Grumpy billionaire nanny, p.1
Grumpy Billionaire' Nanny, page 1
GRUMPY BILLIONAIRE’S NANNY
HADLEY COOPER
Copyright © 2024 by Hadley Cooper
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
CONTENTS
Introduction
1. Ella
2. Lee
3. Ella
4. Lee
5. Ella
6. Lee
7. Ella
8. Lee
9. Ella
10. Lee
11. Ella
12. Lee
13. Ella
14. Lee
15. Ella
16. Lee
17. Ella
18. Lee
INTRODUCTION
The man I loved and left is unaware that he is the father of my child, and now I’m his granddaughter’s nanny.
My agency called and said Lee Andrews requested me to be a live-in nanny for his granddaughter.
I never thought I’d see him again.
We unexpectedly connected during a yacht cruise from California to the Fiji Islands.
I brought sunshine to his dark world and thought I’d made a change in him.
Until I overheard his tirade about Gold Diggers, which included me.
After the assignment ended, when I got home, I found out I was pregnant.
I can’t tell him because he will think I am putting him in a baby trap.
Now, I’m about to re-enter Lee’s world with our daughter, the proof of our brief, intense love affair.
But I don’t know how he’ll react when he learns he has a daughter
1
ELLA
My heart skipped a beat. Lee Andrews. The name alone brought a flood of memories and emotions. The love we shared, the painful parting, and the secret of Lily.
I was gazing at Lily as she slept when my phone buzzed. Glancing at the screen, I saw a call from Harmony Home Care, the agency I worked for as a nanny.
With a sense of urgency, my agent Marcy declared, "Ella, we have received an urgent request."
The call made the burden of my secret feel heavier. Lee Andrews, the man I had loved and left, was the father of my child, yet unaware of his paternity.
I hadn't seen Lee in almost four years. The life-altering cruise forever changed my life. I kept Lily's existence hidden because I feared being called a gold-digger. This label haunted me after hearing Lee's conversation.
I hesitated, torn between the shock and the reality of facing Lee again. But then, I thought of Lily, of the possibility of her knowing her father.
"Marcy, I'll take it," keeping my voice steady.
"That's fantastic, Ella! Mr. Andrews asked for you. You must have made quite an impression," Marcy replied.
As I ended the call, the weight of the decision settled in. I was about to re-enter Lee's world with our daughter, the living proof of our brief, intense love affair. How will he react when he learns the truth? Will he accept Lily as his daughter?
I looked at Lily, her chest rising and falling into a peaceful sleep. This was for her. I had to take a risk.
Lily and I landed at the William P. Hobby Airport. I knew Lee must have paid a hefty sum to the agency to get me flown down here. His driver, whom he had sent to pick us up, was already waiting.
The drive to the Andrews estate felt like a journey through a past I'd never imagined revisiting. Forty-five minutes later, we arrived at the mansion. As the driver parked, my palms felt sweaty.
The estate was grand, with manicured lawns stretching far and wide. A fountain danced in the sunlight. The mansion was a symbol of immense wealth.
Holding Lily's hand, I followed the driver to the grand entrance. A deep breath steadied my nerves as he rang the bell.
The butler, James, opened the door, his face lit up with recognition. He served as the cruise's butler. "Ella, you're here," he said, giving me a side hug and grinning sheepishly.
The interior was intimidating yet awe-inspiring. The foyer glimmered with luxury. Marble floors gleamed under a grand chandelier. Priceless art adorned the walls. A sweeping staircase appeared to ascend to the heavens.
"Mr. Andrews is in his study," James informed us, leading the way.
Breathtaking artwork filled the hallways, each surpassing the last. The furniture was of the finest craftsmanship.
My heart raced with nervousness as I approached the study. The door swung open, revealing Lee Andrews in his element. He stood tall, exuding power and confidence. His back faced us as he gazed out of the floor-to-ceiling windows, which overlooked the estate.
He turned as we entered, his sharp green eyes locking onto mine. Time had treated him well.
"Ella, you've come," he said, his tone smooth, betraying no emotion.
"I'm here for Robin, per your request," I said, sounding composed.
"Yes, she's missed you," he replied. "She'll be glad you're back."
His gaze shifted to Lily, a flicker of confusion crossing his features. "And this young lady is…?"
"Lily, my daughter," I answered, my voice betraying a hint of nervousness.
His gaze lingered on Lily, then returned to me. The study, with its dark woods, rich leathers, and shelves of books, felt like a world unto itself.
He kneeled, offering Lily a gentle smile. "Hello, Lily. I'm Lee. Welcome to our home."
As I watched them, fear and hope churned inside me, marking the start of a new chapter. This moment held the power to mend broken hearts or break them further.
My mind traveled back to when I first met Lee.
It started in my mom's hospital room. The hospital's fluorescent lights cast a sterile glow over the room. They were stark against the warmth in my mother's eyes as she looked at me.
I had planned a break from my job to care for her in the hospital.
Since Dad left us when I was eighteen, Mom and I have been each other's rock.
