Chapter 3 First Day on the Job

A New Beginning

Rose stood outside the Ashford estate once again, but this time, she wasn't just a visitor, She was an employee.

Her fingers tightened around the strap of her bag as she inhaled deeply, trying to shake off her nerves. This wasn't just any job. It was a fresh start, her chance to rebuild her life.

As she stepped closer, the gates parted smoothly, as if the house itself had been expecting her.

No turning back now.

Walking up the path, she took in the sheer grandeur of the mansion-the sprawling gardens, the pristine white columns, the enormous glass windows reflecting the morning sun. It was beautiful, but it carried an intimidating air, like a place that had no room for mistakes.

At the entrance, a butler greeted her with a polite nod. He was an older man, with sharp eyes and a posture so rigid she wondered if he ever relaxed.

"Mr. Ashford is in his office," he informed her. "Miss Ella is in the playroom. You'll be expected to start immediately."

Rose swallowed and nodded. "Got it."

The butler didn't linger. He simply turned and walked away, leaving Rose to find her way to the playroom alone.

Rose hesitated for only a moment before pushing open the playroom door.

Inside, a soft rug covered the floor, and plush toys were scattered across the room in a colorful mess. At the center of it all sat Ella, clutching her stuffed bunny and humming to herself.

The second the little girl looked up, her entire face lit up.

"Rosie!"

Before Rose could react, Ella jumped up and ran toward her, throwing her tiny arms around her waist.

Rose laughed, kneeling to hug her back. "Good morning, princess."

Ella pulled away just enough to beam at her. "Daddy never calls me that."

Rose smirked, brushing a strand of hair behind the girl's ear. "Maybe we'll just keep it our little secret, then."

Ella giggled, nodding enthusiastically. "Okay!"

Just as Rose was settling in, a deep voice cut through the moment.

"You're early."

She turned sharply, her breath hitching slightly.

Christian Ashford stood in the doorway, his hands in his pockets, his expression unreadable as usual. He was dressed in a crisp white shirt with the sleeves rolled up, his dark hair perfectly in place. His eyes flicked to Ella briefly before settling on Rose.

"I figured I'd get a head start," Rose replied, standing up.

Christian studied her for a second longer than necessary, then gave a small nod. "Good."

And just like that, he turned and walked away, disappearing down the hall without saying any other word.

Ella tugged on Rose's hand. "Come play tea party with me!"

Rose smiled, shaking off the lingering tension from Christian's presence. "Of course, Your Highness."

As the day went on, Rose quickly realized that being Ella's nanny wasn't just about playing with dolls.

Ella was a picky eater.

"I don't like carrots," she declared at lunch, pouting as she pushed them around her plate.

Rose leaned in conspiratorially. "What if we make them superhero carrots? They give you super speed."

Ella narrowed her eyes in consideration. "Super speed?"

"Mhm. But only if you eat at least three."

After a long moment, Ella grabbed a carrot, popped it into her mouth, and chewed thoughtfully. "They don't taste like super speed."

Rose laughed. "It takes a few minutes to activate."

Ella huffed but ate two more, and Rose silently celebrated her first small victory.

Nap Time.

Convincing Ella to nap was another battle entirely.

"I'm not tired!" she insisted, rubbing her eyes.

Rose arched an eyebrow. "Not even a little?"

"Nope!"

The yawn that followed immediately after betrayed her, making Rose smile. "How about a story, then? You don't have to sleep just close your eyes and listen."

Ella hesitated, then flopped onto her bed. "Okay... but only if it's a good story."

Rose chuckled and began telling her a fairy tale, adding her own twists until Ella's soft breathing filled the room.

By mid-afternoon, Rose had learned the unspoken rules of the Ashford estate.

The staff was polite but distant, avoiding unnecessary conversation. When she asked the housekeeper a question, the woman answered briefly before excusing herself.

Rose noticed one thing quickly everyone was careful around Christian.

She caught a few of them exchanging glances when she spoke confidently, as if silently betting on how long she'd last.

It only made her more determined.

By the end of the day, she was exhausted but happy.

That evening, as she was preparing to leave, she nearly collided with someone.

Christian.

His sharp gaze flicked over her as she steadied herself. "You survived the first day."

Rose crossed her arms. "Was there a bet on whether I'd quit?"

His lips twitched slightly, almost a smirk but not quite. "You'd be surprised how many nannies don't last a full day."

Rose arched an eyebrow. "Well, I'm not like most nannies."

A flicker of interest passed through his eyes, gone so quickly she wondered if she imagined it. He studied her in silence for a moment before giving a small nod. "Good. Ella needs consistency."

Before she could respond, he turned and walked away, leaving her standing there, her heart beating a little faster than it should.

As Rose stepped out of the mansion, she exhaled deeply, letting the tension leave her shoulders.

This was only day one, but she already knew working for Christian Ashford was going to be anything but ordinary.