---
Sofia sat at the small kitchen table, her fingers nervously tracing the edges of the newspaper. The bold letters of the advertisement seemed to jump out at her:
"Nanny Needed – Blackwood Manor."
She read the description again, her heart racing. It sounded too good to be true. The pay was generous, the work straightforward, but it was the name at the bottom that caught her attention—Ryan Blackwood.
Her mother glanced up from her knitting, noticing Sofia's hesitation. "What's wrong, dear? You've been staring at that ad for ages."
Sofia hesitated before replying. "It's for a nanny job… at Blackwood Manor."
Her younger brother, Leo, looked up from his homework. "Blackwood Manor? That's where the rich guy lives, right? The one nobody ever sees?"
Sofia nodded slowly. "Ryan Blackwood. People say he's... strange. He has all the money in the world, but no one ever sees him happy."
Her mother gave her a reassuring smile. "Sometimes people hide their sadness behind walls. Maybe this is a chance for you to help someone while helping us too. You should try, Sofia. We don't have many options left."
The desperation in her mother's voice settled Sofia's nerves. She had to try—for her family.
---
The following week, Sofia stood at the iron gates of Blackwood Manor, clutching a small bag. The estate was breathtaking. Wide, green lawns stretched endlessly, and fountains sparkled under the sunlight. The grand house loomed ahead, its tall windows and intricate design unlike anything she'd ever seen.
"Miss Paterson?" A deep voice broke her thoughts.
She turned quickly, startled. A man stood before her—tall, dressed sharply in a dark suit. His eyes, gray like storm clouds, seemed to study her carefully.
"Yes," Sofia said softly, feeling small under his piercing gaze.
"I'm Ryan Blackwood," he introduced himself. His voice was calm but carried a weight she couldn't place. "Thank you for coming. I'll show you to your quarters."
He turned briskly and began walking toward the house, leaving Sofia to follow.
Inside, the manor was even more magnificent. High ceilings, gleaming floors, and walls lined with expensive paintings made Sofia feel out of place. Ryan's movements were measured, as though every step had been planned.
"Your job will primarily involve caring for my daughter, Lily," Ryan explained as they walked. "She's seven. She can be... spirited, but I trust you'll manage."
Just as he spoke, a small blur of energy came racing down the grand staircase. "Daddy!" a little girl called out. She stopped abruptly when she saw Sofia, her big brown eyes curious.
"This is Miss Paterson," Ryan said, his tone softening slightly. "She'll be your nanny."
Lily's face lit up. "You're going to stay here? Can we play games? I have so many toys!"
Sofia smiled, her nerves easing at Lily's warmth. "I'd love to play games with you. What's your favorite