Getting A Mom: Baby Sitting His Daughter

Chapter 1

Genesis

Pearl had sent out ninety-three job applications in the past three months.

Ninety-three.

And every single one had finished the same way.

We regret to inform you...

She slumped deeper into the worn armchair, her thumb rhythmically clicking the remote as colours flashed across the television screen.

None of it mattered.

The shows, the noise, the laughter tracks-they were all just background noise for the quiet panic tightening around her chest.

"Why is everything so soul-crushing?" she sighed, her voice echoing in the small apartment. "Not a single thing worth watching."

Truthfully, it wasn't the television that frustrated her. It was the silence between the channels-the empty hours of the day that reminded her she was unemployed, unwanted, and slowly becoming invisible.

She was about to press the power button when a sleek, high-definition news graphic caught her eye.

"This is CBN News. Coming up at 5 p.m., an exclusive sit-down with the man behind the empire: Ace Warren, CEO of AW Group. Join us as we talk shop with the world's most influential billionaire and reigning celebrity icon. Stay tuned for a look into the life of the man who has it all."

Pearl rolled her eyes.

"Ugh, rubbish."

Of course, the world had time to celebrate another billionaire.

She stood up, crossing the room to grab a bowl of strawberries, trying to distract herself with a comic book. But before she could finish the first page, the screen went black.

"What the-? I was actually using that!" she yelled.

From across the room, Ella looked up with a dry scoff.

"Using it for what? To torture yourself?"

Pearl pouted, though the frustration behind it was real. Her eyes stung with the pressure she'd been holding in all day.

"At least it was a distraction," she muttered. "Do you like seeing me sit here like a ghost, staring into space?"

Ella's expression softened. She ran a hand through her blonde hair and let out a long breath.

"Pearl, honey, I didn't mean-"

"Do you think I'm happy?" Pearl interrupted, the dam finally cracking. "I sit here all day watching useless movies because I've become a liability. I don't have a job, Ella. I have nothing."

The words echoed in the apartment, heavier than she expected.

"Pearl, stop."

"Don't 'Pearl' me!" she snapped, standing up so abruptly the strawberries nearly tipped over. "The rich just keep getting richer while the rest of us are stuck in the mud. Can't you see it?"

Her voice trembled.

"My degrees, my certificates... they're just expensive paper. And those bosses? They don't even look at my CV. They just look at me like I'm a prize to be won in exchange for a paycheck."

The memory of certain interviews flashed through her mind-lingering stares, inappropriate smiles, the subtle suggestion that "cooperation" could open doors.

Her stomach twisted.

"It's disgusting."

She sank back into the chair, sobbing into her hands. The frustration, the humiliation, the exhaustion of trying and failing-it all crashed over her at once.

Ella was by her side in an instant, pulling her into a firm embrace.

"Everything will be fine," Ella whispered, rubbing her back. "I'm not complaining, am I? That's what best friends are for. We carry each other."

Pearl clung to her for a moment longer than she intended.

"But I don't want to be a burden," she sniffed.

Her phone chimed suddenly on the coffee table.

Pearl's heart jumped.

She lunged for it, hope sparking in her chest before she could stop herself.

Maybe this was it. Maybe someone had finally said yes.

The silence that followed felt endless.

"Anything?" Ella asked softly.

Pearl stared at the screen.

The words blurred together for a moment before she forced herself to read them again.

Closed.

Her shoulders dropped as if something inside her had snapped.

"They said I didn't meet the requirements."

"Come here, baby." Ella opened her arms again.

Pearl collapsed into them.

"Listen to me," Ella said firmly. "You are better than the 'chosen ones.' A rejection isn't a funeral; it's just a redirection. You have the talent and the fire. Don't let some HR bot diminish your worth."

Pearl sniffed, wiping her cheeks.

"A better opportunity is out there," Ella continued. "Go and claim it."

Pearl managed a weak smile.

"Thank you, Ella. Truly."

"Always." Ella pecked her cheek. "Now eat your strawberries and put on a comedy. Let's actually laugh for once."

Pearl nodded, though a quiet doubt still lingered in her chest.

What if there was no opportunity waiting for her?

What if this-this tiny apartment and endless rejections-was all life had to offer?

She pushed the thought away before it could grow roots.

⸻

On the other side of the city, the atmosphere was chilled by central air and marble floors.

