Chapter 10 - THE NANNY WHO SAVED THEM ALL Weeks passed.
Weeks passed.
Noah recovered completely.
Emily moved gradually into Daniel's life while remaining close to Grace, the only mother she had ever known.
Lily began therapy.
Daniel did too.
The Bennett mansion felt strangely quiet.
One afternoon, Daniel found Elena packing.
“What are you doing?”
“Leaving.”
His stomach dropped.
“Why?”
“My job ended the night you accused me.”
Daniel had no defense.
She continued folding clothes.
“I stayed because Noah needed stability. Lily needed someone. Emily needed help adjusting.”
“And now?”
“Now you're becoming their father again.”
Daniel looked down.
“I don't want you to leave.”
Elena stopped.
The silence between them changed.
Daniel did not hide behind authority.
“I trusted appearances instead of you. You saved Noah, and I punished you for it.”
Elena looked at him.
“I forgave you.”
“That doesn't mean you owe me anything.”
“No.”
He nodded.
“But I hope you'll stay.”
“As your nanny?”
Daniel hesitated.
“No.”
Elena's expression shifted.
Daniel smiled awkwardly.
“I don't know what comes next. I only know I don't want our story to end with you walking out that door.”
Elena looked toward the nursery.
Noah was laughing.
Lily and Emily were arguing playfully about a board game downstairs.
For the first time, the mansion sounded alive.
Elena slowly unpacked the first shirt.
“Then maybe I stay a little longer.”
May you like
Daniel smiled.
For now, that was enough.
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