The car entered my estate and pulled up to my house. The evening air felt cool against my skin.

  Inside, the house was quiet, even with the presence of the housekeepers. I sat in the living room while Robin rushed off to her room.

  I thought about contacting Ella to demand answers and salvage whatever was left. But deep down, I knew it was over. She had decided, and I had to respect it as much as it hurt.

  The realization that I had to let go to move on was a bitter pill to swallow. Yet, life's lessons showed me that certain circumstances were outside of my influence, and healing from hurts required patience and time.

  11

  ELLA

  As I opened the front door of my home, the cruise, with its highs and lows, felt like a distant dream.

  The choice I made about Lee weighed heavily on my heart. But worries consumed me for my mother's well-being.

  I knew I would not stop loving Lee, but I couldn't continue to be with him after that phone call.

  I showered and dressed quickly, grabbed my purse, and headed for the hospital.

  The taxi ride was silent. I thought about everything going on in my life. My mother's medical expenses were stressful. But, with the money I earned from six months of work on the yacht, I could finally pay for them.

  Seeing my mother sitting up in her hospital bed, a smile on her face, was like seeing a miracle.

  "Mom!" I exclaimed, rushing to her side and hugging her gently.

  "Ella," she whispered, her voice still weak but filled with warmth. "Look at you, back from your ocean adventure."

  We both smiled as I rubbed her cheek with my palm.

  Ella, you won't believe it. "An unknown benefactor paid for all my medical expenses," she noted. She felt much better and looked forward to being discharged soon.

  The words took a moment to sink in. Relief, disbelief, and gratitude swirled within me.

  Who could have done such a generous act? Was it a random act of kindness or someone we knew? The benefactor's unknown identity was less important. It paled next to the relief that surged within me.

  I felt so grateful that tears rolled down my cheeks.

  We talked for hours. I shared stories of the cruise, the places I'd seen, the people I'd met. She listened attentively, her eyes sparkling with joy at my experiences. I steered clear of any mention of Lee; the pain of our parting was still too fresh.

  "Mom, do you have any idea who the benefactor is?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.

  She shook her head. "No, my dear. But I am forever grateful. It's as if someone lifted a tremendous weight off our shoulders.

  The conversation shifted to plans for her discharge and the care she would need at home. I was determined to do whatever it took to ensure her recovery and comfort.

  The burden of the medical bills had been a constant worry. Now, with that gone, I felt relieved. I saved my nanny job money until I figured out what to do with it.

  Later that night, back in my bed, my thoughts unavoidably drifted to Lee. Our time together was a beautiful chapter in my life. But it ended when he spoke about me being a gold-digger to whoever had his ear that day.

  The betrayal had left me reeling in pain. I did not tell him exactly what he had done because he might have denied it. No, he wouldn't deny. He could be a betrayer, but he wasn't a liar. Instead, he would have sought my forgiveness.

  I didn't want to forgive him, and I didn't want to give him the chance to ask for my forgiveness. What he did was unforgivable. For me, it was a betrayal of the highest level.

  Lying there in the darkness, I grappled with my emotions. Part of me longed to see him again, to explain why I ended things, and to seek closure. But another part of me knew it was better to leave things as they were.

  The mystery of the anonymous benefactor lingered in my mind. Could it have been Lee? A part of me wondered. The timing was uncanny, but I had no way of knowing. But then, it couldn't have been him. If it were so important to him to give me this gift, why would he refer to me as an opportunist on a phone call?

  As time passed, I focused on looking after my mom, hoping for her recovery. I felt reassured by the daily routine of caring for her and the happiness of seeing her get better. We got a gift from someone we didn't know, which got me thinking about who it could be.

  But, after a while, I realized it didn't matter. The mystery seemed right somehow. It was a generous gesture, given, expecting nothing in return, and I felt it was best to leave it that way.

  After my mother's discharge from the hospital, life gradually regained its rhythm. The weight of worry that was always with me lifted. I was grateful for the miracles that were given to us.

