3 hours earlier:

Rosie pressed small circles against her forehead as she absorbed the new information, her eyes trained on the little girl, frozen in a picture frame, on her desk.

"How long did this one last?" She asked, unsure about whether she wanted to hear the answer.

"Three days." Simone grimaced, taking a seat atop of her desk. "Chachi mentioned on the phone that she played another prank; it was probably spiders again,"

Rosie could only shake her head in disbelief. "I don't understand," She exhaled deeply, tucking a loose strand behind her ear in thought. "Anni has never been difficult, she's always been such a good, well-mannered girl, and it's like she's been replaced with a clone of her opposite."

"I know," Simone nodded in agreement, chewing her lip in thought. "She's an absolute pleasure when I'm with her. You don't think it has to do with..." Rosie met her gaze, her heart faltering as she read her secretary's mind.

"It...no," She shook her head before releasing a sigh tainted by stress. "She's been acting up ever since Rani left." The first nanny had been excellent but had decided to resign and opt for a life in travelling instead. She was in Croatia the last time Rosie had seen her post on Instagram. It was a dream life for some but left Rosie to deal with a harsh reality as a result.

"Do you mind watching over her...or, you know, taking on the job?" Rosie pleaded as the brunette laughed in response.

"Well, I may be her God-mother but I don't think nanny-ing is quite for me; I much prefer dealing with the paperwork." Simone responded apologetically gaining a knowing chuckle in response. "I can keep an eye on her until we get someone new. I only posted the job an hour ago, and we already have an applicant; he seems eager.

"He?" Rosie repeated as Simone bobbed her head in once more.

"Yes, he. His name is Grayson Colby; a qualified paediatric nurse," She highlighted, flicking through the papers in her hand. "It seems he's been unemployed for a while, though," she noted, presenting the application when Rosie raised her hand for it.

"Does he have any experience minding children outside of nursing?" Rosie asked, turning over the page to investigate his employment and experience history. "I can't see anything," she frowned. "According to this, he's been out of work for four months, and during the last two years...his employment has been varied."

"He can work across a range of areas, it could suggest he's flexible," Simone inferred as the raven-haired woman frowned.

"We don't need flexible; we need reliable. Someone up for a challenge."

"I'd say a past in nursing would suggest he's quite open to a challenge," Simone commented, a small fact Rosie couldn't deny.

"There is another thing, he's a...man," She pondered aloud. "Now I'm all for gender equality," She highlighted, meeting her friend's gaze. "But he'll be with Anni for quite some time, alone,"

"He has to be DBS checked before employment, and being female hasn't stopped the others from leaving. We also have CCTV, and his room is on the opposite end of the corridor. He'd have to go past you if he was sketchy." Simone correctly pointed out, as an annoying smile appeared on her boss's face.
"He also wouldn't have been a nurse for just under a decade if he was a creep, and his reference is impeccable. He only left because of personal circumstances," she highlighted as Rosie located the evidence on the transcript.

"Well, I guess that does stand for something," She conceded. "Can you organise an interview? We could see him at 5 pm if you don't mind working late? The sooner we get someone in, the better."

"Sounds good to me," Simone grinned, taking back the application to dial the number on her office phone.

Sixty minutes later, Rosie had boarded her car, accompanied by Simone and the work she would need to complete by tomorrow, in her boot. "So, how did it go?" She asked, strapping the seatbelt across her belt. "Can he meet at 5 pm?"

"Well, he called me ma," Simone answered as Rosie released a small giggle of disbelief.

"No, he didn't!"

"He did," Simone emphasised, "He must not have realised it was an unknown number. He seemed very keen on the job, though, so at least that's something."

"Mmm," Rosie pondered, her eyes focused on the road as she considered what it would mean to hire a male nanny. She would have to be able to trust him first, and recently that hadn't been an easy feat. The priority would be how Anni felt, whether she would even want a male nanny and if she felt comfortable. Then came the thought that if this Grayson was suitable, he would also be living with them. She would just have to see.

"We'll see how he does in the interview," She confirmed; turning up the radio as a familiar song encouraged her and Simone to sing along; halting the conversation from moving any further.

The next two hours passed incredibly fast. With a court case weighing heavy on her shoulders, Rosie needed to be organised, or her client was at risk of being put away for a crime he hadn't committed. Her diligence and attention to detail ensured she won her cases and a lot of perseverance. The past two years had sent her life into a spiral, and the constant tension headaches were just one of the symptoms she felt from the stress. Her energy and home now only revolved around herself and Anni. Still, upon seeing her daughter's face, she knew her battles were worth it.
So if hiring a male nanny was what she needed to do, to secure some balance, then that was what she would do.

