***The next morning****
Anee begins to arrange her belongings, she does it hurriedly when Mrs Rachel walks into the room.
"Anne, what's going on?". She asked surprisingly.
"What does it look like I'm doing, I almost got killed yesterday". She hissed.
"I know how upsetting that can be but you're making a big mistake, please listen to me". The lady begged.
"Mistake? The only mistake I made is working here". She scoffed, as she pulled her box of clothes and rolled it outside the room.
"And where do you think you're going?". A muscular voice yelled from the hallway and left Anne in shock because she planned to leave without anyone noticing.
Recognizing whose voice it belonged to. She stuttered. I…I..
"You what?". He interrupted her.
"I almost got killed yesterday and thought it's best I leave before getting killed today". She answered.
"Got killed? He asked, surprised. And how's that possible?".
"You should grant her access to leave! After all she won't be far from us, or will she?". Amanda interrupted and wore a satisfied smile.
"Are you behind this?".l James faced her.
"And what if I am?". Replied, Amanda.
"You have no business in this house Amanda. The reason I allowed you here is for Sophia's sake, so let that sink into your head". He warned. "Everyone back to ur duties".
"Urhh". Anne groaned as she rolled her box to the staff room.
She arranged her stuff in her locker and made her way to Sophia's room since it was the only thing she was good at doing.
She met Amanda sitting beside Sophia who was still asleep. It rang in Anne's head that Amanda already disliked her and was bent on causing her troubles.
"Good morning ma'am". She greeted her.
"Haha! Amanda chuckled. What's good about the morning?".
Anne didn't say another word to her. She maintained her position with her head bowed.
"Speak up!". Amanda ordered.
"Grateful for life, ma'am". Anne responded.
"Grateful for life. She mocked. And what are you doing here?".
"I.. I am Sophia's Nanny". Anne pointed at Sophia who was still asleep.
"Follow me". Amanda scoffed, while Anne sluggishly walked behind her.
They arrive at a warehouse in the backyard of the mansion.
"Urth urth" Anne coughed as she inhaled the dust.
"Coughing huh? It's obvious you're still new here".
"Ma'am, I haa..ve. She coughed. I'm allergic to dust".
"You'll have to deal with that dear because this is your new assignment in this house. I don't want to ever see you close to my daughter. She pushes Anne beside the door and makes her way out.
"And yes, one more thing. Give that warehouse a touch of sparkle".
"Oh my goodness". Anne cries as she holds a broom and begins to sweep the floor.
The dust increases and tears begin to gather around her eye and she begins to cough severely. She forced herself to keep sweeping but she couldn't.
Her body becomes weak to carry her legs, she kneels down and uses her apron as an aid to prevent more dust from penetrating through her nose.
Anne coughs still and she begins to spit out blood. She scrawled and tried to shout but her voice was lost.
"Heeelp!". She manages to scream
Her eyes began to blur. Her limbs were already weak. She laid close to the door.
*******
"What's wrong with the car?". James asked his driver as he stood beside his limousine.
"I think it needs to be serviced sir". A man in his late fifties replied.
"Well, get another car ready. I don't have all day". James instructed as the took a stroll around the compound.
He finds Anne laying down unconscious. He rushed to her and tries shaking her off.
He lifted her to his shoulders and walked into the mansion, leaving all eyes on him.
"Call the doctor". He instructed one in particular.
"Immediately sir". Mrs Rachel responded.
He took the elevator to his room and laid her on his bed. The doctor arrived a few minutes later. He stared at James and gave a sigh.
"She's lucky you saw her on time, if not the rest would have been a story".
"Thank you doctor, so what's the present situation?".
"She will be fine. Just enough rest and ventilation. She has a strong allergy to dust and smoke and I'll advise her to avoid such".
"Noted doctor. He sighed. I'll make sure of that"
"Alright! I'll take my leave then". He made his way out of the room.
James darted his eyes towards Anne. He felt sorry for her and his thoughts wandered why she was at the warehouse. He got interrupted when the door swung open.
"Why is she here?". Amanda asked immediately.
"And who are you to acquire such answers from me?". He replied with a question.
"At first, you had her back and now she's on your bed huh?".
"And who caused all those?". He asked in a furious tone.
"There's something fishy about this girl and I'm yet to find out".
"Get out!". He thundered and made Amanda shiver as she ran out.
His cell phone rang immediately as he took a glance at it and answered the call.
"Hello Boss". A young firm voice spoke.
"Yes, Max". He answered.
"The stakeholders are all seated".
"Cancel the meeting". James ordered.
"What?". The man exclaimed in shock .
"You heard me, I have an emergency to attend to".
"But…. James hung up the phone before he could finish his statement.
James noticed Anne making moves. She stood up and walked towards her with his eyes fixed on her.
Anne slowly opened her eyes as she felt herself wrapped in fatigue. Her eyes popped open on seeing him, she felt she had just seen a ghost.
"Rest, rest, rest. Those were the words of the doctor".
"What …what
"No, no, I should be asking you that. What are you doing here?".
"But, I woke up and saw myself in here". She defended.
"Mm mm!". He chuckled and left a smirk on his face.