Chapter 02

~~~ Velvet Ember Bar~~

Same Night

The air was heavy the moment Tessa walked in.

Every head turned. Every whisper sliced.

She didn't need to hear her name to know they were talking about her - the girl who had the nerve to turn down Kingsley Voss.

"What did you think she did to him?"

"I heard she talked back."

"Can you believe it?"

"She's finished."

"She must be stupid to humiliate the boss's favorite star."

Tessa kept her eyes down, her steps small and quiet. Her heart thudded so loud she could barely hear the clinking of glasses. She'd been at the Velvet Ember for years - worked double shifts, covered for others, smiled through exhaustion - but all it took was one moment with him to burn everything to ashes.

She slipped behind the counter, praying to at least keep her dignity. Maybe they'll just dock my pay... please, just don't fire me. I need this job. Mia needs me to have this job.

But the moment she heard her name, she already knew.

"TESSA!"

The manager's voice cracked through the air.

Everyone turned.

And in that second, she stopped breathing.

He didn't hesitate. Didn't lower his tone. Didn't even blink.

"You're fired."

It was like being stabbed without a sound. Her throat went dry. Her fingers trembled as she clutched the edge of the counter.

Laughter echoed behind her. "Serves her right."

"She thinks she's better than the rest of us."

"She deserves worse."

She blinked hard, her lips parting - but her voice refused to come out. Her chest ached with the pressure of words she couldn't say.

"Sir... please-"

"No word from you," the manager cut her off coldly. "Just leave. Now."

She froze. Something inside her cracked - the same quiet way her world had cracked when her mother died.

It was the same sound. The same emptiness.

But this time, it wasn't death - it was humiliation.

Tessa's voice trembled, low but sharp. "I've worked here for years. You know me. You know I've never disrespected anyone-"

"You talked back to a client. Not just any client - Kingsley Voss. You made him look bad. You made us look bad. You think I'd risk this bar for you?"

Her tears threatened to fall, but she swallowed them down. "You don't even know what he said to me."

"I don't care what he said to you, you lowlife. You should've smiled and kept your mouth shut."

Her vision blurred, and she let out a shaky breath - half laugh, half sob.

He didn't even see her as human. None of them did.

For a moment, she wanted to beg. But pride was all she had left.

She nodded slowly, forcing her trembling hands to gather her things. "Fine."

Her voice cracked but didn't break. "You'll remember this one day. You'll remember me - and the way you treated me like dirt - and it'll haunt you."

She didn't wait for a response.

She just turned and walked out - her back straight, her face blank, but her eyes burning.

The moment the cold night air hit her face, she stopped pretending.

Her body shook. She covered her mouth with her hand as a sob tore out of her chest.

She'd faced loss before - but never humiliation like this.

Kingsley had destroyed her without even lifting a finger.

~~~TESSA'S RESIDENCE~~~

Tessa inhaled deeply before unlocking the small metal gate, her fingers trembling around the key.

The small house she shared with her sister had never felt so quiet - so heavy.

It was supposed to be home... yet tonight, it felt like a reminder of everything she was about to lose.

Her legs dragged with every step toward the staircase.

Each one felt like it was pulling her deeper into something she couldn't climb out of.

The due rent notice taped to her door fluttered slightly in the breeze - red ink glaring at her like a wound that refused to heal. She stared at it for a long, silent second, her lips parting as if she might finally let herself cry. But she couldn't.

She couldn't - not here. Not when Mia was home.

She tore the paper down, forcing a smile onto her face like a mask she'd worn a thousand times. You can't break now, Tessa. Not in front of her.

The warm scent of garlic and butter drifted from the kitchen. It almost made her want to cry. That smell meant comfort. It meant home. It meant her little sister had cooked again, waiting for her like always.

Mia turned around at the sound of the door opening, her face lighting up instantly.

"Tessa? What the hell- you didn't tell me you'd be home early! Are you okay?" she asked, walking closer, her brows furrowing in concern.

Tessa straightened her posture, forcing her lips to curve upward. "Of course I'm fine," she lied softly. "We just finished quite early today, so I rushed home to surprise my little bunny."

Mia's eyes softened, her smile returning. "Oh, that's good! I made pasta - your favorite. Want some?"

Tessa's heart clenched painfully, but she shook her head, pretending to yawn. "Nope, I already ate with my workmates." Another lie. The taste of her own words burned in her throat.

"Okay, Tess." Mia went back to the kitchen, humming lightly, her happiness filling the room with warmth that Tessa couldn't feel.

Tessa turned toward her room, desperate for silence, when Mia's voice stopped her again.

