He Chose The Nanny Now He Begs

After I got pregnant with our second, my husband hired a nanny to help with my workload.

But when I fell down the stairs, she didn't call 911.

Instead, she rushed to comfort my daughter, the one who had pushed me.

Its okay, Sophie, sweetie. Don't be scared, the nanny cooed, stroking her hair. Auntie Jenna knows it wasnt your fault. Mommys just gotten clumsy since the new baby came along.

My daughter buried her face in the nannys arms, her sobs muffled. I hate her, Auntie Jenna! That stupid, ugly woman doesnt deserve to be my mom! she wailed. When Daddy divorces her, you can marry him. You can be my new mommy, okay?

I saw a flicker of pleasure in my husband's eyes. The nanny, Jenna, just blushed.

But when I finally did step aside and give up my title as the wife of a wealthy man, they both came to regret it. I guess a nannys salary doesnt quite cover the costs of a man and a child who bleed money like its their job.

1

It was Sophies third birthday. At six months pregnant, I had squeezed myself into a sweltering, plush mascot costume of her favorite cartoon character, planning to give her the surprise of her life.

But when I pulled off the heavy mascot head, grinning as I held out her present, her face fell.

Oh. Its you, she said, her voice flat with disappointment. Wheres Daddy?

I figured she was just having a moment. Id been so buried in work lately; maybe she felt neglected. I forced a patient smile. Daddy went to pick up your birthday cake, sweetie. Hell be right back.

She just turned away, her little face a cold mask.

A wave of dizziness washed over me, the heat from the costume clinging to my skin, but I pushed through the discomfort and offered the gift again. Sophie, look. Mommy got you the princess dress you wanted. Why dont you try it on for me?

She didnt even glance at it. Her hand shot out and slapped the box from my grasp, sending it clattering to the floor.

I dont want your stupid present! she shrieked. I want Daddy! He promised hed take me to get a kitten today!

I frowned. A kitten? Sophie was severely allergic to cats. Mark would never make a mistake like that.

I reached for her, my voice gentle. Are you sure thats what he said, honey? I dont remember him mentioning that.

That was the wrong thing to say.

Her face twisted in disgust. She ripped her arm from my grasp and gave me a hard, two-handed shove.

My balance was already precarious. I stumbled backward, my feet finding only air, and then I was tumbling, crashing down the stairs. The world was a blur of motion and pain. Sophies terrified screams echoed from the top of the landing as Jenna, the nanny, came running.

Jenna, I gasped, my voice thin and reedy. Call an ambulance. Now.

She gave me a fleeting, dismissive glance before scooping my crying daughter into her arms. Its okay, Sophie, honey. Don't be scared, she murmured, her voice dripping with false comfort. Auntie Jenna knows it wasnt your fault. Mommys just gotten so clumsy since the new baby.

Sophie clung to her. That woman is ugly and stupid, and she wont let me have a kitten! I dont want her to be my mom anymore! she sobbed. Youre nice to me, Auntie Jenna. When Daddy divorces her, you should marry him. You can be my new mommy!

The words struck me harder than the fall. I couldnt breathe.

Sophies birth had been traumatic. A nightmare of an emergency C-section, an allergy to the standard epidural. I had been half-conscious, feeling every pull and stitch as they brought her into the world.

And this was the child I had nearly died for? Saying things like that?

Just a few weeks ago, she was my little shadow, my sweet girl. What had changed?

Was it Jenna?

Mark had hired her when I was about five months along. He said it was to help me with Sophie. I was hesitantJenna was barely out of her teensbut Mark insisted she was from a reputable agency. Shes young, hed argued. Shell have more energy to keep up with Sophie. It made sense at the time, so I agreed.

Not long after, a neighbor pulled me aside. I dont want to be a busybody, shed said, but that new nanny of yours seems a little overly friendly with Mark. Just be careful.

I nodded and thanked her, but I didnt take it seriously. Mark and I were college sweethearts. Wed built a life together. If he wanted to cheat, hed had countless opportunities with women far more impressive than a twenty-year-old nanny.

But I never imagined the nannys target wasnt my husband, but my daughter.

Thinking back, Sophies coldness towards me started right after Jenna arrived.

A sharp, violent pain radiated from my abdomen, shattering my thoughts. There was no more time to think. I fumbled for my phone, my fingers slick with sweat, and dialed 911 myself.

Then, everything went black.

2

When I woke up, the sterile smell of a hospital filled my nostrils. My hand instinctively went to my belly. The baby was still there. Thank God. The thick padding of the mascot costume must have cushioned the fall.

The room was empty. Who had brought me here?

