“I won’t force you if you don’t want to work here, but I will do anything in my power to change your mind,” he said, then paused. “Not because I want you, but because my kids want you."
I sighed, shaking away the unnecessary thoughts from my mind. I understood the weight of his words and realized that my decision would not only impact my future but also the lives of his children.Why the hell, Hollis' words kept repeating in my mind. The same scene kept repeating in my mind. The image of his pleading eyes and the sound of his desperate voice echoed in my thoughts, making it difficult to focus on anything else. I knew that I couldn't ignore the significance of this opportunity and the potential impact it could have on all of our lives.No, why should I care? It's none of my business. But deep down, I couldn't shake off the feeling of responsibility that weighed heavily on me. The thought of turning my back on Hollis and his children felt like abandoning them in their time of need.I tried avoiding the thoughts as I made my way out of Max’s nursery and into the kitchen.Entering the kitchen, I watch Hollis struggle as Max continues crying nonstop. I couldn't help but feel a pang of empathy for Hollis, realizing the immense pressure he must be under as a single parent. The sound of Max's cries echoed through the room, reminding me of the urgency to find a solution and offer my support.God, I can’t stand to watch Max like this. I thought as I spread my arms out in front of Max, and as soon as he saw me, he jumped out of Hollis's arms and hugged me tight. I could feel the tension in Max's little body as he clung to me, seeking comfort. Hollis looked relieved as he saw Max finally calm down in my embrace.“Shhh ... It's okay,” I cooed Max in my arms, with his head resting on my shoulder. I gently rocked him back and forth, hoping to soothe his troubled mind. Max's tears slowly subsided, and his breathing became more steady. As I held him, I couldn't help but feel a sense of responsibility to protect and support him through whatever he was going through.A few minutes passed as he calmed down. I could feel the tension leaving Max's body as he relaxed in my arms. His grip on me loosened, and I could tell that he was starting to feel safe. It was a relief to see him find some peace after whatever had upset him.“Look…. I’m grateful for you taking care of Max. But….” he paused, as moved his hands to smooth Max's hair. “I don’t want them to get attached to you. It's going to hurt them.” I understood his concern and nodded, acknowledging the potential pain that could arise from forming an attachment. "I understand your worry," I replied softly.He is right, but I can’t stop myself from helping them. I feel a strong connection to Max and I believe that by being there for them, I can make a positive impact on their life. It's a risk I'm willing to take, even if it means experiencing some heartache along the way.“You're, right….,” I said. "But sometimes, the pain of not helping someone in need can be even greater." I paused, reflecting on my own experiences. "I've learned that the rewards of making a difference outweigh the potential heartache."Hollis nodded his head at words but didn’t say anything except he changed the subject. “It's almost his bedtime,” Hollis said, trying to take Max from my arms but Max started shouting as he grabbed my shirt. I gently tried to remove Max's tiny hands off my shirt and looked into his tear-filled eyes. "It's okay, buddy," I reassured him.Hollis sighed, moving his hands away from Max. He understood that Max needed some extra time and comfort before going to bed. He looked at me with gratitude, appreciating my patience and understanding toward our son's needs. “This is what I meant; they are attached to you.” "They feel safe and secure with you," Hollis added, his voice filled with sadness and longing. I nodded, understanding the weight of his words.“I know…,” I said with a sign of exhaustion. “I can help you to put him in bed if you want….,” I offered, trying to be helpful despite my weariness.“I don’t want to… but I guess I don’t have an option,” Hollis said, walking in front of me to the nursery. I followed closely behind, sensing Hollis's reluctance but understanding the need for assistance. As we entered the nursery, I couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for both Hollis and the child, knowing that sometimes we have to do things we don't want to for the sake of those we care about."Where is Summer?” I asked.“She might be in her room. Let me check.” Hollis replied, his voice filled with a mix of exhaustion and concern. He hurriedly made his way towards Summer's room, leaving me standing, contemplating the weight of responsibility that Hollis carried on his shoulders.“Daddy…,” Summer said as soon he saw Hollis opening the door. Her voice was small and filled with fear, causing my heart to ache. I watched as Hollis knelt to her level, his tired eyes softening with love and reassurance.“Are you fine?” Hollis said as Summer nodded her head. He gently brushed a strand of hair away from her face, his touch comforting and tender. “Do you want me to put you to bed?” he whispered, his voice soothing.Summer shook her head. “No…, I can sleep on my own.”"Alright, but remember I'm just a call away if you need anything," Summer nodded, a hint of relief in her eyes as she hid her face under the quilt. “Okay then…,” Hollis said as he paused, staring at Summer. “Goodnight and call me if you need anything,” Hollis said, a little awkwardly as leaves.I sighed regarding the exhaustion and sadness in Hollis's eyes, getting ignored by his children.I can't help but wonder what might be the reason for the difference in their relationship. I wondered if it was due to a lack of communication or perhaps a growing distance caused by his busy life. It saddened me to see such a disconnect between a father and his children, and I hoped that they would find a way to bridge the gap and strengthen their bond. I can see that he loves his children but he just doesn't