Chapter 4 4 Messy Battle

“I need you to take care of my kids,” he said, pausing for a bit. “I want you to work as a live-in nanny for my kids.” I went silent for a minute after listening to his words. “Are you crazy or not?" I couldn't help but feel a mixture of shock and disbelief at his request. The thought of being responsible for someone else's children on a live-in basis seemed overwhelming and daunting. He shook his head at my words. “I’m just stating the facts. I want you to take care of my kids, and for that, I can pay any amount you wish.” I sighed loudly, trying to calm my mind. “For the last time, I didn’t care about money. You are a piece of sh*t, and I don’t want to work for you.” Hollis smiled while listening to my words. “Why don’t you care about money? Are you that rich?" I chuckled at his assumption. Rich, and me... What a joke! “I’m anything but rich." “Then you are a fool to let go of such a great deal," he said, his eyes not leaving mine. "Maybe..." I replied with a hint of sadness in my voice. “But for me, self-respect is far more important than any amount.” Not again. I will never let anyone treat me like that again. Hollis raised an eyebrow, seemingly intrigued by my response. He leaned in closer, a smirk playing on his lips. “What can I do to make you work for me?" he said, still as stubborn as before. I sighed, realizing that Hollis was not going to give up easily. "There's nothing you can do," I said firmly, maintaining my stance. “Let me go,” I said, staring at him. “You can’t expect me to work for you after you kidnapped me from the airport.” Hollis chuckled, his smirk widening. "Kidnapped? That's a bit dramatic, don't you think?" He replied, his tone mocking. I clenched my fists, frustration bubbling within me. "Whether you call it kidnapping or not, it doesn't change the fact that, because of you, I missed my flight." I retorted with determination in my voice. "Look…. I want you. And I will make you work for me, by hook or by crook. You don’t want more money. Then what else do you want?” Hollis said, his voice dripping with arrogance. Isn’t he overconfident in his abilities? I took a deep breath, my anger simmering beneath the surface. "Fine, but you have promised to give me anything I want,” I said, a small smile plastered on my face. “Just ask for money, property, fame, anything.” He said, smiling slyly. I could tell he thought he had the upper hand, but little did he know that I had a plan of my own. "Nah, I want nothing like this," I said, shaking my head. “Then do what you want,” he said nonchalantly. I shook my head again, my smile widening. “I want you to let me go.” “That, I can't do..." He sighed, hearing my words. “What are you crazy? I’m here trying to give you a life-changing offer, only to care for my kids, and I refuse.” “Why is it so hard to let me go?" I said, annoyed at the end. He scoffed, clearly frustrated by my refusal. “Because my kids like you," he said with a sigh. “I haven't seen them so happy with anyone... That’s why I can’t let you go.” Damn, is he trying to play his emotional card? I don’t know, but his kids do seem depressed, and I am not qualified to take care of them. Having a conversation at the airport is different, but watching it all day and night is different. They don’t need a fool like me who does nothing but make wrong decisions in his life. "See..." I paused, sighing out loud. “They don’t need a good nanny; they need a father who loves them," I said with a heavy heart. “I know... but still, I want you to take care of them.” I could sense the desperation in his voice as he pleaded with me. “Why are you so stubborn?" I said. I was tired of this messy battle. “Work for me, and trust me, you won’t regret it," he said, his voice filled with sincerity. I don’t know what to do. I’m just so confused right now. This man ruined all my plans, and now he is offering me a life-changing opportunity. And even if I shout out loud that I don’t care about money, But who am I lying to? There is no one in this world who doesn't care about money or doesn’t want more of it. But can I be a good example for the kids? I have not once witnessed the love of a parent, not once seen a family, or even known how to take care of kids. Am I doing the right thing if I say yes? God, I'm so confused right now. Just as my mind was engaged in my thoughts, the car stopped. And a man stood in front of me, opening the door for me as he pulled his hand out for me to hold. What is happening here? I thought as I decided to remain silent, ignoring his gesture. "Come,” he said, taking me with him to a fancy elevator. I stood silently beside him, not knowing what to say and losing all my strength in the messy conversation in her car. I sighed loudly, and as the door closed, there was nothing but silence surrounding us. I tried to gather my thoughts and find the right words to break the tension. His phone beeps loudly as he pulls it out of his pocket and starts scrolling through it. I leaned back, my back resting on the wall. I don't know why, but I’m feeling a bit dizzy somehow. Maybe it is because I haven’t eaten anything since the morning, or maybe this man beside me is the reason for my brain having to function well enough. I closed my eyes for a few seconds to rest, but a voice disturbed my peace. "Are you okay?" he asked, staring at me with concern in his eyes. I opened my eyes, staring at him in anger. “How can I be when you’re standing beside me?" I shouted, but I guess that was the wrong decision to make as everything in front of my eyes started to shake for a second, my legs became noodles, and as I was about to lose my balance, two strong arms wrapped around my waist stopped me from falling. "Hailey..." was the only word I could hear before everything turned black in front of my eyes.