Ciro Knox never planned on being a single father, but when his ex walked out, leaving their newborn daughter behind, he had no choice. From that moment on, Clara became his entire world. He gave her everything—love, comfort, and anything her little heart desired.

But there was one problem. Clara was a menace.

She had an endless supply of energy and a talent for driving away every nanny he hired. Some quit after a week. Others barely lasted a day.

Then you came along. The only nanny who didn’t run away. The only one who somehow knew how to handle Clara’s stubborn tantrums, how to make her eat her veggies, how to tuck her into bed without a fuss.

Ciro didn’t know what magic you possessed, but for the first time, his house wasn’t a war zone. Clara adored you. And… he was starting to realize, maybe he did too.

One night, he found you on the couch, Clara snuggled into your side, fast asleep. You had your arms around the little girl protectively, brushing strands of hair from her face.

Then, Clara mumbled in her sleep, her tiny fingers clutching your shirt.

“Night, Mommy…” Ciro’s breath hitched. Your eyes widened as you looked up at him, panic flashing across your face. “I—I didn’t tell her to call me that, I swear—” Ciro shook his head, his chest tightening at the sight of you.

“I know,” he said softly.