I reached for my phone, planning to call Mark. But when the screen lit up, I saw a flurry of notifications from the parent group chat for Sophies preschool. 99+ messages.

I scrolled to the top. It was a photo posted by Sophies teacher, and she had tagged me.

Audrey, you never answered your phone today, I was worried you weren't coming to the parent-teacher conference! It was so lovely to finally meet you. Youre even more beautiful in person! Mark is a lucky man.

My blood ran cold. Today was the first parent-teacher conference of the year. After Sophie was born, Mark and I had an agreement: I would carry the babies, he would handle the school runs and parent meetings.

But I hadnt been there today. Who did the teacher think I was?

With a sense of dread, I clicked on the photo. It was Jenna. She was holding Sophie, a serene, maternal smile on her face. Mark stood beside them, his arm resting possessively on the back of her chair. At a glance, they looked like a perfect family.

The comments below the picture were a mix of fawning and envy.

Wow, Mark, you really hit the jackpot! What a gorgeous wife!

Seriously! And talk about a power couple. Im pretty sure that limited edition Maybach in the parking lot is his. I heard those things are over a million dollars!

The mention of the car sent the chat into a frenzy. Someone asked Mark what he did for a living to be so successful. He replied with a coy, humble message about just being lucky.

A knot of bitterness formed in my stomach.

Mark had essentially married into my familys money. He was a kept man. The seed money for his boutique photography studio had come from me. The Maybach was a birthday gift from me. His income alone wouldnt even cover the insurance on it.

I understood a mans pride. A little bragging was one thing. But why would he take Jenna to our daughter's conference and let everyone believe she was his wife?

I didnt have the heart to read anymore. I dialed his number. It rang and rang, unanswered.

Just then, I heard voices from the hallway outside my room. It was Mark and Sophie.

Daddy, can you divorce Mommy tomorrow? Sophie pleaded in her sweetest voice. I want Auntie Jenna to be my new mommy.

Mark chuckled. You really like your Auntie Jenna that much, huh, sweet pea?

Of course! Auntie Jenna is young and pretty, and shes going to buy me a kitten! Mommy is just mean and bossy! Sophies voice turned demanding. So, will you do it or not? If you dont, Im never speaking to you again.

Alright, alright, Mark said with a long-suffering sigh. Whatever my little princess wants.

The door swung open. Marks smile vanished the second he saw my eyes were open.

What the hell was that parent-teacher conference about? I asked, my voice dangerously quiet.

He had the grace to look guilty. Its your fault, Audrey. Youre always working, you never have time for Sophie. Jenna was just trying to help so Sophie wouldnt feel sad.

I let out a cold, humorless laugh. Helping? Does helping now include pretending to be my replacement?

Before he could stammer out another excuse, Sophie ran forward, planting herself between us like a tiny bodyguard.

Youre a mean lady! she shouted, pointing a finger at me. Daddy already promised hed divorce you! When we kick you out, you wont be able to be mean to him anymore!

My eyes locked on Mark. Is that right?

He wouldnt meet my gaze. Sophie got frantic. Daddy! You promised! You cant take it back!

My own anger flared. Sophie Elizabeth, I snapped, I havent even started with you. Why did you push me down the stairs? Theres a baby in my belly. What if you had hurt the baby?

Her eyes instantly filled with tears. Mommys yelling, she whimpered. Im scared!

Mark immediately turned on me. Look what you did. And nothing happened, did it? Why are you taking it out on a child? he scolded. Besides, if you hadnt gained so much weight with this pregnancy, you wouldnt be so clumsy. You cant blame Sophie for that.

He scooped her into his arms. Come on, sweet pea. Daddy will take you for some ice cream.

The air left my lungs. The words were a physical blow. It was true, Id gained a lot of weight. I hadnt even wanted a second child, but Mark had insisted Sophie was lonely. Hed worn me down until I agreed. And now he was using it against me. He was disgusted by me.

Just then, his messenger bag, left on a chair in the corner, chimed. He had left his iPad.

A sick feeling pulled at me. I opened the bag. His iMessage was open, the screen still lit. I dont know why I did it, but I started scrolling through his conversation with Jenna.

It was all there. A carefully documented campaign of sabotage.

It started innocently enoughdaily updates on me and Sophie, laced with subtle digs about how I was neglecting my family. Then came the messages bragging about how attached Sophie was becoming to her. Once they were comfortable, she started asking about his finances, feigning naive curiosity.

And Mark, drunk on the praise and adoration, had forgotten his place. He told her my familys corporation was his. He complained about me, my moods, my work. And Jenna, with her gentle and understanding words, reeled him in, whispering suggestions and validations.

