The CEO's Irreplaceable Nanny

It was a Saturday afternoon at Oakland Community College, and Ruby Rivers was seated in her regular spot at the back of the classroom.

A teacher was present and teaching, but Ruby's mind was elsewhere. She was sketching a new jewelry design which was a hobby of hers. She was subconsciously doing this when her attention was brought back by her.

She looked at the phone screen, expecting a notification or rather job offer from a company she had just applied to be a designer for. Instead, it was a number she didn't recognize.

She was uncertain about picking up this call as she was in class but excused herself and stepped out into the hallway to answer it.

"Hello?" she answered, her voice soft, almost whispering.

"Is this Miss Ruby Rivers? I'm calling from Northeast Memorial Hospital. There's been an accident. Your brother and mother were involved." the voice said frantically.

"What?...wait.. what?!!!" Ruby stuttered, sounding miserable. " Please,I am on my way. Do whatever you can to make sure that they survive." She was already crying profusely and at this point and running towards the exit of her school hall.

The voice replied "Your brother... I'm sorry, he didn't make it."

Ruby felt stiff. The phone slipped from her hand, clattering to the floor. She clutched her chest, struggling to breathe, struggling to process this information. Her brother was gone.

Her thoughts and grief was interrupted with someone still calling her name through the phone she had dropped a while ago.

She picked up her phone and the voice continued " Ruby Rivers, Your mother is in a critical state and needs immediate surgery. Can you come to the hospital immediately and sign the form so we can begin the surgery?"

"I am on my way, pleas..... save her" Ruby said sobbing profusely.

Racing out of the college, Ruby ignored the glances she received from other students, her mind solely focused on reaching the hospital.

As she reached the intersection, her mind everywhere else but not with her present self, she ran into the road without looking.

A car honking continuously snapped her out of her thoughts, but it was too late. A sleek black car had overturned sharply and smashed into a nearby wall to avoid hitting her.

Ruby stood still and struggled for air for a second. "Please, not now." she murmured to herself, already exhausted and thinking if the day could get any worse.

The car was a luxurious car -a 2024 Range Rover Velar, if she wasn't mistaken. The driver, an unfriendly looking man in a dark suit, jumped out and began inspecting the damage hitting his leg into the damaged wall.

Ruby could see the furious expression on his face even from afar.

"I'm so sorry!" she shouted, her voice trembling.

She rushed to the man, reaching in her bag for a pen and a scrap of paper or anything. "I'm so sorry, please, I'm in a hurry. Here's my number. Please, call me. I'll pay for the damages, I swear."

Without waiting for a response, Ruby shoved the paper into the man's hand and took off running again. She couldn't afford to lose another second, her mum needed her now more than ever.

She finally reached Northeast Memorial Hospital. She approached the reception desk out of breath while asking for her mother's room.

"Please," she begged the nursewith tears now flowing freely, "please save her. She's all I have.. Please... I don't have most of the money right now, but I'll find a way to pay. Just don't let her die."

The nurse's expression softened "We'll do everything we can, Miss Rivers. But the surgery is expensive, and we need payment upfront before we can start any procedure on your mother"

Ruby felt hopeless. She was barely making ends meet as it was, working nights at the local diner and attending classes during the day. She had nothing to offer but pleas.

As she turned away from the desk downcast, a familiar figure was walking angrily towards her and looking at her with so much loathe.

She recognized the face. It was the man from the car-the CEO of Carrington Group, Brad Carrington.

"You!" he hissed, his voice low and dangerous. "Who would have thought? You think you can just run off after endangering my life and childs with your carelessness?"

Ruby opened her mouth to speak, but no words would come out. What could she say? She could only stare at him, her mind and body weighed down by how the day had turned out.

Brad noticed the tears staining her cheeks, but there was no sympathy in his expression. "You've put my daughter's life at risk. And now you're here in a hospital?" He scoffed, his voice laced with disgust. "Pathetic."

