The Nanny in My Home
After learning this, the nanny, Jade, grew to hate me. I specifically warned her that my mothercoming for dinnerhad a fatal peanut allergy. She still loaded the food with peanut sauce, sending the guest to the ICU.
Jade then played victim for Leo, claiming I set her up. Leo turned on me, disgusted. "How could you be so malicious?"
I simply smiled, packed his bags, and threw them both out. Jade broke down; Leo sneered, wishing my mother ill.
I laughed. "My mother is abroad. The woman in the ICU is yours."
1
Mom, I knew you were coming today, so I had Jade make all your favorites, I said with a warm smile, placing a piece of chicken on my mother-in-laws plate.
But after only a few bites, her face flushed a frightening shade of red. Her hands flew to her throat, and before she could choke out a single word, she tumbled from her chair onto the floor.
Panic seized me for a second, but then adrenaline kicked in. It was an allergic reaction. A severe one. There was no time to rage at Jade, who had cooked the dinner. I immediately laid my mother-in-law flat on the ground and tried to clear her airway.
I glanced up and saw Jade just standing there, arms crossed, watching the chaos with a detached amusement. A surge of fury shot through me.
What are you doing just standing there? I screamed at her. Cant you see shes having a reaction? Go to my room, get the EpiPen from the top drawer of my nightstand, and call 911! Now!
Jade didnt move an inch. Her pretty face was a canvas of contempt. I may be your nanny, but I have my dignity. Were equals. The magic word is please. Dont you know basic manners?
I stared at her, dumbfounded. My brow furrowed. I told you this afternoonno peanuts in any of the dishes tonight. Did you forget?
Jade shook her head. Oh, I didn't forget. But you were being so dramatic this afternoon. I just couldnt believe someone could die from a few peanuts.
I have allergies myselfI cant eat shellfish. The worst that happens is I get an itchy rash. Youre the kind of person I cant stand, always making a big deal out of nothing.
She added with a sickeningly sweet smile, Besides, think of it as desensitization therapy. A few more meals like this and shell be cured. Youre welcome.
I was so choked with rage I couldnt even speak.
Jade seemed to relish my stunned silence. She smirked. You know why your moms having a reaction? Its like they say, you cant buy class. Did you really think marrying into a wealthy family meant you and your whole family would suddenly ascend to heaven? Honey, its called not knowing your place, and this is the universe punishing you for it.
I froze. Because the woman gasping for air on my floor wasnt my mother. She was my mother-in-law.
2
Its just that my husband, Leo, had always been so effortlessly charming with my parents, calling them Mom and Dad from day one. I felt awkward still calling his mother Mrs. Reid, so Id started calling her Mom too.
Could it be? Was it because Id said my mom was coming this afternoon that Jade had done this on purpose?
I didnt have time to explain. My mother-in-law was on the verge of death. By the time I clarified the family tree, we wouldnt need an ambulance; wed need a hearse.
I scrambled to my feet and grabbed my phone to call 911. But before I could even dial, Jade lunged, snatching the phone from my hand and slamming it onto the marble floor. The screen spiderwebbed into a thousand pieces.
Are you insane? If we dont call an ambulance, she could die! Thats murder, do you understand? I yelled, my voice cracking. I turned to run upstairs for the EpiPen and my spare phone.
Jade just laughed, a cold, sharp sound. Quit the act. Calling an ambulance? Please. I know you were just going to call Leo and tattle on me.
She scoffed. Life-threatening? Could you be any more dramatic?
As she spoke, she sauntered over to my mother-in-law and gave her a light kick with the toe of her shoe. Alright, old lady, shows over. With acting skills like that, you should be at the Oscars, not causing a scene in the Reid household.
When my mother-in-law didnt respond, Jade didnt seem bothered. She turned her attention back to me. Let me be perfectly clear. Ive already turned off the security cameras. Im going to teach you a lesson today. Just because you married Leo doesnt make you the lady of this house.
Her voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. This is your punishment for trying to get me fired. I suggest you learn from this. From now on, youd better learn to stay in your lane, or I cant guarantee I wont accidentally add a little something extra to your food one day.
I stared at her, a chill running down my spine. How did you know I wanted to fire you?
3
Jade was hired while I was out of the country. In her early twenties, young and beautiful.
She was efficient, had a folder full of certifications, spoke fluent French, could drive, and was an amazing cook. On paper, she was the perfect nanny. But the hostility she directed at me was palpable from the moment I met her.
Id considered replacing her, but Leo insisted that a nanny of her caliber was hard to find. He told me to just give it time, that wed warm up to each other. Im not a difficult person, so I let it go.
But what she just said sent my mind racing.
Jade seemed to read my thoughts. She let out a soft, mocking laugh. Leo, of course. He told me not to mind you, that you were just a spoiled princess throwing a tantrum. He said hed stand by me, that he would never fire me.
Her eyes raked over me dismissively. Its actually hilarious. A spoiled princess? You dont have the grace of a princess, just the attitude. Dragging your mother here all the time to leech off the family fortune. You probably dont even know, but Leo cant stand your parents. Hes told me more than once that he wishes theyd just die already.