  One afternoon, as I sat by my mom in our cozy living room, she nudged me, "Ella, get out more, live a little."

  A wave of affection washed over me as I smiled at her. "I know, Mom. I'll start. I'll even go back to the gym. I haven't been there in ages."

  She chuckled. "Yeah, and you must take care of yourself, too."

  The next day, I found myself in the familiar yet forgotten territory of the gym. As I worked out, a sense of empowerment filled me. I was retaking control of not only my body but also my life.

  My colleagues at the nanny agency sent me an invitation to a party. "Hey, Ella, we're going to a party this Friday. You should come along!" Jenna, one of my co-workers, chirped over the phone.

  I hesitated; my social life had taken a backseat for so long. "I don't know, Jenna…"

  "Come on, Ella. It'll be fun! You deserve a break. We all do," she insisted.

  I liked being around people, laughing, and enjoying the moment. "Alright, I'm in," I replied.

  Friday night came, and I realized choosing a party dress wasn't easy as I stood in front of my closet. I finally chose a purple dress I hadn't worn in a long time. I felt a flicker of excitement.

  When I arrived, the party was in full swing. Music filled the air, and the room was a swirl of colors and laughter.

  "You look great, Ella!" Jenna exclaimed as she handed me a drink.

  "Thanks, Jenna. You look good, too," I replied, smiled.

  As the night went on, I relaxed more. The music and chatter were a pleasant backdrop for my thoughts. I laughed, I danced, and for a while hours, I forgot about the pains of my heartbreak.

  At one point, as I stood with a group of friends, Jenna nudged me. "Hey, there's someone here I want you to meet. He's a friend of a friend and one hundred percent your type," she said, winking."

  I laughed, shaking my head. "Jenna, I'm not sure I'm ready for that."

  "Only a chat, Ella. No pressure," she urged, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

  I allowed myself to be led across the room to where a man stood, his back to us. He turned as we approached, and a warm smile and friendly eyes greeted me.

  "Ella, this is Tom. Tom, meet Ella. She's my friend and colleague. She's an amazing person," Jenna introduced us.

  "Nice to meet you, Ella," Tom said, extending his hand.

  As we talked, I learned he's been friends with Jenna for over a decade. He didn't tell me he had feelings for her, but I could immediately sense it. Jenna didn't know, though; she saw him as nothing but a friend. I shrugged at the thought. I had no intention of meddling in her affairs.

  The party wound down, and I said my goodbyes. I felt content. The evening had been a much-needed distraction. It reminded us that life has more than worries and duties.

  When I got home, I discovered my mom waiting for me, a knowing smile on her face. "How was the party, dear?"

  "It was good, Mom. Fantastic," I replied, a genuine smile on my face.

  As I headed to bed, I realized life was returning to normal. Maybe, just maybe, I could get over Lee one day.

  I was at the gym on my favorite treadmill, viewing the park. I was deep into my routine when a wave of dizziness washed over me, blurring the numbers on the machine's display.

  I slowed to a stop, gripping the handrails for support. Concerned glances flickered my way. "Ella, are you okay?" a fellow gym member asked."

  "Yes, I need fresh air," I replied, trying to sound convincing despite the room spinning.

  I made my way home, each step feeling heavier than the last. The dizziness subsided, but a gnawing sense of unease grew within me. Once home, I collapsed onto the couch, my mind racing. It wasn't only the dizziness; something else was wrong.

  Then it hit me. My period was late. Very late. The realization sent a chill down my spine. Could I be…?

  Without giving myself time to overthink, I headed to the pharmacy and bought a pregnancy test. Back home, in the privacy of my bathroom, I followed the instructions, my hands trembling.

  The wait was excruciating, each second stretching into eternity. When the timer finally beeped, I took a deep breath and looked. Positive. The word echoed in my mind. I was pregnant.

