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.

Chapter 05

~~~THE NEXT MORNING~~~

The morning sunlight spilled through the mansion's tall windows, soft and golden.

Tessa helped Luna into her tiny school uniform, brushed her hair neatly, and tied the blue ribbon she loved so much.

"Be good at school, bunny," she said, smiling as she kissed her forehead.

Luna smiled faintly before being led away by the driver. When the car disappeared beyond the gates, silence crept back into the halls.

Tessa turned toward the kitchen, intending to help the maids - but froze at the doorway when she heard them whispering.

> "What do you think happened to Luna's mother?"

"No one's ever seen her. And with how private the boss is... I think he's hiding something."

"Maybe that's what's inside that room - the one we're forbidden to enter."

"Do you think she's still alive?"

"Who knows? I'm not risking my job to find out."

"Poor Luna. Her father's always gone. She's growing up alone - right under his nose."

The words sank deep.

Tessa turned away, her chest tightening painfully.

Why does he hide her like this? She's just a child... only three, yet already deprived of love, of her rights, of a father's arms.

She pressed a hand to her chest and shut her door behind her once she reached her room. Her heart ached as she thought of the little girl's lonely smile.

---

Hours passed.

A car horn jolted her awake - she'd fallen asleep without realizing. Panic shot through her when she glanced at the clock.

"Luna's home!" she gasped and ran downstairs, guilt washing over her. She hadn't prepared lunch.

The driver stood by the car, holding Luna's bag. "She's been quiet since school," he said softly.

Tessa knelt beside the little girl. "Hey, bunny... what's wrong? Did something happen?"

Luna's lips quivered. "My teacher said there's a parent meeting next week. My classmates said... no one will come for me. They said I was born to be alone."

Tessa's heart shattered.

She pulled the trembling child into her arms.

"Don't listen to them," she whispered, her voice cracking. "You are not alone. You have me - and you have your daddy. He loves you, even if he doesn't show it."

Luna began to sob softly. "Will he leave me too... like Mummy?"

Tessa's own eyes filled with tears. "No, sweetheart. Never. You will never be alone."

She held her until the crying stopped. But as she tucked Luna into bed that night, the ache in her chest didn't fade - it grew heavier.

---

NIGHT

The mansion was silent. Too silent.

Tessa walked down the hall, her thoughts loud and bitter.

What kind of father is he? Two months here and I've seen him barely five times. He hires a nanny, not to help, but to escape. What kind of man leaves his own child to drown in loneliness?

Her anger bubbled over. "He's a selfish freak," she muttered aloud. "Pretending to be perfect while his daughter cries herself to sleep-"

Her foot slipped suddenly.

"Ah!" She yelped, falling hard to the floor. When she lifted her head, her heart dropped.

She was right in front of it.

The forbidden door.

Her breath hitched. "Why am I here again?" she whispered, pushing herself up. "I promised I wouldn't come near this place again."

But the maids' words echoed in her mind.

> "Maybe that's what he keeps in that room."

"No one knows if she's even alive."

Her pulse quickened. "Is he really... hiding something?"

Almost against her will, she reached out. Her hand trembled as her fingers brushed the cold handle. The metal was freezing - unnaturally so.

Slowly, she turned it. Click.

The door creaked open.

She stepped inside.

The air was cold and heavy, smelling faintly of dust and perfume - old, faded perfume.

The room was stunning - white curtains, a piano in the corner, flowers long since withered. It felt like time had stopped.

"Wow..." she whispered. "Who lived here?"

She turned - and froze.

On the wall hung a large framed portrait of a woman.

A young woman with gentle eyes, and a smile that looked heartbreakingly familiar.

"She looks just like Luna..." Tessa whispered. "This must be her mother."

Her fingertips brushed the frame tenderly - and then, it shifted.

A soft click.

The painting moved slightly to the side, revealing a narrow passage behind it.

"What the hell..." Tessa whispered, her voice trembling as her eyes darted across the room.

She hesitated, then stepped through.

The passage led into a small hidden room - dimly lit, the air colder still. Papers and photographs were scattered across the walls. Pictures of the woman. Of Luna as a baby. Notes written in shaky handwriting.

Her fingers trembled as she reached for one. The handwriting was shaky, desperate.

"I'll keep her safe... even if it costs me everything."

Her heart clenched. She picked up another, her vision blurring.

"Forgive me. I didn't mean to lose you."

Tessa's breath hitched. A tear rolled down her cheek as her gaze swept over the pictures - a beautiful woman who looked exactly like Luna, her smile gentle, her eyes kind.

"Is this... Luna's mother?" she whispered, stepping closer.

Her eyes fell on a thick book lying open on the table - a diary, its pages worn and yellow. She hesitated before flipping it open.

Her lips parted as she read the first few lines, the words piercing deep into her chest. Her tears fell faster, splashing onto the paper.

"What happened to her..." she whispered shakily. "What really happened to Luna's mother?"

A faint creak echoed behind her.

Tessa froze.

Then-

"What the hell are you doing in here!?"

The roar made her heart leap out of her chest. She spun around, the diary slipping from her hands and hitting the floor with a soft thud.

Kingsley stood in the doorway - his eyes dark, his jaw clenched so tight it trembled.

"I-I didn't mean to-"

He stormed forward and grabbed her wrist, his grip firm and angry. "Who gave you permission to come in here?!" he bellowed, dragging her out of the hidden room and into the open.

"I told you this place was off-limits!"

Tessa's fear burned into anger. "Is this why you ignore her?" she cried. "Is this why Luna's growing up without love-because you can't face what's behind that door?!"

"Don't you dare talk like you understand anything!" Kingsley shouted, his voice raw. "You know nothing about what happened! Nothing about what I've been through!"

"Then tell me!" she yelled, tears spilling down her cheeks. "Tell me what's so terrible you had to punish your daughter for it!"

He turned away, his breathing uneven, his fists trembling at his sides.

"You don't get to judge me," he said in a low, broken voice. "Not when you have no idea what those notes mean."

Her chest rose and fell rapidly. "Maybe I don't," she said through clenched teeth, "but I know what pain looks like - and I see it in her eyes every single day. Do you even know her favorite food? Her best friend's name? Do you even know if she laughs when you're not here?"

He froze - silent.

"You don't, do you?" she whispered. "You don't deserve to be her father."

With that, she turned and walked out, slamming the door behind her.

The room fell silent again.

Kingsley stood there, motionless. The light flickered faintly, casting long shadows on the walls filled with memories he couldn't erase.

He glanced at the fallen diary, his expression unreadable - pain, guilt, and something darker.

Slowly, he walked back into the hidden room. His hand brushed over the photograph of the woman on the wall.

His throat tightened.

"It wasn't my fault," he whispered. The words cracked as if they hurt to speak.

His gaze lingered on the photograph - her eyes, her smile - and for the first time, his voice broke completely.

"It wasn't... my fault."

But as he turned away, the diary on the floor shifted - its pages fluttering open on their own, stopping at a torn, half-written line:

"If he ever finds out the truth..."

The light above flickered again - and went out.