“From now onwards, Valerie Watson will no longer be a Nanny or a servant of this mansion. She should be treated with respect because she's my daughter's mother. Do you understand?”
The queued up servants chorused. “Yes, President.”
Valerie gasped. Tears of joy filled her eyes, and rolled down her cheeks. Who would have thought that she would become a member of such a noble family.
“I can't believe I'm your mommy, Audrey. Does that mean that I'm no longer your nanny?” Valerie sat on the bed.
Giggling excitedly, Audrey nodded her head. “Of course, Mom. I don't want you to be my nanny anymore. What I've always wanted was a mom, not a nanny.”
“Oh, dear! What would I do without you? Thank God, I had such an adorable and intelligent child. Who would have thought that you were my daughter all along.” Valerie chuckled.
Valerie got up from the bed, and rushed to the drawer, searching anxiously for something.
“What is it, baby? What are you looking for?” Valerie asked curiously.
Audrey chuckled as she brought it out. “There it is.”
With that, Audrey handed the cardboard paper to Valerie. Reluctantly, Valerie took the paper from her. Staring at the picture, tears circulated in her eyes. “You… You drew this?”
“Yes, mommy. That is to tell you how much I've always wanted a complete family. I never said that I will ever meet my mother because daddy doesn't talk about her. This is a picture I drew out of my imagination. So, that's your mommy, daddy and me.” Audrey smiled.
Valerie patted her head. “I didn't know that my daughter is an artist, huh? You even imagine how I'll look, huh?”
“Mommy, I have an idea.” Audrey whispered into her ears. Valerie's eyes grew in curiosity.
“Yes?”
“Isn't there a way to make our family one big happy family?” Audrey smirked.
Gulping hard, Valerie cleared her throat before speaking. “What are you talking about, Audrey? One big happy family? How is that done?”
“Marriage. Legal marriage, mommy.” Audrey smiled mischievously.
Gasping in shock, Valerie clasped her palm on her mouth as her eyes bulged out. “MARRIAGE?”
“Yes, Mom. Isn't it best if you are legally married to my daddy? That makes us one big happy family. That would definitely be the best option.” Audrey replied.
Valerie shook her head. “I know you want a complete family, Audrey. But I can always be your mother, whether I'm married to your father or not. I don't think it's possible for us to be a complete family because your father has a fiancée.”
“Says who?”
The voice brought shivers down Valerie's spine. Without glancing, she knew who it was that came into the room. “Good day, Sir.”
Ignoring her greetings, Ethan sat on the stool opposite her. “Who said we can't become a complete family?”
“Uhm… We were just having a girl's talk. It's nothing serious, Sir.” Valerie smiled nervously.
“Daddy, are you really going to marry that Rebecca? Hell no! I don't like her.” Audrey cried out.
Ethan smiled a little. “Who said I can't marry your mother, Audrey? You know that I can give you whatever you want, right?”
With smiles all over her face, Audrey nodded. “I know, Dad. Besides, it turns out that my mother is gorgeous. That's a gain, daddy.”
Feeling very uneasy, Valerie got up from the bed. “This is no joking matter, Audrey. Uhm… President Ethan, I'd like to go to rest now.”
“Go to rest, huh?” Ethan scoffed.
“Yes, sir.”
Ethan continued. “Where exactly are you going to rest?”
Confused as hell, Valerie gulped. “The room… I'm going to the servants quarters.”
“Hell no!” Audrey and Ethan chorused.
Valerie, who still couldn't understand what the father and daughter meant, scratched her head confused. “I… I don't understand. Where else am I supposed to go to bed?”
“You are my mother, Miss old-fashioned. You shouldn't stay with servants anymore. As a matter of fact, you're not a worker here.” Audrey snapped at her.
Her mouth dropped in shock. “Are you terminating my contract, Sir? What have I done to deserve this? I really don't want to lose my job. I just want to further my education.”
“And that's all? You are my daughter's mother. I can take care of you and your education with a snap of my finger, Valerie. Once you walk out of this door, take the path on the left. The master's bedroom at the right is yours. I've had it furnished to your taste.” Ethan coldly replied.
Valerie blinked her rapidly to make sure she wasn't dreaming. “You… You mean… I'll be staying in a master's bedroom?”
“You heard right. Go ahead, it's late. It's going to be a long day tomorrow. Good night, Valerie.” Ethan smiled.
She turned to Audrey, who was grinning from ear to ear. “This… This isn't a dream, right, baby?”
“No, it isn't. You're not dreaming, mommy.” Audrey smiled at her.
Reluctantly, she walked out of the room. Taking the path she was directed to. She slowly opened the door. Her jaw dropped in shock.
The room was thrice bigger than her room when she still lived at the Watson's residence. More so, the wardrobe was stocked with expensive dresses and many shoes.
“This is heaven, Valerie.” She giggled.
Just then, she heard a faint knock on the door. Likewise, she walked to the door and opened the door.
It was Rebecca. She stabbed her right in the chest with a knife.