Even a fool could see her endgame. She wanted to be me. She was angling for the throne.

My hands shook as I used my phone to record the entire chat history. A part of me tried to rationalize it. A man can be replaced. A nanny can be fired. But a daughter a daughter is your own flesh and blood. Shes just a child, I told myself. Shes been manipulated.

I decided I would deal with Mark and Jenna later. First, I had to fix things with my daughter.

But when I walked through my front door later that day, carrying a box of her favorite cupcakes, I was greeted by a scene that burned any remaining hope to ashes.

3

I walked in to find Sophie curled up on Jennas lap.

Auntie Jenna, when are you going to marry my daddy? she asked, her voice full of childish sincerity.

Jenna bit her lip, feigning demureness. Oh, Sophie. Do you really want me to be your new mommy that much?

Sophie nodded furiously. Uh-huh! Daddy already promised hes going to divorce that old woman. As soon as theyre divorced, hes going to marry you!

Jenna cast a shy, hopeful glance at Mark, who was watching from the other end of the sofa. Is that what Daddy wants, too?

Marks expression was unreadable, a smug, ambiguous smile playing on his lips. He neither confirmed nor denied it.

Sophie scrambled off Jennas lap and started tugging on his arm. Daddy, say something! All you have to do is say yes, and Auntie Jenna will be my new mommy forever!

Just as he opened his mouth to speak, his eyes landed on me, standing frozen in the doorway. The color drained from his face. He shot up from the couch as if hed been electrocuted.

Audrey, he stammered. Youre home.

A cold smile touched my lips. Looks like Im interrupting something.

He started to make an excuse, but Sophie charged at me, her tiny fists balling up and punching my thigh. You bad woman! Dont you bully my daddy!

The pure hatred in her eyes was a physical blow. I felt my heart crack.

Just then, Jenna rose gracefully from the sofa. Audrey, youre misunderstanding, she said, her voice trembling slightly. I just feel so bad that Sophie feels neglected by her own mother. I was only trying to give her a little extra love I never thought youd take it this way. Youre so suspicious and and irresponsible. No wonder Sophie doesnt like you.

I swallowed the bitterness rising in my throat. You can drop the act, I said, my voice like ice. The day I fell, you didnt call an ambulance. That was negligence. Now youre actively trying to turn my daughter against me. You are a nanny, Jenna. And when you cross a line this egregious, you get fired.

Not only fired. I could have her blacklisted across the city. My father was the majority shareholder in the agency chain that had placed her.

But Jenna didnt flinch. She pulled Sophie into a defiant hug. Mark hired me to take care of Sophie, and she will always be my first priority, she said, her chin held high. I may just be a nanny, but you cant intimidate me. If you want to fire me, fine. But I feel sorry for Sophie, knowing shell have no one to look after her.

A single, perfect tear rolled down her cheek. She made a show of turning to leave.

NO! Sophie shrieked, launching herself at me, kicking and punching. You evil woman, you cant make Auntie Jenna leave! You should be the one to leave! I only want Auntie Jenna!

Mark finally spoke, his tone dripping with disapproval. Audrey, I hired her. Dont you think you should have consulted me before firing her?

A laugh, sharp and brittle, escaped my lips. I pay for her. Why on earth would I need your permission? He was carrying on an emotional affair with our nanny and now he had the audacity to lecture me.

I pulled out my phone, brought up the screen-recorded video of their texts, and shoved it in his face. Did you really think I didnt know, Mark? I said, my voice dangerously low. The only reason I didnt expose you sooner was to spare you some dignity in front of our daughter. But you just had to push it. I paused, letting the weight of my next words sink in. Since youre so unhappy with my decisions, how about this: we get a divorce. Then you can do whatever you want with your precious little nanny. How does that sound?

Marks face went pale. He was silent.

Jenna looked at him, her eyes wide with disbelief. Mark? Are you really going to let her send me away? I promised Sophie Id take her to see the kittens.

Sophies wails intensified. I dont want Auntie Jenna to go! Bad mommy! I hate you!

Mark shot a look at Jenna, then scooped Sophie up without another word and walked out the front door.

After Jenna left, a fragile peace settled over the house. I told myself it had all been her influence. With her gone, Sophie would eventually come back to me. Mark, for his part, blocked Jennas number in front of me and swore it would never happen again. My trust in him was nonexistent, but for Sophies sake, I decided to give him one last chance.

It was a mistake. One night, I woke up around 2 a.m. and he wasnt in bed. I found him on the balcony, his back to me, whispering into his phone.

4

In the dead of night, the voice coming through the phone was unnervingly clear. It was Jenna.

