The Au Pair And The Billionaire's Contract

The afternoon sun slanted through the tall windows of the little girl’s room. Sometimes, like so, my job as an au pair also came with teaching duties.

My student was a shy ten year old named Maddie. She sat at the table with her chin in her hand when I pointed at the chalkboard.

“Répétez après moi,” I said, writing carefully. Je m’appelle Maddie.

She wrinkled her nose. “Do I have to say it with the accent?”

“Yes. Otherwise it sounds like you’re saying jelly instead of je m’appelle.”

That made sweet Maddie giggle, but she repeated it. She still didn't get it right, her tongue tripping over the sounds.

“Better,” I said, flashing her a small smile.

My phone kept buzzing in my pocket but I almost ignored it. I've never checked my phone during lessons but since Maddie was doodling hearts around her name, and it won't stop vibrating, I picked it.

I held my hand to the speaker and told Maddie… “two minutes sweetheart. I'll be right back.” She nodded, already lost in her sketch.

I stepped into the hallway and pulled out the phone.The call was from a number I didn't recognize. My thumb hovered over the green button.

Unknown calls, that usually meant creditors, or the occasional parent inquiry. But something pushed me to swipe. “Hello?”

A familiar male voice filled my ears. “Emilia…”

I leaned against the wall because suddenly my knees felt like jelly. I hadn't heard that voice in years and I thought I would never hear it again.

“…Alexander?”

“Yes.” His tone carried no warmth, infact it was formal “We need to meet.”

I pressed my hand to my chest, feeling my heart thump. I almost hung up. This had to be a mistake. We had no reason to meet up especially after everything that had happened when I'd been his wife's au pair.

“I think you have the wrong number.” My voice shook.

“No,” he said. “I know your voice, Emilia.”

The phone felt slippery in my hand. I could see clear as day, the Sterling mansion, the marble floors , Veronica, his wife's smile as she accused Emilia of theft.

She could still feel the humiliation of being escorted out like a criminal.

“I don't know why you're calling me.” I managed to force out. “But whatever it is, I'm not interested.”

“It concerns Clara.”

That name. I shut my eyes. Sweet little Clara, only three then, clinging to my neck when I left. She was the sweetest little child.

“Don’t,” I whispered. “Don’t use her.”

“I’m not using her. She asked for you.”

“I can't,” I said quickly. “I won't, especially not after—”

A smaller voice filled the other end. “Papa, is she really coming? Have you asked her?”

My hold on the phone tightened.

Alexander Sterling must've lowered the phone without muting it because I heard him answer her. “One moment, Clara.”

“Emilia,” he said again, “I need to see you. Tonight if possible.”

The hallway seemed to shrink around me. “This is… it’s not a good idea,” I managed.

“You owe me one conversation,” Alexander said. “After what my ex-wife did to you, the least you deserve is the truth from me.”

“I don’t owe you anything.” she had it on the tip of her tongue to ask why he was referring to her as his ex wife, but decided not to. Maybe they'd gotten divorced.

“No. But maybe you owe Clara.”

I pressed the heel of my hand against my eyes, fighting the sting there. He wasn't wrong. I had not even said goodbye to little Clara before leaving.

“Why now?” My voice cracked.

“Because I have no choice. Veronica and I are getting divorced and she's given me full custody of Clara. Between work and taking care of a six year old, I'm losing my mind.” He gave a small sigh. “You'll understand better when we speak. Please.”

That word from him, please, wasn’t something I ever expected to hear.

I tried to steady myself. I told my heart it was a bad idea. His world had destroyed me once already. I'd almost lost my reputation as an au pair because of Veronica. My livelihood.

But then I remembered Clara’s little arms around my neck, her hair smelling of baby shampoo, the way she whispered “don’t go” as Veronica called me away. As if she'd known that would be the last time.

I swallowed hard. “One meeting,” I said finally. “That’s all.”

Relief slid into his tone. “Tomorrow. Noon. Sterling Tower. I’ll have your name at the desk.”

“No.” I heard myself before I thought. “Not your tower, it's too public. Somewhere else.”

He was silent for a moment. Then, “Fine. Tell me where.”

“I’ll text you,” I muttered.

“All right. I’ll wait for your message.”

Before I could answer, Clara’s voice floated through again, clearer this time. “Papa, was that her?”

I bit down on my lip.

Alexander didn’t lower his voice. “Yes, Clara. It was her.”

“I have to go.” I said too quickly just to avoid speaking to her. I wasn't sure if I could refuse Clara.

“Emilia—”

I ended the call.

The hallway seemed to spin for a moment and I pressed my forehead against the cool plaster wall. My hand shook so badly that I almost dropped the phone.

I was scared of Veronica. If she heard I was back…I couldn't take that risk. This job was the only thing I had going for me, and the last thing I wanted for her coming after me.

One meeting. That was all.