THE NANNY

hough the morning sickness, exhaustion, and constant doctor's appointments were ch

agreement, I made deposits for the commencement of her treatment, paid off my dad's debts, renewed our rent and I bar

that wasn't mine to keep. I avoided mirrors, avoided neighbors and their questions. It was only my closest p

more than a promise I had to fulfil

ficient, almost cold, her focus always on the medical aspects of the pregnancy. She never mentioned Gerald, an

eckups, and sleepless nights. By the time my due dat

pure it broke something inside me. For a brief, fleeting moment, I wanted to see the baby, to hold

finally too much to bear. When I woke up hours later, the room was quiet-too

oorway, her expression as c

n transferred to a

r tone devoi

aking care of the child now. It's al

rehearsed, but they hit

o see them," I whispe

part of the

, her eyes f

urs. Nonetheless, your complete payment has been sent to yo

tly down my cheeks. I had known this would ha

nd racing. I had done what I promised, given Gerald Thompson what he wanted. But the emptin

Mom, for the baby, and for myself. But in that moment, it didn'

hor'

silence a room and a reputation that made people tread carefully around him. He wasn't

es, from cutting-edge tech to luxury real estate. People whispered about

cy demeanor, and his unapologetic disregard for

He was a man who was money-driven and selfish with anything that earned him money. He was

heekbones, piercing gray eyes that seemed to see through lies,

men envied him, and everyone respected-or feared-him. About been betrayed, Gerald hated that - his subordinates, including the past ones had a lot to tell- countless

kind of man who let people close. He had no time for idle chatter, no patienc

or being with. She was beautiful, poised, and came from one of the most in

iendship. Gerald barely tolerated Tasha's presence, treating her more like a business partner than a romantic interest.

ow it. Emotional entanglements weren't his concern. He had more important things to focus on

en that was more about control than affection. He had always wa

ractical solution, bypassing the struggles of personal relationships to get exactly what he

ut beneath the layers of his cold, calculating exterior was a man who believed

that's what he