"Please, I am sorry for any inconvenience I caused you today, please..." Ruby whispered, her voice cracking. "I'll pay for the damages. I just need time. My mother-"

"I don't care about your excuses," Brad interrupted coldly. "You'll definitely pay, one way or another. Or I'll have you thrown in jail. No need for long talk"

Ruby's heart skipped. This day couldn't get worse. She had the worst day of her life and the day was far from being over. What could she have done differently for today to be different? She was sick and tired of living as it was.

Before she could respond, Brad pulled out his phone and dialled a number. "This is Brad Carrington. I need the police at Northeast Memorial Hospital immediately. I've found the woman who endangered my life and damaged my car."

Ruby's eyes widened in shock as she fell to her knees. "No, please, don't.. Please!" she begged, reaching out to touch him, but he stepped back, avoiding her touch as though she was infected.

Ruby fell to her knees, her tears flowing freely now. "I'm begging you, Sir." she cried. "I just lost my brother, my mother's dying... Please don't do this. Please!"

Brad looked unaffected by her pleas as he spoke to the police on the phone, his voice stern and apathetic. "Yes, she's here. No, she's not going anywhere."

Ruby felt misery and anguish as he ended the call. Her world was falling apart, and there was nothing she could do to stop it. This was the worst day of her life, and it was only going to get worse.

The next two days were hell on earth for Ruby. She was detained in a small, cold cell in the police station.

Ruby had no idea if her mother had survived because the surgery had been delayed. Ruby beat herself up. She should be anywhere but here.

She had not even given her brother a proper burial yet. Her helplessness was evident and she could do nothing about it.

Ruby had no visitors as she had always been a loner. Her family was all she had and even that had been taken from her.

Her mind kept replaying the moment Brad Carrington had called the police. She couldn't believe how quickly her life had changed and for the worse.

On the third day, she was finally released. Tom Hastings, a kind-hearted teacher from her college, had come to bail her out.

Ruby had met Mr Hastings during one of her late-night study sessions at the library and they had become relatively close ever since. She also had private classes with him every Saturday and Sunday.

He heard about her situation after asking around as she missed their usual private lessons twice and without explanation.

"Ruby, are you okay? Walk slowly." Tom said, his voice filled with concern as he led her out of the police station.

Ruby nodded weakly, but the truth was, she was far from okay. She felt broken and defeated.

The weight of her mother's condition, her brother's death, and her debt to Brad Carrington was making her lose her mind.

"Thank you, Mr Hastings," she murmured. "I really don't know what could have happened to me if you had not come to bail me out. I really don't know how to repay you. Thank You so much, Sir."

"Don't worry about it," Tom replied gently. "Just take care of yourself and your mother. I made the down payment for your mother's surgery. She should be out of the surgery room soon. Let us go to the hospital for now, we'll figure out the rest later."

Ruby felt a sliver of hope "You are God-sent, Mr Hastings. Thank you, Thank you so much. I will definitely repay you". Ruby said finally crying tears of joy for the first time in a while.

But this joy was only temporary. Her phone buzzed in her pocket, and when she checked it, her heart sank.

It was a message from Brad Carrington, : *This is Brad Carrington. Meet me at my office immediately. We have unfinished business.*

Ruby felt drained of her little joy instantly. She knew she had no choice but to face him. This debt was what landed her in jail in the first place so she couldn't afford to ignore it.

"Mr Hastings, please, could you drop me off at the Carrington Group Headquarters? I have some issues to sort there urgently." she asked, sounding tired.

"What about your mum? She seems more urgent to me" Tom replied, looking surprised and demanding more explanation with his facial expression.

"I promise I'll explain later, Sir. I just have to get there now." She said while moving towards his car slowly.

She arrived at the Carrington headquarters and was met with a spotless lobby. It had marble floors and was decorated minimally but still screamed wealth.

Ruby felt out of place in her worn-out dirty jeans and faded blouse. Her shoes made her seem even more impoverished as it was filthy.

She felt unwelcome as every employee of the company looked down on her. There were murmurs and even laughter aimed at making her feel insecure or a fool of herself. But she was used to this.

