THE BILLIONAIRE'S SECRET CHILD

*ELITES STREET 3 P.M*

Alina Morales gazed at the worn-out advertisement, her heart racing with a mix of fear and hope. "Nanny Wanted for High-Profile Family." The words whispered promises of a better life, a chance to escape the suffocating grip of poverty.

A chance to make her mother, who had suffered enough get the chance she deserved in living a perfect, comfortable and luxurious life.

With a deep breath, she picked up her phone and dialed the number. A crisp, professional voice answered, and Alina's voice trembled as she introduced herself.

"Uh... I... I'm Alina and I'm calling to inquire about the nanny needed for a..."

The voice at the other end didn't let her finish before cutting her off.

"Please, come to the Blackwood Estate at 3 pm tomorrow," the voice instructed. "Be prepared for an interview with Mr. Blackwood himself."

Alina's mind raced as she hung up. Blackwood? The Blackwood of Blackwood Industries? The man rumored to own half the city?

She already had her hopes high as she disposed the waitress t-shirt she wore to work. Currently, she had a job at 'Crisp Restaurant'.

"Babe, guess what?" Alina asked her best friend just the moment she stepped into the house. She lived with 'Mia'.

Mia wasn't rich but she had enough to provide for herself and Alina. She had a job at one of the Blackwood's companies in the city.

"I don't know, get to the point. You know I hate guessing games." Mia muttered without sparing Alina a glance.

"If this is going to be your attitude, then forget about it." Alina said and she sat on a couch while pulling of her clothes.

"I can't see your uniform on you? What does that mean ? Should I be concerned?" Mia suddenly asked earning a huge smile from Alina who couldn't keep her joy to herself anymore.

"I got a job. That's it Babe..." She said at the top of her voice. Mia had a surprised look evident on her face, then it changed to one of joy. They hugged each other each feeling so much happiness.

The excitement died down after a while. Alina busied herself with searching for a suitable outfit for her interview the next day. She hadn't shared any vital detail about the new job with Mia.

And Mia was worried, she knew her best friend and wanted to know more about the new job she just got. In case she needed any form of advice or such.

"Babe? What's your new job about?" She finally got the courage to ask.

"I'm gonna be a nanny... In a high profile family... I have an interview with Mr. Blackwood tomorrow... Can I borrow a dress?" Alina smiled off her dimples which made her irresistibly cute as always.

"Blackwood? Really?" Mia asked her ignoring the request to borrow a dress.

"Yeah, what's wrong with that?"

"There's everything wrong with it okay... Babe, you don't know this... Blackwood guy. And you can't work for him. You also can't be a nanny to his arrogant daughter."

Alina forgot she was searching for a dress while turning to face her friend. She didn't look pleased with what Mia had just said.

"What do you mean I can't?" Alina asked the first question that came to her head.

"He's the ruthless billionaire everyone talks about... Mr. Blackwood Alexander. He owns the whole city, I'm sure you must have heard rumors about him." Mia said, her voice raised this time.

"Mia, I don't need to remind you what the meaning of rumors are..." Alina spoke quietly.

"Those aren't rumors. He's a devil, look... I never complained about taking care of you and your mum. And I'm not complaining... You don't have to do this..."

"You don't even have a reason. You just want me to stay with you and... Keep suffering... Do you know how hard I have to work just so I can feed my mum and give her a comfortable life? Mia... You've done so much for me. Thanks, I appreciate all your efforts as my best friend. But, I can't let you push me around."

Mia gasped.

"You can't tell me what to do... You just can't sit here in your apartment and control my life."

Alina's outburst shocked both she and Mia. They had never had to fight or yell over anything. The both women were so close...

"Wow! Since when did you start feeling that I'm controlling your life uh?" Mia asked with a heavy heart.

"Since today." Alina replied nonchalantly.

"I've been nothing but a good friend to you. And even now, I'm only looking out for you. But, if you feel like I want to ruin your precious life? Then... I'll gladly stay away." Mia said before leaving the room not without banging the door.

Alina scoffed before rolling her eyes and continued search the wardrobe for the dress she would put on tomorrow for her interview.

~ ~

*BLACKWOOD ESTATE, NEXT MORNING*

"Daddy, do you love me?" Light streamed into the room that morning bringing a four year old girl and a man on the bed.

"Yes of course baby girl, why would you ask?" The man looked surprisingly at the child who just smiled.

"That's all I want to hear. I love you too, so very much Daddy." The child whispered and she leaned in, planting a very soft kiss on the man's cheek.

"I love you more than you can ever imagine, Emma." The man said lying still for a while until he felt her breath become steady. She was asleep finally.

