Why is she here?
Isla’s POV
The night air bit into my skin as I sat on the stone steps of the mansion, hugging my knees tightly. My tears had finally dried, but a deep, hollow ache remained. I stared at the towering mansion, its cold exterior as unyielding as the man who’d just thrown me out.
I didn’t know who he was, but his presence lingered in my mind—the fury in his gaze, the disdain in his voice. He was handsome, but in the most terrifying way, his features sharp and unforgiving. I shuddered, thinking back to how easily he’d turned my world upside down in just a matter of minutes.
I had no place to go. I’d left everything behind to stay here, to work for Mr. Romano, to care for his son. And now… I was alone again. The baby’s soft, innocent face flashed through my mind, and my heart twisted painfully. Who will look after him now?
Just as the first light of dawn broke over the horizon, the heavy iron gates creaked open. A figure emerged from the shadows, walking towards me. My heart jumped as I saw that it was one of the guards who’d been watching me last night.
He approached cautiously, holding out a thick coat. “Miss Isla… Mr. Romano has returned. He’d like to speak with you.”
I blinked, too stunned to react immediately. “Mr. Romano is… here?”
The guard nodded, glancing over his shoulder nervously, as if expecting the young master to appear at any moment. “Please, come inside. Mr. Romano insists.”
I wrapped the coat around myself and followed the guard, relief and anxiety mixing in my chest. We entered the mansion, and I was led down a long hallway to a small, cozy study where Mr. Romano stood by the fireplace, his back to me. He turned as I entered, his face etched with worry.
“Isla,” he said softly, his eyes filled with regret. “I’m so sorry for what happened last night.”
I lowered my gaze, not sure what to say, the humiliation of the night’s events still raw in my mind.
“My son…” he began, his voice carrying both disappointment and an understanding that told me this was not the first time his son had caused him trouble. “He has… certain rules. And unfortunately, they cloud his judgment.”
I tried to speak, my voice a whisper. “He… threw me out, Mr. Romano. Without letting me explain.”
Mr. Romano sighed, his face weary. “Please, call me Lucien. And believe me, Isla, if I had been here, it would never have happened.” He crossed the room and placed a gentle hand on my shoulder. “I want you to stay. You’ve been wonderful with my grandson. He needs you, and…” He hesitated, as though weighing his words. “I think my son needs someone to challenge him, to show him that there’s another way to live.”
I glanced up at him, surprised. “Your son… he seemed so angry. I don’t know if he’ll ever accept me here.”
Lucien gave me a small, sad smile. “Yes, Angelo is… complicated. But you don’t need his acceptance, Isla. You’re here for the baby, and you’re under my protection.”
I bit my lip, heart pounding with both fear and a glimmer of hope. “If… if you really want me to stay, I’ll do it. For the baby.”
Lucien’s eyes softened, and he nodded. “Thank you. It means a lot to me, and it will mean a lot to him, even if he doesn’t realize it.”
A moment later, footsteps echoed in the hallway. I looked up, feeling my stomach twist as the door opened, and Angelo stepped into the room. His face was just as fierce as I remembered, his piercing gaze locking onto me the instant he saw me.
“Father, what’s going on?” he demanded, his voice hard. “Why is she here?”
Lucien squared his shoulders, his tone firm. “Isla is staying, Angelo. She’s the baby’s nanny, and she’s under my care. You may not agree with my decision, but I expect you to respect it.”
Angelo’s eyes narrowed, his jaw clenching. “I don’t want women in this house. You know that.”
Lucien didn’t back down, meeting his son’s glare with unflinching resolve. “Then consider this an exception. Isla is here to look after your son, and if you cannot respect that, then we need to have a different conversation.”
Angelo’s gaze shifted to me, his expression icy, as though I were nothing more than an intruder. The intensity in his stare made my heart race, but I refused to look away. I wasn’t going to let him intimidate me any longer.
Finally, he scoffed and looked back at his father. “Fine,” he spat. “But don’t expect me to welcome her.”
With one last glare in my direction, he turned on his heel and stormed out, leaving the room in a tense silence.
Lucien let out a weary sigh and turned to me, offering a comforting smile. “I know he’s difficult, but trust me—he needs someone like you here, even if he doesn’t see it.”
I nodded, still shaken but resolute. “I’ll do my best, Mr. Romano. For the baby.”
He gave my shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “Thank you, Isla. I have a feeling you’ll be just what this family needs.”