  A myriad of emotions swept through me - shock, fear, a hint of wonder. But above all, there was a sense of isolation. Lee was the father. The realization brought a fresh wave of panic. How would he, who already thought I was opportunistic, react? Would he think I planned this?

  I remembered the rumors and whispers that often followed women in my position. The unfair label of a gold digger loomed large in my mind. No, I couldn't let that happen. Not to me, not to my child.

  As the first shock wore off, a fierce resolve took its place. I would keep this baby, my baby, a secret. I would navigate this journey on my terms. After all, at thirty-two, I was mature enough to bring up a child.

  I went to my mom's room. "Hey, Mom, can we talk?"

  "Of course. What's on your mind?" she asked, her eyes concerned.

  Before speaking, I took a moment to collect my thoughts. "I'm pregnant," I said and then burst into tears.

  My mother's face lit up at first and then fell when she saw me crying. "That's wonderful news, Ella! Why are you sad? Why are you crying? Who's the father?"

  I cried more. Then, I told her the father was someone I had a complicated relationship with. I also told her I was going to keep the baby. She didn't accept that and became persistent in making me reveal the father.

  After a lot of convincing, she understood that I wouldn't change my mind and eventually stopped asking. She was overjoyed at the thought of finally having a grandchild.

  The following weeks were a blur of doctor's appointments and quiet preparations.

  I planned. I investigated online courses and looked for anything to help me, and my unborn child has a better future. Being a single mother seemed scary. But the growing love and protectiveness I felt overcame my fears.

  I didn't tell my colleagues about my pregnancy. But as time went on, keeping it a secret became difficult. My body was changing, and soon, I couldn't hide it anymore.

  One night, as I lay in bed, I spoke to my unborn child. "It's just you and me, little one. But we'll be okay. We have each other, and that's all that matters."

  The journey ahead was uncertain, but as I traced circles over my belly, I knew I had made the right decision. Regardless of the future, I would love and cherish this child.

  12

  LEE

  Three years had passed since Ella left, and in that time, I had seen a parade of nannies come and go.

  Three years have passed, and Robin still talks about that cruise. She mentions Ella's name in every story, even though we have been on two more cruises since then.

  Each nanny I hired after Ella was qualified, kind, and professional. But none had that special bond with Robin that Ella had made.

  I sat in my study, overlooking the garden where Robin played chess alone. I couldn't help but reflect on the clear lack of spark that had been so abundant when Ella was around.

  "Robin, why don't we try the new puzzle I brought?" the current nanny, Lydia, suggested in a hopeful tone.

  Robin glanced at the puzzle box and then back at her book. "It's okay, Lydia. I prefer chess," she replied politely but without enthusiasm.

  Lydia tried to hide her disappointment. I knew she was doing her best, but there was a natural rapport that she couldn't forget with Robin.

  Ella had a gift, a way of entering Robin's world. As the weeks turned into months and months into years, each new nanny brought hope. I hoped one would be able to fill the void that Ella left. But it became crystal clear that what Ella had with Robin was unique.

  Before Lydia, there was Marie. She was excellent at her duties, punctual, and organized. Yet, her interactions with Robin were mechanical. They lacked the warmth and spontaneity that had made Ella special.

  "Let's stick to the schedule, Robin. It's time for your piano practice," Marie would have said, glancing at the clock.

  Robin would comply. I would often find her gazing out the window, lost in thought. Her fingers absently moved over the piano keys.

  Then came Lydia, a young and energetic nanny who tried to infuse fun into everything. But she was too eager. Her eagerness often became overbearing. So, Robin would retreat into her shell.

  "Robin, let's make a huge fort with these cushions! It'll be so cool!" Lydia exclaimed one day, her eyes bright with excitement.

  Robin looked at the pile of cushions and then at Lydia. "Maybe later," she mumbled, returned to her drawing.

  One evening, after I read Robin's bedtime story, I realized I hadn't asked about her day. "Did you have fun with Lydia today?" I asked.