He kissed her forehead before covering her with the duvet and exiting the room.

That's him, Alexander Blackwood... He's just twenty four year old and already a billionaire... Currently the world's best CEO at twenty four.

Alexander got into his study slamming it shut and taking a chair. He was sweaty all off a sudden and his breath increased. He still got nightmares after all these years.

Nightmares that stopped since he made it a daily routine to sleep beside his adopted daughter 'Emma'. But he can't keep doing that. Emma doesn't let him leave for work each morning meaning he has to stop letting her wake up and seeing him.

Alexander held his head tightly as the memories flashed in, causing a terrible headache and severe pain. His subconscious told him to take his pills, but he had trashed them out. He had to stop living on pills,

"Make it stop!! Please!!!" He muttered, his eyes soaked with tears. The memories kept banging at his head.

His arrival and the betrayal from his family, his encounter with hoodlums, his encounter with the girl he was forced to rape that fateful night for the exchange of his mother's life, which was useless as she was killed later,

"Aaarrrrrgggghhhh!!!" He yelled as he punched the table and went down on his knees.

"Daddy!"

That voice, he looked up as she ran into the study to him, wrapping her tiny hands around his neck as he sobbed.

"It's okay, don't cry." She said, her voice comforting. Emma carefully placed his head on her laps as they were sitted on the floor.

"Daddy, every thing would be fine okay? Men don't cry... And you are a brave man... I don't like seeing you cry." Emma said in a very small voice.

"I won't cry anymore baby."

"Promise?" She asked stroking his very soft hair, he nodded smiling.

"I love you." She muttered and kissed his hair.

*MIA'S APARTMENT*

Alina stirred from sleep, sunlight streamed into the room from the curtains, Ever slowly, she opened her eyes, sitting up on the bed enjoying the morning view from the glass window in the room.

She got up reluctantly, scanning the room for any sign of Mia. But she found none, meaning Mia had slept outside her apartment for the first time since they became friends.

Alina ignored the fact that her friend could be in danger or something more. She forced her lazy self into the bathroom and had a two minute bath.

"Where did she run off to?" She muttered, already getting worried for her friend.

She sighed while throwing the wardrobe open. She didn't have so much clothing of her own and always had to borrow from Mia.

Mia was a fashionista... She had so many trending attires, every type of footwear you could think off, jewelries... Name it. So this morning, Alina had an advantage of making use of her stuff with Mia not being around.

Alina was dressed casually, in a black body hug dress, that made her curves stand out invitingly. She made use of Mia's black jewelry, and also her make up set. Taking a look at her reflection, she smiled to herself. She would surely get this job, whether anyone liked it or not. She had suffered enough and this was a golden opportunity for her.

~ ~

*SUNNY AFTERNOON, BLACKWOOD ESTATE*

Alina stood before the imposing Blackwood Estate, her heart racing with a mix of excitement and nerves. She had spent hours preparing for this moment, rehearsing answers to potential questions and ironing out her dress until it was crisp and smooth.

As she entered the grand study, the maids had given her the directions to, a figure rose from behind the desk, his piercing gaze meeting hers. She stopped breathing for a while, as she took in the chiseled features and chiseled physique of Lucas, Alexander's right-hand man and closest friend. She had heard rumors about his stunning good looks, but nothing had prepared her for the reality.

"Hey, Alina, If you're done checking me out," Lucas said, his deep voice sending a shiver down her spine. "Alexander's not in town, but he trusts me to handle the interview. So, let's get started."

"Alexander?" Alina asked already feeling so stupid for being caught checking Lucas out. Embarrassment flooded in as she took her seat trying to regain her composure.

Even after getting seated, she couldn't take her eyes off his face. He was just too...

"Alina? Are you listening to me?"

"Oh, of course, I am. You were saying?" Alina asked.

Lucas fired questions at her, about her experience, her qualifications, and her approach to childcare, and she answered each question with ease. As the interview progressed, Alina found herself relaxing in Lucas's presence, drawn to his warm smile and easy charm. She couldn't believe she was having this much fun in a job interview!

And then, just when she thought the interview was ending, Lucas asked a simple but very tactical question that got her thinking.

"How would you handle a child who's been through so much in her little life? A child who's adopted."

Alina's heart skipped a beat. She sensed that he was referring to the child she would be taking care of. She took a deep breath and answered, "I would provide a loving and supportive environment, encouraging her to express her feelings and helping her build a strong sense of self-worth."

Lucas nodded, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "I think you'd be perfect for the job, Alina. Welcome to the Blackwood family."

