Wrapped In Love

THE RUSSELL MANSION

JAYDEN'S POV

I slowly pushed the door open and found the little figure already asleep peacefully on his bed. I walked in, gently shutting the door behind me not to wake him up.

He must have probably got tired of waiting for me and slept off. I wish I can make it up to him for everything.

I sat on the edge of the bed staring at his cute little face and recalling how time flies so fast.

He has grown up so fast in the space of five years. If only his mother was here with us to see how grown up and handsome he had become just like his father she would have been the happiest.

We miss you so much Amanda. I miss you every single day and can't stop blaming myself for your death.

If only I had known that accident was meant for me. I would have gone instead of her but fate was cruel towards my love for her.

It took away the love of my life and left me shattered, heartbroken and a single father of an innocent kid who knows nothing.

"Good night son." I murmured and kissed his forehead before making my way out of the room.

I was heading back to my bedroom to get some rest when I heard my name from behind.

"Jayden! Is that you?" The voice I recognized asked.

"Yes aunt." I replied, turning around to see the old figure coming into view.

"Oh, dear! How have missed you, son!" She cried out and rushed towards me.

"I miss you too, aunt." I confessed, embracing her warmly.

"Why did you leave like that without saying a word to me? You had Max and I worried. It was really hard persuading him you'd be back soon."

"I'm sorry aunt. I had to deal with something really urgent."

"It's okay, son. I'm so glad you're finally back."

"Me too." I responded as she pulled away from me.

"Have you had dinner?"

"Not yet."

"Come with me. I'll make you something myself since it's been a while since I made you a meal."

"You don't have to, aunt."

"Come on, boy. I just want to because I've missed you so much."

"Alright." I agreed and trailed after her to the kitchen.

"Make yourself comfortable while this chef prepares your favorite delicacy." She stated which got me chuckling.

"I'm so happy to see you, Jay." She added with a warm smile.

She has been doing every possible means to make me smile ever since I lost Amanda who was my source of happiness and everything.

I never thought my position as the underworld mafia don would put an end to the life of my beloved wife being the most feared and powerful mafia king in New Orleans.

I changed completely from being the cold and ruthless mafia king I was after Amanda came into my life. But as things would turned out, an unknown b*** had the guts to eliminate her.

I promise I won't ever spare the person behind her death. I'll make sure he pays for every single tear and pain he had cost me for taking her away from me.

"What's on your mind, Jayden?"

"Nothing aunt."

"You can't say nothing, son. I know you better than anyone Jay. I watched you grow into the man you are today. I know you're missing her, isn't it?"

"Yes aunt. I miss her every single day yet I can't seem to find the culprit behind her death. I keep blaming myself every single day knowing the killer is out there watching me suffer in agony."

"You don't have to keep blaming yourself, Jay. And about the killer, I'm sure you'll catch him at hand like you always do to your enemies."

"When exactly? It's been five years now, aunt. I can't wait any longer. Each time I set my eyes on Max, all I feel is guilt for making him lonely without his mother by his side. I can't seem to fill in Amanda's absence in his life no matter how I try."

"I think it's time I tell you what I feel will make him not feel the absence of his mother anymore."

"And what's that?"

"He needs a nanny to be around him all the time."

"A nanny? Hell no! We both are there for him so I don't think he needs one."

"Trust me, Jay. He really does. You just can't see how sad he feels when playing alone but if you find him a nanny, I'm sure he will be happy."

"I don't know aunt. I do need to think about this suggestion. I don't want any danger lurking in his way just like I let my guts down towards his mother."

"Nothing will happen, Jay. You just have to be positive."

"I still have to think about bringing a nanny into this mansion."

"You can give it as much thought as you want but don't delay the matter."

"Okay aunt." I responded and with that she began to prepare my favorite dish while we kept talking about random matters.

**

The following morning I got a call to deal with an urgent matter relating to the mafia family.

I got ready in one of my expensive tuxedo suits making me look smart and powerful as always.

Being a mafia don hasn't been an easy thing for me. It's one of the most dangerous yet beautiful and fantastic experiences.

