Third-Person POV
The return to the Carter mansion felt different this time. Rose had become more accustomed to its grandeur, the silent halls no longer felt suffocating, and the sharp gazes of the staff barely fazed her. But what truly made her return enjoyable was Vivienne—whom she now affectionately called Vivi.
On Monday, after her usual morning duties, Vivienne had dragged Rose out for a shopping trip.
"You need new clothes," Vivienne had stated with a dramatic wave of her hand. "I refuse to be seen in public with you if you're wearing another one of your boring outfits."
Rose had simply laughed, shaking her head. "Oh, so now my style isn't good enough for you?"
"It is, but you're not using it properly!" Vivienne retorted, grabbing Rose's hand. "You clearly have good fashion sense. Use it on me!"
And so, that was how Rose found herself in the most luxurious mall she had ever stepped into, walking from store to store as Vivienne tried on different outfits.
Despite the girl's dramatic nature, she trusted Rose's judgment completely. Rose would pick a dress, a blouse, or a pair of shoes, and Vivienne would eagerly try them on.
Eventually, Rose settled on an outfit for her—a stylish yet comfortable ensemble that complemented Vivienne's features perfectly.
"You're a genius," Vivienne breathed as she stared at herself in the mirror.
Rose smirked. "I know."
Vivienne rolled her eyes but grinned.
Afterward, they stopped at a high-end restaurant—Vivienne's idea, of course.
As they sat by the large windows, enjoying their meal, Rose noticed the way people looked at them. Some threw quick glances; others outright stared.
"If I didn't know better," she mused, "I'd say they think I'm your mom."
Vivienne snorted. "Or my much older sister."
Rose shot her a pointed look.
"Much older?"
Vivienne laughed, sipping her drink. "Fine. Just older."
Their laughter echoed through the restaurant, and for a moment, Rose forgot she was merely an employee in the Carter household.
Even Flourish Carter, who had once been indifferent toward her, had started showing a liking to her. Though Rose didn't see Maxwell Carter often—he was always away on business—whenever he was home, he seemed pleased by her presence.
But the weekend was about to bring an unexpected change.
Tuesday Morning –
As Rose finished tidying up Vivienne's room, she was called downstairs by Mrs. Flourish Carter.
"You won't be going home this weekend," Flourish stated, her voice calm yet firm.
Rose blinked. "I won't?"
"We're hosting a ball in celebration of my husband's successful transaction with an important family from Country V. We'll need all hands on deck."
Rose hesitated for a moment but nodded. "Understood."
Flourish studied her, then added, "You will, however, be allowed to use your phone during the weekend. Consider that a small compromise."
That eased Rose's disappointment slightly. "Thank you, ma'am."
Flourish simply nodded before returning to her morning tea.
---
Since she wouldn't have access to her phone during work hours, Rose made sure to grab a book before heading to the garden house.
The glass-walled structure was her favorite place in the mansion. It stood in the middle of the well-maintained garden, surrounded by lush greenery. Inside, vines trailed along the beams, and a soft breeze flowed through the open windows. It was the perfect place to read.
Vivienne was in her room, taking a shower, so Rose took the rare quiet moment to herself.
She flipped open her book and leaned against the wooden railing, fully engrossed in the story.
What she didn't know was that someone was watching.
_____
The black luxury car rolled through the gates of the Carter estate, coming to a smooth stop in the grand driveway. The driver stepped out first, moving swiftly to open the back door.
A man emerged.
Tall, with a posture that spoke of effortless confidence, Julian Carter stepped onto the paved ground of his childhood home. His presence was commanding, his tailored suit fitting him perfectly. With sharp, striking features and an aura that demanded attention, he walked toward the entrance without hesitation.
The butler, Mr. Whitaker, greeted him at the door with a respectful bow.
"Welcome home, Mr. Carter Jr."
Julian barely acknowledged him with a nod, his gaze already scanning the house.
"Where's Vivienne?" he asked.
"In her room, dressing up."
Without another word, Julian made his way up to the third floor, heading straight for his room. He loosened his tie as he walked inside, exhaling softly.
Then, something outside the window caught his eye.
Down in the garden house, standing against the railing, was a figure—a woman, deeply engrossed in her book.
Julian narrowed his eyes.
The way she stood, the way she absentmindedly brushed her hair behind her ear as she read—it felt familiar.
Curious, he turned from the window and left his room.
-----
On his way down, he encountered the butler again.
"The woman outside," Julian said, his voice even. "Who is she?"
Mr. Whitaker followed his gaze, then gave a polite nod. "Ah, that would be Miss Rose. Vivienne's new nanny. She started working here a month ago."
Julian said nothing, his expression unreadable.
Then, without another word, he walked past the butler and toward the garden.
Rose was so focused on her book that she didn't sense his presence at first. It wasn't until a shadow fell over her page that she glanced up.
The moment she did, her breath caught.
A man stood before her, his sharp eyes studying her intently. His presence was overwhelming—not in an oppressive way, but in a way that made it impossible to ignore him.
Rose instinctively straightened, gripping the book in her hands.
Julian Carter.
Even without an introduction, she knew who he was.
So Julian is Vivienne's older brother? She questioned herself.
The heir to the Carter family.
The silence stretched between them, thick with something unspoken.
Then, in a voice smooth yet firm, Julian finally spoke.
"So, you're the one my sister won't stop talking about."
His words were neither an insult nor a compliment. They were simply… an observation.
But there was something in his tone—something that made Rose's heart race just a little faster.
What was it?
Curiosity?
Amusement?
Or something far more dangerous?
To Be Continued...