Hearing that, a piece of my heart turned to ice. So, I said, my voice dangerously low, you and Leo are close, then?
Jade caught the sarcasm in my tone and nodded defiantly. Thats right. While you were away for the last six months, Leo and I got very close. Did you really expect a man as incredible as Leo to stay faithful to you?
She took a step closer, her voice rising. And who are you to talk to me like that? Youre just a pretty face who married into money. If you can do it, why cant I?
I almost laughed.
It was clear now that Leo had been enjoying himself while I was away. But it was also clear he hadnt told Jade one crucial detail: who, exactly, was the one who had married up in this relationship.
4
I wasnt heartbroken. A girl from my kind of family learns early on that people change, that feelings are fleeting, but money is constant.
Besides, when Leo and I got married, he signed a rock-solid prenup. If we divorced, he would walk away with nothing.
With that thought calming me, I looked at Jade evenly. Fine. If you and Leo have something going on, I dont want him anymore. Hes all yours. Now call the ambulance. This is a matter of life and death. I promise you, I will divorce him and leave him to you.
Jades eyes lit up, a flash of pure triumph. She looked like she was about to jump for joy, but then her expression soured. Nice try. Youre just saying that so you can take half of Leos money and live happily ever after.
Then what do you want? I snapped, my patience wearing thin. I glanced at my mother-in-law; her face was turning a horrifying shade of purple.
Jade thought for a moment, then pulled her phone out of her pocket. I want you on your knees. I want you to look into this camera, crying your eyes out, and confess that you cheated on Leo while you were abroad. That youre leaving in shame and wont take a single penny. You say that, and Ill call the ambulance for your precious mother.
I rolled my eyes and gave up. I walked over to the sofa and sat down. You figure it out, then. If you dont want to call for help, we can just wait. But when she dies, your life is over, too. Leo isnt going to marry a murderer.
Jade was stunned by my sudden composure. She sputtered, Thats your mother! Are you just going to sit there and watch her die?
I shook my head slowly. What if I told you thats not my mother? Thats my mother-in-law. Leos mom.
5
The color drained from Jades face. She stared at the woman on the floor, speechless.
Youre lying! I did my research. Leos parents are on vacation in Europe right now.
Her voice trembled. And Leo told me his parents cant stand you because you refuse to have children.
Besides, look at her! She looks like shes from some backwater town. She has to be your mother. You think Im going to fall for a stupid trick like that? Jade shook her head, clinging to her version of reality.
I shrugged. Believe what you want. But take a good look. Shes unconscious. A few more minutes and shell be gone for good.
You bitch! Your own mother is dying and youre acting so cold! Is money really all that matters to you?
Then a new thought seemed to strike her. No I cant let her die. If she dies, youll pin it on me. Leo will feel sorry for you and he wont divorce you. I cant let that happen!
Seeing I wasnt going to budge, Jade hesitated for a few seconds before fumbling for the EpiPen Id told her about earlier. But my mother-in-law was already in shock and couldnt swallow the medication from an oral syringe she mistakenly grabbed instead of the injector.
Come on, take it! Old woman, you have to swallow! If you dont, youll die! Dont you dare try to frame me with your death! Wake up!
She started slapping my mother-in-laws face, hard. It happened so fast I couldnt even stop her.
Finally, raw fear broke through Jades arrogance. Her hands shaking, she fumbled with her phone and dialed 911.
After a chaotic whirlwind, we finally got my mother-in-law to the hospital. Just as she was wheeled into surgery, Leo rushed in. Before I could say a word, Jade burst into tears and threw herself into his arms.
Leo, I was so scared!
6
Leo wrapped his arms around her, stroking her hair. Its okay, Im here now. What happened? Why are we at the hospital? Are you hurt?
I cleared my throat loudly, rolling my eyes.
Leo finally noticed me, and he pushed Jade away as if hed been stung. Elara what are you doing here? Whats going on?
I didnt say anything. Jade shot me a look of pure venom before turning back to Leo, her voice choked with sobs. This afternoon, Ms. Reid told me her mother was coming for dinner. But a few minutes after she started eating, she just collapsed. It was like she was poisoned.
I was terrified! I wanted to call an ambulance, but Ms. Reid wouldnt let me! She said she said she was the one who poisoned her, and that she was going to frame me for murder!
The story was riddled with holes, but after a moments thought, Leo actually bought it. He looked from the glowing SURGERY IN PROGRESS sign to me, his face a mask of accusation. Elara, if you have a problem, we can talk about it. Why do you have to be so cruel?
You dont like Jade, fine! But does that mean you have to destroy her life? I dont even recognize you anymore. How did you become this person?
I gave him a look of utter disbelief. Are you an idiot? Cant you hear how shes twisting everything? Fine. Im calling the police. Let them figure out who the cruel one really is.
At the mention of the police, Jades face went pale. She swayed on her feet and collapsed dramatically into Leos arms.
He scooped her up. If you call the police, Ill testify for Jade. It would be better for everyone if you just let this go.