She had never been someone who got the attention of people attractively or positively. She wasn't new to this kind of scenario.

She was escorted to Brad's office on the top floor by a receptionist who had an unpleasant look.

The office was just as spotless and outstanding as the rest of the building. The walls were lined with expensive artwork, and a massive office desk sat in the centre of the room.

Brad was seated behind it, his dark eyes locking onto Ruby as she entered.

He was dressed flawlessly in a tailored suit, his posture relaxed but commanding. There was no trace of kindliness in his appearance.

"Miss Ruby Rivers," he said casually. "I would offer you a seat but I don't think you'll need one"

Ruby stood upright, her hands were clasped tightly behind her back, her heart pounding in her chest.

"I assume you know why you're here," Brad continued, his voice without emotion.

Ruby nodded,her throat too tight to speak. She couldn't help but think that she was waiting for another sort of punishment from this man sitting in front of her.

Brad leaned back in his chair. "You owe me, Miss Ruby."

He continued "You endangered my life and my daughter's life days ago. My car also sustained significant damage because of your carelessness. Naturally, I would sue you for every penny, but given your...circumstances, I'm willing to offer you a choice."

Ruby's heart skipped a beat. "Choice?" she mumurmed, her voice low but high enough for Brad to hear..

"Yes." Brad's tone was stern, as if he were negotiating a business deal. "You'll work for me until the debt is paid off. I'm currently in need of a nanny for my daughter, Rose."

Given your circumstances, I don't believe you have any other choice but to accept. The position requires someone who is unoccupied, and I assume that you are." He said sternly

Ruby was terrified of this offer. A nanny? She wasn't qualified to take care of a child, let alone the child of a man like Brad Carrington.

But she didn't have any other options. She was drowning in debt, and she couldn't afford to anger Brad any further.

"I... I'm still in school," Ruby stuttered, trying to find some way out of this situation. "And I work at a diner to pay for my classes and living expenses. I can't..."

Brad cut her off with a dismissive wave of his hand. "You'll live in the Carrington mansion. Your education can continue depending on your ability to multitask , but your other job will have to go."

He continued "As you are being employed by me, though you are not entitled to any payments as you are working off your debt. I would be offering an employee benefit which in this case would be making sure that your mother's medical bills are covered while you are here. But in return, you will always be at my disposal. Do you understand?"

The words hit Ruby. He was offering to pay for her mother's surgery, something she wanted more than anything at this point, but at what cost?

Living in the same house as the man who had her arrested and seemed villainous felt like a deal with the devil.

But as much as she wanted to refuse, she knew she couldn't. Her mother's life was on the line, and she couldn't let her fear get in the way.

"I... I'll do it," Ruby whispered, her voice trembling.

Brad nodded and chuckled viciously, "It was never up to you anyways but I am glad we both agree. You'll move in immediately. My driver will take you to your apartment to collect your things. Once you're settled, you'll begin your duties."

"Sir... I.. would love to visit my mum at the hospital first before going home to pack my things." Ruby stuttered, scared that he would refuse her request.

Brad stared straight at her and with a cold tone and hint of mockery replied "uhm.. I don't think you understand, Ruby. You will always have to do as I say and I just said that my driver would be escorting you to your house and back to mine. Did I stutter?"

"No, Sir. I am... sorry, Sir." Ruby stammered. "I just..."

Brad interrupted her saying "If I do say so myself, you'll not be seeing your mum anytime soon unless I am very pleased with your services. You just have to trust that she is in safe hands"

He continued " Don't disappoint me, Ruby. You may leave now. My driver is waiting by the reception office on the ground floor."

Ruby swallowed hard, her hands shaking "I won't. Okay Sir." she promised, though she wasn't sure how she would manage it.

She was stepping into a world she didn't belong in, with a man who seemed determined to break her spirit.

Brad didn't respond. He simply turned his attention to the stack of papers on his desk, dismissing her as if she were nothing more than an inconvenience.

Ruby left the office feeling like she had just sold her soul, but she had no other choice. Her mother's life depended on it.

