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After asking her to look after Sophie, I quickly went to my room to change my stained dress.
Rude, bossy, obnoxious, Joseph was becoming everything I hated. One day, just one day, I'll give Joseph a piece of my mind. But not today.
I found my nightwear— a singlet and shorts– and quickly shrugged it on, replacing the stained dress with it before heading back out.
Sophie was still in the same spot I told Virginia to watch her. I muttered a quick thanks to her, then urged Sophie up the stairs and to her room.
Repeating the same routine of bathing and dressing her for bed, the dynamics remained the same. Me talking and her not responding.
In the afternoon, we did a bit of arts and crafts. Cutting, gluing, and building basic shapes. And I read her a book. Then the night appeared, and it was bedtime.
I didn't know if I was supposed to leave her to fall asleep or stay. I decided to ask.
“Do you want me to stay until you fall asleep, Sophie?” My voice was barely a whisper, but she heard. I knew that because she glanced at me, tucked her palm underneath her cheek, then shut her eyes.
Oddly, the action warmed my heart. It could have meant anything, but to me, it meant she felt safe in my presence.
Adoration slowly bloomed in my heart as I watched her long lashes flutter slightly. It was sad that this innocent girl had to live this way.
Sadly, from today’s routine, all I could deduce was she was a shadow of her former self. A stark contrast from the vibrant one-year-old I used to know.
It was sad that her education and social life had to be put temporarily on hold because of her predicament.
It was sad that she had to go through this at such an early stage. But it wouldn't be for long. I was optimistic that all this would come to an end soon.
Don't worry, Sophie, I'll help you. You'll become the young, vibr—
The sound of the door slowly peeling open interrupted my thoughts. And to my surprise, Mr. Thorne appeared. My heart instantly picked up a harsh pace.
The soft sound of his shoes resounded through the room as he walked. It wasn't exactly a walk. It was somewhere between tiptoeing and walking. And it was a hilarious sight.
If Sophie wasn't asleep, I'd have burst into laughter. The smell of his cologne hit me as he ignored my existence and moved to his daughter. My heart dropped. I knew why he was doing this, but that didn't mean it didn't hurt.
I watched as disappointment flashed through his orbs when he realized she was already asleep. Interesting. Did he leave the office early just to say goodnight to Sophie? Was this his normal closing hour?
He continued to watch her sleeping frame while I took the opportunity to assess him… as my client’s father, of course.
His shoulders were slouched, a big contrast to how high they were when I'd met him at the club. His hair was messy, an indication that he'd run his hands through it a couple of times. I briefly wondered why? Habit? Frustration? Stress?
I moved my eyes from his appearance to his chest and for the second time tonight, my heart sank. The slowed, deep rise and fall of his chest depicted worry. He was worried for his daughter.
He caught me off guard when he turned to me. His jaw was now set in a firm clench. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes.
What would he say now?
“Why are you here?”
You've got to be kidding me.
“I'm her nanny, sir.” I kept my cool. It felt nice to have bragging rights. But as he looked at me, I felt myself losing my cool.
A slight shiver ran down my spine when he glanced at my feet, then slowly brought his eyes till they settled on my face. I was suddenly aware of my nighties and how thin they were.
“I'm aware.”
I ignored the flutter in my stomach at his voice. It sounded even deeper… groggier. It was the type of voice that made you melt.
“She's asleep, Ms. Norman, why are you still here?”
