CHAPTER 4

POV of Isabella

"Would you kindly make it snappy?" As I attended to Marian, the woman growled at the door, her searing glare piercing through all I did.

, "Yes, ma'am." I said, rolling my eyes, while fixing Marian's stockings. He rambled on in his upbeat mood about things that only he understood, unconcerned about any problems in the world—not that he had any. While I rapidly attended to him, his drool ruined my shirt, but that wasn't the least of my concerns.

I gave him his other shoe, and when he giggled and moved the rattle over my face, I laughed and cocked his head to the side so he wouldn't hit me with it. Marian, the son of British parents who were serving as ambassadors for their nation here in Italy, was a chubby four-month-old kid. They were residing in a gated community not far from my university in Castellammare Del Golfo.

Until she returned from her visit to her boyfriend's home, I was assisting Phina in caring for him in place of her as his live-in nanny.

When Marian shook his head, oil from his blonde hair rubbed on my arm, and I saw grey sparkling orbs that were exactly like his mother's, I understood he was inviting me to a performance. He was a vivacious infant.

He also never cried, preferring to sleep instead, save for times when I denied him something he wanted.

If someone had told me I would love a baby as much as I did with him, I wouldn't have been shocked. Babies burped, which completely disgusted me, but for some strange reason, I put up with it all when it came to Marian. I was brushing his lovely blonde hair when someone cleared their voice.

I should be at an important meeting with my husband, but my secretary is already flooding my phone with calls, Mrs. Duckling fixed me with a stern look.

"Ma'am, I'm almost finished."

Make it damn snappy, then. I don't have all day with my husband, she yelled.

She didn't know how to fret over a kid like so many other people, but I could tell she loved her boy because of those eyes. When she had him in her arms, her expression softened, but she still seemed to find the life of a businesswoman to be quite challenging.

I handed the youngster to his mother and extended the baby carrier to her, but when she gave me a hard look and I couldn't speak, I silently carried the carrier downstairs and into their car before they left.

Many mothers would choose to keep their infants at home with assistance, but Mrs. Duckling would never do so. Marian was a cute boy in any case, and Mrs. Duckling typically went out with a 'assistant' merely to make sure she flaunted Marian's charms to the world even while on business travels. Marian most definitely got his father's superb looks, so I wouldn't blame her in the least.

I called her as soon as I returned to my room, or more precisely, Phina's room, and yelled at her for her bad boss's behavior.

I understand, but I assure you that I'll be back soon. Phina reassured me even more, assuring me that she was sincerely appreciative of my assistance.

Oh, this is only for you, I promise. I hope you find a replacement quickly because I don't want to get angry with your alleged boss. Furthermore, your brother provides you with all you need, so you don't really need the extra money. I grumbled.

The question, "Your friend?" Before I could see the face of Lucas, Phina's lover, I heard a deep voice calling from the background and plates clanging.

He loved her so much, and the way they flaunted themselves occasionally made me envious. They were a couple made in heaven in every way. When he gave her a sweet kiss and she practically melted into his arms, I felt like purring.

"Hey." I used a low voice. When she bent to the left so he could welcome me, his eyes lit up.

How are you doing, Isabella? I hope Marian isn't being too harsh with you. We'll only stay around for a short while longer because my girl will be back soon. He gave a sneaky wink after whispering.

That wink was one I recognized. Did he intend to keep her there longer than she had anticipated?

Well, as long as she promptly found a replacement, that wasn't my concern. Phina wasn't really in need of this job. She didn't want to go to her house in the United States; she just liked to be "occupied" whenever we took even the briefest pauses. Before he left her line of sight, Lucas gave her a quick kiss that briefly caused her to appear dizzy as he pulled her into his arms.

I scowled. I adore sick puppies. Before I choke them, return here quickly.

"They're actually treating you poorly. I'm terribly sorry. Concern once more flooded her face as Phina stated.

"No, don't worry; I'm handling it perfectly. Find me a replacement, please.

"I will. How is your mother doing? I grinned when the conversation switched topics.

"Hmm. She is good—better than she was over the previous holiday. I have been considering..."

That's fantastic. She made a caustic remark when I stretched my proposition but held her tongue because she was waiting for me to elaborate. I got up and went to the wardrobe, where I chose two gorgeous tops to try on. There was nothing I could do here, so I didn't have to stay until the Ducklings returned from their trip in a few days.

