“Oh, sorry” Valerie forced a smile. Deep down, she was shocked and furious as well. “That little brat…”

“Audrey, your teacher is here” A deep, but attractive voice came from the sitting room, and Valerie turned swiftly. Her jaw dropped in awe as soon as she set her eyes on him. It was the President, Ethan Davison, she had seen him a few times on the television, but he looked more handsome in real life.

“I thought today was going to be a free day? Why do I need a home-teacher?” Audrey, the little girl, pouted her mouth.

Valerie stared at the smart girl with a smile. Why does she feel so familiar with the little girl when she hasn't met her before? She couldn't even believe that the girl could be so outspoken.

“Audrey, stop! You have to behave, young lady” Her Father cautioned her, and she exhaled deeply, and bowed her head.

Valerie turned to the elderly woman, whose name tag showed her name was “Vero”.

“Ma'am… Vero! Isn't the little girl so adorable? She speaks fluently too?” Valerie smiled, and the old lady scoffed.

“You're not here to see whether she's outspoken or not” She shrugged, and Valerie nodded her head. Why was the old woman being so hostile?

“You're new here, right, lady?” Audrey walked to Valerie, and she nodded her head. “Um…yeah”

“I heard you'll be working as my nanny. I hope you can make rice cakes. They are my favorite, and I don't want a nanny who can't make those” Audrey fluttered her long lashes.

“Really? Do you like rice cakes? That's my favorite, too. You'd have nothing to worry about because I can make very delicious ones” Chatty Valerie smiled, and Audrey raised her brows attractively.

“Woah! By the way, your dress is somewhat old-fashioned. That's off” Audrey added with a smirk. Valerie stared at her with her jaw dropped. She couldn't believe her ears, did the little girl just say that to her? Valerie couldn't help but chuckle, Audrey's height could barely reach her waist.

Her chuckle attracted President Ethan's attention, and he turned his gaze to her. Valerie forced a smile at him, but he eyed her before turning his gaze away. He was probably surprised that she could make his little girl chuckle… that's a first.

“Who is she?” Ethan asked with his eyes fixed on the laptop in front of him.

“Oh… that's Valerie. She's here to get interviewed because she applied for a job as Miss Audrey's nanny. Lest I forget, she's really nice” Dan, Ethan's assistant replied.

“Audrey, upstairs now” Ethan ordered, and Audrey sniffed before heading to the stairs.

“I'm definitely not your daughter. I can't believe you…” She mumbled under her breath.

“What did you say, Audrey?” President Ethan raised his brow, and turned to Audrey, who paused before turning her gaze to him.

“I said I'm not your daughter. Maybe I'm the cleaner's daughter or probably the cook…” The little girl breathed hard, and Valerie almost laughed out loud, but she had to get a hold of herself.

“This little girl is such a drama queen”.

“What? You're my daughter, and I want the best for you, little one. Go ahead now, and behave yourself. I don't want the teacher complaining that you haven't been paying attention to her” Ethan snapped, and she shrugged.

“Yes daddy” She ran upstairs.

“Haven't you had enough of the drama? Do you think you're here to moop around? You came here for an interview, and here you are making yourself so comfortable” A saucy young lady walked to her. Valerie gulped hard as she walked away with the lady. She had thought it was the President who was going to interview her, but she was mistaken. He wouldn't waste his precious time on a mere nanny.

A few minutes later, Valerie was already in the kitchen with the saucy lady whose name she learned was Anastasia.

Valerie was told to prepare a cup of milkshake, and then a dessert, which she did. Even though it didn't really match up perfectly to their tastes, it was manageable.

“Have you ever worked as a nanny before?” Old Lady Vero took off her glasses as she asked her.

“ERM… Actually, I haven't certainly worked as a nanny, but I love kids a lot. So, I get along with them each time I come in contact with any of them” Valerie simply replied.

“That is not enough. I thought you were sent by an agency. I can't believe you are just an ordinary…” Anastasia was saying, but Lady Vero cut her off.

