THE NANNY'S SECRET

Chapter three

Ethan paced the length of his study, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts. He had left the office earlier just to clear his head and think right. He picked up his phone and dialed Grace's number.

“Grace, I need you to contact my lawyer,” Ethan began, his voice steady but laced with irritation. “The lawsuit threat came in today and I want it handled immediately. Get the full details from him. We can't afford to be blindsided.”

“Of course, Mr Hayes.” Grace replied. “I’ll make sure everything is taken care of.”

“Thank you, Grace.” Ethan said, a touch of relief in his voice. “I’ll deal with the rest in the morning.”

After hanging up, Ethan leaned against the edge of his desk, rubbing his temples. The thought of Sophia crossed his mind. Leaving his study, he headed upstairs to check on his daughter. On getting to her room, he moved quietly, careful not to wake her if she was already sleeping.

“Mr Hayes.” his house manager, Mrs Jenkins, greeted him softly at the door. “She fell asleep a little while ago.”

Ethan nodded, peeking into the room. His daughter was nestled under the duvet. Her small frame rose and fell with each peaceful breath. The sight of her always managed to calm him.

“Thank you. Mrs Jenkins.” He whispered. “I’ll be in my study if anything comes up.”

But his study isn't where he was going to stay. After lingering by his daughter's door for a few more moments, Ethan turned and made his way downstairs.

His mind raced with thoughts of the lawsuit, the business and even his new hired nanny. As he reached for the front door, a decision solidified his mind. He needed to get out to clear his head. Ethan grabbed his coat, and left the house.

……🌵

Ethan drove to the club, the club he was heading to, wasn't far, a place he visited occasionally when he needed distraction.

Arriving at the club, Ethan handed his key to the valet, and made his way inside. The moment he stepped inside, the world outside seemed to fade away. He took his usual seat on the VIP section, a spot that offered a perfect view of the stage, without putting him too much on the spotlight.

As he settled in, the waitress approached him with a smile, “The usual, Mr Hayes?”

He nodded, barely paying attention, as she brought in the drink. His thoughts were elsewhere. Ethan leaned back on his seat, taking a sip of his drink as the first note of music filled the room.

The performer stepped on the stage, her face hidden behind a delicate shimmering mask.

She moved with a grace that seemed almost otherworldly. Ethan found himself captivated, as he was often during her performances. There was something about her, a mystery that kept him coming back, though he had never cared enough to find out who she really was. To him, she was simply “The Enigma,” the name the regulars had given her.

As she danced, Ethan found himself leaning forward, unable to tear his gaze away. And then it happened - her eyes, though masked, met his. For a split second, the world around them faded, leaving only the two of them at that moment.

Ethan's eyes followed her every move, entranced by the fluidity of her dance. He felt an inexplicable pull to get closer , to find out who this woman really was.

The crowd applauded the performer, as she gracefully exited the stage, Ethan signaled the waitress. “Can you arrange for me to meet with her?” Ethan asked, keeping his voice casual.

The waitress smiled politely, but there was a hint of hesitation in her eyes. “I’m afraid, ‘Arielle is very private, Mr Hayes. She doesn't usually meet with patrons.”

Ethan’s brow furrowed slightly, he just realized that her name was Arielle. “I’m not just any patron.”

“I know sir,” she said, maintaining her professional demeanor. “But she’s very particular about keeping her personal life separate from her performances.”

He gave a curt nod, and took another sip of his drink. The dancer somehow eased his worries whenever he watched her performance. As he slipped his drink an idea began to form, a bit reckless, but the more he thought about it, the more it made sense.

Ethan was a man used to getting what he wanted, and right now, he wanted her. Not just as a performer, but in a personal, controlled setting.

He called the waitress over again, “Can you get the manager for me?” he asked, his tone casual but firm.

The waitress nodded, and disappeared into the back. A few minutes later, the club manager returned, his expression neutral as he approached Ethan's table.

“Mr. Hayes. How can I assist you?” the manager asked, his voice respectful, guarded.

Ethan leaned back in his chair, studying the man for a moment before speaking. “I want to make a proposition.” He began, his voice smooth. “The performer who just finished, ‘Arielle’, you called her. I’d like to hire her for something a bit different.

The manager raised an eyebrow but didn't interrupt. Ethan took that as a sign to continue.

“I’m not talking about a private dance or anything like that,” Ethan clarified, “I want her to be my personal online performer. Private sessions. Exclusive to me. I’m willing to pay handsomely for her time.”

The manager's expression remained impassive, but there was a flicker of surprise in his eyes. “That's……an unusual request, Mr. Hayes.”

Ethan shrugged, asif he were discussing a simple business deal. “I understand, it's not something she normally does, but I'd like you to extend it to her. If she’s interested, we can discuss the details further.”

The manager hesitated, clearly weighing his options. He knew better than to outright refuse a man like Ethan Hayes.

“,I'll speak with her,” the manager finally said, his tone diplomatic. “And I'll get back to you.”

Ethan nodded in response, as he watched the manager walk away, he finished his drink and left the club.

……🌵

When Ethan arrived home, the mansion was quiet. The staff had returned for the night, leaving only the dim lights of the hallway to guide him. He paused at Sophia’s room, pushing the door gently. He smiled to himself at the sight of Sophia, her small form curled up under the covers.

Closing the door gently, he made his way to his study, hoping to catch up on some work. But his thoughts kept drifting back to Arielle, everything about her was so intoxicatingly mysterious.

Frustrated, he shut the laptop and rubbed his temples, “Damn it.” He muttered to himself, knowing that sleep wouldn't come easily.

Eventually, he gave up and headed to his bedroom, hoping that rest would help clear his mind. Ethan found himself imagining the image of Arielle dancing in front of him, till he eventually fell asleep.

The next morning, Ethan awoke , the first light of dawn filtering through the curtains. Ethan threw off the covers, and got out of bed, heading to the bathroom to splash cold water on his face. The coolness of the water helped him feel refreshed.

Ethan dressed casually, opting for simple shorts and pants. As he descended the grand staircase, he was greeted by the smell of breakfast being prepared. The house manager, Mrs Jenkins, appeared in the hallway.

“Good morning, Mr Hayes,” she said warmly. “I trust you slept well?”

Ethan gave her a tight smile, “ Not exactly Mrs Jenkins, I'll need a strong cup of coffee this morning.”

Mrs Jenkins nodded, “Of course sir, I’ll have it brought to the dining room.”

Ethan was about to head towards the dining room, when he noticed Lena sitting quietly, with her hands folded, looking somewhat nervous. “Lena Roberts.” Ethan said, realizing that she was there for her first day at work as Sophia's nanny.

Lena looked up, offering a tentative smile, “Good morning, Mr Hayes.”