CHAPTER 7
AVA CLARKE
As I lay in bed, I try to divert my mind from intrusive thoughts about Damien. However, his presence cannot be completely ignored. While snuggling under the covers, my thoughts wander into forbidden territory. A dream involving Damien and Lucius, the Fell brothers, echoes in my mind, challenging the barrier between what is allowed and what is forbidden.
I can't stop thinking about that crazy dream. I know this kind of thinking is dangerous. Furthermore, I am here to be Elara's nanny and Lucius' daughter. My mind shouldn't wander into fantasies involving the Fell brothers. The attraction between Damien and me is an additional complication I don't need in my new life.
However, the dark night doesn't bring relief from turbulent thoughts. Images of the forbidden dream continue to dance in my mind, challenging my determination to keep things strictly professional. I try to focus on Elara and the responsibility I have as her nanny. The girl is the reason for my presence in that mansion, and I can't allow emotional distractions to interfere with my duties. However, Damien's constant presence complicates the scenario even more.
With a deep sigh, I try to push away the disturbing thoughts. I know I need to stay focused, no matter how irresistible the temptation may be. The challenge of my new life in this small town is greater than I could have imagined, but I am determined to face it head-on.
As the silent darkness envelops the room, I close my eyes, determined to leave behind emotional intrigues. Tomorrow will be a new day, and I will have to confront the complexities of my life in the Fell mansion with the same resilience that brought me here.
I am immersed in a deep sleep, surrounded by dreams that take me away from the shadowy mansion and the challenges I face. My nightly thoughts are often filled with the smiling image of my parents, a longing that manifests in my dreamy memories.
Tonight, I dream about the house where I grew up, with familiar laughter echoing through the corridors. My parents are there, radiant and warm as they always were. I feel enveloped by the comforting sensation of being at home, even if only in a dream.
But I no longer have my parents; they died when I was just a child. When I open my eyes the next morning, the transition from the dream world to reality is abrupt. I widen my eyes upon encountering a pair of green eyes fixed on me. The surprise pulses in my chest before I realize it's not Damien but Elara, Lucius's daughter, who is here, silently watching me near the bed, holding a pink stuffed animal.
I quickly sit up in bed, finding the curious eyes of the girl. Confusion mixes with the memory of not locking the door the previous night after the unusual encounter with Damien. Elara, on the other hand, seems less intimidating and more intrigued, though I can't shake a twinge of discomfort.
"Elara, what are you doing here?", I ask as Elara moves away a bit, still holding her pink stuffed animal. The little one frowns, as if pondering something.
"Did I scare you?", Elara asks, curious, while I examine the girl's expression. Elara is trying to get closer to me, perhaps seeking some kind of connection or, who knows, friendship.
I shake my head, trying to dispel any discomfort that may have arisen.
"Have you had your breakfast?", I ask, and the girl shakes her head.
"Okay, then we can do that together after I get ready for University. Is your dad home?"
"Yes."
I get up from bed, realizing that I need to get ready for university this morning. While I organize my things, Elara remains seated, observing every move with childlike curiosity.
"Why are you here, Elara?", I ask again, trying to understand the unexpected presence of the girl in my room. Elara, still holding the stuffed animal, smiles shyly.
"I wanted to see you sleeping; it's cool.", she says, seeming genuinely sincere.
What? I look at her again, blinking rapidly, trying to understand why she thinks it's cool to see me sleeping. However, I decide not to ask, as she is just a child.
I am surprised by the girl's direct and pure response. Perhaps, despite the peculiar circumstances, Elara is trying to establish a connection with the newly arrived nanny, and that would make my life much easier.
I recognize Elara's need for company, especially in the absence of her parents and the constant presence of a mysterious atmosphere in the mansion. However, I know I need to balance my role as a caregiver with my daily responsibilities.
"Oh, okay, Elara. But now I really need to get ready for university.", I explain, trying to convey the idea that, although I appreciate the girl's company, there are boundaries to be respected.
Elara nods understandingly, and I continue to get ready, maintaining a light conversation with the little one. Despite the unusual interruption in the morning, I feel a small spark of warmth and understanding growing between us.
As I finally head to the door, ready to face another day at university, I realize that, although the challenges and mysteries of the mansion may be unpredictable, there might be more to my relationship with Elara than I initially perceived. And so, with a final glance at the smiling girl, I leave my room, ready to face the day with a new perspective.
Elara and I descend the mansion's stairs together and head to the kitchen. I see Lucius saying something to Damien with an irritated expression, as if he is reprimanding his younger brother for something.
"Good morning!", I say, and I see Lucius look at us and smile before responding.
When I sit in the chair before starting to eat, I see Damien also looking at me at this moment, but this time I notice that he doesn't make any annoying comments to me this morning, and that's good.
"We've already talked about this, Damien!", Lucius says louder, and the white-haired man sighs before quickly getting up from the chair.
"Sure, Lucius!", he says ironically before starting to climb the stairs quickly, leaving me completely confused about what happened between them today.