“Anastasia, stop it! Okay, we will be placing you on a month's trial. If you fail to fit in, then I'm afraid we'll have to fire you” Old Lady Vero said, and Valerie forced a smile at her.

“Thank you, ma'am.” Valerie bowed slightly.

“I'll give you the full details of your work, you, and come back to the mansion tomorrow. By the way, meet Anastasia, she's the cook” Lady Vero walked out of the kitchen, and Valerie scoffed. “Anastasia is the cook? Why was she behaving like she's the President's wife ?” Valerie thought.

“Uhm… Barbara, what Lady Vero meant was that I'm the chef of this noble home” Anastasia gulped nervously.

“Correction! I'm Valerie, not Barbara, and a chef… you mean a cook? Of course, I understand” Valerie scoffed at her before walking out of the kitchen.

Valerie signed the necessary documents, and she was also told when and how to deliver her duties. It was shift work, so she didn't need to be present all the time. For the first time, she felt very comfortable with her work.

Then she remembered her encounter with the little girl, Audrey Davison. Her lips curled to a smile. She was six years old.

Suddenly, she thought of her baby, who she had birthed when she was very young. Her child would be the same age as Audrey.

“How dumb of me! Why should I think of a child who I didn't even get to see?”

Even if she meets her child, she won't even recognize the child. She told herself to forget about the child.

The doctor's words to her that fateful day kept ringing in her ears, and she blinked her eyes rapidly to stop herself from crying. It has been six years already, and she shouldn't think of it.

Valerie stared at the long list that was handed to her with her jaw dropped. “Is this really for that little girl? These are the lists of things she does in a week?”

“You must be careful with her. She's allergic to seafood” Old Lady Vero snapped me out of my thoughts with her words.

“She's allergic to seafood? I'm allergic to that too, so we won't be having any issues” She gulped. Why does she feel attached to the little girl? They even had the same allergy, and the same favorite food.

“Good. You're expected to be here tomorrow, and don't be late” The old lady handed some documents to her.

“Thank you” Valerie mumbled as she grabbed her bag, and hurried out of the mansion. Just the little time she spent at the mansion, she felt rather fresh.

A cab dropped her in front of the apartment she shared with her friends, and she walked into the house.

“Hey! You're back” Susan raised her eyes from the cellphone she was operating. Probably, she could dictate whether Valerie got the job or not by looking at her facial expression.

Valerie sat heavily on the couch, taking off her shoes and earrings. “So, it looks like someone got a job, huh?” Susan winked at her, and Valerie smiled dryly.

“Well, I got the job… yeah! But I'm on a month-long probation period, so I don't know whether I should say I got the job or not” Valerie grabbed the shoes, heading to the room.

“But goodness me, Val. What's with the attire? I didn't get to see it properly when you left in the morning since you were rushing. Isn't it too old-fashioned?” Susan shrugged, and Valerie turned swiftly to her with her eyes narrowed.

“I've heard that already, Susan. The little girl who I'm going to take care of told me that already” Valerie snorted, and Susan burst into laughter.

“Gosh! I wonder the kind of friend you are, Susan. You're just making matters worse. Where's Andy?” Valerie shouted from the room, but Susan continued laughing without responding.

“That dickhead!” Valerie cursed under her breath. A few minutes later, she got out of the room with her dress already changed into a casual one.

“I'm so hungry. Is there any food prepared?” She asked, yawning hungrily.

“Nope. Andy called to say that he'd be treating us to dinner. Actually, he got a promotion at work today. Additionally, you also got a job, so it's a celebration all the way” Susan giggled excitedly.

The door was flung open, and Andy walked in singing loud in excitement. “Congratulations, Andy” I chuckled, and hugged him tightly.

“I heard you got a job at the Davison's empire today. We have double good news” He snapped, and I nodded my head in agreement.

“Let's grab a few bottles of drinks and food. My treat, guys” He screamed, and we shrieked in excitement.