know how to express it to them.I am not sure if this is the right place for this question but I am not sure where else to ask it. "Can I ask you why your children are like strangers to you?"Hollis looked stunned by my question staring at Max who is watching our conversation leaning in my arms rather than his father.Hollis hesitated for a moment before responding, "I never intended for my children to feel like strangers to me. It's just that... I've always struggled with expressing my emotions. I guess I've been so focused on providing for them financially that I neglected the emotional aspect of their relationship." As he spoke, a mix of regret and determination appeared in his eyes."Yeah... right. And now you need me to be that bridge." I suggested.Hollis nodded, acknowledging my observation. "I know it's a lot to ask, but I want to bridge that emotional gap between us. I want my children to feel connected to me, not just as a provider but as their father." His voice carried a hint of vulnerability and hope.I sighed gathering my thoughts, realizing the weight of his request. It was clear that Hollis was making a genuine effort to repair our relationship and prioritize his role as a father. As I looked into his eyes, I saw the sincerity behind his words and decided to give him a chance to prove himself."You know... I hate you. but that doesn't mean I will hate Summer and Max too." I could sense the conflict within me as I processed Hollis' words. Despite my resentment towards him, I couldn't deny the importance of allowing our children to have a relationship with their father. Swallowing my pride, I responded, "I guess I will think about your offer.""I thought you never wanted work for me," Hollis said, staring at me with his face unreadableI sighed. "Well, circumstances have changed," I admitted, meeting his gaze. "But don't mistake this as forgiveness. I care about you all I care about is Max and Summer, no matter how bad of a person you're but you're trying hard to be a good father.""You think so....," Hollis asked as he didn't trust my words."I do," I replied, maintaining eye contact. "But actions speak louder than words. If you truly want to be a good father, you need to prove it through consistent effort and positive change.""What do you mean?" Hollis questioned, his tone filled with uncertainty.I took a deep breath before responding, "I mean that being a good father requires more than just saying the right things. It means showing up for Max and Summer, being there for them emotionally and physically, and making choices that prioritize their well-being above all else.""You hire me or anyone else with money but at the end of the day, you're the only person they need love and guidance from. Money can provide for their material needs, but it cannot replace the love and support that only a parent can give. It's about being present in their lives and actively participating in their growth and development.""So help me build that bond with them," Hollis said with determination in his voice as he looked directly into my eyes. "Help me... Please.""So help me build that bond with them," Hollis said with determination in his voice as he looked directly into my eyes. "Help me, please." I sighed, feeling the weight of his request. I don't know what I can do for this guy when I have so many problems of my own to deal with. Ben is after me; I don't have any money; I missed my flight and the job that was about to change my life; but here I am with billionaire Hollis, asking for my help. Great! What a drama is unfolding in my life. "Are you listening to me?" Hollis asked, his eyes searching mine for a response. "Ask me anything; I can give it to you, but help me connect with my children before it's too late," he pleaded. "Anything," I whispered, feeling the weight of his words. Connecting a billionaire with his estranged children seemed like an impossible task, but I knew I had to try. This could be my chance to make a real difference in someone's life and change my life in the process. "Just ask for cash, a house, cars, private
"I will when the time is right," I said, staring at Hollis, who nodded his head in response, understanding the weight of my words.An awkward silence surrounds us as we finish our conversation, both lost in our own thoughts. The tension in the air was palpable, making it clear that there was much left unsaid between us.A yawn escaped from my lips, breaking the heavy atmosphere as my eyes got heavy from exhaustion. Today was filled with odd surprises and unexpected emotions, leaving me drained and in need of rest."It's getting late; you should go to sleep," Hollis suggested, breaking the silence.I nodded my head but lingered a moment longer. "Where should I sleep tonight?" I asked, suddenly unsure of where I belonged in this unfamiliar place.Hollis smiled warmly. "You can take my bed. I will be sleeping in the living room ." I felt a wave of gratitude wash over me at his kindness, feeling a sense of comfort in this moment of vulnerability.But sleeping on a completely strange bed t
“How much more do I have to suffer?” I cried alone in the airport bathroom as tears started streaming from my eyes. In just a week, my life took a drastic turn. I don’t know if I’m the same person that I was a week ago. How much worse have things gotten in my life? As an orphan, I only ever wished for one thing: a family of my own, but now that one wish seems impossible to fulfill. I had always believed that life couldn't possibly get any harder, but recent events shattered that belief. But my bad decisions had led me to this point, and now I had to face the consequences. I knew deep down that I had to find the strength within myself to overcome this adversity and rebuild my life, even if it meant starting from scratch. From today, everything will be different—a new start. That is all I want in my life. A fresh start in a new place, a new me. My phone rings in my pocket, distracting me from my thoughts. I looked at the caller ID and wanted to crash my head on the wall. ‘Him...
