“What did you get for me today?” Eunice asked with a raised brow, but unfortunately, her father wasn't looking at her.
“In the car.” He answered, still not focused.
Eunice almost laughed when she saw how glued her dad's eyes were on Mia.
“Ahem…. Dad, you should go take your bath. You looked exhausted. ” Eunice said as she moved inches away.
It was at that moment, Mark realized he had been staring at Mia. He cleared his throat and was a bit nervous when he turned to see his daughter winking at him.
“Phew. Crazy girl. You are so naughty.” He said and hurried out of the room like a confused man. It was just so funny to watch her dad act like a shy teenage boy.
As soon as he left, Mia raised her head and smiled at Eunice, who was already giggling.
“You seem excited about something.” Mia asked.
Eunice shook her head, “Nothing, but I think my dad likes you. I saw the way he couldn't stop glaring at you.”
Mia was stunned. Yes, she noticed, but her fear was far more than that. If Mark does remember her, things might go sour and she would definitely lose her job.
“How do you know that and if it's true? You are okay with that?” Mia asked as she sat back on the bed.
Eunice grinned. She removed the stray hair on her face and walked closer to Mia.
“I don't blame him for that. He needs a woman in his life.” And Mia knocked her head.
“Ouch.” Eunice cried out and just as she wanted to speak, Mia knocked her again, “Ouch. That hurts.”
“Shut up and take your nap.” Mia ordered and Eunice frowned. She wanted to say but looking at her nanny's face, she didn't dare to.
“Okay. Whatever.” Eunice lamented why climbing the bed. Mia helped her and also kissed her forehead before leaving the room.
As Mia got out and took a few steps, she noticed someone's shadow and turned.
“Oh, sir, it's you.” She immediately lowered her head.
“Yeah.” Mark answered as he looked weirdly at her, “Are you sure we have not met before?” He asked.
Mia's heart almost exploded.
“What if he has recognized me?” Mia asked, biting on her lower lip, “Breathe. He must not know. He doesn't.” She tried calming herself.
“Do you not hear me?” He asked, and he noticed how she was shaking in fear.
“No sir.” Mia answered even when she wasn't sure of the question.
“Are you scared of me?” He asked, coming closer. Mia walked backwards and shook her head.
“No. Not at all… Why should I?” The tone of her voice was shaky.
“Look at me.” He demanded, and Mia swallowed hard.
“Huh?” Pretending not to have heard. He might recognize her.
She remembered how he couldn't stop staring at her. He even admired them. She needs to get a lens. It would help.
“Sir? Your food is ready.” One of the maids called out to him.
“Okay. Let me take my bath first.” He turned back to Mia, “Whatever my daughter told you should remain here. I don't wish for my family issues to be public…. To you, I won't pretend to not have heard the conversations. I did, and you should keep it to yourself. Any day I see it on any news media, be ready to lose your job. As my daughter trusts you, don't make her regret it.” He warned with a serious face and Mia nodded.
Mark started to walk away when he suddenly stopped. Already hating himself for the manner he used to talk to Mia.
“She fears me and I think, I just made it worst. Nahhhh, I shouldn't have.” He kept arguing with himself in his mind and then, when he turned, Mia was nowhere to be found, “I scared her away. But she was quick. Didn't even hear her footsteps.” He muttered.
After a while, Mia was sure Mark was out of the passage, she came out of her hideout. When she saw how Mark stopped half way, she suspected he was coming back to ask for her face again. And it seemed like it.
“Mia, get a hold of yourself.” She slapped and pinched herself.
It wasn't right for her to fall in love with a married man. If not because of the tempting payment, she would have resigned the job. But how would he know? She just had to be extremely careful not to let him know.
Mark went to his room and collapsed on the bed. Though his daughter and the new nanny were getting close, he was beginning to get suspicious of her. Every day, he goes around the house to know if anything is missing, he even as Tyler the butler to keep a close watch, yet, nothing is found.
“Does she remember me from somewhere? She shakes when I'm close…. This is weird.” He mumbled while lost in thought.
And then, he remembered what the maid said and hurried to bathe, and rushed downstairs only to bump into Mia who was on call and didn't see him. Her phone fell down, and the screen got cracks.
“I'm sorry, sir, I didn't see you.” She stammered while bending to pick up her phone and a book.
She got the phone while Mark got the book. A page was opened and Mark skimmed through it quickly.
It was a list of things she planned to use her first salary for.
“I'm sorry too. Did your phone…” Mia interrupted as she lowered her face.
“It's fine…” She answered and took the book from Mark, “Thank you.” She bowed and hurried away without turning back to see the look Mark had on.