“Come in!” Mark said out as he heard a knock at the door.
He already knew who it was, so, was there any need to ask?
“Sir, you called for me.” Mia said as she stood in front of him. The only thing between is the desk.
Mark wasn't facing her. But her voice was doing something to him. Something that was tempting him to want to touch her, but she was much too young and also his daughter's nanny.
“Take the box on the desk.” He said without turning.
Mia saw it to be weird but obeyed the instructions given as she would rather not disrespect him. Hearing what he said was even when she noticed the box and picked it up.
It was a phone. A new smartphone with all the accessories.
“Errmmm… Sir, it is a phone.” She said and wanted to drop it back when Mark spoke up. Just as though he knew what her next action would be.
“I know. It is yours now. Keep it! The other night, your phone cracked… Moreover, I have put all the details needed in that phone. I will be leaving tomorrow since today is Friday and I won't be back until the contract is signed. I will stay at home with Eunice today while you go back and get your belongings because from today, you will be living here at the mansion.”
“Thank you sir and yes. I will take good care of your daughter.” Mia answered.
Mark then turned his seat to face her. She wore a black jean and a yellow stripes shirt. But, he tried to remain focus and avoided eye contact. Maybe if he did look her in the eyes, he would have known her identity.
“Though I am not here, but, I will be watching your every move.” He warned, and Mia nodded before excusing herself to leave the study.
She was halfway out when he called her back.
“Mia!”
She turned.
“Here, you can have this and buy whatever you want. Also, go to the salon too. Your hair looks messy.” It slipped from his mouth before he could stop himself.
All he wanted was to give her the money and not tell her what to get or do with it. He bit his tongue and diverted his stare after leaving the money on the desk.
It was silly of him. She was making him behave like a young teenage boy in love. And was troubled that he might be scaring her.
“I am responsible not to think about this, right?” He asked himself and, soon, shook his head.
Mia took the money, thanked him and left the office. Mia was still beside the door to Mark's study when she heard him causing himself.
For a moment, she thought he recognized her, but then, if he did, he would have sent her out already. And just then, his phone started ringing. She was living in absolute fear of what if.
After leaving there, she headed straight to Eunice's room and told her she was about to leave and would return in the evening. Eunice was super excited to hear that Mia was finally going to be living with them.
****
“Gideon, check who is at the door. My hands are occupied. I'm chopping the peppers.” She said out and continued what she was doing.
Gideon, who was really hooked on the action movie he, was watching, let out a sigh before getting up. He opened the door only to see Mia smiling at him.
“Open it.” She reminded as he was lost in confusion.
She wasn't supposed to be back so early. Countless scenes ran through his mind, and he looked down at her hand to see she even came back with her purse.
“What happened?” He asked, still standing by the door.
“Let me in first, would you?” She tried to contain her laugh, as she did well at avoiding eye contact.
She intentionally didn't call them about what Mr. Mark said. So, she gently pushed Gideon aside and entered the house.
“Is Jenny home?” She asked and Gideon didn't respond. Instead, he blocked her path.
“Did he sack you? Did something happen?” He held her shoulders and looked at her with so much concern. He knew how much she was good at hiding her emotions and pains, but, he can't just feel reluctant.
Mia smiled before hugging him, “I am fine, bro. It's just that, I will miss you so much.” She said, and tears rolled down her eyes.
For since their father doesn't care anymore, Gideon has always been by her side. Even at midnight, she would check up on him to know if he was having any attacks. Though, that exercise has helped her save his life so many times. She just didn't know how to sleep well without seeing him.
Gideon hugged her back, “You don't have to miss me… I'm always here, okay?” He talked like an elder brother.
“I know.” She muttered with a sad smile.
Just then, Jenny came in, and her facial expression changed, “Mia?” She exclaimed.
“Chill. I wasn't sacked.” Mia sat on the sofa near, “I was asked to come get my belongings. I will be staying at the mansion as from today… My boss is trying this weekend and needs me to be in the house before his departure. He also gave me some cash to get things that I might want.” She added.
“This is exciting and also, sad news. So you couldn't come over at night?” Jenny asked and Mia shook her head.
Gideon sat down next to her and rested his head on her shoulder. He was sure going to miss her. She always made him not miss having a mum. He was happy in a way because, it seemed her boss was a good man.
“I know right. You guys pushed me into getting this job, remember?” Mia asked and they both remained quiet.
After a minute of awkward silence, Jen spoke up.
“So, we need to help you get packing then.” She said and hurried out of the living room, “My food is getting burnt!” She screamed.