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Chapter 12:
The quiet mornings at Blackwoods Manor had become routine for Sofia. She had been working as Lily's nanny for three months now, and though she had settled into the role, there were still many things she didn't know. She had never been told much about the family's plans, and that included Lily's upcoming birthday.
March 16th was just a few days away, and Sofia couldn't help but think about how fast time had passed. Lily was turning five, and Sofia knew it was a big deal, but as always, she felt like she was on the outside looking in. She was just the nanny, after all. She wasn't included in the family's plans or decisions, and birthdays were no exception. She assumed that the Blackwoods would celebrate in their usual lavish style, probably with guests, decorations, and plenty of gifts, but beyond that, she didn't know what to expect.
Sofia had planned to make the day special for Lily in her own way. She would bake her a little cake, give her a small gift, and make sure Lily felt loved and happy. It wasn't much, but it was something she could do.
She didn't let herself think too much about it. After all, it was just another day, right? Lily was still a child, and birthdays would come and go, just like everything else in life.
But March 16th arrived faster than Sofia had expected, and the atmosphere at the manor felt different. There was an unusual sense of excitement in the air, but it wasn't just about the birthday. Sofia noticed the way the staff moved around, a bit more hurried, more careful with their tasks. The quiet, private conversations between the Blackwoods and their guests seemed to be happening more often, and Sofia couldn't help but feel like there was something she was missing.
That morning, as she helped Lily get dressed, Sofia tried to ignore the nagging feeling in her chest. She smiled at the little girl and did her best to make her feel special, but something inside of her told her that this day would be more than just a celebration. It would be the start of something that would change everything.
After breakfast, Ryan Blackwood came into the room, dressed in his usual sharp suit, his expression serious. Sofia had grown used to his distant demeanor. He was always busy, always focused on his work. He barely had time to speak with her outside of what was necessary for Lily's care.
"Sofia," Ryan said quietly, calling her over. "I need to speak with you."
Sofia's heart sank. She had never been called over like this before, and the tone in his voice only made her more uneasy. She followed him into the study, where Lily's grandparents were already sitting, talking with Ryan in low voices. There was something about the scene that made Sofia's stomach tighten.
"I wanted to let you know about the changes for Lily," Ryan began, his voice as calm as always. "We've made arrangements for her future. She's going to start school in Canada with her grandparents. It's all been decided."
Sofia blinked, unsure she had heard him correctly. "What do you mean? But... today is her birthday. Are you really sending her away today?"
Ryan nodded. "Yes, today. It's for the best. The school will give her the opportunities she needs, and she'll be closer to my parents. My business keeps me busy, and I can't always be there for her. I've agreed to this, Sofia."
The words hit Sofia like a punch to the gut. She could feel her breath catch in her chest. "But... I've been with her every day. I... I thought I'd be part of her birthday today."
Ryan's face softened, but his decision was firm. "I know, but things change. It's time for her to go, and I'm sure you understand. It's what's best for Lily."
Sofia stood there, stunned. She felt the weight of those words crashing down on her. It was her last day as Lily's nanny, and she hadn't even known it. She hadn't known that today wasn't just a birthday celebration—it was the end of everything she had known for the past three months.
Lily's grandparents were already preparing to leave with her. It was all happening so fast, and Sofia couldn't stop it. Her heart ached as she realized that the little girl she had grown so close to would soon be hundreds of miles away, starting a new life that didn't include her.
Sofia smiled weakly at Lily, who was too young to understand what was happening. "Happy birthday, sweet girl," she whispered, trying to hold back the tears. "I hope you have the best time in Canada."
As the day wore on, Sofia tried to keep herself busy, helping with whatever she could. But in the back of her mind, she couldn't shake the feeling that everything was changing, and she wasn't ready for it.