Chapter 12 - THE NANNY WHO REFUSED HIS MONEY
Matteo offered to pay my mother's medical bills.
All of them.
The overdue hospital charges.
The injections.
The rent.
Everything.
I stared at the documents on his desk.
“Matteo.”
He looked at me.
“Yes?”
“I can't accept this.”
He frowned.
“Why?”
“Because I don't want you to think you can buy my loyalty.”
His expression changed.
“I don't.”
I looked down.
“I know you don't mean it that way.”
He waited.
“But I've spent my whole life feeling like I owe people something.”
I swallowed.
“My mother needs help. I need help. But I don't want to lose myself trying to survive.”
Matteo nodded slowly.
“Then let's do this differently.”
I looked up.
He continued.
“You've been working far beyond the duties of a nanny. You've coordinated care, documented concerns, helped with Leah's appointments, and supported her through a difficult period.”
I listened.
“I want to offer you a formal position as her lead caregiver, with fair compensation, benefits, and professional training.”
I hesitated.
“And my mother?”
He smiled gently.
“The position includes health insurance options and paid leave. You can decide what works for your family.”
I stared at him.
For the first time, the offer didn't feel like charity.
It felt like respect.
I nodded.
“Okay.”
Matteo smiled.
“Okay?”
“Yes.”
He stood.
Then hesitated.
“Emily.”
I looked at him.
“There's something else.”
My heart accelerated.
He took a breath.
“I've come to care about you.”
I froze.
He continued quickly.
“And I know you're employed here. I don't want that to make you feel pressured.”
I swallowed.
Matteo looked at me.
“So I won't ask anything of you while that relationship exists.”
For a moment, I couldn't speak.
Then I smiled.
“Thank you.”
He nodded.
“But if someday our circumstances change…”
I looked at him.
“Someday?”
May you like
He smiled faintly.
“Someday.”