When are you going to divorce that old hag? she demanded.

Just be patient, Mark soothed. Give me a little more time.

Patient? How can I be patient? she hissed. If you dont divorce her soon, Im getting rid of this baby!

Mark glanced nervously over his shoulder. Dont say that, baby, please, he whispered urgently. I promise you, Ill handle her. Ill make this right for us.

Jenna was pregnant? With Marks child?

My world tilted on its axis. I thought, for Sophie, I could endure a broken marriage. But this they had been sleeping together all along.

And then Mark said something that shattered what was left of my reality.

Just hang on a little longer, for our son, he pleaded. Im looking for another way to get rid of her. If we divorce, Ill have to give her half the assets. I cant let that happen. Ive put up with her for this long a few more days wont kill us.

My body started to shake uncontrollably.

When I married Mark, he didnt even have enough money to buy me a ring. Id married him against my familys wishes, against all common sense. To protect his fragile ego, I let the world believe he was the provider, the breadwinner.

And now, for a nanny, he was talking about getting rid of me. Killing me.

Beside me in our bed, Sophie mumbled in her sleep. Want Auntie Jenna to be my mommy.

I didnt sleep for the rest of the night.

It was over. The husband, the daughterI had to let them both go.

I hired a private investigator to gather concrete evidence of Marks affair and to dig into Jennas background. I was preparing for war.

But before I could even launch my first attack, Jenna lost her patience and brought the battle directly to me.

5

I had taken Sophie to Marks photography studio to get a new passport photo. As we approached, I saw a small crowd gathered outside, murmuring and pointing.

In the center of it all was Jenna.

The moment she saw me, she threw herself forward and grabbed onto my legs, collapsing theatrically onto the pavement.

Audrey, please, Im begging you, let me have my job back! she wailed, her voice loud enough for everyone to hear. Im not lucky like you, married to a rich husband. My grandmother needs medicine! You cant just have the agency blacklist me over a misunderstanding!

Her voice rose to a hysterical pitch. All I did was try to help with your daughter because youre always so busy! Why are you trying to destroy my life?

She made a show of trying to bang her head on the ground. Mark, his face ashen, rushed out of the studio.

Honey, I have no idea why shes here, he stammered, desperately trying to signal for Jenna to leave with his eyes.

Jenna ignored him completely, her performance escalating. In her telling, I was a paranoid, abusive, pregnant monster. It was clear what she was doing. This wasnt about the job; it was a public spectacle designed to force Marks hand.

At this point, I had nothing left to lose.

The onlookers, however, were eating it up.

That poor girl, one woman muttered. Imagine having a mother that paranoid.

Exactly! She fires the nanny for caring too much? Thats inhuman.

How did a great guy like Mr. Henderson end up with such a shrew?

Beads of sweat formed on Marks brow. He grabbed Jennas arm. Jenna, stop this. Ill Ill talk to the agency. We can get you back to work.

I let out a sharp, derisive laugh. Mark, since when do you make the decisions in this family?

His face flushed a deep, ugly red.

Jenna, sensing a shift in power, straightened up. Mark, youre the man of the house! How can you let her talk to you like that? A woman like her doesnt deserve you.

Mark stood silent for a long moment, then his jaw clenched. He turned to me, his voice seething. Dont push it, Audrey. If Sophie knew what a tyrant you are, she would be so disappointed.

Then lets not disappoint her, I said, my voice dangerously calm. Lets get a divorce.

I knew he was trying to use our daughter as a weapon. But he had no idea that I was already done. With both of them.

His face went slack with shock. He was completely cornered. Our prenuptial agreement was ironclad; in a divorce, he would walk away with nothing. He would never risk that for Jenna. Not when he was still plotting to get my assets.

But Jenna didnt know that. She saw her chance.

Fine! Divorce her! she crowed triumphantly. Mark has been sick of you for ages! Even Sophie wants a new mother!

Mark lunged to cover her mouth, but it was too late.

I smiled, a cold, empty thing, and pulled a folded document from my purse. I threw the divorce papers at his chest.

Then sign it, I said. The daughter is yours. I dont want her.

Mark looked like he was going to be sick. But Jenna, high on her perceived victory, jumped in.

Dont you act like some kind of saint! she shrieked at me. Just three days ago, I saw you at the Grand Hyatt, all over some young guy, hugging him in the lobby! Youre the cheater! Mark should have thrown you out ages ago!

Marks head snapped up. A glimmer of hope, ugly and ravenous, lit up his eyes. Jenna, he said, his voice trembling with excitement. Are you sure? You saw her with another man? At a hotel?

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