Young Millionaire Thought She Was Just a Babysitter. But She Ended Up Stealing His Heart
A Night Among the Stars
As the weeks passed, Nick found it harder to ignore Olivia’s presence. She wasn’t like the other nannies he’d hired. Those women treated Emma like a chore or saw him as an opportunity.
Olivia was different. She was kind, patient, and maddeningly determined to speak her mind.
One evening after Emma had fallen asleep, Nick found Olivia in the kitchen. She was humming softly as she washed the dishes.
“You don’t have to do that,” he said, his voice softer than usual.
Olivia glanced over her shoulder, a small smile playing on her lips. “I know, but it’s better than sitting around doing nothing.”
Nick hesitated, then stepped closer. For the first time, he noticed how tired she looked. The faint circles under her eyes betrayed long hours and little rest.
“How long have you been working like this?” he asked.
“Like what?” she asked lightly, though there was an edge to her tone.
“Non-stop babysitting during the day, cleaning up my mess at night.”
Olivia set the dish in the rack and turned to face him. “I don’t mind hard work, Mr. Caldwell. It’s what pays the bills.”
He frowned. “Call me Nick.”
Her brow arched, but she nodded. “All right, Nick. Anything else?”
He wanted to say something, anything, but the vulnerability in her eyes stopped him. Instead, he simply shook his head and walked away.
Olivia was left to wonder if she’d imagined the flicker of warmth in his expression. Neither of them realized it yet, but something had shifted between them. It was only the beginning.
The next morning, Olivia arrived at the penthouse earlier than usual. Emma had a school field trip and Olivia had promised to help her pack.
She stepped inside, her breath catching as she took in the sprawling view of the city. No matter how many times she came here, it never stopped feeling surreal.
She was helping Emma zip up her backpack when Nick emerged from his bedroom. His tie was hanging loose and his phone was pressed to his ear.
He was mid-argument, his voice sharp and commanding. But when his eyes landed on Olivia and Emma, his tone softened slightly.
“I’ll call you back,” he muttered, hanging up.
“Good morning, Daddy!” Emma chirped, running over to throw her arms around his legs.
Nick crouched to hug her, his expression softening in a way that still surprised Olivia every time.
“Morning, princess. Ready for your big day?”
“Yes! Olivia helped me pack. She even let me bring my favorite tiara!”
Emma beamed, holding up the sparkly plastic crown Olivia had tucked into her bag.
Nick glanced at Olivia, his lips twitching in what might have been a smile. “That was nice of her,” he said, his voice quieter than usual.
Olivia shrugged, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “It’s no big deal. Every queen needs her tiara, right?”
Emma giggled. Nick’s gaze lingered on Olivia for a moment longer than necessary before he stood.
“I’ll drive her to school today,” he said, surprising both of them.
“You?” Olivia asked before she could stop herself.
Nick raised an eyebrow. “Is that so hard to believe?”
“Well, yes,” Olivia admitted, earning a laugh from Emma and a mock glare from Nick.
“Watch it,” he said, though there was a hint of amusement in his voice.
Fifteen minutes later, they were out the door. Olivia was alone in the penthouse for the first time. She wasn’t sure what to do with herself.
Her schedule revolved around Emma, and without her, the place felt strangely empty. She decided to tidy up the living room.
While organizing books, her phone buzzed with a reminder from her landlord that rent was due next week. Olivia sighed, her chest tightening.
She’d been stretching every dollar, but it still felt like she was barely staying afloat. She couldn’t keep living like this forever.
When Nick returned, Olivia was in the kitchen prepping Emma’s snack.
“How was the field trip drop off?” she asked lightly.
“Chaotic,” he said, leaning against the counter. “Parents everywhere, kids screaming. I don’t know how you deal with it every day.”
Olivia laughed softly. “You get used to it.”
Nick studied her for a moment. “You’re good at this,” he said finally.
“At what?”
“Taking care of Emma. Keeping everything together.”
Olivia felt a flush creep up her neck. “It’s just part of the job.”
“No,” Nick said, his voice firm. “It’s more than that. Emma’s happier since you started. I’ve noticed.”
Olivia opened her mouth to respond, but Emma burst through the door with excitement. The moment was broken.
That evening, as Olivia prepared to leave, Nick appeared in the foyer.
“Heading out?” he asked.
“Yeah,” Olivia said, adjusting her scarf. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Nick hesitated. “Wait.”
Olivia paused, glancing back. “What is it?”
He looked almost uncertain. “Have dinner with me,” he said suddenly.
Olivia blinked. “What?”
“Dinner,” Nick repeated. “You’re always rushing out of here. Stay. I’ll have something delivered.”
The offer took her by surprise. “I don’t think that’s a good idea,” she said carefully.
“Why not?” Nick asked, stepping closer.
“Because… it’s not professional.”
Nick’s jaw tightened. “You’ve spent months taking care of my daughter, Olivia. I think we’re past formalities.”
The way he said her name made something in her chest tighten. She looked away, shaking her head. “I should go.”
Nick sighed. “All right. But just so you know, professionalism isn’t the only reason you’re saying no.”
Olivia froze. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It means you’re scared,” Nick said bluntly. “Scared of what this might turn into.”
She turned to face him, eyes flashing. “You don’t know anything about me.”
“I know more than you think,” Nick said. “And I know you feel it too.”
After an intense silence, Olivia shook her head and left. She walked toward the subway, shivering from his words more than the cold.
She couldn’t let herself get swept up in him. Nick Caldwell was a world she didn’t belong to.
The next few days were short and professional. Nick didn’t push, but she could feel his eyes on her.
On Friday evening, Nick walked in wearing a sleek black tuxedo.
“Wow, Daddy, you look like a prince!” Emma exclaimed.
Nick chuckled and straightened, his eyes flicking to Olivia. “You should come.”
“Excuse me?”
“You heard me,” he said smoothly.
Olivia stood, crossing her arms. “Nick, I’m not exactly gala material.”
“And what exactly is gala material?”
“Designer dresses, expensive jewelry, the ability to walk in heels without falling on my face,” she said dryly.
“None of which are problems,” Nick said, pulling out his phone. “I’ll have a dress sent up within the hour. Shoes, too.”
Olivia blinked, stunned. “You can’t be serious.”
“I’m always serious. You’ve been working yourself to the bone. You deserve a night out.”
“This isn’t a night out. This is your world,” she argued.
Emma encouraged her to go, and Nick insisted, “Trust me.”
He threatened to bring a boring date who would talk about stocks all night. “I’d rather spend the night with someone who challenges me,” he rumbled.
Olivia muttered that he was impossible.
“And you’re going,” he replied.
An hour later, Olivia stood in a midnight blue floor-length gown that fit her perfectly. The stylist he’d sent had worked magic with her hair.
When she emerged, Nick faltered. His sharp demeanor softened as his eyes swept over her.
“You look stunning,” he said, his voice quieter than usual.
“You don’t look so bad yourself,” she mumbled, avoiding his gaze.
They went to the gala. The grand ballroom was packed with people who looked like they’d stepped out of a fashion magazine.
Olivia felt out of place, but Nick’s hand on the small of her back guided her.
He introduced her to colleagues, including her in conversations. Olivia found herself laughing at his dry wit.
Later, alone on the balcony, Nick told her she was full of surprises.
“I’m just a babysitter, Nick,” she said.
“You’re not just anything,” he said firmly.
He admitted she scared him because he didn’t want to lose her.
Before she could respond, he closed the distance and kissed her. For the first time, Olivia let herself stop fighting and kissed him back.