“You know what, guys? I've decided that once I get my first salary, I'd divide it into two, and give it to you both” Valerie bowed her head, and her friends turned to her with arched eyebrows.

“What for?” They chorused.

“Come on, guys, you both deserve more than that. For the past six years, you both have been more than family to me. You gave me shelter, fed me, and even treated me to dinners. I don't know how to repay all the kindness, you guys have shown me” Valerie pouted her mouth, and they burst into laughter as they exchanged glances.

“What's funny? You both are just so annoying” Valerie cried out.

“It's funny because you sound silly. What the hell are you talking about? We are friends, and we should always look out for each other” Susan held Valerie's hands.

“We only did what we should do, as your friends. Will you stop being a crybaby, Val? Get ready, we're eating out” Andrew hurried into his room to change over into something simple.

They headed out of their apartment, and stormed into a bar. They had already settled in at a table when suddenly Valerie heard a familiar voice.

Turning swiftly, her eyes met with someone's. Valerie blinked her eyes rapidly to make sure she wasn't seeing things. It was really her, Patricia.

“Hey, sister” Patricia cat walked to her with a sarcastic smile. Valerie forced a smile at her.

“Patricia!” She called out, swallowing hard. She never expected to run into her. Patricia had told her that she was going to the university with Justin. What was she doing there?

“Oh! I thought I mistook you for someone, but I was wrong. Here you are, sister. You look so shabby, life must have been so tough on you. You've lost a lot of weight too” Patricia feigned concern. Of course, she was only mocking Valerie, and Valerie knew she was.

“Is… is that so? Susan and Andy, let's get the hell out of here” Valerie got up from the couch, and her friends followed suit. They could tell she wasn't comfortable anymore.

“You're leaving so soon? You know Mom, Dad, and I missed you so much” Patricia laughed mockingly. Valerie knew that was a big lie because her family never bothered to check on her. They must have wished her dead. Patricia, on the other hand, was so happy to see that Valerie didn't look so well. “Life must have been so tough for her?”.

“I'm doing well, Patricia. You can tell your parents that” Valerie turned to leave, but she heard another voice. This time the voice called her name tenderly. “Valerie!”

She halted, and slowly turned around. In front of her stood the man she loved so much, and could do anything for. It was Justin… she even noticed a love bite on his lip.

“Justin?” She raised her brows, as her stepsister rushed to Justin, and kissed his neck. “Baby, have you ordered?”

Tears circulated in Valerie's eyes, but she blinked it right in. “I can't shed a damn tear for him or Patricia”.

“Let's go, guys” She hurried out of the bar.

Valerie was on her way out of the club, and trying hard not to shed a tear for her sister and her boyfriend.

“Valerie… wait!” She heard Patricia's voice again, and paused. If she didn't, then it will seem to Patricia like she's so much affected.

“What more do you want, Patricia?” Valerie forced a smile at her, but deep down she was breaking down. Her friends couldn't help but glare at Patricia.

“What are you up to, Patricia? Why do you have to call her back?” Justin whispered into her ears, grabbing her arm. “That hurts. Let go of my arm”

With that, Justin released her arm, and she smiled dryly at him. “Sister, you know you're the only sister that I have. And you are the only sibling I have as well, so it will be very insensitive of me if I don't tell you this” Patricia walked closer to Valerie.

“I'm surprised, Patricia. You've never for once considered me a sister, and I really wonder what you have to tell me” Valerie shook her head, still showing a fake smile on her face. Her eyes met with Justin's, and he bowed his head in guilt.

“If you would rather not be here, Val. I think we should leave this place. I don't see any reason why you'd be somewhere you want to avoid being in” Andrew grabbed Valerie's arm, and she turned to him with a weary smile. “It's okay, Andy”

“Take a look at my diamond ring, Justin and I are engaged. I'll be getting married soon, and I was just thinking It will be better if I get your contact. I mean, I could just invite you over to my wedding, don't you think?” Patricia smiled mischievously, and Valerie clenched her fist in fury. “That punk” She cursed under her breath.