We struggled to make ends meet with her minimal earnings and my multiple jobs, facing a constant uphill battle. Now, as she lay in the hospital, battling an illness we were financially unable to manage, each day became a countdown to a future I couldn't bear to imagine.
My phone vibrated against the worn wooden table, jolting me from my thoughts. It was a message from Harmony Home Care, the nanny agency I worked for, offering a job that felt like a lifeline. A two-month stint on a luxury yacht, offering to cover all of my mother's escalating medical expenses.
Opportunities like this were rare, especially for someone in my position. However, it also meant being away from my mother's side.
I told mom about the job opportunity and deciding not to take it because I needed to be there for her.
The look had become too familiar to me in the past months. Mom's look conveyed love and an unspoken apology for our situation. "Ella, don't let me hold you back. You've already given up so much for me," she whispered, her words filled with deep meaning.
I protested I won't leave her for two months, but she heard none of it.
"Listen, this isn't about me. It's about you and your life. I'll be here, waiting for you to come back," she whispered, giving my hand a gentle squeeze.
Her words echoed in my mind. The next day, I stood on the dock and stared at the imposing yacht that bobbed in the water—Serenity. The owners named the yacht Serenity. As I boarded, my heart raced with excitement and apprehension.
The yacht's interior was a realm of luxury I had never experienced. The room had polished wood and gleaming surfaces. Its artworks likely cost more than everything I owned. A crew member who led me to the main deck greeted me.
"And here's where you'll meet Mr. Andrews and his granddaughter," said the crew member. He gestured towards a tall, stern man at the far end of the deck.
His face showed he knew hard work and tough times. But he still looked very handsome in a rugged, not smooth, way. His eyes were a clear, deep green. His hair, dark with streaks of gray, gave him a distinguished look.
Approaching him, I felt a knot form in my stomach. "Mr. Andrews, I'm Ella Summerfield, the nanny."
He turned, his gaze sharp and assessing. "Ms. Summerfield, you are late. I hope you know I expect nothing but excellence. You're here for Robin, nothing else. Remember that."
His brisk tone took me aback, but I nodded. "Of course, Mr. Andrews. I understand."
Just then, a chubby little girl with glasses and bouncing black curls came running out. "Grandpa, who's this?"
"This is Ms. Summerfield, your new nanny that I told you about," he replied, his voice softening ever so slightly.
"You can call me Ella," I said, turning to the joyful kid.
"Hi, Ella!" she beamed, her innocence starkly contrasting her grandfather's sternness.
"Hello, Robin. I'm so excited to be here with you," I responded, smiled down at her.
As the yacht left the dock, I watched the shore fade away, feeling a strange parallel to the day Dad left. But this time, I was leaving to make things right, to fight for our future. It was a leap of faith, one I hoped would lead us to better days.
As a child, water fascinated and scared me. But, the promise of adventure led me to accept this odd job. I needed to pay my mother's medical bills.
This one was more than just a job. It was a chance to give back to the woman who had given me everything.
A crew member guided me to my room. Standing outside the door, a sudden wave of nerves overcame me.
The door swung open, revealing a sumptuous room bathed in soft ambient light.
As Robin reached out, her small hand found mine. Trust passed between us. The tension melted away. A warmth that spread through my chest replaced it.
I felt responsible for caring for this precious child in that touch, and I knew I couldn't let her down.
But I was still astonished by the magnificence of my room. I didn't know when I said, "Wow".
Robin looked up at me, and a giggle escaped her. "You're funny, Ella."
A smile tugged at the corners of my lips. "Well, I'm glad you think so, Robin. I'm here to ensure you have the best time on this cruise."
Robin reminded me of the characters in the fairytale books I read as a child. Her eyes twinkled both day and night. Her infectious laughter brewed excitement inside me. I struggled to grasp how she could flourish. The shadows seemed to engulf her grandfather.
While Robin and I walked about the yacht, we passed by what I later learned to be Lee's room. He was standing by the door. He said, "I see you two are getting acquainted pretty well."
"Oh, yes. Robin and I were getting to meet each other, and we—"
"Yeah, fine!"
He shut the door before I could finish talking. I turned around to see Robin raising her shoulders and smiling. It wasn't a big deal. Mr. Andrews was a busy business executive. Even on a cruise, I expected he would be busy and unable to chat.
The following morning, I woke up to the feeling of being watched. My eyes flew open in fear.
But when I scrambled for my glasses and put them on, I realized it was only Robin. She was curled up under the covers next to me and was watching me sleep.
"Good morning," I murmured, stroking her cheek.
"You don't snore at all. Grandpa snores like a giant sometimes," she told me with a giggle.
"In their lifetime, everyone snores, honey. Why are you up so early?"
She shrugged.
She looked very comfortable for a child who had only met me the day before.
I brushed my teeth and freshened up a little. Robin said she was hungry.
"Let's go eat then," I suggested.
"No, the stewards haven't set up the breakfast room yet. But if you call Mr. James on the intercom, he will take our order and send someone to bring it."
"Okay. What do you want to eat?"
