Zhanarah Miller had no idea how her life would turn out in a single night. She was a once-dreaming university student, but now she's a young lady barely making ends meet, doing filthy jobs to pay for her brother's schooling and her sick stepmother. Zhanarah has no clue what she is getting into when she accepts an offer from Bryant Corbin, a wealthy and enigmatic millionaire, for an exotic and well-paying position. Her recent employment? seeing Naomi, Bryant's kid, grow up. A seemingly promising opportunity for a better life soon devolves into a terrifying maze of shadowy legacies, perilous groups, and long-brewing power conflicts. Fighting to keep Naomi safe, Zhanarah learns that the little child is the key to a legacy that might change the world and that many would murder to get. Zhanarah must negotiate a world of power, treachery, and lies-one in which nobody can be trusted-as foes close in from all directions. Will Naomi be protected by her, or will they both become prey to a plot that has been on since before Zhanarah ever set foot in Bryant's world?
Chapter 1 THE NIGHT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING
This is not how I imagined my life to be unravelled
I used to think that fairy tales were real, that the girl next door had the same happy ending as me. I had a straightforward existence, with plenty of sunny days and home-cooked meals. However, it was before everything collapsed, before my brother's requirements grew and my stepmother's sickness. I discovered that I was living a life I had never dreamed of.
My brother Jaden texted me, "Zara, we don't have much time." It was hardly readable on my phone's broken screen. Though familiar, his message was important. Once again, tuition was required. My heart began to drop even more as I read the message again. Closing my eyelids, I inhaled deeply. Why did I have to bear everything all the time?
I stuffed the phone back into my pocket and looked at my image in the dimly lit dressing room mirror at the club. It was almost impossible for me to identify Zhanarah Miller. Though the girl gazing back at me seemed assured with her short dress, red lips, and high heels, she wasn't the actual one. It was a mask, my go-to disguise for occasions like these.
It was going to be just another normal night, like all the others. Arrive, greet the man, do the task for which I was compensated, and go. But I secretly detested it. **The whole thing. I had to press on, however. I need the cash.
I felt my stomach twist as I made my way down the corridor into the VIP area of the club. The bouncer gave me a nod, his eyes glassy with disinterest. He was aware of my identity and actions. However, I wasn't present for him. What drew me in was the guy who waited behind those velvet drapes.
Though it wasn't a name I was familiar with in my field of work, Bryant Corbin was his name. I was about to turn off my emotions as I drew back the curtain, but something unexpected occurred.
He was not by himself.
Beside him, sound sleeping on the sofa, was a little girl, maybe five years old.
Unconsciously, my heart tightened. **What on earth was this child doing here?**
Bryant instantly raised a hand, a chilly grin appearing on his lips, so he must have detected the change in my mood. "Avoid concern. He said nonchalantly, as if the circumstances weren't totally out of control, "She's asleep." His tone was too smooth. It gave me the creeps.
"Who is she?" Trying not to let my voice waver, I asked.
"My daughter," he retorted while sipping a drink. "She lost her nanny yesterday night. We're here because I couldn't find anybody else."
I became cold. His child? It seemed like a smack in the face, how ridiculous it was all. In my field of work, I had seen some absurdities, but this? This was the first time. I was immobile as I stood there, a thousand questions swirling in my head.
Bryant looked directly at me and said, "You'll still be paid for the night." "However, I suppose that the arrangement needs to be adjusted."
I took a deep breath. There was a grim quality to his stare. Something calculated. "What do you mean?"
With a nonchalant sip from his drink, he reclined back in his chair. It is advised that you be... flexible. I need someone who can stay with me for more than one evening. Given your present circumstances, my kid needs a babysitter. His lips curved into a grin as he drifted off.
My breathing caught in my throat. **A nurse? Me? ** This was a lifeline, not merely an offer of employment. The type of support system I really needed.
However, a catch had to exist. Usually, there was a catch.
"And precisely what are you providing?" I questioned, squinting at him. I was not gullible. It was going to be more complicated than just watching his child.
Bryant's lips became prettier. He got up and moved carefully across the room, coming to within inches of me. The aroma of strength, the pricey perfume, was evident to me. A reliable income that can pay for both your stepmother's medical expenses and your brother's schooling. a place to remain. Of course, it means no more compromising agreements. His eyes fell on the little girl who was still soundly asleep on the sofa. "You'll have full-time responsibility for her."
A peculiar tug, half hope, half terror, went through me. I was well aware of how absurd this was. He was providing me with a way out of the life I detested, but at what price? Not for a moment did I believe him, but the weight of my reality was crushing me, making the impossibly difficult to comprehend.
"What is the snag?" My question came out no more than a whisper.
Bryant's countenance hardened as his stare became piercing. You'll follow my instructions to the letter, which is the catch. You now work for me. Let me clarify, Zhanarah. There's no turning back once you accept this offer. You are mine to own.
My skin crawled at his words, and I reflexively recoiled. However, my mind kept returning to my stepmother, Jaden. How worn out I was. I was no longer the focus of this. It was far past time for it to be about me.
Between us, a thick, oppressive silence spread. I looked down once again at the little child, her chest gently rising and falling. How on earth could I accept this? How was it possible for me to refuse?
I eventually responded, taking a step back, "I need time to think." The air in the room was suddenly too heavy to breathe, and my heart was thumping in my chest.
Bryant nodded even as his grin dimmed a little. "Take the evening. Take your time, however. I'll be watching for your response.
With my thoughts rushing more quickly than I could process, I turned and left the VIP area. The loud music and flashing lights of the club appeared to recede into the distance. One choice might affect everything in my life. But could I really rely on him?
I sat on my bed's edge at my flat, gazing up at the fractured ceiling. The offer played back to me like a tape recorder, each syllable being ingrained in my being. I had never felt so stuck, so in between.
I was jolted out of my thoughts by a tap on the door. I had no idea who would show up.
I got to my feet and moved carefully toward the door. My brother Jaden stood there, wide-eyed and nervously smiling, as I opened it.
He stroked the back of his neck and murmured, "Hey, Zara." "I... received a scholarship."
I blinked, taking in what he had said. An award? I experienced a tiny relaxation of tightness in my chest and a wave of relief.
"Are you for real?" With a shaky voice, I asked. It was too good to be true. With tears burning my eyes, I embraced him tightly when he nodded. Things didn't seem as bleak as they had in a long time.
Jaden looked at me questioningly as he withdrew. "How about you? Do you feel alright?
I paused and took a quick look at the stack of past-due invoices on the table. The offer from Bryant Corbin, the life I could leave behind, and the new life that awaited me all came to mind after that. Perhaps this was my second opportunity, the one I had given up on.
Softly, more to myself than to him, I replied, "I think... things might be okay."
I would provide Bryant with my response tomorrow.
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