CHAPTER ONE

ZEVREN'S POV

“I am so sorry Mr Zevren but we lost them…”

Those were the most agonizing words I had ever heard in my life.

I didn't know what to do or how to react to the news as I stood still and gazed intensely at the doctor.

“A..and..the baby??" I asked as I stuttered, barely managing to get some words out of my mouth.

“Well, the baby is alive but in an incubator due to the fact that she was born prematurely." The doctor said.

“Will she survive??" I asked.

“Her survival is not guaranteed Mr Zevren…I'll do my best but let's hope that my best is enough.” The doctor said.

"Thank you doctor.” I said as he nodded once and walked away.

I tried so hard to suppress the tears that seemed to be gathering in my eyes but I knew I had to be strong to deliver the news of my little brother and sister-in-law’s passing to the rest of the family.

As expected, they didn't take it well, especially my Mother.

Due to the fact that my brother and his wife were still young, their burial ceremony was conducted as soon as possible but it wasn't a peaceful ceremony.

My sister-in-law’s family blamed my family for the passing of their child and the worst part of it was that they refused to be involved in the life of the little one who was currently fighting for her life in the incubator.

Days slowly slipped into weeks and weeks into months and finally, the little one was out of the incubator and taken to the house…my house.

My Mother who was still in shock refused to even look at the baby and everyone else was busy consoling her while they left the child in my care.

I had no idea how to take care of kids because even in my mid thirties, I had never been in a serious relationship..only people who warmed my bed occasionally and I was extra careful not to impregnate any of them.

After much deliberation, I decided to hire a nanny for the child but it didn't go well.

I ended up hiring and firing almost ten nannies in a space of six months due to their incompetence and I was frustrated by the outcome.

One day, I made a decision that changed everything.

“Mother, can we talk??" I asked as I burst into my mother's room.

“Zev, can't you see that she is still in distress?? If you need anything, Just let me know and I'll…”

"I wasn't talking to you Elina…get out…I need to speak with her alone." I bit out as I cut my sister's words shut.

She noticed my facial expression and the tone of my voice and I was sure her brain downloaded the message very clearly as she stood up from the bed, gave me one last glance and walked out of the room.

"Get your acts together Mother!!! It's becoming pathetic!!” I screamed out.

"What?? Are you talking to me that way, Zevren??”

“Yes I am Mother." I said.

“How dare you?? I just lost a child!!!!" She screamed out.

"And I lost a brother!!!! I lost a sister-in-law and right now, I am on the verge of losing their fucking child if you don't put your acts together!!! I understand you lost a child Mother but you have grieved enough!! You have other children and a grandchild now so you have a responsibility!!! I've hired all the nannies I can and they are all incompetent so Mother, it is time for you to take care of your granddaughter!!! I don't like kids and I won't fucking hesitate to ship her off to an orphanage if you don't fucking step up!!! And also, I don't want any more nannies in this house…take care of your granddaughter yourself!!” I said as I stormed out of the room without giving her any chance to respond.

That single rude but necessary act of mine, changed things and I noticed that for the first time in weeks, my Mother stepped out of her room and went to see her granddaughter.

I never knew my Mother, Evelyn Voss, to be a weak woman because she was the one who raised me and I can say I was raised like one in a military school rather than one in a home full of love.

Things slowly went back to normal around the house as I resumed work.

I had to fly out of the country to secure a very important business deal and it took almost a month for it to happen but it was successful…well of course because I am Zevren Voss.

After spending one more week to celebrate by win by fucking around as much as I could, I finally returned back home and was welcomed with an unpleasant news.

I just landed and my driver picked me up from the airport taking me straight home.

“How have things been around the house??" I asked.

"Pretty normal…the madam has gone back to her usual self by running the house with her iron fist and I can say I am glad.” He said as I chuckled softly.

"Glad to hear…so nothing new??" I asked as I had a very strange feeling in my guts that something was up.

“Well sir…I think you need to hear this one directly from madam, sir.”

"Hmmm….as expected." I said as I sighed deeply.

My Mother always had one surprise or the other for me whenever I came back from a trip.

After almost an hour, we finally arrived at my mansion and I was honestly so exhausted.

I got inside the house and my Mother greeted me with the warmest hug I had ever received.

“What is going on mother??" I asked as I raised an eyebrow.

"Do I need a reason to hug my son??” She asked but I wasn't convinced.

"I had a long trip Mother and I need to rest.” I said.

"Of course but before you rest, I have news for you…first, I named my granddaughter Rose..what a beautiful name isn't it??” She said.

“Yes mother…but what's the second thing??"

“Elina?? Come here." My Mother called.

In a few seconds, a young lady who looked like someone in her mid twenties walked out and stood beside my mother.

I could tell she was nervous as she kept on rubbing her hands together while avoiding eye contact with me.

“Who is this??" I asked.

“Rose’s new nanny…say hello to my Son Elina." My mother said.

“Hello s…"

“You have just a few minutes Elina..to get your things and get lost!!!!"