Elena walked up the wide stone driveway of the massive lakeside estate with her heart pounding against her ribs.
She adjusted the collar of her simple gray coat and pulled her worn leather bag tighter over her shoulder.
The job posting had asked for an experienced nanny willing to live in and care for an infant full time.
After months of searching for steady work to pay her late mother's medical bills, Elena felt truly blessed.
The mansion was built from bright white stone with massive floor-to-ceiling windows that caught the morning light.
A butler in a crisp black suit opened the front door before Elena even had the chance to knock.
He guided her through a grand foyer lined with high-end artwork and polished white marble floors.
Elena kept her head down and tried not to let her worn shoes make too much noise on the floor.
She was led straight into a sunlit morning room where a beautiful woman sat drinking expensive coffee.
This was Victoria Vance, the young second wife of wealthy real estate developer Arthur Vance.
Victoria wore an elegant green silk dress and kept her blonde hair styled in a flawless, tight bun.
She looked up from her porcelain cup with cold blue eyes that slowly scanned Elena from head to toe.
The silence in the room stretched out for several uncomfortable seconds while Victoria took another slow sip.
Victoria: You must be the girl the agency sent over.
Elena: Yes, ma'am, my name is Elena.
Victoria: I do not care about your name, as long as you follow my rules exactly.
Elena: Of course, Mrs. Vance, I am very good with infant care.
Victoria: The baby stays in his nursery, and you stay out of my sight.
Elena swallowed hard and nodded her head without arguing with her new employer.
She knew that high-paying jobs in wealthy homes often came with difficult personalities.
Victoria stood up from her chair and did not offer a handshake or a welcoming smile.
She pointed down a long, dimly lit hallway toward the east wing of the house.
Victoria: His name is Leo, and he is three months old.
Elena: Is his father home today?
Victoria: My husband is at a charity gala until late tonight, so do not disturb him.
Elena carried her heavy suitcase down the long hall toward the sound of faint crying.
When she entered the nursery, her heart instantly melted at the sight of the little boy.
Baby Leo was squirming in his crib, crying softly with tiny teardrops rolling down his cheeks.
Elena set her bag on the floor and gently lifted the warm little baby into her arms.
She rocked him gently back and forth while singing a soft song her own mother used to sing.
Within minutes, the helpless baby settled down against Elena's shoulder and closed his eyes.
Elena smiled softly as she held the child, but a strange chill suddenly ran down her spine.