Your life is always in danger and you're almost surrounded with enemies more than friends.

I walked out of my bedroom and found Henry, my right hand man and adviser waiting for me.

"Good morning boss."

"Morning Henry. What's the latest update on my schedule after the meeting?"

"You've an arranged meeting with Mr. Adams on the new project. Also, a dinner date with Miss Fiona, daughter of HITZ Group."

"Okay. Forward their time to me."

"Okay boss. Your son is awaiting your presence at the dining."

"Let go." I responded, while we proceed downstairs to the dining area.

"Daddy!" My son called out, rushing towards me.

I picked him up instantly with a smile on my face.

"Hello champ. Did you miss me?"

"Yes, I miss you but I'm really angry at you."

"What did daddy do, champ?" I asked with knitted brows.

"Can you drop me down first?"

"So, tell me, what did daddy do to make little champ angry?" I inquired, after putting him down.

"You left me for a month without saying anything. I'm very upset."

"Oh, that's right, champ. Daddy had to go take care of an important job."

"Okay. I forgive you this time." I said, pouting his mouth.

"That's my champ. I won't be able to have breakfast with you today because I've to take care of a job right now but I promise to be back, okay?"

"Pinky swear?"

"Pinky swear, champ."

"Where is your godmother?" I added.

"I'm right here." We heard her voice before he could respond.

"Good morning aunt."

"Good morning Jay."

"Champ, why don't you follow Henry to the dining. Godmother and I have something to discuss."

"Okay daddy." He replied and rushed back to the dining area while Henry trailed after him.

"What's the matter Jay? Are you leaving again?" She asked.

"No, aunt. It's concerning the discussion we had last night. I've given it a lot of thought. You can begin the search for the nanny."

"That's great. I promise to find him the best nanny. You don't have to worry about anything."

"I know, aunt. I need to go now. I've an urgent matter to handle."

"Alright. Take good care of yourself."

"I will." I assured her and signaled Henry who rushed towards me before we both strolled out.

I just hope the nanny will be good enough to take good care of my son.

SARAH'S POV

I was sleeping so peacefully on my not so comfy bed when I felt a splash of water over my face which made me rush off the bed only to come in contact with my step mother's frowning face.

"Get your sluggish self-up and join your father and I in the living room this minute."

"Alright. I'll be out in a bit. I just need to wash up."

"I mean right now!" She screamed out, which made me grumble in a low tone.

"Okay." I murmured and got on my feet, wiping off the water on my face with the tip of my palm.

We got to the living room and found my father who I've long disregarded as my family along with his favorite step daughter seated right next to him.

"She's here." My step mother said and joined them on the sofa while I stood still on the spot.

"She's been a bad omen ever since she moved in with us after her mother's death. Who knows if she's the cause of the poor woman's death?" Eva, my step sister grumbled, loudly.

"That's enough Eva. Sarah, a job just came in and I want you to take it." My father stated.

"What job father? I already got a job that pays me just fine. I don't need any job at the moment."

"What good is that delivery job anyway? I don't have the means to spend any expenses on you anymore."

"But I do give all my earnings to you just to please you. What more do you want me to do?" I responded, at the verge of breaking down in tears.

"Well, it's not enough and I just lost my job so you've got to take this job if you still want a roof under your head."

"I don't think I really want to change my job right now."

"You have to and you will because I said so. Don't you see it? This new job offers a lot of money which will be enough to get me back on my feet."

"I don't care how much is involved. I'm doing really well with my current job and I feel happy with the job. I see no reason why I should suddenly pick up another? Eva, is there. She can take up the job instead."

"That's it! I've had enough of your rude attitude. You will do just what I've said and I mustn't hear a word from you again. Get yourself ready and meet me right here in less than thirty minutes." He stated sternly.

I felt bitter and angry that I can't do anything to fight back this injustice coming from my own father. This is one of the problems I've been facing ever since I moved in with them.

I just wish there's a way to escape all this bitterness and pain. I'm extremely tired of this ill treatment from him and his new family.