Ruby sat in the back of a luxurious car as it drove her home. She had never dreamed of being in such a car her whole life but even the feeling wasn't exciting to her at the moment.

The driver, the same one she had seen on the day of the accident, was silent, his eyes focused on the road ahead. She rested her head on the car side window, her mind filled and racing with thoughts of what lay ahead.

When they finally arrived at Carrington mansion, Ruby couldn't help but be in awe.

The estate was magnificent. It had well trimmed lawns, gigantic green trees, and a fountain was perfectly situated at the centre of the massive landscape.

The mansion itself was a grand, three-story building with white walls and large, transparent windows.

The driver opened the door for her, and Ruby stepped out. As she walked up the steps to the gigantic front door, she couldn't help but feel like she was entering a prison rather than a home.

The door was opened by a stern-looking woman in a crisp white uniform. "Gooday, Welcome to Carrington Manor, Miss Rivers," she said with a formal nod. "My name is Miriam Lancaster. I am the head housekeeper and I have been expecting you. I'll show you to your quarters."

Ruby followed Mrs. Lancaster through the passageway, her eyes wide as she took in the exceptional interior decoration.

The house was beautiful, but it also felt empty and hostile. Everything was immaculate, but it felt lifeless.

Mrs. Lancaster led Ruby up the stairs and down a long passageway. "This will be your room," she said, opening a door at the far end of the passage .

The room was spacious, with a large bed, a wardrobe, and a desk. The window faced the gardens, and there was an ensuite bathroom attached.

"Dinner is served at seven," Mrs. Lancaster informed her. "Your duties begin tomorrow morning. Rose's room is the next room. You'll find a schedule of her activities on the desk. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask."

Ruby nodded, her throat tight. "Thank you."

Mrs. Lancaster left her alone in the room, and Ruby sat down on the edge of the bed, feeling completely unsettled and depressed.

She wanted to cry, but she couldn't afford to break down now. She had to be strong, for her mother's sake.

After unpacking her scanty belongings, Ruby forced herself to look over the schedule on the desk.

Rose Carrington's day was carefully planned, from her private tutoring sessions to her hobbies.

Ruby had never been responsible for a child before, and the thought of caring for a spoiled, wealthy girl like Rose was sure going to be tiring.

---

The next morning, Ruby woke early. She didn't really get a good night's rest because she spent the night tossing and turning, troubled by thoughts of her sick mother, her dead brother, and the task ahead of her.

The sun had hardly risen when she made her way to Rose's room.

She knocked on the door softly while saying "Good Morning, Miss Rose.May I come in?"

There was no response. She waited a few minutes before carefully opening the door and peeking inside.

"Rose?" Ruby called softly, stepping into the room.

The blankets on the bed shifted, and a little face peeked out, scowling at Ruby. Rose had jet black hair and brown eyes-so much like her father. Her face was filled with suspicion.

"Who are you?" Rose questioned, her voice tiny yet sharp.

"I'm Ruby," she replied gently, trying to keep her tone reassuring. "I'm your new nanny."

Rose sat up frowning. "I don't need a nanny. I can take care of myself. Go away, I don't want you in my room."

Ruby murmured to herself "I don't want to be here either but I have to be here."

She had expected Rose to be difficult, but she did not expect an outright rejection.

"Rose dear, I know you don't know me yet, but I'm here to help you," Ruby said, forcing herself to stay calm. "We can get to know each other better and have fun together."

Rose folded her arms across her chest, her expression stern. "I said I don't want you here. You're just like the others. You'll leave, too."

These words concerned Ruby. Rose wasn't just being difficult-she was hurt.

It was obvious that the little girl was tired of being attached to someone and being abandoned later. She had already lost her mother, and she had also lost count of how many Nannies she had had through her 6 years of living.

They all had resigned due to her dad's merciless and harsh behaviour towards them.

"I'm not going anywhere, Rose," Ruby said softly, stepping closer to the bed. "Trust me and see. I will always be here for you till you don't want me to be."