"Simone, can you collect Mr Colby for me? I think he's coming towards the entrance," She requested as she watched the tall figure from her window.

The second chair was deliberately placed a fair distance so that she could scrutinise the potential's behaviour from her desk.
Interviewing nannys was something Rosie has become well versed at, and so she sat down confidently, permitting entry when Simone knocked on her door.
Only, when the door opened to reveal a man quite the opposite of what she had expected, Rosie realised this interview could potentially be very different.

He was kind. Rosie could see it in the man'a eyes. There was a natural generosity in his soul that was rarely found and yet, shined through his smile. His afro-curled hair had been pulled back in a small bun, and his simper widened as he nodded politely in salutation. His shoulders were broad, and compared to her 5ft 4 height, he must have been at least a foot taller. In layman terms, he was beautiful, and Rosie couldn't help but feel star-struck by his appearance.

"Mr Colby," she acknowledged, retaining her professionalism and swallowing the small lump that had suddenly appeared when his eyes met hers.

"Ms Bhatt," he greeted with a slight nod, his body rigid as if in fear of her.

"Please, take a seat." She gestured to the armchair opposite her desk, watching as he clasped his hands together, waiting for the interview to commence. Though she had a list of questions she had used per applicant, only one was important to her. It was this answer that would decide whether Grayson Colby was employable and what she chose to ask, despite the order she usually retained.

"Why do you want to be a nanny?" The query must have surprised him as he shifted in his seat, clearing his throat as his lips groped the beginnings of his first words.

"W-well, I have always enjoyed working with younger children. I relish understanding how their brains work and answering their questions. There is also a rewarding side to working with children, particularly when they understand something you have taught them...."

"I feel that you have misunderstood the question," she interrupted, pressing her lips together in slight disappointment. "I asked why you want to be a nanny. If you enjoy teaching children, then you should become a teacher," She pointed out. "This job isn't just about teaching a child; it's about looking after them, night and day. Being their primary caregiver and offering them support and engagement. You're not just present and schooling..."

The man in front of her moved his shoulders up in exhale before he leaned forward, catching her eyes. "I am in the best position to take on this role." His words were honest, and she pursed her lips to hide her smile, allowing him to continue. "I have experience with children; my sister has two daughters that I have nursed since they were young. I am flexible and adaptable to any given situation. I am also agile and healthy, with no previous health concerns. And I am determined to give this my all; I will look after your daughter."

It was difficult for Rosie to mask her glow of joy as she listened to the perfect answer. He was the one.

Grayson released another silent sigh as he inspected for a 'tell' that would answer the question he was now asking himself. Had his straightforward approach been what she was looking for, or had he completely ruined his shot?

"You're a trained nurse?" Ms Bhatt spoke declaratively, showcasing she had read his profile, and he nodded in further confirmation.

"Y-yes,"

"So if Anni needed medical help, you would be able to offer it to her." Again, it wasn't a question; she wanted his testimony.

Grayson took a deep breath as he nodded once more. "My time with the NHS ensures that I can deliver both first-aid and life-saving treatment in the unforeseen circumstance that it is needed. I will do my best, regardless of the scenario." Grayson stated, clearing his throat as he felt his heartbeat so rapidly, it was almost audible.

Rosie stood up, smoothing down her trousers as she walked around her desk to perch on it, crossing her ankles, directly facing him. Her eyes were trained on the man who had answered her questions impeccably. He was different from her previous employees, and she knew she had mistreated him from the start. The fact he had not even squirmed under her sneer was a good indicator that Grayson Colby was just the man she was looking for. The sort of person Anni would need.

"Anni is six years old," She stated, wetting her lips with the tip of her tongue as she considered her following words wisely. "And has experienced things that no child should have to go through, and it has had consequences on her behaviour. I will be honest; at times, she can be a persistent terror." Rosie stated, surprised to see this small piece of information hadn't phased him. "But, she is a good girl at heart. I need someone to nurture her," Rosie revealed as the young man nodded in understanding. "To give her stability. The applicant needs to be reliable." She stressed.

Grayson listened to Rosie's words intently, nodding in understanding as he took the direct hint that this wasn't an easy job. Still, he could see the care Rosie had for her daughter, and he knew deep down he would do whatever he could to ensure Anni's safety.

"I am more than ready to take on any challenge, and I will do so gladly. I have no intention of just walking away if things become difficult." This time, Grayson could see her smile, a small sign that Rosie was indeed happy with his responses so far.

"How soon can you start?" she asked, and his eyes widened in belief.

"Immediately," was his answer as a genuine smile flittered across a face, a drastic change to the professional persona she had greeted him with.