Im sure your mother is a strong woman. Shell be fine.
With that, he turned and carried Jade away.
I glanced at the operating room one last time and followed them out. If her own son didnt care, there was no reason for the daughter-in-law she despised to stick around.
7
I went home early the next morning to find Leo and Jade on the sofa. They must have thought Id be at the hospital all night, because they were locked in a passionate kiss.
The sight of it made my skin crawl. Am I interrupting something? I asked loudly. Or are your lips just stuck together?
Leo shot up from the sofa. Elara! Youre back? Why arent you at the hospital with your mother?
He didnt even try to explain. Instead, he asked, Is she out of danger already?
Jade added in a quavering voice, I knew it. Ms. Reid was just trying to scare me. Shed never actually poison her own mother.
I shot Leo a withering glare. Jade fainted, so I brought her back here. I was just about to head back to the hospital to be with you when you showed up. You misunderstood what you saw. We were just
I held up a hand. Stop. Save the excuses. Im not interested. I already know everything. Jade gave me a very detailed explanation.
Jade leaned against Leo, a picture of shy affection. Leo, Ms. Reid said shes willing to step aside so we can be together.
Before Leo could respond, I tossed a file onto the coffee table. Sign it. Then you and Jade can live happily ever after.
I suppose I had been too good to Leo over the years. Hed started to believe he was indispensable, the true master of the house. He scoffed, Alright, stop the drama. I was just angry last night. I cant believe youd do something so crazy just to get Jade fired.
But Ive had time to think. Im sorry, okay? he said, adding a clumsy lie. And just now, I was just giving Jade CPR. Dont get the wrong idea. I only see her as a little sister. Youll always be my wife.
8
The smile on Jades face cracked. She couldnt understand why Leo was refusing to divorce me. She gritted her teeth and played along. Yes, Ms. Reid, you misunderstood. Theres nothing going on between me and Leo. I was just foolishly in love with him, but his heart belongs to you. Ill leave. I wish you both a long and happy life together.
Leo looked heartbroken.
I was done with their little play. I waved a hand, and my lawyer, who had been waiting by the door, stepped inside. He adjusted his glasses, placed the divorce papers in front of Leo, and explained patiently, Mr. Reid, Ms. Reid has made her decision. Refusing to sign is pointless. Frankly, divorcing now is your best option.
If this gets any messier, your reputation will be ruined.
The lawyer paused for effect. Furthermore Jade was aware that the old madam had a severe allergy and still knowingly served her food containing that allergen. That constitutes attempted murder. However, Ms. Reid has stated that if you sign these papers, she will not press charges.
I gave my lawyer a mental thumbs-up. Hed phrased it perfectlyvague enough to threaten them both without revealing that the victim was Leos own mother. If Leo knew that, hed never agree to the divorce.
Leo glared at me, his jaw tight. After a long, tense moment, he snatched the pen and signed his name. Youll regret this, Elara. I swear you will.
We went straight to the courthouse and had the divorce finalized on the spot.
Jade was practically vibrating with joy. She was trying to maintain her delicate persona, but she was failing. Ms. Reid, now that the papers are signed, please remove your belongings from the Reid residence. Leo and I would prefer not to see any of your things when we get home.
I looked over the divorce certificate, making sure everything was in order. Then I smiled. Me, leave? Why would I leave my own house?
9
Jade froze. Leo, did you even read the divorce papers before you signed? Did she trick you?
The reality of the situation finally seemed to hit Leo. He looked dazed, as if he couldnt believe he was actually divorced.
I took a deep breath. Jade, if youd bothered to learn anything about your employer, youd know that this isnt the Reid residence. Its the home of the Hale family. And the man you thought was the master of the house? He was just the man who married the heiress.
Jades eyes went wide. She stood there, mouth agape, completely stunned.
Leo quickly put an arm around her. Its okay, Jade. I may not be as rich as her, but I have a good income, and my feelings for you are real.
Jades expression softened. She probably remembered that Leo was, at least, handsome and talented. Thats right, she said quickly. I love you for you, not for your money.
Leo puffed out his chest, looking smug. He sneered at me. People like you, with nothing but money in your head, could never understand what true love is.
I was about to respond when my lawyer leaned in and whispered, Mrs. Hale called. She said she couldn't reach you, so she called my office. She asked if you could call her back when youre free.
Leos smug expression vanished. What? Thats impossible. I just called the hospital. They told me your mother is in the ICU. They said even if she survives, shell be in a vegetative state. How could she be calling you?
A sly look crossed Jades face. Leo, its a trick! Shes the one who was cheating! She and her mother cooked up this whole scheme so she could divorce you. I told you I was framed!
Understanding dawned on Leos face, followed by pure fury as he thought of the billions hed just lost. You bitch! he roared. You and your mother are both bitches! Jade was too kind to you! She shouldve just poisoned you both and been done with it!
I just shook my head. Dont worry. My mother is perfectly fine, enjoying her trip abroad. The person currently lying in the ICU is my former mother-in-law. Your mother.
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