"Don't just stand there! Go get yourself useful." My step mother reckoned in disgust.

The moment I left their presence, the droplets of tears I tried to control streamed down my cheeks uncontrollable.

I leaned against the iron railings of the stairs and slowly went on my knees in tears, crying out all my frustration and anger.

I got back to my room after regaining myself and headed to the shower to get ready.

I wonder if my life will ever be normal again without the presence of my mother.

**

I highlighted from the cab, while my dad stayed behind giving me a cold look.

"You must get the job at all cost." He stated and instructed the driver to drive off leaving me in front of the magnificent mansion.

I have no idea where to start from. I'm just tired of my life.

How am I sure they've gotten someone for the job? I just don't know how to deal with this situation at all.

I held on to my credentials and took a deep breath before making my way towards the giant gate with about four hefty men holding long guns around their shoulders.

With every step I took, I felt shivers run down my spine but I fought every urge and approached them.

"What do you want?" One of the men asked in a thick tone.

"I'm here to apply for the nanny job." I answered almost in a whisper.

"Get in." He stated, opening the gate for me.

I couldn't stop admiring the beauty of the mansion when one of the female staff was instructed by the guard to escort me inside the mansion.

The mansion must have cost a lot of fortune to look this beautiful and flawless. I can't even imagine how the interior of the mansion will look when the exterior is spectacular.

"This way, miss." The lady said, following a corner which looks like a garden on its own with a swimming pool at the far end of the way.

I caught a glimpse of a little boy playing with a ball along the pool side which I feel is dangerous for him.

I kept a close watch on him until I saw him heading towards the pool which alerted me and made me rush to the pool.

Before I could get there, he was already inside the pool battling with the water as I dropped off my bag and credentials on the floor and jumped in.

I quickly pulled him out as the staff who was escorting me inside along with an elderly woman, four staffs and three guards rushed towards us.

"Oh, my God! Max! Are you okay? Contact the doctor immediately!" The elderly woman yelled, taking the boy from me and rushing inside the mansion.

I remained on my spot not knowing what else to do. After a while, I got up with my wet body to pick up my bag and credentials when two female staffs, approached me as one of them had a towel with her.

"Here you go before you catch a cold." The one with the towel said, wrapping the towel around me while the other helped with my bag and credentials.

"Let's go inside and get you cleaned." The other lady said and walked ahead of us while the first lady helped me as we made our way inside the luxurious mansion.

I just hope the boy is okay? If I hadn't made it on time, I wonder how serious the situation would have gotten if I wasn't there.

JAYDEN'S POV

I was in the meeting with the mafia families discussing how to strike one of our enemies whose identity has been revealed when Henry walked up to me.

"We have got a situation but everything is under control." He whispered and stood behind me.

"Let's have this meeting some other time." I ordered.

"Don't worry Jay. You can go ahead while I deal with the rest of the issue." My godfather, David Pam, who got me on the position as the underworld mafia don said.

I nodded in response and headed out with Henry trailing behind me.

"What's the situation?"

"Max, fell into the pool but he's under the doctor's care."

"F**k!! How did it happen? Someone has got an explanation to do." I cursed under my breath.

"It happens that the maid assigned to look after him got carried away and lost sight of him. She's being held captive by the men."

"She's definitely a spy sent by an enemy. I won't spare her or the person involved."

"I will find out who is behind the attack, boss."

"Cancel the rest of my schedule for today. I need to spend time with my son and be sure he's okay."

"Okay boss."

"Let's head back to the mansion and torture the living hell out of that b**h." I gritted my teeth in rage and strolled out of the mafia headquarters.

**

I headed for my son's room immediately, I arrived at the mansion and found the doctor, aunt, an unfamiliar lady with a towel around her along with two other female staff standing on my son who was on his bed.

"How is he doc?"

"He's absolutely fine now, Mr. Russell. I've given him a pill which will make him feel better."

"Daddy!"

"How are you feeling, champ?" I asked, taking a seat on his bed.