"You won't believe it - Kingsley Voss is releasing a new single soon!" she gushed, excitement bubbling in her tone. "He hasn't released one in years! I can't wait, Tess - it's going to be damn hot and crazy."

For a moment, Tessa froze. Her breath hitched.

That name - his name - hit her like a knife sliding into an open wound.

The smile she'd fought so hard to wear almost shattered right there.

"That's... that's good," she murmured, her voice strained, almost hollow. Then she walked away before Mia could see her face.

Mia frowned. That smile - it was the same one she'd seen too many times before.

The same fragile, forced smile her sister used when she was hiding pain so deep she couldn't talk about it.

But Mia didn't say anything. She never did. Not because she didn't care - but because she knew that when Tessa broke, she broke alone.

Inside her room, Tessa shut the door gently and leaned against it, her chest rising and falling unevenly.

The air felt heavy - thick with everything she couldn't say.

She sat on the edge of her bed, her fingers gripping the sheets tightly as memories crashed over her like waves.

Kingsley's cold eyes.

His mocking tone.

His cruel smirk.

"So tell me, how much is it to have you in my bed?"

Her body trembled.

"You're fired."

"Who does she think she is?"

Their voices overlapped in her mind - haunting, echoing - until she couldn't tell which one hurt more.

She clutched her head, pressing her palms over her ears, shaking violently as tears spilled down her face.

"Why?" she whispered brokenly. "Why me? What have I ever done wrong?"

Her voice cracked, but she covered her mouth quickly, muffling her sobs so Mia wouldn't hear. But outside the door, Mia was standing silently - her hand hovering in the air.

She could hear it. Every muffled cry. Every quiet gasp for air.

Her heart ached for her sister, but she stayed still - because she knew Tessa's pride wouldn't allow her to comfort her, not yet.

Inside, Tessa fell apart completely.

She thought of the bills stacked on her desk. The tuition letters. The rent. The groceries.

All of it depended on her.

And she'd ruined it - all because she couldn't stay quiet, couldn't let that man talk to her like she was nothing.

But the worst part wasn't losing her job.

It was that she couldn't get him out of her head.

His face.

His voice.

The way he looked at her - like she was something he could buy.

"You ruined my life, Kingsley," she whispered through tears, trembling as she pressed a hand to her mouth. "You ruined everything. I'll never forgive you for this."

Her sobs grew quieter, smaller, until all that was left was silence.

The rest of the night passed with her lying awake, staring at the ceiling, tears drying on her cheeks.

Every time she closed her eyes, his words echoed back - cruel, smug, unforgettable.

And as dawn crept in, she whispered one final promise to the darkness.

"One day, Kingsley Voss... you'll remember my name."

Chapter 03

~~~NEXT DAY~~~

The beeping of her phone pulled Tessa out of her half-sleep. She groaned, dragging herself up from bed like a zombie.

Her screen blinked with a familiar name - Ashley.

"Morning, my beautiful queen. Hope you had a wonderful night of horror - sorry, I mean, cool fantasy 😁. Anyway, haul your gorgeous self out of bed and meet me at our favorite restaurant. Love, Ashley 💋"

Tessa couldn't help but smile at the message, even though her body felt heavy from everything that happened the night before. Then she glanced at the clock and gasped.

"Oh my God, I overslept! Mia's probably at school already."

She rushed out of her room - only to stop at the sight of a folded note taped to her door.

> I made your favorite for breakfast. Eat and stop thinking about it, Tess. I love you.

Her heart softened. Mia always knew.

Tessa smiled faintly and sat down to eat the meal her sister had prepared. The food was simple, but the love behind it hit her harder than any seasoning could. Just as she picked up her fork, her phone buzzed again.

"Don't stand me up, Miss Chaos."

Tessa rolled her eyes and chuckled. "Pushy as ever," she murmured before grabbing her bag.

~~~MIDWAY RESTAURANT~~~ 12:30 PM

Tessa walked in and spotted Ashley instantly - bold red lipstick, oversized sunglasses indoors, sipping iced Americano like she owned the place.

"That was such a lovely good-morning message," Tessa teased, sitting opposite her.

The waiter approached, notepad ready.

"Just water, please," Tessa said.

Ashley glared. "Ignore her. We'll have your signature dish. And make it extra good - she looks like she needs therapy in a plate."

The waiter chuckled and left.

"So," Tessa said, folding her arms. "What's with the early-morning emotional blackmail?"

Ashley leaned forward, her eyes glinting. "Your sister called me this morning."

Tessa froze. "Mia called you?"