"Do you like French toast?" she asked.
"I love it!"
I called James on the intercom. I felt awkward giving him extra work. But he was happy to deliver our breakfast.
Robin smiled at me. Despite Lee's wealth, she seemed normal and not a rich brat. Thankfully, I wouldn't have to take care of a spoiled child. I was not in for a frustrating time.
I didn't know yet that I was in for something way more than that. And not just from the positive aspect.
2
LEE
Life before the cruise felt like darkness. Life after the cruise felt like living in memories of what could have been.
The day before the cruise, I was in my room. I was thinking about how funny it is that people think money solves all. They believe that if you have enough, life becomes a stroll through a garden of roses. But money doesn't mend a broken heart or ease the weight of responsibility.
I have half the world at my beck and call. I realize that wealth can't replace a family's warmth. And it certainly doesn't make raising a child any easier.
And Robin, despite her young age, had an uncanny ability to see through the facade of wealth. She craved her parents, not the gifts and luxuries I gave her. In the eyes of this innocent child, my wealth was a cold and lifeless substitute for the warmth of a family.
The halls of my mansion echoed with emptiness. No amount of money could fill it except Robin's laughter. And I would kill to protect her. She's the last of my bloodline after death robbed me of her parents and her grandmother, my wife.
My name is Lee Andrews, and it's linked to wealth and success. Yet, I faced a challenge tougher than any business deal. I've spent most of my life building an empire from scratch. I conquered boardrooms and climbed the ladders of success. But none of that prepared me for the challenges of being a single grandfather.
Raising Robin proved to be a puzzle with pieces that money couldn't quite put together. The grandeur of my estate masked the quiet struggle within those walls.
Being a billionaire didn't mean I had all the answers. This was especially true with the complexities of parenting. Losing my daughter, Emily, and her husband, John, thrust me into a role I was not ready for. I became a single grandfather. When my wife, Katherine, died years earlier, I had healed the hurt with the presence and love of the family I had left. But little did I know that a greater tragedy was coming ahead.
Gifts and luxuries were meant to bring joy. But they were only hollow substitutes for being with my family. Bodyguards and housekeepers were on call, but none could fill the emptiness I still felt. The splendor of our lives only seemed to magnify the void left by her parents.
In the past, my daily routine brimmed with boardroom triumphs. Now, it includes navigating the world of school plays and sleepovers. The generation gap between us widened, creating a divide that no money could bridge. My world was board meetings and investments. Hers was about school plays and sleepovers. I struggled to bridge the gap between two worlds that seemed far apart.
One evening, the sun dipped below the horizon. Robin's innocent eyes held a question that lingered in the air. "Grandpa, why don't we have family dinners anymore?"
Luxury surrounded me. I stared blankly at the huge dining table. It reminded me daily that success can't replace a family's warmth. Walking around the mansion daily, the silence seemed to mock the wealth. It did little to fill the emotional void.
"Grandpa? Answer me."
Her words cut through the silence. They prompted me to reflect on the unintended results of my efforts to give her a good life. The grand dinners and opulent surroundings were not what she needed. She longed for the simplicity of a family dinner table. The realization hit hard.
I stood in the grand entryway of my mansion, looking. My wealth had become a barrier, not a bridge, between Robin and me. It was a fortress of isolation, shielding us from the very thing we both craved: connection.
"Um… Robin, darling, we will," I said, even though I did not know what I would do to keep that promise. But I called off fancy dinners and reservations at exclusive restaurants. Instead, I went to the kitchen and prepared simple meals for Robin and me. I hoped she could feel we were still a family if we had that time together.
The familiar scent of spices and the warmth of the kitchen embraced me. I was preparing to embark on a new venture with her. That aroma conjured memories and made them into a mirage. It felt like Katherine, my late wife, was in the kitchen. It felt like when Emily refused my order to let the housekeepers do the cooking and instead ran into the kitchen to join in. She was ten then. I thought cooking was the secret to reinventing those memories.
"Grandpa, what are we making?" Robin's eyes sparkled, showing a mix of curiosity and excitement. She stood beside me, wearing a small red apron.
"We're making something special today, Robin," a smile tugged at the corners of my lips. The steel countertops gleamed under soft pendant lights. A mix of fresh ingredients awaited our attention.
I handed Robin a mixing bowl. I showed her how to mix dough, something I had learned from Katherine in our early years of marriage. It was a stark contrast to our usual formal dinners. The aroma of homemade food filled the air. It made an intimate sanctuary in the vast mansion.
Robin's hands are small yet agile. They mirrored my movements, creating a symphony of culinary harmony.
"Grandpa, do you remember when Mom made cookies for us?" Robin's voice held a touch of nostalgia. It connected to when the smell of freshly baked treats filled our home.
"I do, Robin," I said, drifting to the old family recipe book on the kitchen shelf. "And today, we're making those cookies together."
The mixer whirred. Our laughter had a rhythm. They mixed to make a melody. It filled the kitchen. Robin's eyes lit up with pride and accomplishment as the dough came together.
