Chapter 28

I watched Tara settle into her new role as a nanny, her gentle touch with Lucian warming my heart. But my mind remained cautious.

Why did she accept this job so readily? She was calm and excited, but every time I looked in her eyes, I saw a hint of pain.

Was she hiding something? I can't afford to let something happen to my child, or at least I can't completely trust her, especially when I know she's a prostitute.

I installed CCTV cameras throughout the house, ensuring I could monitor her every move. I felt a bit unsure at a point, but I did it anyway.

Tara's routines became predictable: caring for Lucian, exploring the gardens, and reading in the library. She seems innocent and loyal.

Yet, I sensed a depth to her, a complexity she kept hidden. Her actions are always so weird.

One evening, as I observed her reading, I noticed her gaze drifting to Lucian's photos.

Her eyes softened, and a whisper escaped her lips.

"Mine." And then she cracked a sad smile.

My heart skipped a beat. Did I hear correctly, or did she suspect Lucian's true parentage?

I rewound the footage, analysing every frame. To confirm everything all over again.

Tara's expression revealed a deep longing. As if she has lost something dear to her, and every time she looks at Lucian, she's reminded of it.

Is she longing for the child?

Or something more?

Intrigued, I decided to test her. I will make my judgement after.

Tara's bond with Lucian strengthened, and I realised that I'm getting closer to Tara by the second.

She sang lullabies, played peek-a-boo, and soothed his cries from across the room. But I remained vigilant; I can't let my guard down.

"Gaston, may I ask something?" Tara said while I was reading through some documents.

"Of course," I replied; my tone is neutral.

"May I take Lucian for a walk in the gardens?" She asked out of the blue.

I hesitated, studying her. She plays with her fingers as her gaze is fixed down.

"Why?"

Tara's smile faltered. "I just... wanted him to enjoy the amazing view in the garden."

She sounds very suspicious, so I'm going to keep a close eye on her.

"Alright, just take good care of him, and I won't regret it." I granted her wish, and she smiled.

I watched her leave with Lucian so happy, and I felt rest assured.

In the evening, while reviewing the CCTV footage, I noticed Tara's peculiar behaviour. I squinted my eyes as I watched her carefully.

She'd enter Lucian's nursery, gaze at him with an intense longing, and whisper.

"Mine."

My curiosity piqued, I decided to confront her. She's not behaving normally; why would she call my child hers?

I immediately left my room and went to meet her instantly.

"Tara, may I ask you something?" I said, standing in the nursery doorway.

She startled, her eyes darting to Lucian.

"Yes, Gaston?"

"Why do you keep saying 'mine' when you look at Lucian?" I was straightforward.

Tara's cheeks flushed.

"I...I don't know what you're talking about."

I raised an eyebrow.

"Don't lie to me, Tara. I've seen the footage." She was surprised to hear that she had been on camera all this while and she had no clue.

Her eyes dropped, and she whispered.

"Because...he feels like...mine."

My heart skipped a beat. Huh?

"What do you mean?" I questioned.

Tara's gaze met mine, filled with deep sadness.

"I lost a child...recently. And Lucian...he reminds me of my baby I lost."

My resolve crumbled. Wait, Tara was pregnant before? And I have slept with her before? Could it be? No, no, no, it can't be mine. She claims that her child died, so definitely Lucian is not hers.

But at the same time, if I didn't see Lucian earlier, he was meant to be killed. God forbid it.

"Tara, may I ask who your child's father is?"

She looked at me with an expression mixed with anger and disgust.

"I am not a cheap woman; I am loyal to my husband... well, my ex-husband. The baby was for my husband, but before I could even get to see him, I was told my child died prematurely." The last part came out more as a heartbreaking whisper.

Wait, she was married? And she claims to be loyal, then why did her brother, Chad, allow her to spend the night with another man or call her a prostitute? Did the man lie to me, or is Tara the one lying? Although Tara's story sounds true, I find it hard to believe.

"I must ask, what's your ex-husband's name?"

She looked at me. "I'd prefer it if you didn't ask me."

"I just want to confirm something."

She eyed me suspiciously.

"But what is there to confirm, Gaston?"

I can't tell her anything yet; I must confirm everything first.

"You're my child's caretaker."

"My past life has nothing to do with my current job. I really don't want to talk about my husband, so please don't bring up this topic again," she said.

I nodded, my mind reeling.

Was Tara telling the truth?

Or was this a clever manipulation?

I studied Tara's face, searching for deception.

But her eyes held only sorrow.

"I understand," I said finally. "You may continue caring for Lucian."

Tara's relief was palpable.

"Thank you, Gaston."

As she returned to Lucian's side, I couldn't shake off the feeling.

That Tara's past was more complex.

Then I initially thought.

Days passed, and Tara's bond with Lucian grew stronger, and from what I've seen from the CCTV camera, her loving relationship with Lucian was genuine. She doesn't look like a person that will hurt a fly, much less try to execute my child, so what drove her into prostitution?

I noticed subtle changes. In her demeanour. A quiet confidence emerged. A sense of belonging. As if she'd found something. She thought it was lost forever.

As I watched Tara read to Lucian, I realised my own feelings. Had shifted. From suspicion. To curiosity. To something more, but I couldn't afford to let my guard down—not yet.

She's innocent...

My wolf whispers.