"She said you came home early last night and wouldn't talk about it. So, being the responsible best friend that I am, I did some digging-"

Tessa groaned. "Ashley..."

"-and I found out you got fired."

"You should seriously get a degree in Detective Drama and Unnecessary Snooping," Tessa muttered. "Why drag me here? I've got job applications to send, rent to pay, and a sister to feed."

Ashley's voice softened. "I know, babe. But tell me what happened first."

Tessa sighed and recounted everything - from Kingsley's arrogance to that slap that ruined everything.

Ashley's mouth dropped. "Wait- the Kingsley Voss?!" she practically shouted.

"Keep it down!" Tessa hissed, swatting her arm.

"That's disgusting!" Ashley whispered loudly. "If I were you, I'd have given him more than a slap. I'd have flipped him into next week."

They both laughed, but the sound was tired - relief mixed with exhaustion.

Ashley leaned back, sipping her drink. "Anyway, forget that arrogant bastard. I actually called you because I found you a job. A good one. No stress, great pay."

Tessa raised a brow. "What kind of job?"

"A nanny position."

Tessa blinked. "A what?"

"A nanny," Ashley repeated cheerfully.

Tessa groaned. "Ashley, come on. I can barely keep up with Mia, and now you want me to babysit someone else's spoiled brat?"

Ashley smirked. "I knew you'd say that... until you hear the pay." She paused dramatically. "Twenty thousand AUD a month. Plus full accommodation, meals, transport - the works."

Tessa's jaw dropped. "That's... that's twenty times what I made at the bar! Who the hell pays that much for childcare? It sounds like a scam!"

Ashley folded her arms. "Wow. So now I'm the type to lure you into scams?"

Tessa bit her lip. "Wait - you're serious?"

"Completely. And the family's real - filthy rich, but super private. I already put in your name since I know you don't talk nonsense or run your mouth like half the people I know."

Tessa's eyes welled up despite her best effort to stay composed. "Ashley..."

Ashley grinned. "Don't you dare start crying on me, woman."

"I'm not crying," Tessa said with a wobbly smile. "Just... thank you."

Ashley waved her off. "Please. Save your tears for the interview tomorrow. That emotional-mess vibe might help you land the job."

Tessa laughed, finally feeling the weight in her chest ease - just a little. "I love you, Ash."

Ashley smirked. "Of course you do. I'm amazing."

Tessa chuckled softly, but inside, her heart whispered a silent prayer - that maybe, just maybe, this was the one break she and Mia had been waiting for.

~~~THE DAY AFTER~~~

Tessa stood frozen before the towering mansion, clutching her bag to her chest. The iron gates had barely closed behind her, and already the sheer size of the place made her feel small - like she'd stepped into another world entirely.

It's not like I haven't seen wealth before, she thought, but this... this is a kingdom.

The guards led her up the marble steps and into the grand foyer. Chandeliers hung like falling stars, polished floors gleamed brighter than her future, and elegant maids moved with quiet precision. One of them, a woman in her late thirties with a calm smile, stopped and turned to her.

"Hi, I'm Teresa," she said. "You're the one applying for the nanny position, right?"

Tessa nodded quickly.

"The young miss can be... quite the handful. She's sweet when she wants to be, but also moody. If she doesn't like you, you'll know. If she cries because of you..." Teresa's smile faltered. "Well, I hope you packed fast legs."

Tessa bit back a nervous laugh. So basically, a tiny dictator.

Teresa motioned toward the living room. "You can wait here. The boss will be down soon."

As soon as she left, a soft giggle echoed through the hall.

"Auntie!"

Tessa turned just in time to see a small blur of curls and sunshine running toward her. The girl was breathtaking - big hazel eyes, chubby pink cheeks, and the kind of innocence that could melt stone.

"Oh-hello there," Tessa knelt down, smiling without realizing. "I don't think we've met before."

The little girl tilted her head. "You're not Aunt Teresa. Who are you?"

"I might be new around here," Tessa teased. "Don't you like new people?"

The child studied her face for a second, then broke into a grin. "You're so pretty! My daddy likes pretty ladies too. He's always on TV with them."

Tessa chuckled softly. "Is that so? Then I'm honored to make your list of pretty people."

The girl giggled and twirled.

"What's your name, little sunshine?"

"Luna!" she announced proudly.

"Aww, Luna. That's the perfect name for a cutie like you. Can I call you my little bunny?"

Luna gasped. "Bunny? But bunnies are rabbits!"

Tessa shook her head playfully. "No, bunny is my special nickname for adorable girls. I used to call my little sister that too."

"You have a sister?" Luna's eyes sparkled. "How old is she? Can she come play with me? It's so boring here sometimes."

Tessa's heart softened. "She's grown up now, but I can play with you every day - if you'll let me."

"Of course I will!" Luna squealed, throwing her tiny arms around Tessa's neck.

Tessa laughed, hugging her back. "You're too cute for this world."

Before she could say more, a deep male voice echoed down the hall.

"Luna!"

The little girl gasped. "Oh no, it's Daddy! He doesn't like me talking to strangers." She quickly pulled away. "See you later, Miss..."

"Tessa," she whispered with a smile.

"Bye, Miss Tessa!"

Luna turned - and ran straight into a tall figure entering the room.

"There you are, little husky," the man said, scooping her into his arms. The familiar smooth baritone froze Tessa's blood.

"Daddy, I made a new friend! Look, she's so pretty. Do you like her too?" Luna asked eagerly.

Kingsley's voice faltered mid-sentence as his eyes lifted - and collided with Tessa's.

Her pulse froze, disbelief washing over her face.

No. Not him. It can't be.

The man standing before her - the one holding the cute little girl - was none other than the arrogant, untouchable man who'd ruined her life just days ago.

Kingsley's expression shifted from surprise to something unreadable - dark, assessing, almost dangerous.

Tessa blinked, her throat tightening.

"Kingsley Voss?" her thoughts screamed. No way that spoiled, heartless man is this sweet angel's father. Mia never mentioned him having a daughter.

Their eyes locked - unblinking, heavy with unfinished words. Fate must have been laughing, watching how their worlds kept colliding like this.

But one question burned louder than all the rest-

> Since when did Kingsley Voss - the untouchable billionaire, the media's golden idol - have a daughter no one knew about?

And why, of all people, was she standing here... applying to be her nanny?

Chapter 04

