His Nanny, His Obsession

Rose sat on her bed, staring at the notice of eviction griped in her trembling hands. The small apartment she had called home for the past two and half years was no longer hers. The landlady had given her until the end of the day to leave. No money, no options, No home.

Her mother had passed away years ago, and her father Dave Brunette had destroyed what was left of their lives with his gambling addiction. He had gone without a trace, leaving her with debts she never wanted. For years, she convinced herself he was dead. It was easier than believing he had abandoned her.

Rose inhaled sharply, forcing herself to hold back the tears. She wouldn't break, at least not now. She needed a plan.

At Evelyn's Apartment

With a single bag and a heart full of uncertainty, Rose found herself standing outside Evelyn's apartment her best friend.

Evelyn opened the door, her eyes widening. "Damn, you look like a wreck."

"Good to see you too," Rose muttered, trying to force a smile.

Evelyn pulled her inside and shut the door. "Let me guess. The landlady finally kicked you out?"

Rose sighed and dropped her bag on the floor. "Yeah, I have nowhere to go."

Evelyn scoffed. "Well, you do now. You're staying here, no arguments."

Despite the situation, Rose felt a wave of relief. Evelyn had always been her anchor. Sassy, bold, lively and loyal, she has a way of making even the worst situations bearable.

"Thanks, Eve. I promise I won't be a burden."

Evelyn rolled her eyes. "Please, you're not a burden.

The next morning, Rose sat on Evelyn's sofa, scrolling through list of jobs on her phone. Her savings were inexistent and she needed a job fast.

"Anything promising?" Evelyn asked, sipping coffee.

Rose sighed. "Mostly retail jobs that barely pay minimum wage. I need something stable."

Evelyn snapped her fingers. "Oh! I heard about this billionaire looking for a nanny."

Rose blinked. "A nanny?"

"Yeah. Some big-shot CEO, Single dad, His daughter's four. I think the last nanny quit."

Rose hesitated. She has no experience as a nanny, but she was good with kids. More importantly, she needed a job. "Where do I apply?"

Evelyn grinned, already pulling up the listing on her phone. "Right here. Christian Ashford a CEO, Cold as ice, but hey, the pay is insane."

Rose stared at the name on the screen. Christian Ashford. She had never heard of him before, but if this was her chance to reconstruct her life, she would take it.

She clicked "Apply."

Hours later, her phone rang. She answered hesitantly.

"Hello?"

A deep voice responded, sending a strange chill down her spine.

"This is Christian Ashford's assistant. We'd like to schedule an interview."

Rose's heart pounded. This was happening.

"Of course," she managed to say, holding the phone tightly.

"Be at the Ashford estate tomorrow morning at Eight."

As the call ended, she turned to Evelyn, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I think I just got an interview with a billionaire."

Evelyn smirked. "Welcome to the big league, girl."

The next morning, Rose stood in front of the massive gate of the Ashford's estate, holding the strap of her bag so tightly that her knuckles are already turning white.

The estate was nothing like she had ever seen before, so elegant, intimidating, and screaming of wealth beyond imagination. The golden gate alone looked like they cost more than her entire apartment complex. Beyond them, a long driveway extended towards the elevated mansion with white stone walls and massive glass windows that shimmer under the morning sun.

She swallowed hard. Was she really about to walk into this world?

The night before, Evelyn had spent hours cheering her up, insisting she was perfect for the job. But now, standing here all the confidence she had gathered was slipping away.

A voice Call through the intercom, startling her.

"State your name and purpose."

Rose cleared her throat. "Um, Rose Brunette. I have an interview for the nanny position."

There was a brief silence, then a buzzing sound as the gates swung open.

"Proceed."

She took a deep breath and stepped forward.

Inside the Ashford Estate

The mansion was even more massive up close. The double doors opened to a grand foyer with marble floors, a massive clear chandelier, and a grand staircase that split into two directions. The air smelled of polished wood and mixed spices.

Her heart beating faster as she stepped inside.

A tall woman in a sleek white dress approached her, her pointed heels clicking against the marble. She had the kind of posture that commanded authority, and Rose immediately straightened up.

"You must be Miss Brunette. Follow me."

Rose nodded and hurried after her, trying not to trip over the rug. The woman led her through a series of hallways, each more extravagant than the others . Everything here looked clean, untouched like a place where laughter and warmth had no place.

They stopped in front of a large mahogany door.

"Mr. Ashford will see you now."

Rose took a deep breath, checked herself, and stepped inside.

Meeting Christian Ashford

The office was just as imposing as the rest of the house. Dark wood paneling, floor to ceiling bookshelves, and a massive desk in the center. Behind it sat Christian Ashford.

And he was nothing like she expected.

Tall with sharp figure, with piercing blue eyes, he radiate an air of power and cold indifference. The tailored black suit he wore pointed out his stiff demeanor. He didn't acknowledge her right away, his gaze focused on a file in front of him.

The air in the room felt heavy.

"Sit."

His voice was deep, authoritative, leaving no room for hesitation. Rose quickly obeyed, holding her hands in her lap to keep them from shaking.

Without looking up, he flipped through a few pages. "You have no experience as a nanny."

"I don't," she admitted, forcing herself to keep her voice steady. "But I'm good with kids, and i learn fast."

He finally looked up, his gaze sharp and assessing. "Why do you want this job?"

She hesitated. Should she be honest?

"I need stability," she finally said. "And I think I can genuinely care for your daughter."

Something flickered in his eyes, gone before she could identify it. He leaned back in his chair.

"Ella is my priority. If you disappoint me, you're gone."

"Understood."

A brief silence stretched between them.

Then, to her surprise, he pressed a button on his desk. "Bring Ella in."

The door opened, and a beautiful little girl with soft brown curls and big hazel eyes peeped inside. She hesitated before stepping in, holding a stuffed bunny close to her chest.

Christian's expression softened just a little.

"Ella, this is Rose. She might be your new nanny."

Ella looked at Rose cautiously, her grip on the bunny tightening.

Rose knelt to her level and smiled. "Hi, Ella, I like your bunny."

Ella held the stuffed toy. "His name is Mr. Teddy."

Rose gasped, as if hearing the most wonderful name in the world. "That's the best name I've ever heard."

Ella's lips twitched before she giggled softly.

Christian watched, unreadable.

Encouraged, Rose continued. "I bet Mr. Teddy loves stories. Do you like stories, too?"

Ella hesitated, then nodded. "Can you read me one?"

Rose glanced at Christian, seeking permission. He gave a single nod.

Smiling, she held out her hand. "Let's find a good one."

To her surprise, Ella reached for her hand without any hesitation. It was a small, delicate gesture but it sealed Rose's fate.

After storytime, Christian called Rose back into his office.

"You start tomorrow."

Rose blinked. "I got the job?"

Christian stood, adjusting his sleeve. "Ella likes you and that's all that matters."

For the first time since she had entered this house, warmth spread through her chest.

As she left the estate, her heart raced.

She had just become the nanny of Christian Ashford's daughter.

And something told her this job would change her life forever.

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.