Rose didn't even have a choice. She had to be here to work out her debt and also enjoy the employee benefit while it still lasts.

Rose's face looked doubtful towards Ruby's words,"Why should I trust you? You're just here because my dad hired you. You don't care about me."

Rose was right, but Ruby refused to back down. "You're right, your dad did hire me," Ruby admitted, "but I wouldn't accept the job if I didn't care about you. I know we've just met, but I promise to always be here for you."

Rose stared at her for a long while, her expression hard to read. Finally, she threw off the bed covers and slid out of bed. Her small feet landed on the rug. She stood up straight, her face still unconvinced.

"Hhmm, We'll see about that," Rose said, her voice cold. "But don't think you can boss me around. I'm not like other kids."

Ruby smiled. This was a huge step and she seems to have overcome it. "I wouldn't dream of it. How about we get you ready for breakfast?"

Rose didn't respond, but she didn't hold out either as Ruby led her to the bathroom.

Ruby could sense the walls Rose had built around herself as she was almost done with Ruby's Morning routine, and she knew it would take time and patience to break through them.

Once Rose was dressed and ready, Ruby followed her downstairs to the dining room. The table was already set, and a small team of staff members was busy preparing the meal.

Brad was seated at the head of the table, glancing through a business magazine.

As soon as Rose saw her father, her attitude changed. She looked excited and happy. She ran to him,"Daddy!" she yelled, climbing onto his lap and wrapping her arms around his neck.

Brad's serious expression softened as he hugged his daughter. "Good morning, sweetie. How was your night? Did you sleep well?"

Rose nodded, "I guess. Ruby woke me up."

Brad thought to himself "First name basis already, she must be doing something right."

Brad's eyes shifted to Ruby, his eyes cold. "Is that so? How are you finding your new duties, Miss Rivers?"

Ruby swallowed, trying to remain calm under his intense examination. "It's been... a learning experience, Mr. Carrington. Rose is a very bright and beautiful girl."

Rose smiled.

Brad's lips wiggled in what might have been a smile, but it disappeared as quickly as it had come. "She is. And I expect you to take good care of her."

"I will," Ruby promised.

"Good." Brad's tone left no room for response. "You'll accompany Rose to her lessons today. I am sure you are already familiar with her schedule."

Ruby nodded, "Of course."

Breakfast was a quiet affair, with Rose sticking close to her father and Ruby feeling like a stranger.

After breakfast, Ruby took Rose to her private tutoring session in one of the mansion's many rooms. The tutor, an older woman named Mrs. Gosling, greeted Rose warmly and then glanced at Ruby with polite curiosity.

"You must be the new nanny," Mrs. Gosling said with a smile. "I'm Mrs. Gosling, Rose's tutor. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Likewise. My name is Ruby," Ruby replied, returning the smile. "I'll be staying with Rose during her lessons today."

"Of course." Mrs. Gosling turned to Rose. "Shall we begin, Rose?"

Rose nodded, already seated at the desk and flipping through her textbook. Ruby took a seat in the corner of the room, watching as the lesson began.

Rose was clearly a bright child. She answered questions thrown at her quickly and with confidence. Ruby was amazed at what this 6 year old could do.

After the lesson, Rose had a break before her next lesson.

Ruby decided to do something fun with Rose so as to further break the remaining awkwardness between them. But she has no idea what Rose would enjoy.

"Rose," Ruby said, "would you like to play a game? Or maybe we could go for a walk in the garden?"

Rose looked up from the book she was reading and replied. "We are not friends. Why would I play a game with you? Plus I can't go for a walk without Dad's permission."

Ruby bit her lip, trying to find the right words. "We are going to become friends soon."

"Plus, let going for a walk in the garden be our little secret. Your dad doesn't have to know." she smiled.

Rose looked excited but tried to hide it. she sighed and closed her book. "Fine. We can go to the garden. But don't think we are friends."

Ruby smiled, relieved to have made even a small breakthrough. "That's okay. We would be friends very soon"