~~~Same Day~~~

Kingsley's eyes couldn't move away from the disaster standing before him.

Was she stalking me? he thought, disbelief flashing across his sharp features.

"What are you doing here?" His tone rose, cutting through the air like ice.

Tessa folded her arms. "Obviously not stalking you. I told you, I'm not one of your crazy fans."

"Daddy, do you know her?" Luna asked innocently.

Kingsley cleared his throat, forcing his expression to soften for his daughter.

"Teresa!" he called. The young maid rushed in immediately. "Take Luna to her room."

"Yes, sir." Teresa scooped the little girl up and disappeared down the hall.

"Follow me," Kingsley said coldly, turning toward his study without another glance.

Tessa trailed behind, her eyes widening the moment they stepped inside. The room was lined from floor to ceiling with books.

He doesn't look like the type that reads, she thought, her gaze drifting over the tower of neatly stacked volumes.

"I asked a question earlier," his deep, commanding voice broke her thoughts.

She sighed, folding her arms. "Since you got me fired from my last job, I've been reassigned as your daughter's new nanny."

His eyes narrowed. "And who told you I'd ever let you work under my roof?"

"I never said you should," she shot back. "I know you hate me, but I don't exactly like you either. Your arrogant face disgusts me."

His jaw tightened. "How dare you?" he half-yelled.

She smiled faintly, her tone laced with challenge. "Looks like fate has a twisted sense of humor. Who would've thought I'd end up in your mansion-working for your daughter?"

"You're never going to work under me," he said, voice low and final.

"I never said I wanted to," she replied smoothly, a dangerous smirk curling her lips. "But if I walk out of this mansion right now, I'll make sure every media outlet in the city knows about your cute little angel."

He froze. "Are you threatening me?"

"Of course I am," she said, her eyes glinting. "You cost me my job-it's only fair you feel the same pain."

Kingsley's lips twisted into a smirk as he took a slow step toward her.

"What makes you think you're walking out of here alive?"

Tessa's breath hitched. Her blood felt like ice. But she refused to show fear.

"And what makes you think I came here without backup?" she said boldly. "If I don't text my people in the next thirty minutes, your mansion will be crawling with reporters."

He exhaled sharply and turned away, walking back to his desk. Why is there no way out of her trap? he thought bitterly. That brat is trying to manipulate me.

"Move closer," he ordered.

She stepped forward hesitantly and bowed slightly.

"Here are the rules you'll follow," he said, sliding a file across the desk. "Break any of them, and don't blame me for what happens next."

"Fine," she muttered, taking the file.

"Rule one: nobody must know where you work or who you work for. Rule two: you are never to mention the young miss to anyone. Rule three: you're not allowed to leave the mansion except during your breaks. Rule four: everything about this job stays private. And lastly-never, ever enter the room behind the door on the second floor."

