Chapter 2 CHA

FLASHBACK TWENTY-ONE DAYS AGO-

Chloe Georgiou adjusted her button-down shirt, wrinkling the neckline up to conceal more of her cleavage. She smoothed creases on her skirt, a nervous habit she was unable to shake. Decades as a career nanny hadn't prepared her for the same adrenaline and fear she experienced with every new interview. This time around, the feeling was doubled up by the fact that her potential employer was Andreas Nikolaou, who was one of the wealthiest individuals in the country. The job came not just with a great pay, but the promise of a fresh start.

As a final look in the rearview of her Mini, she tucked her resume into her pocket, squared her shoulders, and stepped up to the imposing double doors of the mansion. The spotless grounds, a sea of absolutely manicured greens, seemed a universe away from her small apartment. She breathed deeply, steeled herself.

The door creaked in to disclose not a butler, but Andreas Nikolaou himself. He was more beautiful in the flesh than in the photos she had viewed. Tall and dark-haired, with piercing green eyes, he was an imposing figure. Chloe's mouth dried out as he looked her up and down.

"Chloe Georgiou?" he said, his deep smooth voice commanding her attention.

"Yes, that's me," she blurted out, her voice a little too high. She extended her hand. "I'm here about the nanny position."

He took her hand, and a jolt of electricity passed between them. His touch was firm and warm, and Chloe felt a blush rise to her cheeks. She pulled her hand back, feeling suddenly self-conscious about her simple outfit.

"You're early," he said, his gaze cool.

"I. I apologize. I figured more traffic. I can come back in twenty minutes if that would be better," Chloe offered, her pulse pounding.

"It's fine. Come in," he said, stepping aside to let her in.

Chloe stepped into a beautiful foyer with a vaulted ceiling and a sweeping staircase. The house was as clean and modern as the front had been, with minimalist furniture and abstract artwork. The quiet was eerie.

"Please, have a seat," Andreas said, gesturing to a sofa. He took a seat across from her, his posture rigid. "Tell me about your experience."

Chloe began to talk about her years as a nanny, her love for children, and her philosophy on childcare. She spoke with a passion she didn't know she possessed, her nervousness slowly fading as she talked about the one thing she knew she was good at.

"So, you're good with children?" he asked when she finished, a hint of skepticism in his voice.

"Yes, I believe so. I've never met a child I was unable to reach," she stated firmly.

"My daughter, Ariadne, is not like other children. She's. difficult. She's been through a lot. She doesn't trust easily."

"Yes, I understand. I'm happy to spend time earning her trust. I'm not looking for a band-aid solution. I'm looking for a long-term position."

Andreas studied her for a moment, his eyes unreadable. "Alright. Let me be honest with you, Ms. Georgiou. I've interviewed dozens of nannies. They all come in here with a smile on their face and a list of qualifications. But none of them... none of them have been able to connect with Ariadne. She sends them away within a week."

"I'm not a quitter, Mr. Nikolaou. I'm willing to put in the work. I'm willing to be patient. I'm willing to do whatever it takes to help Ariadne feel safe and happy again."

"She doesn't need a friend. She needs a nanny. She needs discipline, she needs routine, and she needs someone who will not coddle her."

I can do that, too. I think in a healthy mix of love and discipline. Children must be loved and cared for, but they must also have boundaries. I'm a firm believer in that."

Andreas stood up from his chair, which marked the conclusion of the interview. "Fine. I'll call you.".

Chloe's heart fell. She had hoped for better. She had hoped for a second opportunity to lay eyes on Ariadne, to make him understand that she was not just any other nanny on his list.

"Thank you for the time, Mr. Nikolaou," she stood up from her chair as well.

"Wait," he placed a hand on her arm before she could leave. "My sister, Ariadne. she wants to meet you. She saw you come in your car."

Chloe saw a flicker of hope. "Your sister? But your daughter's named Ariadne."

"It's complicated," he said, a look of anguish crossing his face. "My sister has a very big influence on my daughter's life. She's been trying to take care of her, to be there for her, but my daughter... my daughter pushes everyone away. She even pushes away her aunt, who loves her very much."

"Ah," Chloe replied, her own heart aching over the little girl she had not yet seen. "I would love to see your daughter. And your sister."

Andreas led her to a large, sunlit sunroom full of books and plants. A woman with dark, long hair sat in a chair, reading. She looked up when they came in, and her warm brown eyes met Chloe's.

"Ariadne, this is Chloe Georgiou," Andreas told her. "She's here for the nanny position."

"It's nice to meet you," Ariadne said softly and warmly. "Andreas told me everything about you."

"All good things, I hope," Chloe smiled cynically.

"Of course. My brother is very particular. If he didn't think that you had potential, you wouldn't be sitting in my living room."

Ariadne's smile was warm and inviting, in complete contrast to Andreas's cold remoteness. Chloe felt a little more at ease.

"Ariadne," a small, trembling voice said behind them.

Chloe turned to see a little girl, barely five years old, who stood in the doorway. She had Andreas's dark hair and Andreas's beautiful green eyes, but they were brimming over with tears.

"Sweetheart, come in," Andreas said, his tone getting softer. "This is Chloe. She's going to be your new friend."

The little girl, also named Ariadne, didn't stir. She just looked at Chloe, her eyes wide with suspicion.

"Hello, Ariadne," Chloe said softly. "It's nice to meet you."

The little girl didn't reply. She just stood there, her hands locked behind her back.

"Ariadne, hello," Andreas remarked, his tone too abrupt.

"It's fine, Andreas," Chloe said, resting a reassuring hand on his arm. "She doesn't have to talk to me. I'm a stranger. I get it."

Chloe sat down to the little girl's height. "I brought you something small," she told her, holding up a small, beautifully wrapped box. "It's a book. It's about a little bunny that's afraid of the dark. But with a little help from his new friend, he's brave."