  Robin nodded, a small smile on her lips. "She's nice. But it's not the same as with Ella."

  Her words were a mirror to my thoughts. It wasn't the same, and it never would be.

  Ella was Robin's soulmate. She connected with Robin when Robin missed her mom's presence and loving smile.

  I went to my room and lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling. Had I ever moved on from Ella? Or had I buried the feelings, hoping they would fade with time? The answer was simple as I realized that no day had passed without her crossing my mind.

  But life had to go on. I had to be strong for Robin and ensure she had the best care, love, and support she needed. Yet, in my quiet moments of solitude, I knew Ella's departure left a gap. No one could fill it, even after three years.

  As Robin grew, I saw glimpses of the joy and curiosity that Ella had nurtured in her. Those moments were bittersweet. They reminded me of a past filled with laughter and love. And of a future with unspoken longing.

  As I lay in bed in the stillness of the night, I wondered where Ella was. Was she happy? Did she ever think of me and Robin?

  A decision b in my mind. It was a decision born out of necessity, out of a desire to see my granddaughter flourish again. I needed to reach out to Ella to bring back the one person who had connected with Robin in a way no one else could.

  Sitting in my study the following day, I picked up the phone and dialed the nanny agency.

  "Good afternoon, this is Lee Andrews. I'd like to inquire about hiring a nanny," I began when the call connected.

  "Mr. Andrews, good afternoon! We can definitely help you with that. I can see you're a returning client. Do you want our recommendation? Or do you have anyone specific in mind?" the cheerful voice on the other end asked.

  There was a brief pause as I gathered my thoughts. "Yes, I was hoping to hire Ella… Ella Summerfield."

  I could hear the keys tapping. "Let me check our records, Mr. Andrews. One moment, please."

  The wait felt like an eternity. My mind raced with possibilities. What if she wasn't available? What if she didn't want to come back?

  "We'll coordinate with Ella and get back to you."

  The agency called back. "Mr. Andrews, we have spoken to Ella Summerfield about your request. "She has agreed to take the full-time position with your family," the representative told me.

  A wave of relief and hope washed over me. "That's… that's wonderful news. Thank you."

  "We're glad to have been of service, Mr. Andrews. We'll assist with the arrangements. Ella will contact you to discuss the details and her start date."

  "Thank you once again," I said, ending the call with gratitude.

  I sat back in my chair, allowing the news to sink in. Ella was coming back. The prospect of her return brought a sense of optimism I hadn't felt in a long time. I imagined the moment Robin would see Ella again, the surprise and joy that would light up her face.

  Later that evening, I watched Robin talk with James in the kitchen. I pondered how to share the news with her. I kept it a surprise, wanting to see the unbridled joy I knew Ella's return would bring.

  The evening before Ella's return, I sat down with Robin, watching her as she focused on her artwork. "Robin, I have a surprise for you tomorrow," I ventured.

  She looked up, curiosity lighting up her eyes. "A surprise, Grandpa?"

  "Yes, a very special one. You'll have it tomorrow. I'm sure you'll like it," I said, smiled at her excitement.

  The night was a restless one for me. I kept envisioning various scenarios of Ella's return. Would she notice the changes in Robin? How would she react to seeing me? How would I react to her return?

  The next morning, I woke up early, the house buzzing with subtle energy.

  Ella's flight would land this morning. I sent my driver to wait for her at the airport. I stayed in the living room, glancing at the clock every few minutes. When the doorbell finally rang, my heart leaped. I walked towards the door, each step filled with eagerness and nerves.

  Yet, as I opened the door, someone else greeted me - a delivery guy with a package, not Ella. One housekeeper had ordered pizza.

  I tipped the delivery guy, and he left. The housekeeper smiled nervously and thanked me as she collected the pizza.

  I shook my head, not at the pizza situation, but at myself for getting so worked up over Ella's arrival. I left the living room and retreated to the study.

  After all, she might not even be happy to see me. Someone who called our time together "a mistake."

 

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