Alina's eyes widened in surprise. She had gotten the job? Just like that?

"You are going to discuss why and how you think you can handle a job people have rejected. But you'll be telling that to Xander himself."

Alina smiled and she nodded getting up from her seat and following him out of the study which she was not so happy leaving.

"I'm Lucas, Xander's most trusted friend." Lucas introduced himself to her. She gave him a funny look and then smiled.

"What was that for?" Lucas found himself asking.

"What was what for?" Alina smiled again, not forgetting to show off her cute dimples.

"The look you gave to me?" He asked making her giggle.

"You're really pretty, Alina." Lucas said not able to take his eyes off her.

"I know." She replied before looking forward and then, she suddenly stopped then gasped.

As Alina stepped inside, she was enveloped by the opulence of the Blackwood Estate. The grand foyer boasted a sweeping staircase, its banister polished to a high shine. Crystal chandeliers refracted rainbow hues across the marble floor, leading to a spacious living room with floor-to-ceiling windows. The walls were adorned with priceless artwork, and plush furnishings in neutral tones exuded elegance.

A majestic fireplace stood as a focal point, surrounded by comfortable seating areas. The air was thick with the scent of fresh flowers and the soft hum of a piano melody played by an invisible hand.

Beyond the living room, a formal dining area beckoned, with a long, polished table and chairs that seemed to whisper refinement. A sparkling chandelier above cast a warm glow, while a nearby wine cellar tempted with its extensive collection.

The estate's interior design was a masterful blend of classic sophistication and modern luxury, reflecting Alexander's impeccable taste. Every detail, from the intricate moldings to the lavish fabrics, whispered of wealth and power.

As Alina explored further, she discovered a state-of-the-art kitchen, a private movie theater, and an expansive library with shelves upon shelves of leather-bound tomes. The Blackwood Estate was a true masterpiece, a testament to Alexander's success and status.

"What, why did you stop?" Lucas asked a hint of impatience in his voice at her childish behavior.

"I'm gonna live here? This is heaven... I love it here... It's so beautiful..." She smiled while wiping a tear from the corner of her eyes.

"Are you ready to see Emma?" Lucas asked, his hands on the doorknob. Alina took in a deep breath and she nodded making Lucas smile reassuring at her before turning the door knob and the door opened.

*EMMA'S ROOM*

Emma, with her curly blonde hair and bright blue eyes, sat on a plush couch, her tiny feet tapping impatiently on the floor. She was surrounded by toys and books, but her attention was focused on the woman standing before her.

Alina, dressed in a simple yet elegant black dress, smiled warmly as she approached Emma. "Hi Emma, it's very nice to see you."

Emma's gaze narrowed, her eyes scanning Alina from head to toe. "You're the new nanny?" she asked, her voice laced with disdain.

Alina nodded, unfazed by Emma's haughty tone. "Yes, I'm your new nanny and my name is Alina. I'm very excited to get to know more about you, your favorite meal? Your favorite color? Your hobbies? I just can't wait." Alina said, trying to sound friendly and approachable.

Emma snorted, her lips curling into a pout. "I don't think getting to know me is part of your job Alina, and I don't need a nanny. I'm perfectly fine on my own."

Alina's smile didn't go off even though she was tired putting up with a fake smile. "I'm definitely sure you're okay on your own. But sometimes, having a friend to play with can be a lot of fun."

Emma raised an eyebrow, with an amused expression on her face. "You think you're my friend?"

Alina knelt down beside Emma, her eyes meeting the child's. "I'd like to be, Emma. If you'll let me."

Emma scoffed, crossing her arms over her chest. "I don't need your help. And I certainly don't want to get to know you better. You're just a servant, after all."

Alina's eyes widened at the girl's rudeness, but she tried not to take it personally. She remembered Lucas's warning about Emma's behavior and decided to try a different approach.

"Okay, Emma. I understand you might not want to talk to me right now. But maybe we can start with something fun? Like playing a game or going for a walk?"

Emma raised an eyebrow, her expression skeptical. "What's in it for me?"

Alina hesitated, unsure of how to respond. She didn't want to bribe Emma into behaving, but she also wanted to establish a connection with the girl.

"Let's just say it'll be a fun surprise," Alina said, trying to sound enticing.

Emma shrugged, her shoulders barely moving. "Fine. But if this is boring, I'm blaming you."

Alina tried to hide her disappointment at Emma's response, but it was clear that the girl was not interested in making friends. Emma's eyes gleamed with a mischievous light as she began to dictate terms.

"I want to go to the park, but don't expect me to hold your hand or anything gross like that. And don't even think about trying to talk to me about feelings or any of that nonsense. I'm only going because I want to, not because I like you."

