-since Ruby had come into their lives, everything had changed.

Rose was happier, and deep down, Brad knew he was too, though he tried not to think about it.

He hugged Rose. "Sweetie, Ruby isn't going anywhere, I promise," Brad said gently. "She'll stay with us forever."

"Really? You promise?" Rose asked,smiling.

"I promise," Brad said.

As Rose rested on his body, Brad began to think. How could he get Ruby to stay? He would do anything to make her stay , even resorting to threats.

"It's not like I care. She owes me, and Rose needs her." He murmured to himself trying to convince himself that that was all to it.

Yet, he knew there was more to it.

Outside the room, Ruby stood frozen. She couldn't believe what she had overheard.

She felt happy that Rose wanted her to stay, and that Brad seemed to care and want her around.

But she was also scared. What if Brad forcefully tried to make her stay when the year was up? She had been counting down the months until she could reunite with her mother and go back to her normal life.

Rose fell asleep within minutes, and Brad asked Ruby to take her upstairs.

As Ruby carried Rose up to her room, Brad followed close behind. Once they reached the bedroom, Ruby tucked Rose into bed gently .

Brad stood by the door, watching them, and then said, "Ruby, I want to talk to you."

Ruby's heart started pounding as they walked to Brad's home office. She hoped it wasn't about the conversation she had overheard earlier.

Once they were in his office, Brad looked at her. "It's four months remaining until your contract expires, " he began, his voice firm. "How are you going to live when you leave here?"

Ruby replied sharply but softly. "Well, I plan to visit my mom in the hospital more often and take care of her."

I'll also have to go back to my part-time job since I have to earn money to pay for housing bills," she said.

Brad replied softly. "If I let you visit your mom more often, start paying you for your time here," he said, looking her directly in the eyes, "would you be willing to stay? For Rose?"

Ruby was shocked. She hadn't expected Brad to be so direct. She could see how much he cared about his daughter.

"Are you saying you want me to stay after the contract expires?" she asked, her voice a bit shaky.

Brad nodded. "Rose needs you, Ruby. She's a lot happier when you're around, and... I don't want to lose that. I don't want her to lose that," he admitted.

"I don't want to lose you either." This thought came as quickly as it left in Brad's head.

Ruby looked at him. She hadn't expected this though she knew with her heart that she genuinely cared for Rose-and, if she was honest with herself, Brad too.

Before she could respond, a sudden knock on the door interrupted them. Ruby's head snapped towards the door, her heart still pounding from Brad's unexpected proposal.

"I'll get it," she said quickly, needing a moment to collect her thoughts. Brad nodded, watching her closely as she turned and left the room.

Ruby hurried downstairs, her mind spinning. She love Rose but did she love her enough to give up her freedom? Was she ready to be around Brad while these feelings in her were growing by the day?

Her thoughts were abruptly interrupted when she opened the front door.

Standing on the doorstep was a woman-a woman Ruby recognized immediately, though she had only seen her in pictures.

Ruby's mouth was wide open. This couldn't be real. It had to be a dream. She rubbed her eyes to make sure it wasn't.

"Hello," the woman said, her voice soft and a little tense. "I'm looking for Brad Carrington. Is he home?"

Ruby still couldn't understand what was happening. She knew who this was, but it didn't make any sense.

This woman was supposed to be dead. Brad had told her so. Everyone believed it. And yet, here she was, standing right in front of her.

"Alexa...?" Ruby whispered..

"Yes," the woman replied. "And you are?"

Ruby mumbled. "I'm Ruby. Ruby Rivers. I am the nanny"

Alexa's face seemed doubtful. " You are a nanny?"

Ruby opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, she heard Brad's footsteps coming down the stairs.

"Ruby, Who's at the door?" He said before his eyes locked onto the woman at the door.

Brad froze for a second. He was either insane or dead to be able to see his dead wife standing on his front porch.

"Alexa?" His voice was barely more than a whisper when he finally got a hold of himself. He continued filled with shock and disbelief. "But... you're dead."