The kitchen smelled divine. The rich aroma of my cooking filled the air, wrapping around me like a warm hug. I had been starving, so whipping up something quick was the only thing on my mind. Standing by the counter, I balanced my plate in one hand, taking small bites as I savored my meal. The warmth of the food spread through my chest, making me feel at home—at least, for a moment.
The sudden sound of footsteps interrupted my moment of peace. I turned slightly, mid-chew, as a woman in a maid uniform entered the kitchen. She was petite, with sleek black hair tied into a neat bun, and her sharp, observant eyes landed on me immediately. I swallowed my bite as she raised a brow, her lips pressing into a firm line.
"Uh… good morning?" I greeted hesitantly.
Her gaze flickered from my plate to my stance, and with a frown, she folded her arms. "What are you doing?"
I blinked. "Eating?"
"Standing while eating? In the kitchen?" she asked, her tone carrying a mix of surprise and disapproval.
I glanced down at my plate, then back at her. "Yeah?"
She exhaled sharply, shaking her head. "Workers have their own parlor and dining area. It's on the other side of the house."
I frowned. "I wasn't told that."
"The butler didn't mention it?"
I thought back to the tour he gave me earlier. "No, he didn't."
Silver hummed thoughtfully. "Maybe because you're not a maid. That's why."
Her words made me pause. True, I wasn't a maid. I was a nanny. But didn't that still make me a worker? Did that mean I could sit at the fancy dining table near the kitchen instead? I glanced at the lavish chairs and polished surface, considering my options.
"Wait—so where do I eat then?" I asked. "Am I allowed to sit here?"
She chuckled. "That's up to you to figure out."
I sighed, about to move, when Silver's nose twitched. She inhaled deeply, a look of intrigue crossing her face. "Whatever you made smells incredible."
A small smirk tugged at my lips. "Thanks. Want some?"
She hesitated, as if unsure whether she was allowed to, but I pulled out an extra plate and scooped some food onto it. "Here," I offered.
Silver hesitated only for a second before accepting it. She took a bite, her eyes widening slightly in surprise. "Okay… this is actually really good."
I smiled, a sense of pride filling me. "Glad you like it."
For the next few minutes, we ate together, chatting lightly about work. Silver seemed like the type to keep to herself, but she was straightforward and didn't sugarcoat things—which I respected. By the time we finished, she excused herself, needing to get back to her duties.
"I have to check up on Miss Vivienne," she said.
That was my cue as well. I had been hired to be the girl's nanny, after all. With a nod, I made my way up the grand staircase, my feet feeling heavier with each step. I had no idea what to expect from this teenage girl.
Reaching the second floor, I walked down the long, elegant hallway and stopped in front of Vivienne's door. I knocked twice.
"Come in," came a voice from the other side.
Taking a deep breath, I pushed open the door and stepped inside.
Vivienne Carter sat on her bed, casually scrolling through her phone. Her long, wavy brown hair cascaded over her shoulder, and her sharp, hazel eyes barely acknowledged my presence. She had the air of someone who was used to people coming and going—like she didn't care who was in the room.
"Hey," I greeted.
She didn't look up. "Hey."
Silence.
I cleared my throat. "I figured I'd check in on you."
No response.
I shifted awkwardly before trying again. "Do you have any assignments you need help with?"
This time, she did look up—just enough to give me a blank stare. "I'm on holiday."
"Oh."
"And even if I did have homework, I'd ask Whitaker to help me."
I arched a brow. "Whitaker?"
"The butler," she clarified. "I doubt you'd help me pass anyway."
I bit the inside of my cheek, trying not to take offense. She didn't even know me, and she already assumed I wouldn't be useful. Typical teenager.
But instead of snapping back, I smiled. "You know, when I was in high school, I had this one math teacher who swore I was the worst student in class."
Vivienne tilted her head slightly, as if debating whether she wanted to listen. I saw the curiosity spark in her eyes before she quickly masked it with indifference.
"Oh?" she muttered.
"Yeah," I continued. "He told me I'd never pass his class. I was so bad at math that even my friends made fun of me. But you know what?"
She raised a brow. "What?"
"I aced the final exam."
That caught her attention.
Vivienne narrowed her eyes. "No way."
I grinned. "Way."
"How?"
"I studied my ass off." I chuckled. "And I proved everyone wrong. It felt amazing."
For the first time, Vivienne actually put her phone down. She crossed her arms, eyeing me with interest. "So, you weren't always smart?"
I laughed. "Oh, definitely not. I struggled a lot. But I worked hard. And that's why I know I could totally help you with homework—if you ever decide you need me."
She rolled her eyes, but I caught the small smirk she was trying to hide. "Whatever."
I knew I had made a small breakthrough.
For the next hour, I stayed with Vivienne, telling her more stories about my school days. She acted like she wasn't interested, but I noticed the way she listened—how she'd sneak glances at me and ask casual follow-up questions, pretending she wasn't engaged.
Slowly, the ice between us started to melt.
By the time I finally left her room, I couldn't help but smile. Maybe this wouldn't be as hard as I thought.