Alina's face stung from the verbal slap, but she tried to remain calm. She remembered Lucas's warning about Emma's behavior, and she was determined to rise above it.

"Okay, Emma. We'll go to the park tomorrow, You'll behave right?"

Emma snorted, rolling her eyes. "I'm not a baby, you know. I can take care of myself. And don't bother trying to tell me what to do. I do what I want, when I want."

Alina chuckled, before turning to Lucas who was watching from a distance without saying a word. He stepped out of the room followed by Alina.

"You've had kids before?" He suddenly asked her.

"Yeah, one... But she's gone." Alina replied her eyes getting misty all off a sudden.

"Oh my gosh! I'm sorry if I hit a sore spot. Are you okay?" Lucas asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Why did you ask anyway?" Alina turned to stare at his handsome face.

"Well, the way you were with Emma. Usually, her nannies don't last. They stay for a day and leave because they can't tolerate her."

Alina smiled. "She's a nice child."

"Don't let her looks deceive you. You don't know Emma, a little advice if you care to listen. The only person who she understands is her father. So don't think you'll be any different from all the previous nannies."

"Tssk! That was rude. You're starting to sound like Emma." Alina made a sour face and they both laughed together.

"So, how do you like your job?" Lucas asked.

"I'd rather be quiet for now. Let's get to know more..." Alina said.

"That's great. I hate to go but I have to. The maids will show you to your room. It's beside Emma's. Don't worry, I'll visit often." Lucas said and Alina nodded before waving at him.

~ ~

Alina's eyes widened as she stepped into her new room, her gaze sweeping across the spacious interior. She couldn't believe the sheer size of it – it was like a miniature apartment!

"Wow," she breathed, her voice barely above a whisper. "This is...huge!"

She walked further into the room, her feet sinking into the plush carpet. The walls were painted a soft, creamy white, and the furniture was a warm, honey-brown wood. A large window dominated one wall, flooding the room with natural light and offering a stunning view of the estate's gardens.

Alina's eyes landed on the bed, a majestic four-poster affair with curtains that looked like they were made of silk. She felt a thrill of excitement – she'd never had a bed that big all to herself before!

As she explored the room, Alina couldn't help but compare it to the tiny space she'd shared with Mia back in their apartment. This room was easily three times the size of that one, with plenty of space to move around and stretch out.

She ran her hand over the smooth surface of the dresser, admiring the intricate carvings on the mirror above it. A separate sitting area beckoned, with a comfortable-looking armchair and a matching ottoman. And through a doorway, she glimpsed a sparkling en-suite bathroom, complete with a walk-in shower and a tub that looked big enough to swim in.

"Far bigger than the one I shared with Mia," Alina said aloud, her voice full of wonder. "I could get used to this..."

~ ~

Sitting on the edge of her bed, she recalled she hadn't done something she had never failed to do. She had not spoken to her mother since yesterday, she searched her handbag for her phone and dialed her mother's phone number.

"Mum, you won't believe where I am right now," Alina said, her voice barely containing her excitement. "I'm at this incredible mansion, and I'm going to be taking care of this little girl named Emma."

Her mother's voice came through the line, warm and curious. "A new job? You're gonna be a nanny? Alina sweetie... Are you sure you can do it?".

"Mum, I have to stop living in the fear of the past and move on right? Besides, I have to take care of you. I promised you I'd never leave you remember?"

"Okay, we have to be positive baby. Tell me more about the job?"

Alina launched into a description of the Blackwood Estate, her words tumbling out in a rush. "It's like a palace, Mum! There's a grand foyer with a sweeping staircase, and a living room that's bigger than our whole house. And the garden! Oh, the garden is stunning. I've never seen so many flowers and trees in one place."

Her mother chuckled. "Sounds like you're in awe, kiddo. But what about the family? What are they like?"

Alina's tone turned a bit more hesitant. "Well, Emma can be a bit...challenging. She's very spoiled and rude, but I'm trying to be patient and understanding. And Mr. Black... I mean her father... He's okay. And then there's Lucas, his friend...he's really nice and helpful."

"What about the child's mother?"

"She's adopted." Alina said in a whisper.

Her mother's voice turned serious. "Alina, be careful, okay? You're in a new environment, and you don't know these people yet. Keep your guard up and don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything."

Alina nodded, even though her mother couldn't see her. "I will, Mum. Don't worry. I'll be fine."

As they chatted for a few more minutes, Alina couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and wonder. She was really doing this – she was living in a mansion and working for a wealthy family. And despite the challenges, she was determined to make it work.