Mia swept out of the kitchen, a bowl of cereal in her hand. Her personal maid followed a few paces behind, head bowed, whispering a frantic apology.

"How many times have I told you not to speak while I'm eating?" Mia's voice sliced through the air.

In one fluid, violent motion, she tipped her bowl, dumping the milk and cereal over the woman's head.

"That was a bit much, even for you, Mia," a deep, cool voice said from the staircase.

Ace Warren descended slowly, looking every bit the billionaire the news had just praised.

"She deserved it," Mia snapped, crossing her arms over her designer loungewear. "I told her to leave me alone, and she had the nerve to spit in my cereal."

Ace stopped on the final step, his eyes narrowing.

"She did what?"

"I-I'm sorry, sir! I didn't mean to-" the maid stammered, shaking as milk dripped onto the polished floor.

"I saw her!" Mia shouted, stepping closer to the woman. "She thought I wasn't looking. She called me a 'spoiled brat' under her breath. Is that what we pay her for?"

Before anyone could react, Mia swung the empty ceramic bowl, cracking it against the maid's temple.

"Did you do it?" Ace asked quietly.

His voice wasn't loud, but the weight of it froze the entire room.

The maid looked at the floor. A small nod.

"You're fired," Ace said flatly.

He didn't even look at her as he signalled the security near the door. Two men moved immediately, dragging the woman towards the exit.

Ace turned back to his daughter, his expression softening.

"Are you alright? Did she hurt you?"

"I'm fine, Dad," Mia mumbled, though she twisted her face into a pout. "But I won't be completely fine until you handle this properly."

Ace tilted his head slightly.

"What do you want?"

Chapter 2

(The $40,000 Nanny)

"Since you can't give me what I really want," Mia said, her voice small but oddly calculated, "can I at least have a new nanny?"

Ace froze, the silver spoon halfway to his mouth.

"A new nanny?"

"Yep." Mia didn't look up. She focused on her breakfast with surprising concentration, carefully separating a lump from her full bowl of cereal.

Ace slowly leaned back in his high-backed leather chair, studying his daughter.

"Why the sudden interest in a nanny, Mia?"

"My classmates all have them. They have nannies and... and mums." She paused, pushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Since I don't have a mummy, I should at least have a nanny. I want to be able to brag about mine too."

The words hung in the air like a quiet accusation.

Ace's expression softened for a brief moment, guilt flickering through the cold control he usually wore like armour.

"Mia," he said gently, "you shouldn't feel pressured to do what your friends are doing... but-"

He sighed.

"I will get you a nanny."

Mia's head snapped up instantly, excitement lighting her eyes.

She pushed her empty plate towards the waiting maid without so much as a thank you.

"So when is she coming?"

Ace blinked.

"Who?"

"Seriously?" Mia's lips trembled, her expression shifting from hopeful to heartbroken in seconds. "I can't believe you forgot already."

"Mia, what-"

"Daddy!" she cried, her voice rising into a wail. "I want my nanny! Is she coming today?"

Ace winced slightly.

"Sweetheart, I don't even have a listing up yet. My company website doesn't even have-"

The wail grew louder.

Ace sighed in defeat.

"Okay. Okay," he said quickly. "Don't cry. I promise I'll get you one. Are you happy now?"

He reached forward and lifted her onto the polished mahogany dining table so they were eye-to-eye.

"Why do you have to ask if I'm happy?" Mia pouted, a perfectly timed tear sliding down her cheek. "Aren't you happy to do this for me?"

Ace's stern composure cracked completely.

"I am, Mia. Truly. Forgive Daddy."

"You're forgiven," she declared, patting his cheek with tiny fingers like a queen granting mercy.

Then her eyes narrowed.

"One more thing, Dad."

"Anything."

Mia flicked a cold glance toward the maid standing beside the sideboard.

"The other maid didn't give me water last night before bed. I had to walk all the way down here by myself."

The maid gasped, her face draining of colour as she immediately dropped to her knees.

"I'm so sorry, sir! It slipped my-"

"If it ever 'slips' again," Ace interrupted sharply, his voice turning to ice, "you'll be looking for a new job by noon."

"I'm sorry, Mr. Ace," the woman pleaded, clasping her hands.

Ace didn't even look at her.

Instead, he turned back toward the garden view outside the tall windows.

"Is that all, Mia?"

