𝘊𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘴

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟐

After we got home, the heavy iron gates of the mansion closed behind us, and I felt a familiar sense of security wash over me. I parked the car in the garage, lifted Amira from the backseat, and carried her inside. The mansion was quiet, its dark hallways bathed the soft glow of expensive lighting, Amira yawned sleepily against my shoulder, her small arms wrapped around my neck.

"Come on, principessa, time for bed," I whispered carrying her upstairs to her room.

Once we reached her bedroom, I carefully tucked her bed. Brushing a few strands of hair from her face as she blinked up at me with tired eyes. "Goodnight Daddy," she mumbled, already half asleep,

"Goodnight,principessa," I said, kissing her forehead, "Sleep tight."

I turned off the light, leaving her room in darkness, and quietly closed the door behind me, As I descended the grand staircase, my thoughts wandered back to earlier that day to Kurianna. She'd appeared out of nowhere, found Amira when I didn't even know when was missing, and handled the situation with calm and care. I couldn't get her out of my head, and I wasn't sure why.

I made my way to my office, pushed the door open, and stepped into the dimly lit room. The walls were lined with bookshelves and expensive artwork, and the large mahogany desk at the center was neatly organized, save for a few files I had left open earlier. I sat down in the leather chair, letting out a long breath, but the thoughts of today's events were still swirling in my mind.

The old nanny- I should've seen this coming. She was too careless. Amira was never supposed to leave her side, let alone wander off alone. I reached for my phone and dialed her number, irritation rising in my chest. She answered on the second ring, and I didn't bother with pleasantries.

"You're fired," I said coldly. "Amira was left unsupervised today. Pack your things and be gone by morning. You know where to send your last invoice."

I ended the call before she could even respond, already done with the conversation. I leaned back in my chair, my hand running through my hair as my thoughts returned to Kurianna again. Something about her demeanor, and her presence, had left an impression on me. She wasn't just another bystander or tourist, she had taken control of the situation and kept Amira safe. That didn't go unnoticed.

I picked up my phone again, this time calling one of the only people I trusted, my best friend, Matteo, who worked for me in more ways than one. He picked up after the first way.

"Raden," he greeted, his gruff as usual.

"Matteo," I said, straight to the point. "I need a background check done. Name's Kurianna, she's a nanny. Met her today under... unusual circumstances. She found Amira when she was lost. I need to know everything about her, who she is, where she's from, and if she can be trusted."

Matteo was silent for a moment, but I knew he was already processing the request. "Got it. I'll dig into her past and send you the details within the hour."

An hour later, as promised, Matteo sent over the report. I leaned forward in my chair, scrolling through the documents. Kurianna Sakshi, 22 years old, is an experienced nanny with a clean record. No red flags. No ties to anyone who would raise concern in my line of work. She had worked with several families in the past, all glowing recommendations.

"Interesting," I muttered, skimming through the details.

I leaned back again, considering my options. I needed someone trustworthy and, more importantly, someone who could handle the unpredictable nature of my life. Someone who would care for Amira like I do. Kurianna had shown she was capable of protecting her, even in a situation where she could've easily walked away.

The decision was forming in my mind before I even realized it.

Maybe it was time to bring someone new into our lives. Someone I could trust with the one person who mattered most to me.

"Kurianna Sakshi," I murmured, her name lingering in the air as I stared out the window into the night. "You might just be the answer I've been looking for."

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