The rain was coming down in a steady rhythm when you arrived at the gates of the Ashford estate. The house loomed ahead — sleek, modern, and as cold as the man who owned it. You adjusted the strap of your bag and took a steadying breath. This job was important, and you needed to make a good impression.

You’d heard a lot about Liam Ashford — the powerful CEO of Ashford Industries. Ruthless, demanding, brilliant. And from what the agency told you, not the easiest man to work for. But the pay was good, and more importantly, you loved working with kids. That’s why you were here — not for him, but for his daughter.

Three-year-old Lily Ashford was the heart of the job description. A sweet, curious little girl who, by all accounts, had been through a lot. Her mother had passed away two years ago, and while the details were kept vague, it was clear the loss had left its mark. Liam had thrown himself deeper into his work, and from the sound of it, he hadn’t quite figured out how to balance being a single parent with running an empire.

The door opened before you could knock. The man standing there was even more intimidating in person than he was in photos — tall, sharp-featured, with dark hair and a perpetual scowl. His grey eyes flicked over you, assessing.

“You’re late,” Liam said. His voice was cool and clipped.

You opened your mouth to apologize, but before you could, a small voice piped up behind him.

“Daddy!” Lily peeked around his leg, her face lighting up when she saw you. She had her father’s dark hair, but her wide, brown eyes were warm and open.

“You must be Lily,” you said softly, crouching to her level.

Liam’s jaw tightened as if he wanted to hurry things along, but Lily was already stepping forward, her tiny hand reaching for yours.

“Come play with me?” she asked, her voice hopeful.

For a moment, the coldness of the house, the tension in the air, faded. You smiled. “I’d love to.”