"Who the hell are you?" The man shouted, holding Max in his arms and pulling Summer away from me. Staring at me in anger. "And how dare you brainwash my kids against me?" All my senses went numb at the sudden interruption of the man standing in front of me. His eyes burned with fury as he clutched Max tightly, and his voice was filled with a mix of desperation and rage. Who the hell is he, and why the hell is he shouting at me? I thought as I looked at both Max and Summer struggling to get out of his grasp. I could see the fear in Max and Summer's eyes, their innocence tainted by the tension in the air. "Leave me alone..." Summer cried, trying to get away from the man, her voice trembling with fear. The man's grip tightened, his anger escalating as he ignored her pleas. I could feel my heart racing and adrenaline coursing through my veins as I desperately searched for a way to intervene and protect them from this unknown threat. "Shut up, and why the hell are you here alone?" He
“You can’t leave,” he said, pulling me along with him out of the airport. My heart raced as his grip tightened, and I struggled to break free. “What the fuck?” I creaked, trying to free myself from his grasp. “Let me go." My mind raced with fear and confusion as I desperately searched for an escape route. “I said you can’t leave,” I shouted again, trying to push him away, but this man was as stiff as a giant brick wall. He doesn’t move an inch. I realized that I was trapped in his grasp. “Come with me." He said he was pulling him along with him outside the airport. “What do you want?" I questioned him as he pushed me inside a giant, expensive car. My heart pounded in my chest as the car door slammed shut, leaving me feeling even more trapped. The man's cold, calculating eyes met mine in the rearview mirror, and I knew that whatever he wanted, it wouldn't be easy to escape. "Now, are you talking?" I said, my voice trembling with fear. The man's devilish smile only grew wider, s
“I need you to take care of my kids,” he said, pausing for a bit. “I want you to work as a live-in nanny for my kids.” I went silent for a minute after listening to his words. “Are you crazy or not?" I couldn't help but feel a mixture of shock and disbelief at his request. The thought of being responsible for someone else's children on a live-in basis seemed overwhelming and daunting. He shook his head at my words. “I’m just stating the facts. I want you to take care of my kids, and for that, I can pay any amount you wish.” I sighed loudly, trying to calm my mind. “For the last time, I didn’t care about money. You are a piece of sh*t, and I don’t want to work for you.” Hollis smiled while listening to my words. “Why don’t you care about money? Are you that rich?" I chuckled at his assumption. Rich, and me... What a joke! “I’m anything but rich." “Then you are a fool to let go of such a great deal," he said, his eyes not leaving mine. "Maybe..." I replied with a hint of sad
I don’t know how many minutes, seconds, or hours have passed since I lost consciousness, but I couldn't make myself open my eyes; my head is starting to throb badly, and I can feel a dull ache spreading throughout my entire body. The darkness surrounding me feels suffocating, making it even more difficult to gather the strength to regain consciousness. I also heard random voices from around: “She seems to be sleep-deprived and also malnourished. Other than that, there doesn't seem to be any problem with her.” The voices seemed distant, as if they were discussing my condition from afar. “Is there anything I need to take care of?" I heard someone say something, but I couldn’t make out who the person was. “Nothing much; just feed her some healthy food, fruits, and vegetables, and let her get enough sleep. She will be fine.” The other voice said reassuringly. As the conversation continued, my mind lost consciousness again as I was lulled into deep slumber once again, unaware of the dis
“If you wanna know that, follow me.” He stepped out of the room. God... I hate him. But still decided to follow him. Walking behind him, we reached the kitchen, where I see Summer having her supper sitting on the kitchen stool by the kitchen counter. “Hailey….,” she shouted, jumping out of the stool and wrapping her arms around my waist. “Are you fine now…,” She might be worried about me. God, this is the first someone cared about how I am. “I’m fine…how are you?” I said with a smile, ruffling her hair playfully. “I’m happy that you’re fine…,” she said, staring at my face. “Are you now going to stay with us? Right?” “Well….,” I don’t know how to answer her question. “Summer…you should finish eating your food first.” Hollis interrupted, saving me from answering the unknown question. “Okay Daddy..,” she said, returning to eat her food. “Sit…” Hollis said this time to me, as he pointed his finger to a stool next to Summer. “Okay…,” I sat beside Summer, as Hollis walked to the m