Chapter 3

The three of them were chatting animatedly, and it wasn't until they reached the living room that they noticed the presence of a fourth person.

"Long time no see, Skylar. Here's a check for a hundred thousand dollars, a thank you for taking such good care of Julian and Leo these past few years."

With that, Chloe pulled a check from her purse and offered it to me.

I didn't take it. I sat there because I wanted to know if, after all these years, I was still nothing more than a caregiver in their hearts.

If so, then why had they said all those things that made me dream?

I looked up at the two men standing not far away, but they wouldn't even spare me a glance.

Their attention was entirely fixed on Chloe.

Perhaps, the answer was already clear, wasn't it?

I stood up, my voice flat.

"It was just part of my job. Ms. Hayes, there's no need for this."

Seeing my reaction, Chloe didn't say anything more and withdrew the check.

"Since that's the case, let me just add a few words. The Harrison family has strict rules. Now that Julian and Leo are back managing the company, there will inevitably be guests coming and going.

Skylar, you'd best not make the mistake of sitting on the main sofa a second time, lest someone see you."

"I'm just giving you friendly advice. I'd hate for you to live here so long you start thinking you're the lady of the house and behave improperly."

She finished, then turned to Julian and asked:

"Right, Julian?"

Julian smiled at her indulgently, his voice soft:

"Whatever my Chloe says."

When I heard his reply, my eyes welled up slightly.

Before, I took care of their daily needs and meals.

No matter how tired I was, I always stuck to the rules, never eating or sitting with them.

Only when they rested in the afternoon would I doze off, slumped at the dining table.

Over time, I developed chronic back pain.

Once, I fell asleep at the table, groggy from exhaustion, and didn't even realize Julian had moved me to the sofa.

When I woke up and felt the soft comfort beneath me, I immediately panicked, ready to apologize.

But Julian's voice was gentle as he told me:

"It's just the three of us here. You can think of this as your home."

I quickly tried to refuse, saying it wasn't my place to presume. But Julian replied, sounding troubled:

"If you don't agree, I'll just have to drag these useless legs and carry you here myself every time."

That day, I felt warmth.

And today, I clearly saw reality again.

I forced a bitter smile, my voice low as I responded:

"I'm sorry. I'll be more mindful of my behavior from now on, and it won't happen again."

My feet felt like lead as I turned to leave, and tears flowed uncontrollably.

Back in my room, I took out my phone and booked a flight to Switzerland.

Seven days later, the person walking out of the Harrison family home would be a new me, starting fresh.