"Is she coming today?" Mia asked again stubbornly.

"Mia," Ace said patiently, "I haven't even interviewed anyone yet. But I promise she'll be here soon."

He leaned down to kiss her forehead before standing up and smoothing his suit.

"Take me to school today?" Mia asked hopefully.

"My schedule is too tight today, darling. Next time. I promise Dad loves you."

"I love you more," she sang, waving cheerfully as he walked out.

The transition from affectionate father to ruthless executive happened the moment Ace stepped into the hallway.

His personal assistant, Daniel, hurried behind him, nearly jogging to keep pace.

"Take note," Ace said without slowing down. "I need a nanny for Mia."

"Understood, sir," Daniel replied quickly. "Though if I may ask... why the sudden change?"

Ace didn't even glance at him.

"She wants one."

That was the only explanation he offered.

"No delays, Daniel. No excuses."

"Of course, sir. Regarding the compensation... what range are we considering? Perhaps five thousand a month?"

Ace stopped walking.

"Make it forty thousand."

Daniel nearly stumbled.

"Forty thousand? Sir, that's insane! For a nanny?"

Ace slowly turned his head, fixing him with a look so cold it seemed to freeze the hallway.

"Is there a problem, Daniel?"

The assistant swallowed.

"I-it's just that-"

"It's my money," Ace said flatly. "And frankly, that's barely half of what I pay you to ask stupid questions."

Daniel immediately lowered his head.

"My apologies, boss."

The lobby of AW Groups Headquarters was as polished and silent as ever.

Employees bowed slightly as Ace strode through the building, his presence commanding instant respect.

He acknowledged none of them.

Only when the executive lift doors slid shut did he finally exhale, running a hand through his hair.

"The listing is live, sir," Daniel said, holding up his tablet. "Applications are already flooding in."

Ace's eyes narrowed slightly.

"Change of plans."

Daniel stiffened.

"No online interviews. Bring the best candidates directly to the house."

"To the house?" Daniel repeated.

"Mia will choose her nanny herself."

Daniel opened his mouth to protest the logistical nightmare.

Then he thought better of it.

"Understood, sir."

"Good morning, Mr. Warren!" Maria, his impeccably dressed secretary, greeted them with a bright professional smile. "Would you like your tea, sir?"

"Not yet," Ace said as he walked into his office. "You can go, Daniel. I'll call when I need you."

The door clicked shut behind them.

Maria handed him a tablet.

"Your schedule for the day, sir. We have the three major contract signings this afternoon."

Ace didn't even glance at it.

"Cancel them."

Maria blinked in shock.

"But sir... those contracts are worth billions."

Ace leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable.

"Cancel them."

Maria hesitated. "Sir... for a nanny interview?"

Ace's voice was calm.

"For my daughter."

Then he added coldly,

"And make sure the best candidates arrive today."

Chapter 3

(The $40,000 Lottery)

Pearl stood in the center of the cramped apartment, her breath hitching as she stared at the glowing screen of her phone.

"Oh my God... this is it."

Her heart pounded as she reread the number. Forty thousand dollars. A month.

It looked unreal.

"This is the one."

"What's it?" Ella asked, stepping into the room. She was the picture of corporate discipline, her blazer pressed and her expression tired. "Did a company finally call you back?"

Pearl let out a jagged laugh.

"A call back? Ella, I'm talking about a life-altering, breathtaking amount of money."

"Money? What money?"

"Look."

Pearl shoved the phone into Ella's hand. Ella leaned closer, scanning the listing.

Then suddenly she gasped.

"The AW Group CEO?" she blurted. "Ace Warren's daughter needs a nanny?"

"Check the wage," Pearl said. "Look at the number."

Ella's eyes dropped to the bottom of the screen.

Her jaw fell open.

"Forty thousand?! Is that a typo? Pearl, that's forty thousand dollars a month! That's... that's insane!"

"It's not a mistake," Pearl said, already moving toward her closet.

She pulled out the most professional outfit she owned.

"I don't care about my degrees," she continued. "I don't care about the dozens of 'overqualified' rejections I've had this month."

She grabbed her bag.

"I'm going."

"Right now."

"Wait!" Ella grabbed her arm, her excitement quickly turning into worry.

"Pearl, think about this. Jobs that sound too good to be true usually are. What if it's a scam? Or worse?"