More stillness followed, and she finally questioned impatiently, "What have you been thinking of?"

"Perhaps I should work as an economist intern in a fashion company, or should I lean more toward the finance industry?" I tugged on the arms of the first top I tried, which was made of colorful chiffon. It was intended to have a floppy appearance and a butterfly form on both sides.

"Why?" It was her. I removed the top and threw it into the laundry basket that was far away, doing a victory dance when it fell exactly into the basket.

"Uh, that's what I'm studying right now?"

No, I'm asking why now. You are aware of the nature of our course, and shortly we will be in our last year. Do you currently require that stress? Seriously?"

Well, after having a job and learning the ropes of the business world, I can't wait to leave that house with my mother, but that won't be feasible if I don't have money.

Why do you want to leave, girl? What the heck are you saying? Phina made no effort to hide the fear in her voice. I sat down on the bed, facing the ceiling, and picked up my phone to give her my full attention as I heaved a heavy sigh.

Guess what might even be incorrect. I snorted.

Declan the pest once again asked you out?

I laughed. "No, that idiot still bothers me when I'm out on a date or getting a peck. I'm completely over him. I laughed as I thought about how the young master had recently surprised us.

Then he can't be the culprit. Have you recently become concerned that your mother won't continue to live at the house and work there because she has expressed a desire to return to her hometown? She posed a serious query.

"No!" With disbelief written all over my face, I stuttered in defense. "My dear mother isn't old enough to wish to return to Venice. In addition, nobody is available for them to stay with. As soon as she had me, she promptly went with my father. I explained in a frustrated tone of voice.

I never said she was elderly. Stop being so dramatic.

"You alluded to it. What do you mean by her wishing to travel there—it's not as if she misses the residents of her hometown or anything!? I cursed under my breath as I glanced at her face on the television.

"I have no more choices. Just let me know."Okay, I'm leaving because of her boss," you said. This girl occasionally be lenta (slow), as just now.

When she eventually inquired, "Which boss?" She had earlier made a lot of sense, but I knew there was a reason.

Which other boss are we aware of?

Before she groaned so loudly, she glanced at me with her mouth hanging open. Wait, don't you really want to leave that delicious and attractive bachelo?

"Sí." I scratched my temples in blatant annoyance at even the mention of my mother's boss. Although I loathed to admit it, I could nearly see the man's icy eyes looking at me, and even when he wasn't there, I felt terrified by him. The spineless me wouldn't be able to take some of the actions I meant to take; therefore, I needed to be confident.

It was a brave move on my part to go out of my way to look for a job after he promised mom he would take care of my academic and financial needs, but what was more crucial was that mom not find out. She would believe I was being unappreciative. Hell! Even if I decided to become the prodigal son at the last minute, I had enough money in my account to last me three years!

Why would anyone wish to part ways with him? Finally, she screamed.

"Eww. You spoke about us as if we were dating. My lips curled forward in disgust. I sat down correctly and shot her a serious glance.

"But, you idiot, he's your handsome boss and pays you cool cash!"

"Yes, but-"

Why would anyone wish to part ways with him? You shit, he covers your tuition. Playfully repeating what she had just said, Phina hissed. I smiled at her ignorance. Phina had only read about him in the newspaper, but even that, she was acting like I was an unappreciative brat who needed to be saved from him. My pitiful self was definitely in need of saving here.

"Phina, I'm not sure how to express it. I simply dislike him. Her glare was frightening, even when seen on the phone camera. She was giving me a close look, as if she were trying to figure me out.

"Just spit it out,"

"Fine. He's a little frightening. He talks to me rudely and frequently glares at me, yet he is hypocritical and refrains from doing so when other people are around. That gives me a very uneasy feeling. Phina laughed for a good few minutes as I huffed like a small child who wasn't getting her way.

"Ha! I had no idea that you would someday be the target of intimidation. I let out another snort in response to her laughter. She looked to be really into my employer. I stood up and surveyed her room while holding my phone high and holding it now close to my face. I had finished my work for the day, or at least until the ducklings came home. Then, the room erupted in a rumble, and I glanced down at my stomach.

What do you know? Later, I'll speak with you. I must eat something to fill my stomach.

Okay, adore you girls.

"Ti amo." I pouted and cut the call short.