Chapter 1 The Job Offer

Isabella's pov

I pulled my coat tighter around my body as the cool autumn breeze swept through the busy streets of New York. The city never slept, but at this hour, as the sun began its descent, it seemed to take a breath.

I exhaled slowly, checking the address on the crumpled piece of paper in her hand.

I saw the ad two days ago-Nanny Needed for Private Household. High Pay. Discretion Required. The vague wording had intrigued her. After months of struggling with dead-end jobs and barely scraping by, I needed this.

My best friend, Camila, had warned her.

"It sounds sketchy, Isa. What kind of 'private household' needs that much discretion?"

But I didn't have the luxury to be picky. I had rent due, student loans piling up, and a sick mother back in Miami who needed medical care. High pay? That was exactly what I needed.

Now, standing in front of an elegant brownstone in an upscale neighbourhood, I hesitated. It wasn't what I expected. The place screamed money, but not in a flashy, modern way. It was old wealth, the kind that carried secrets.

I pressed the doorbell, my pulse quickening.

A moment later, the heavy wooden door swung open, revealing a tall man in a black suit. He looked her over, his expression unreadable.

The man at the door had the kind of presence that made people stop and reconsider their choices. Tall, broad-shouldered, calculating eyes, he studied me like i was an unexpected problem.

"You're here for the nanny position?" His voice was deep and smooth but held a slight edge-like he was testing her

I straightened my spine"Yes. Isabella Lopez

The man didn't introduce himself. Instead, he stepped aside, silently inviting her in. I hesitated for only a second before stepping across the threshold.

The inside of the house was even grander than I expected. High ceilings, dark wood floors,expensive furniture-everything screamed wealth and power. But there was something else, too. A heaviness in the air, as if the house itself held secrets.

"Wait here", the man instructed before disappearing down a hallway.

I exhaled slowly, glancing around. A few framed photos lined the fireplace mantel. One in particular caught her eye-a little boy, maybe four or five, with dark curls and big, expressive eyes. His face was serious, almost too serious for a child.

Before i could think too much about it, footsteps echoed through the hall.

And then he walked in.

Lorenzo Romano.

Even if I hadn't done a quick internet search. I would have known who he was. The Romano family was one of the most powerful names in New York. Business? Real estate? That was the official story. But behind closed doors, the whispers said otherwise.

He was taller than I expected, dressed in an expensive black button-down and slacks. His dark hair was neatly styled, and his chiselled jawline held a hint of stubble. But it was his eyes that stopped me. Cold. Piercing. As if he could see straight through me.

"You're the nanny?" His tone was sceptical.

I lifted my chin, meeting his gaze. "I am if you hire me."

Something flickered in his eyes, amusement maybe, but it was gone before I could be sure.

"My son, Matteo, needs structure and discipline," Lorenzo said,from across the room. "I don't want someone who's just here for the paycheck.He's been through a lot."

I softened at the mention of his son 'i have experience with kids. I worked in early childhood education before moving here. I can handle discipIine, but children also need patience and kindness."

Lorenzo's expression didn't change, but I sensed he was assessing me, weighing something in his mind.

Then he spoke.

"Do you know who I am, Miss Lopez?"

My heartbeat quickened, but I kept my face neutral "I have an idea."

"And yet, you still applied?"

I met his gaze head-on. "I need the job. And your son need a nanny."

Silence stretched between them. Then, unexpectedly, Lorenzo smirked. It wasn't friendly-it was the kind of smirk that hinted at danger.

"You're either brave or stupid," he murmured.

"Maybe a little of both."

A beat of silence. Then he nodded.

"You start tomorrow."