Page 12 of The Widower
“Okay, lady.”
Joshua had no idea how hard that would actually be. But I was determined not to lose this job—no matter how much I’d have to endure every time I came face-to-face with Colin.
CHAPTER 4
“Some hearts open when we least expect them to…”
ISABELLE CAMPBELL
Yesterday marked a full week since I started working there.
I hadn’t had any problems since the whole “late arrival” incident—mostly because I hadn’t seen Colin much. And on the rare occasions we crossed paths, he didn’t say a single word to me.
I still said good morning whenever I saw him, but he just ignored me every time. Not my fault I was raised to be polite, even to people who clearly don’t deserve it.
That morning, I woke up earlier than usual. My mom was on the phone, talking to one of the women she worked for. I could tell something was wrong the moment I saw her face—there was a hint of worry in her expression.
“What happened, Mom?”
“There’s been a change of plans.I can’t take Hanna with me to work today.”
Panic hit me instantly. Taking Hanna with me was completely out of the question—one more warning from Colin and I was done for.
“I’m sorry, sweetheart.”
“I’ll figure something out.”I smiled, trying to hide the knot forming in my chest.
I ran through my mental list of options, and guess what? There weren’t any.
Lauren, my best friend, was working, and aside from her and my mom, there was literally no one I trusted to watch Hanna. I’m not exactly the type who hands her kid over to just anyone.
Perfect. Just perfect.
“It’s fine, Isabelle,” I muttered under my breath, taking a deep breath to calm myself.
I walked into my daughter’s room and found her still sound asleep, her face peaceful and soft.
“I wish I had that kind of peace,” I whispered, standing there for a few seconds just watching her.
It’s amazing—and a little terrifying—how fast kids grow up. One minute they’re babies, and the next they’re five years old.
Since her preschool was on break, we’d been juggling things as best we could. I didn’t complain; it was just part of being a mom. But today… today was going to be tricky.
I gently woke Hanna, who was still half asleep.
“I’ve got some news: you’re coming to work with me today, sweetheart.” I kissed her forehead.
“Is where you work cool?” she mumbled, eyes still closed.
“Very.”
“Okay, Mommy.”
Once we finished getting ready and I’d helped her with breakfast, we headed off to Colin’s mansion.
My first move when I got to the mansion was to find Helen.Maybe she could save me—or not.
“Do you think I could, uh… hide my daughter somewhere in the house?” I asked quietly.
