Chapter 1: The First Glance
I stepped through the massive oak doors of the Kensington estate with my suitcase in one hand and my dignity in the other, the late afternoon sun slanting golden across the marble foyer like it was trying to seduce me already. At thirty-eight, I’d been a nanny for fifteen years—long enough to know that rich families came with their own special brand of chaos. But this job had sounded perfect on paper: generous pay, private suite, and a “troubled young man” who apparently needed structure. I’d pictured a surly teenager with video games and attitude. Not this.
The housekeeper, Mrs. Vale, had barely finished showing me the kitchen when she muttered, “Master Damien is… particular. Best not to disturb him until dinner.” Her eyes flicked toward the east wing with so
