The week went by faster than Kimberly expected. Every hour felt like a blur calls, fittings, and endless meetings her father had arranged without asking what she wanted. By Friday morning, the mansion was filled with decorators and event planners, moving up and down like bees in a hive. Her father had already approved the wedding invitation design, the cake, and even the honeymoon destination. All she had to do, apparently, was "show up and smile."
Kimberly sat in her room, staring blankly at her phone, her chest heavy. The whole wedding felt like a show she didn't sign up for. The more her father pushed, the more she felt trapped. She needed air and peace. That's when she thought of her.
Nanny Mila.
Without thinking twice, she grabbed her car keys and called Roy. "Drive me to Nanny Mila's," she said softly.
He didn't ask questions, just nodded and opened the car door for her like always. The ride there was quiet. Kimberly kept looking out the window, watching the world blur by. The mansion walls had felt suffocating, but the thought of seeing Nanny Mila the woman who raised her, comforted her, and loved her like a mother brought a small smile to her face.
When the car finally stopped in front of the small, cozy house at the edge of town, she felt warmth before even stepping out. Nanny Mila's little garden was still the same — bright flowers, clay pots, and that old swing under the mango tree.
"Nanny!" Kimberly called as she stepped in.
The door opened, and Nanny Mila's wrinkled but kind face appeared, glowing with joy. Kimberly ran to her and hugged her tightly, burying her face in her shoulder.
"Nanny, I miss you," she said, her voice breaking like a little girl's.
"I miss you too, child," Nanny Mila replied, hugging her even tighter. Then she pulled back slightly and studied her face. "Haven't you been eating? You look so thin!"
Kimberly laughed weakly. "That's because I miss your cooking," she said, sniffing the air playfully. "Wait… is that my favorite food I'm smelling?"
Nanny Mila smiled knowingly. "Yes, child. As soon as you told me you were coming, I started preparing it. None of those fancy maids can make it the way you like."
"That's because you're my Nanny Mila," Kimberly teased.
They both laughed. For the first time in weeks, Kimberly's laughter was real.
Soon, Nanny Mila returned with a steaming plate of creamy fettuccine Alfredo with grilled shrimp and garlic bread on the side. Kimberly's eyes lit up as she took her first bite. The rich, buttery sauce melted on her tongue, and for a moment, it felt like every worry disappeared "Mmm, this is heaven," she said, her voice filled with joy.
But as Nanny Mila sat down across from her, her expression softened. "Child, are you happy?" she asked quietly.
The question hit Kimberly like a brick. Her fork froze midair.
She swallowed hard, her eyes glistening. "No, Nanny," she whispered. "I'm not."
Tears filled her eyes before she could stop them. "I don't love him, Nanny. He's not the kind of man I want. I tried to tell Father, but he wouldn't listen."
She bit her lower lip, holding back sobs, but the dam broke. Tears streamed down her face as she cried uncontrollably.
Nanny Mila moved closer, wrapping her arms around her. "It's okay to cry, dear. Let it out," she said softly, patting her back.
Kimberly buried her face in her shoulder and cried like a child — all the pain, all the pressure, all the exhaustion poured out. For once, she didn't have to pretend to be strong.
After a while, she wiped her tears and forced a smile. "Thank you, Nanny."
"Poor child," Nanny Mila murmured, watching her with love.
Kimberly stood up, carrying her plate to the sink. "I'll wash this, Nanny."
"You don't have to, child," she said gently.
"It's fine, Nanny. Let me do it. Just sit."
Nanny Mila sighed, watching her from the chair. She's doing her best to be okay, she thought silently, her heart aching for the girl she had raised.
When Kimberly was done, she dried her hands and turned around. "Nanny, I'll be going now. I… I need to go pick my wedding dress," she said, the words sounding heavy on her tongue.
Nanny Mila walked up to her, cupping her face in her hands. "Okay, child. Remember, follow your heart. You deserve to be happy." She kissed her forehead and smiled.
"I will, Nanny," Kimberly said softly and walked out to meet Roy waiting outside.
---
The ride to the designer's shop was quiet again. Roy noticed how distant she looked, her eyes dull and tired. When they arrived, the receptionist welcomed them with a bright smile. "Miss Hayes! We've been expecting you."
Inside, the boutique sparkled with chandeliers and soft music. Dozens of wedding gowns lined the racks — satin, silk, lace, pearls — each one more beautiful than the last.
Kimberly tried on several dresses, but none felt right. Some were too tight, others too plain. She looked at herself in the mirror, but she couldn't see a happy bride — only a woman pretending.
"None of these suit me," she muttered, frustrated.
Roy, who had been sitting quietly, stood up and walked over to a corner where a dress was displayed on a mannequin. It was a sleeveless ball gown covered in delicate diamond patterns that shimmered under the light.
"What about this one?" he asked softly.
Kimberly turned to look and paused. Something about the dress drew her in lelegant, bold, and beautiful.
"Let me try it," she said quietly.
She took the dress and went into the dressing room. The moment she slipped into it, she felt… different. The fabric hugged her perfectly, and the diamonds caught the light like stars.
When she stepped out, Roy froze. His breath hitched, his eyes locked on her. She looked breathtaking like a queen wrapped in light.
For a moment, neither of them spoke. Kimberly looked at herself in the mirror and then at Roy. "Does it look good on me?" she asked softly.
He didn't respond. He just kept staring until she tapped his arm lightly.
"You look… beautiful," he said finally, his voice low and sincere.
She smiled faintly. "You think so?"
"I know so."
He walked closer, placing his hands gently on her waist. She was backing him, and he rested his chin on her shoulder, their reflection filling the mirror. "You look gorgeous, Kimb," he whispered, his breath warm against her neck.
A shiver ran down her spine. Her heart beat faster as the memory of that night the night they kissed came rushing back. She turned slowly, facing him this time. Their eyes met, and before she could stop herself, he leaned in and kissed her.
It wasn't rough or rushed. It was gentle, a kiss filled with everything they had been holding back. Tears slid down Kimberly's cheeks as she kissed him back, her heart finally admitting what her mind had been denying.
She had fallen for him. Completely.
But the moment shattered as a familiar voice echoed behind them.
"Kimberly! What the hell is this?!"
They froze.
Kelvin stood by the doorway, his face twisted with anger, his eyes blazing with jealousy.
Kimberly's heart dropped to her stomach. Roy immediately stepped back, his face unreadable.
"Kelvin, I.." she tried to speak, but words failed her.
He took a step forward, pointing at Roy. "You're kissing your bodyguard now?" he shouted.
Kimberly stood still, her mind spinning, tears still glistening on her face. The air in the room grew thick with tension. She knew things would never be the same again.