Pearl turned to face her.

Her eyes were bright-not just with hope, but desperation.

"Ella," she said quietly, "the 'legit' companies have been slamming doors in my face for a year."

She forced a dry laugh.

"They want experience I can't get and certificates that don't pay the rent."

She held up the phone.

"Forty thousand for a nanny job versus three thousand for a soul-crushing office desk?"

Her voice steadied.

"There is no choice."

She pulled Ella into a quick, tight hug.

"Don't worry about me. I'm going to get this."

⸻

The taxi ride felt like it lasted forever.

Pearl sat stiffly in the back seat, her hands clasped tightly in her lap as the city blurred past the window.

"The Warren Mansion," she told the driver.

The man glanced at her through the rearview mirror, raising an eyebrow.

"What's going on at that place today?" he asked. "I've dropped off five girls already. Is the billionaire giving away gold bars?"

"An interview," Pearl replied quietly.

Her heart hammered against her ribs.

When the taxi finally pulled up to the towering wrought-iron gates, her stomach dropped.

The driveway was packed. Luxury cars. Expensive heels.

Designer handbags. Women everywhere.

It looked less like a job interview and more like a casting call for a reality show.

Pearl stepped out slowly.

Her modest outfit suddenly felt painfully simple compared to the glamorous dresses and flawless makeup around her.

What am I even doing here? she wondered.

For a moment, doubt crept into her chest.

Forty thousand dollars could change everything-her rent, her debts, her future.

But standing in front of the massive Warren mansion, she suddenly wondered if she was walking into an opportunity-or a disaster.

Still, she joined the line.

As she waited, she watched applicants leaving the mansion.

None of them looked happy.

"I can't believe it," one woman hissed as she stormed past Pearl. "The kid is the one doing the interview. A literal child!"

"And she's a brat!" another woman snapped, wiping smudged mascara from her cheeks. "She told me my outfit looked 'trashy.' Do you know how much this dress cost?"

Pearl glanced at the woman's plunging neckline and sparkling sequins.

Well... maybe the kid has a point, she thought silently.

Hours passed.

The sun climbed higher as Mia Warren systematically dismantled the confidence of every applicant in the city.

Finally, an escort in a crisp suit stepped outside and gestured to Pearl.

"Next. Follow me."

Pearl inhaled slowly and smoothed her skirt. Then she stepped forward.

⸻

The mansion's interior was breathtaking-white marble floors, towering ceilings, and the quiet luxury of unimaginable wealth.

Pearl followed the escort down a long hallway.

At the end of it sat a small girl in an oversized velvet chair.

Her legs were crossed.

A stylus tapped rhythmically against a tablet resting on a small table beside her.

Pearl froze. It was a surreal sight.

"Uncross your legs," Mia commanded without looking up.

Pearl blinked and quickly corrected her posture.

She forced a polite smile.

"Hello, I'm-"

"Who told you to smile?" Mia snapped, finally looking up.

Her eyes were sharp. Observant. Far too mature for a child.

Pearl immediately dropped the smile.

"I'm sorry."

"Name?"

"Pearl Augustine."

"Age?"

"Twenty-three."

Mia scribbled something onto the tablet.

"Twenty-three. Fluent English. No stuttering."

Her eyes slowly scanned Pearl's outfit.

Simple. Clean. Unimpressive.

"Are you here because you want to date my dad," Mia asked bluntly, "or are you here for the job?"

Pearl met her gaze calmly.

"I'm here for the job."

"And I promise you I'll do it better than anyone else."

Mia tapped the stylus against the tablet again.

"What would you do," she asked suddenly, "if I refused to listen to you?"

Pearl didn't hesitate.

"I'd figure out why," she said.

"And then I'd fix the problem instead of fighting you."

For a moment, Mia stared at her-Then a small, satisfied smirk appeared on her face.

She turned toward the escort by the door.

"Tell everyone outside to go home."

The man blinked.

"I've found one."

Pearl's breath caught.

Just like that?

"Don't get excited yet," Mia said, sliding off the chair.

"My dad still has to approve you before you're verified."

She walked past Pearl.

Then she leaned closer and whispered softly,

"Let's see how long you can actually handle this."

Mia's footsteps faded down the hallway.

Pearl stood alone in the massive room. The silence felt heavy.

The warning echoed in her mind.

What exactly had she just walked into?