"Brilliant. I'll have Simone run the details through with you and give you a tour of the place. You'll have your own accommodation on site, and I am happy to compensate for any expenses for your move." Her smile had disappeared, but he could see that she was pleased in her eyes. Grayson couldn't tell if it was relief that someone had taken the job or that she liked him, but he accepted it nonetheless.

He stood up as she crossed three paces to shake his hand firmly before leaving him alone in the room, as shock crossed over his features at the thought. He had secured a job. His first job in four months. And he wasn't going to be homeless.

He was a nanny!

"Grayson," a second voice called his attention as he turned to see Simone, who also smiled at him. She inclined her head to ask him to follow her as she led him back to the entrance to begin the tour.

"So we'll start from the beginning," she decided. "This is the main lounge. Anni doesn't spend much time here; she is quite strong-willed, so putting the TV on during the day is a hopeless distraction." She warned, giving Grayson a few moments to explore. "But this is a great area for play, and she thoroughly enjoys Disney movies, so there are plenty for when she is in the mood and for yourself, if you'd like."

They returned to the corridor, and she pointed to various doors, including a bathroom, a game room, and the study. The last door revealed a large function room that Grayson honestly didn't believe existed in modern homes.

"This is where Rosie holds celebratory functions and parties. Being a pillar of the community, she hosts a dinner event for charity every two months, where dancing and networking can take place," Simone revealed. "It will be these evenings where we will ask you to work overtime to mind Anni," she added as he nodded in understanding.

The pair reversed their footsteps, taking a left on the other side of the sweeping staircase to reveal a home gym. "You can use these facilities when you are not working," Simone answered his unspoken question as his eyes landed on the indoor pool through the glass doors.

"I definitely will!" Grayson beamed, his excitement glowing at the thought of living in this marvellous home. It was going to be incredible.

"They are there for you to use," Simone encouraged, "Come on, let's go meet Chachi." She guided him to the kitchen that contained every appliance one could imagine to be housed in the Argos catalogue, including an ice-cream maker and waffle machine. Once more, Grayson's breath was taken away. Could this really be home?

"Hello," An older woman greeted from the island, her Indian accent thick as she kneaded the dough, flour coating her hands.

"Chachi, this is Grayson Colby, Anni's new nanny. Grayson, this is Lata Malhotra,"

"But you must call me Chachi," the older woman commented, smiling warmly at the stranger. It was a way of signifying respect while introducing an informality that Grayson gladly welcomed.

"It's a pleasure to meet you," he greeted as she nodded, wiping her hands on the dishtowel, before shaking his hand.

"Chachi works here four days a week, Monday to Thursday, and is our chef. Anni is quite particular with food; she only eats Indian cuisine, unless it's fusion food, so Chachi cooks enough for the week while she is here. We want to bring her on full-time, but someone has other commitments," Simone teased as the trio laughed.

"I'm here most of the week, though, Grayson. Feel free to call me if you need anything," the older woman added. Her kindness was genuine and made him feel immediately welcome. Grayson could already tell they would get along very well, as he answered appreciatively.

"You'll also need to provide her a list of any intolerances you have," Simone added, and he shook his head.

"I'm easy, no allergies," he grinned as the chef looked at him in reprieve.

"Thank goodness, the last nanny we hadwas gluten intolerant, and I had to use gluten-free flour for everything. My rotis were dreadful," Chachi shook her head at the thought, bringing a smile to his face. "Do let me know of any particular foods you like," She added, and he quickly agreed before Simone led him away.

After the kitchen, they toured the upstairs, which was just as impressive as the ground floor. A regal style wallpaper with themes of maroon and gold, coated the top floor as Grayson was directed to the six rooms, each equipped with an ensuite.

"And this is your room," the sizeable, extended room at the back of his house could only be described as splendid. A magnificent four-poster bed stood in the middle, and there was plenty of space for books with the empty shelves. A large mahogany desk leaned against the wall. With the bathroom, it was easily more extensive than the apartment he currently resided in. A double wardrobe was more than adequate for his clothes, and a large flat screen sat opposite his bed, perfect for the football on a Saturday night.

Additionally, a balcony opened to a beautiful garden view, highlighting the well-maintained lawn and flowers. A greenhouse could be seen in the distance, and Grayson knew it would be one of the first things he investigated when
he had the chance.

"Grayson," he turned when his name was called as Simone waited patiently for him to close the doors. "It's time to meet Anni," She reminded him as he nodded, his nerves simmering in his stomach.

It was all well and good that he loved the estate and had secured the job, but if the little girl he minded was unsure, he'd be out of employment quicker than he had accepted it.