“Patricia, what are you up to?” Justin glared at her.

“I just wanted to…” Patricia was still speaking, but Valerie cut her short.

“Oh, is that so? Congratulations, Justin and Patricia. That's good news, and you have nothing to be worried about, I'm surely going to attend your wedding” Without giving Patricia any opportunity to mock her again, Valerie snapped cheerfully.

With that, Valerie tapped her friends, and they strode out of the bar.

“I think that your ex-boyfriend is still affected by you, Valerie. Even though you really lack sense of dressing” Susan teased her as they were seated at the back of a cab, heading home.

Valerie rested her head on the seat with her eyes shut. Of course, she was influenced by what Patricia told her, especially the engagement ring she showed her.

“Yeah. I saw how he stared at you. His face countenance said it all. It looks like the witch is forcing herself on him” Andrew nodded in agreement with what Susan has said.

“So? What if he's still altered by me? Does that change the fact that we can't have anything to do with each other?” Valerie exhaled deeply. “If you still want him back, then you can snatch him from that malicious sister of yours” Susan snapped.

"What?” Valerie's voice erupted like a volcano. Susan and Andrew nodded their heads, and she shook her head in disagreement.

“I've never blamed Justin for once. The fact that I gave birth to someone's child is still something Justin can never forgive me for, and I kept it from him as well. Even though he accepts me back into his life, things are never going to be the way it used to be between us” Valerie smiled dryly.

“He should understand you. Isn't it that you gave birth to the child because you had no choice?” Susan scoffed.

Andrew patted Valerie's shoulder softly, “Stop being hard on yourself, Val. You didn't give birth because you wanted to do it”

Smiling sadly, Valerie bowed her head. “Although I was forced, it is still a fact that I gave birth to someone's child”

With a snort, Susan turned her gaze away. “Your family is just heartless. So insensitive!”

“I just feel bad for you, Val. It's obvious that you're still in love with Justin. I just wish there was something I could do to help you” Andrew countered, he felt bad to know that Valerie was still hurt.

Valerie smiled, and shook her head slowly, “I still love him, but I don't want him anymore. Probably, because he was my first love that's the reason I'm still affected, but I'll be fine guys”

Anyway, her love for him had faded after six whole years.

Susan nodded her head. “Yes, you shouldn't be with him. With all these beauty and brains of yours, you deserve someone better, not someone who chose that flirtatious half sister of yours”

With that, they burst into laughter. Valerie felt better after what they told her. She felt so grateful for her having such friends who are ready to defend her at all times.

“I could punch them hard in the face if you like, or perhaps you can walk down the aisle with me so that you can get back at them” Andrew suggested, and Valerie smacked his head.

“You punk! Walk down the aisle indeed! You're silly” Valerie snorted, and they shared a laugh again.

All Valerie needed was to focus on her new precious work at the Davison's mansion.

Meanwhile, Justin fastened his pace as he headed out of the bar. Patricia had to run after him since he was walking so fast.

“Justin, wait for me. What's wrong with you?” She cried out.

Without sparing a glance at her, he coldly replied, “Go home, Patricia. I have other important things to take care of. With that, he unlocked his car door.

Patricia gasped, and grabbed his hands,”What are you talking about, Justin? You're going to leave me here? Why are we leaving so soon, anyway? I don't have a car, and it's already too late to call an Uber”

Justin brought out his wallet, and threw some cash at her. “This will do. Don't bother getting into my car”

Shuddering in fear of losing him, Patricia grabbed his hands again and said. “Why are you so angry with me? Does this have to do with my sister?”

Justin scoffed. Slapping her hands off, he hopped into the car, and Patricia kept knocking at the car window. Ignoring her, he stepped on the accelerator and zoomed off without second thoughts.

Patricia fumed in anger, and kept stamping her foot in annoyance.

“Valerie, you tramp! Why do you have to show up?”