If Rafael was shocked, he didn’t show it.
“May I ask why?” He said after some moments of silence.
June cleared her throat, having expected this question.
“I thought of the entire deal and figured if I was going to have a clear shot at clearing my name, I needed to become powerful. I need to become someone important enough that people care to hear my side of the story.”
“And?”
“I want to start a company of my own.” She bared it all, and that took him by surprise.
“A company?” He relaxed on the chair. “What kind?”
“That is for me to know.” She adjusted in her seat. “Finally, I want you to stay out of my business.”
Rafael couldn’t help but feel attacked by the coldness in her tone.
“We are about as close as the contract allows us, which means you are not to interfere in my matters or do anything that crosses the boundaries of our contractual relationship.”
“Also, I will not be receiving any salary from you as Luis’ Nanny.” An unconscious smile dropped by her lips. “I have no problems keeping him company. Besides, you are giving me a whooping fifty million.”
Rafael had never seen anyone reject money in his entire life. What was it with this woman? Nevertheless, he asked, “Are you done?”
She nodded.
“Fine. I will update the contract and send it to you. But first, I need to make some things clear.” He sat up on the couch and bored holes in her face with his eyes. “There are also a couple of rules that you need to adhere to for this to work between us.”
June swallowed. Of course, he had his own conditions.
“Fire on.”
“You are not allowed inside my room. No matter the case. You are not in any wise, permitted, under no circumstance, to enter my room.” Rafael packed a punch in his words.
Suddenly, June wondered what the hell it was about his room that made it so forbidden. If she didn’t care about it before, now she sure as hell did.
“Noted.” She said, “Anything else?”
“Luis must not know of the arrangement.”
A confused look, “What?”
“The last thing I need is for my son to misunderstand our relationship. You shall be introduced as his nanny and nothing else. We agree that the marriage side of it should be kept under wraps.”
June nodded in understanding.
“If that is all, then we have a deal.” Rafael got on his feet. “The papers would be ready for signing at dawn. Have a good night.”
Before June could utter a word, he was taking large strides towards the stairs. Soon enough, he was up and out of sight, leaving her to the stark reality of what was her life now.
The next morning marked the beginning of a new era. It was a Saturday. Amongst other things, it meant that Luis was going to stay home today, along with Rafael who had big plans for the day.
As usual, June slept in Luis’s room and they came down together for breakfast. The three of them sat at the long dining table, eating their meals silently.
Luis who was glad to finally spend the day with his auntie wasted no time to add some of his food on June’s plate, watching her curiously as he ate himself, while she blushed at the care.
Just when the meal was over, Luis spoke to his father.
“I need a new bed.” He said without mincing words.
Rafael who flipped through the morning newspapers as the servants cleared the table didn’t spare him a look. “Did you forget the magic words?”
“The bed is too small. I need a king-sized bed.” Luis made yet another demand without the magic words. “If you don’t get it for me, I’ll get it myself.”
Now that caught his father’s attention. “Oh really? Pray tell, how exactly would you do that?”
“7345.” The young boy said and Rafael’s eyes widened.
“Don’t look so surprised, it’s insulting.” He muttered.
Rafael swore under his breath. Apparently, his five-year-old child knew the password of his unlimited debit card. One he doesn’t remember giving to him.
“What is it?” June asked, looking between them.
“I guess I will be changing the codes,” Rafael stated, and Luis genuinely looked bored.
“Nevertheless, I have something to say to you.” Rafael continued, “Moving forward, Miss June will not be sleeping in your room. If that is the reason for your sudden need of a new bed, forget it.”
The room atmosphere dropped down a few notches. Luis looked like he was seconds away from bursting a vein.
“Auntie will sleep in my room.” He said in a slow and hard tone, accentuating every word.
“She will be given her own room.” Rafael stated, “Just beside your room.” He added.
“She will be your nanny moving forward, I expect you to be on your best behaviour-”
Before Rafael could finish his words, Luis dashed out of his seat and nearly threw him down with a beastly hug.
“Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”
The sight warmed June’s heart and Rafael resisted the urge to smile. His son might have his bad days, but he was a sweet little one at heart. Days like this made every other day bearable for him.
Soon enough, the father and son duo disengaged, but there was a permanent glow on the little one’s face. “Auntie!” He said and hugged June who happily returned the hug. “You live here now.”
“Yes, baby.” She muttered. “I heard you haven’t been the best to your other nannies. I hope you will have mercy on me.” She joked but he took it seriously.
“I didn’t like them.” He said after a moment’s thought. “But I like you.”
The child spoke like it made all the difference in the world, and June couldn’t hide her smile. “And I like you too, baby. I guess we will make the perfect team.” She added and he nodded gingerly.
“Since that’s settled, Luis would show you to your room. I’ve asked one of the maidens to ensure that it is in good condition. Afterwards, you can freshen up and meet me in my office.” Rafael said, getting up from his seat. “We have a lot to do.”
June blinked in confusion at his choice of words but when Luis tugged her by the arm, she shrugged it off and followed him to her new space.
Upon entering the room, she felt a bit stunned at the size. It seemed like it was a self-con apartment in itself. Safe for the kitchen of course.
The room was furnished with a king-sized bed, one she was certain she would be having her little sweetheart over as the days went by. To the far end was a makeshift office.
Consisting of an office table and chair, laptop, printer and all the glorious things. She also had an en-suite bathroom, a walk-in closet that was minimally stocked and a vanity she knew she wouldn’t be using much.
The windows gave her a view of the sky and a stunning landscape of the compound, as well as brought in a good amount of light that was filtered by the fluorescent glasses used to fix the window.
All in all, it was beautiful and more than she thought she deserved.
Soon enough, she was left to get prepared for the day and afterwards, made her way to Rafael’s office for the official contract signing.