"I'm fine daddy."

"Mr. Russell, he needs to get some rest in order for the drug to work efficiently."

"Alright." I responded, ceasing his forehead.

"Can I take my leave now, Mr. Russell?"

"Yes, you can."

"Thank you Mr. Russell. If anything comes on, don't forget to give me a call." He stated while I nodded in response and ordered the two female staff to lead him outside.

"I'm extremely sorry I wasn't there when he left his room." Aunt began but I stopped her politely.

"It's nothing aunt. I blame the maid assigned to watch over him. Let's just forget about the matter." I uttered and turned towards the unfamiliar stranger.

"Who are you?"

"She's the one who saved Max when he fell into the pool. She's actually one of the people who came for the nanny position." Aunt explained before she could respond.

"I see. Have you interviewed her yet?"

"Not yet, son."

"Alright. I'll do that then. I'll leave you with Max." I stated.

"Okay son."

"Get some rest, champ. I'll come check up on you later, okay."

"Okay daddy." He replied with a smile while I kissed his forehead before gesturing to the strange lady to trail behind me.

SARAH'S POV

We got to a study room which was so beautiful and captivating that I was lost admiring the beauty of the room.

"Don't just stand there staring around. I don't have all day long." His voice bloomed, which made me regain myself.

"Have a seat and let me have your credentials to be sure if you're qualified for the job." He added, gesturing to me to take a seat in front of his desk.

I quietly walked over to the desk and handed the file containing my credentials to him before taking a seat.

While he was going through my credentials I kept admiring his handsome looks. He was indeed the perfect definition of good looks. He had grey eyes with his hair shortened and styled.

"Have you ever thought of looking for a job other than a nanny's job?" He asked, which got me speechless.

"It's actually complicated." I managed to reply.

"I guess everyone is looking for a way to make fast money. If not, how could someone with such good credentials work as a nanny." He uttered, which hurt my feelings.

If only he knew what my father did when I got a job at a famous company, he wouldn't have said those words.

"Alright. You're hired. You can resume today but you'll be living here. I want to be sure my son is well taken care of and protected."

"Thank you sir. I'll make sure he's well protected and safe around me."

"I hope so. I'm sure you're aware how much is involved?" He asked with narrowed eyes.

"Not really."

"Then how did you learn that a nanny is needed? Or were you sent by an enemy to spy on me, tell me this instant so I can spare your life?" He said with anger which got me frightened.

"I don't know what you're talking about, sir. My father was the one who learnt about it, nothing more."

"I'll assume you're telling the truth but I will keep a close eye on you."

"Okay sir."

"You will be paid one thousand dollars per month. It's an offer no one will be willing to lose."

"A thousand dollars?!" I exclaimed in shock.

"You're free to pull out if you're not satisfied."

"No sir. I didn't mean it that way. I was just surprised. I'm very much fine with the payment." I responded, quickly.

"Whatever you say. Before you start, I'll like to put you to light. There are rules governing this mansion which every staff obeys and I hope you'll be able to follow them just like everyone is." He began while I listened keenly at him.

"You're forbidden from entering my bedroom at any cost. You're forbidden to talk back while I'm talking. You're not allowed to stare at me in the eyes."

"I'll try my best to follow each rule."

"I'm not done speaking." He stated, glaring at me which made mute before he proceeded.

"As my son's nanny there are certain rules you've to follow. You must report to me on my son's daily routine. Also, you must inform me wherever you're going to be sure you're not rooting something up. I need to know everything about what you do."

"Okay sir. I'll try as much as possible to abide by every rule."

"Good. Do you have a cell phone?"

"No sir."

"Alright. You can go prepare yourself and start today."

"Okay sir. Thank you." I thanked him and stood up to leave when his words made me halt on the spot.

"Thank you for saving my son."

I never thought he would thank me for saving his son. Who could have ever imagined I would be a good swimmer if my mother hadn't made me take swimming classes?

"I'm glad I got there on time. I'll be on my way now, sir." I replied with a warm smile before making my way out.