She raised a brow. "Why is everything about her so secret? And what's with the sacred room?"

He glared. "You're breaking the rules already."

"Sorry," she said quickly, then added under her breath, "But you don't get to set all the rules. I have some too."

Kingsley stood, his presence towering. "Now you're really getting on my nerves."

"Good," she said with a teasing smile. "That's the plan. Rule one-I'm only Luna's nanny. You have no right to boss me around like one of your maids."

He chuckled darkly. "Then you don't need your salary. I wasn't planning to pay you anyway."

"Just forget it," she muttered, crossing her arms.

"Pay attention to Luna," he said curtly. "She tends to wander off when no one's watching. Good luck."

With that, he left the room.

Tessa followed him out, only to be stopped by a maid.

"Sir?" the maid asked.

"Show her around and take her to her room," Kingsley ordered before walking away.

Tessa glared at his retreating figure.

Arrogant bastard, she thought, her heart still racing with a mix of anger, fear-and something she couldn't quite name.

~~TWO MONTHS LATER~~

Two months had slipped by quietly within the tall, silent walls of the mansion.

The days came and went like soft whispers - peaceful, uneventful. Tessa had grown close to the maids and especially to Luna. The little girl had become her shadow, her laughter echoing through the grand hallways that otherwise felt too empty.

Kingsley, however, was barely ever home.

It didn't take long for Tessa to notice. She was told he only came when "less busy," which made her wonder what kind of father saw his daughter as a part-time duty.

Tonight was no different.

The air was cool, the night quiet except for the soft ticking of the clock on Luna's wall. Tessa sat beside the little girl's bed, reading from a worn storybook, her voice gentle and calm.

Luna reached out suddenly, her small hand wrapping around Tessa's.

"Aunt Tess," she said in a sleepy voice, "when will Daddy come see me again? Has he been so busy that he forgot about me... like Mummy?"

Tessa froze.

The question pierced through her chest like a shard of glass.

She looked at Luna - those big, innocent eyes filled with confusion and hope.

It reminded her too much of herself... the little girl she once was, waiting for a father who never came back.

She took a deep breath, pushing the ache down, and smiled softly.

"Who told you your mummy left you, sweetheart?"

"My classmates," Luna murmured, her voice trembling. "They said my mummy forgot about me. They said nobody loves me. That's why Daddy never comes to my school."

Tessa's heart twisted painfully. She brushed Luna's hair gently.

"I don't know much about your mother, Luna," she said softly, "but I do know your father loves you - more than he can ever say. He's just... not good with words. But I promise you, he'll never leave you, bunny."

Luna's lips curved into a sleepy smile. "Thank you, Aunt Tess."

"Now close your eyes," Tessa whispered. "If you sleep early, you'll wake up shining for school tomorrow."

Within minutes, Luna drifted off, her breathing slow and peaceful.

Tessa tucked her in carefully, kissed her forehead, and turned off the bedside lamp.

The hallway outside was dimly lit - silent, except for the soft hum of the night wind brushing against the windows.

She started toward her room on the second floor... until she stopped.

Her eyes fell on the door.

The door.

The one she'd been warned about since the first day she arrived.

The one no one - not even the maids - was allowed to open.

They said Mr. Kingsley cleaned it himself.

Tessa stood frozen, staring at it. The air suddenly felt colder. The quiet too heavy.

Her heartbeat quickened.

She took a hesitant step forward. Then another.

The floorboards creaked softly beneath her feet.

"What could possibly be in there?" she whispered to herself.

Her hand lifted almost on its own, fingers brushing against the doorknob. It was cold - colder than metal should ever feel. A chill ran down her arm.

She pressed her ear to the door. Nothing. Not even a whisper of sound.

Curiosity burned stronger than fear.

She glanced around - no one. The hall was still.

Her hand tightened on the knob.

It wasn't locked.

Her breath caught. Slowly, she turned it.

Click.

The faint sound echoed louder than it should have.

She pushed the door open an inch - the air that escaped was different, old, and icy, sending shivers crawling up her spine.

She could almost feel something watching her from the darkness beyond.

Then - her phone rang.

The sharp sound sliced through the silence.

Tessa jumped, heart pounding wildly, and slammed the door shut.

Her chest rose and fell quickly as she fumbled to check the caller ID.

"Mia," she breathed out, half in relief, half in disbelief at herself.

"What the hell am I doing?" she muttered under her breath, still shaken.

She answered the call quickly and hurried down the hallway toward her room - never noticing the faint, lingering creak of the door behind her...

as if it hadn't closed completely.