Lana's POV
Max and Lily were leading their friends to the last leg of the treasure hunt, faces flushed with excitement and joy. Lana watched from afar as her heart swelled in relief and pride. She had pulled off the party to get some rest .
Nikolai made his way toward her, a calm on his face mixed with something else. He waited until the children were out of earshot.
"Lana, may I have a word with you?
She was scared but kept her composure.
"Lana, I know Lily fell from the stairs," he started, "What I didn't tell you was how disappointed I was to find out about Lily's injury without you telling me."
Lana's heart sank as she looked down, unable to meet his eye. "I'm… I'm sorry, Nikolai," she softly whispered her words with a quivering voice. "I should have told you the truth immediately. It was just that-I didn't want to lose your trust or my job. I didn't want you to think I was irresponsible.
Nikolai let out a heavy sigh, crossing his arms. "Lana, I do know that people sometimes make mistakes. But the one thing I do need from you is your honesty, so I can trust you with my children. It was more difficult to forgive trying to hide what happened than the incident itself."
She felt a surge of guilt but nodded, swallowing hard. "I understand. And I will promise that from now on, no matter what happens, I'll tell you everything. You have my word.
He paused, holding her gaze with an almost piercing look in his eyes, before nodding. "Alright, Lana. I'll hold you to that promise. But let me make one thing clear-I am giving you this second chance because I really do believe you truly care about Max and Lily, and also because I really do see the joy you've brought them today."
Lana managed a small, grateful smile. "Thank you, Nikolai. That means a lot to me."
That is when a sudden voice interrupted the serene moment of theirs; it formed words: "Oh, my poor Lily," in the syrupy tones of Evelyn as she stepped onto the playground where her heels fell slightly into the soft grass.
In an instant, Lana's face changed, and Nikolai narrowed his eyes as he watched Evelyn walk toward them.
"I can't believe she got hurt, Nikolai. How could this happen under someone's watch? I feel terrible about it."
Nikolai's face was impassive as he crossed his arms-an eyebrow rose. “Evelyn. We both know you're here for something else, not to 'express concern' for my daughter.".
"Well, it's just that… with so many things happening here, Nikolai, I can't help but wonder if maybe you're putting too much trust in certain people."
He let out a deep sigh, slowly shaking his head. "Evelyn, if you're implying that Lana isn't capable of something, you're wasting your time. I've already had this conversation with her, and we've squared it away. So, please, say something productive or don't say anything at all. Preferably, leave.
Evelyn's face screwed up, but she didn't let go of the bone so easily. "Nikolai, Nikolai, I only want what's best for you and the kids. You know that," she said, leaning in and lowering her voice in mock confidentiality. "I just… I just can't stand to see you hurt by someone who may not have your family's best interests at heart."
Nikolai nodded, his tone sharper as he addressed Evelyn. " I think we're done here, Evelyn.
Just then, the ring of Nikolai's phone cut through the tension, and he glanced at the screen, softening visibly. He picked up immediately. "Hello, Mother."
A warm, elegant voice came through the line, loud enough for Lana to hear. "Nikolai, darling! I just wanted to wish my precious grandchildren a happy birthday. Are they around?
Nikolai smiled. "Yes, they're on a treasure hunt, but I'm sure they'll want to talk to you. Give me just a second, Mother."
As he held the phone against his chest, he turned to Lana and motioned with his hand. "Would you mind calling Max and Lily in?
Lana nodded, seizing the opportunity to step away from Evelyn's opprobrious stare. She walked over to where Max and Lily were playing and summoned them. "Max! Lily! It's Grandma on the phone, and she wants to wish you a happy birthday."
And then they really turned on, two little stars launching into orbit, as they scampered over to take the phone from their father. "Hi, Grandma!" they chorused.
"Oh, my sweethearts! I am so, so sorry I couldn't be there today," Mrs. Sinclair's voice crooned from the microphone, and her tone was quite warm and affectionate. "I hope you are having the most wonderful party."
"We are, Grandma!" Lily echoed, radiant. "We had a treasure hunt and everything! Lana planned it all."
Mrs. Sinclair chuckled. "Well, that's lovely to hear, dear. It sounds like you're having a marvelous time. And Max, are you being good and looking after your sister?"
Max grinned sheepishly. "Yes, Grandma. But I'm the one finding the most treasures.
After several more happy moments, Nikolai took the phone again. "All right, Mother, I'll call later. I'm sure the kids have lots more to tell you about their big day."
"Of course, dear. Give them both a kiss for me, will you?"
Nikolai chuckled, hung up, and gave his attention again to the kids. "All right, you two-back to the treasure hunt."
He turned to Lana and gave an appreciative nod as they ran off.
“Nikolai, if there is anything I can do to help, please let me know," she said . "It's obvious you have placed much on this young girl's shoulders. I would not wish you to be disappointed again”. Evelyn said.
Lana felt her fists involuntarily.
"Evelyn, thank you for offering, but that's really not at all necessary. Lana has everything in hand." Nikolai answered.
The look of annoyance on Evelyn's face was unmistakable, but she didn't push it any further. Instead, she gave Lana a tight smile. "Well, I'm sure you're doing your best, dear," she said, the insincerity dripping from her tone.