Chapter 1: The Prodigy's Life
Nathaniel Carter stood in front of his small, but neat apartment, a stack of textbooks and papers strewn across his desk in front of him. His phone buzzed on the edge of the desk, and he reached over, glancing at the screen. It was a message from an unknown number.
"Nathaniel, it's Madam Lancaster. I need a favor. Can you meet me at my place today? It's urgent."
He frowned. Madam Lancaster had been a benefactor to him since his first year in college, offering not only financial support but guidance when he needed it most. Yet, this was the first time she had ever asked him for a favor.
He had just finished a major in Marketing, Culinary Arts, IT, and Secondary Education (Math). A prodigy in every sense, Nathaniel had graduated from university a year early, already prepared for the next step in life. But instead of rushing into a career, he preferred to take his time—living frugally, reflecting on his next move, and savoring a simple life.
Sighing, he picked up his jacket and left the apartment, hoping this favor wouldn't derail his plans.
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Madam Lancaster's mansion was only a few blocks away. As Nathaniel walked up the grand entrance, he couldn't help but feel out of place. It had always been this way. Despite the opportunities she had given him, he wasn't part of this world. The polished marble floors, high ceilings, and grandeur of the place felt overwhelming, like a constant reminder of how far removed he was from this life.
When he rang the doorbell, the door swung open almost immediately.
"Ah, Nathaniel, thank you for coming." Madam Lancaster greeted him with a warm smile, her elegant dress and calm demeanor making her look as graceful as ever.
"Of course, Madam Lancaster. What's the favor you needed?"
She stepped aside, letting him in. "Come inside. It's a delicate matter."
Nathaniel followed her into the sitting room, where a fire burned softly in the hearth. The room was tastefully decorated, a reflection of Madam Lancaster's refined tastes. But as he sat down on the plush couch, Nathaniel couldn't shake the feeling of unease settling in his chest.
"So, what's this about?" he asked again.
Madam Lancaster sighed, her smile faltering slightly. "It's about my daughter, Sophia. I need you to watch over her for the next three weeks while my husband and I are away on a business trip to Italy."
Nathaniel blinked. He hadn't expected this. Babysitting?
"She's seventeen," Madam Lancaster continued, glancing toward the grand staircase. "But she's still a little... spoiled."
"Isn't she old enough to take care of herself?" Nathaniel asked, raising an eyebrow.
The look on Madam Lancaster's face softened, almost wistful. "You'd think so, but she's never really had to. With me and her father always busy with work, she's become... difficult."
Nathaniel rubbed his temple, thinking. Babysitting a spoiled heiress was not how he imagined spending the next few weeks. But he also couldn't refuse. Madam Lancaster had been more than generous to him in the past.
"Fine," Nathaniel said, exhaling a breath he didn't realize he was holding. "What do you need me to do exactly?"
Madam Lancaster smiled, relieved. "Thank you. I need you to teach her... basic household skills. Cooking, cleaning, chores—things she should have learned by now but hasn't. Please, Nathaniel. I'm trusting you with this."
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As Nathaniel made his way up to the guest room where he'd be staying, his mind raced. This was going to be a nightmare. A 17-year-old heiress who didn't know how to cook or clean? He could already imagine the tantrums and arguments.
When he finally entered the room, he saw a petite figure standing by the window, looking out over the estate. She turned at the sound of his footsteps.
"So, you're the babysitter?" the girl asked, her voice dripping with indifference.
Nathaniel raised an eyebrow. "I'm Nathaniel. And you must be Sophia."
She crossed her arms, sizing him up with a bored expression. "You're going to be here for three weeks? Great. I hope you don't mind dealing with the mess I make."
Nathaniel sighed, already regretting agreeing to this. "We'll see about that."
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End of Chapter 1