Hello All My Fans! I hope you didn't wait too long for this chapter. You know how things are delays happen. Anyways I am working now and the chapter that goes after this. I am really liking where this story is going and I hope that you all feel the same way. I thank you for all the support it means a lot. And I would also like to thank my editor he was a busy and took the time to edit this when he could and for that I thank him well enjoy and thank for reading.

Chapter 4

After the conclusion of their somewhat silent breakfast, Darien kissed his daughter upon the cheek before turning to leave, offering Serena a slight nod before vanishing through the door and promptly exited the house at his usual time in the usual way.

Serena sighed with relief, instantly regaining her appetite and helped herself to a large serving of pancakes and fruit. She ate breakfast with relish; rapidly demolishing her stack of delicious pancakes before turning her attention to the platter filled with fresh fruit much to Rini's delight. The adorable little girl was impressed by Serena's incredible appetite. She giggled at the cute expression upon Serena's face as she stuffed herself with scrumptious breakfast fare closing her eyes in a state of rapturous bliss. When next Rini dared chance another glance, Serena had finished her breakfast and was pouring herself a second cup of freshly brewed coffee, adding a huge dollop of cream to the steaming mug.

Serena ruffled the little girl's hair as two large orbs filled with wonder stared as she continued to drink her coffee. Serena's thoughts turned to Darien, at that moment; she didn't want or need an informal arrangement as far as the lord of the manner was concerned. All was right with her world and it was enough having their relationship on a strictly business footing, for to have it otherwise might cause her heart to cave in. He might have been cold hearted and selfish by nature, but for Serena, it was something of an internal struggle to balance her resolve with those deep-seated feelings for this implacable paranoid man she still loved. On too many occasions, she had to convince herself not to pour out her heart to him and ask why he couldn't love her the way she so desperately loved him. The only solution was to steel her emotions when around him, and that was a difficult task in itself. At times, her body would betray her making her wince whenever he cut through her resolve and caught her off guard.

Shrugging, she consoled herself with the thought that soon she'd be in a position to leave this place behind with everything she'd ever need. By reclaiming her daughter and to finally be rid of Darien's presence in her life was Serena's primary objective; she had to focus on that at all times.

She then turned to Rini, examining her features closely. She just couldn't get enough of that sweet innocent face as she continued to stare at her. The resemblance obvious to anyone with a keen eye, it amazed Serena how quickly all her parental instincts kicked in and consumed her whenever in the little girl's presence. Rini was so beautiful, her frilly pink dress with its soft white ruffled bodice, hot pink bow in her hair and cute kitten motifs covering the wide hem of the dress were gorgeous. At that moment, she could have swept her up into her arms and hugged her. Serena loved her little girl so much, for at that moment nothing else mattered.

"Well darling, what is it you wish to do first? I am at your mercy and yours alone." Serena said to her daughter lightheartedly.

Rini beamed at her quickly taking Serena's larger hand into her smaller one. She stood and led the way towards her playroom.

They played with her Barbie's for the rest of the morning, Serena telling stories of long ago that were filled with magic and wonder. Gleeful squeals and laughter could be heard from behind the nursery's closed doors. They were spending quality time with one another and having the time of their lives.

Serena checked her wristwatch; it was fast approaching lunchtime. She decided the day was too splendid to be missed, and she put a proposition to her charge.

"Rini, the sun is shining brightly outside; its so beautiful outdoors, the flowers, birds and the sky, how about you and I go out for a picnic. I couldn't help but notice that large lake you have out back. We could go tadpole hunting after lunch and spend the rest of the day outdoors. How would you like that?" Serena inquired kneeling before her daughter so their eyes were level as they gazed freely into each other's glistening orbs.

"Really, I've never gone tadpole hunting before, do they bite?" Rini exclaimed bubbling with excitement. Serena giggled lightly at the question she'd been asked.

"No they don't bite, darling, they're no bigger than half your pinky," she said wiggling Rini's little finger making her giggle.

"I've never been on a picnic before … all my other nannies would never play with me all that much, they would just sit in a chair and watch me all the time making a heap of stupid rules." Rini explained as her little face scrunched up almost making Serena giggle.

"I have rules as well you know, honey, but they're not stupid ones."

"What kind, I might have trouble remembering them if you make too many rules."

"Number one, we always have lots of fun," Serena tickled the little girl and took pleasure in Rini's squeals of glee then continued her recitation.

"Number two, you must do as I say, Rini; you're my responsibility, so when I say, no, then I mean, NO," she said with emphasis careful to smile after each statement. "The third, I want you to follow, never wander off when you're with me; always stay close, like glue. I want you to follow my rules as you would your father. So if you want do something he would never let you do then don't do it with me, okay baby."

"Okay, can we go now?" Rini asked and Serena chuckled then left the room hand in hand. She asked Rini to show her where the kitchen was located; Rini officiating as tour guide showed her the way and introduced her to the resident chef, Lita. Serena and the tall brunette got along famously right off the bat. She was more than happy to prepare delicious picnic lunch for them as all three cheerfully made macaroni cheese with mash potatoes, hotdogs and sliced fruit for dessert glazed with Lita's special honey sauce.

Serena tried to persuade Lita to join them, but she politely declined explaining she was preparing dinner and wished them a pleasant outing.

Serena and her daughter were on their way out when Jessie appeared as if out of nowhere with a somewhat stern look upon her face. "May I ask where you two think you're going?" She asked stopping before them with arms folded over her chest.

"Oh, we've decided to have a picnic outside; it's such a nice day." Serena replied cheerfully as she tried to move past Jessie, but once again, she interrupted Serena.

"I'm sorry, Lily, but unless one of Darien's employees accompanies you I can't allow you to leave the house with Rini. You understand; this is for her safety until trust can be established between you and the master. He was this way with all his previous employees." Serena stared at her as if she were insane, "but we're only going into the back yard to sit by the lake, it isn't as if we wish to leave the premises. We're still on the grounds."

"I'm sorry, miss, but I still can't permit you to leave this house with Rini without trusted staff accompanying you." Her gaze meeting hers, Serena noticed the sympathetic look in her eyes, but stood her ground continuing to block their way. Serena ran a frustrated hand through her hair. She could feel Rini's hand shaking in her own. Serena could tell she was on the verge of tears.

'My first day with her and I have already disappointed her with empty promises.' Serena thought to herself and the tears were breaking her heart. She quickly knelt before the sweet sad face and held out her arms encasing her daughter in her arms. She hushed away her child's tears lending what comfort she could, brushing the tears away with the pads of her thumbs.

At that moment, Serena thanked the gods, for her savior had just walked into the room.

Diamond approached the small gathering and asked why the little one was crying. Serena desperately explained the situation to him, forcing her eyes to be as large and pleading as possible; he sympathized and told Jessie he would accompany them on their picnic.

Rini had snuggled her head into the crook of Serena's shoulder, but upon Diamond's welcome words, her head shot up and the little girl shrieked with delight as Serena took her proffered hand and they left the house behind them. Diamond had saved Rini from unnecessary heartbreak; Darien's rules were in this instance overly protective and a little common sense would have spared Rini's momentary discomfort. Serena was most grateful for this last minute reprieve, but just the same, the indignation of this requirement was both extreme and humiliating. Serena understood the need to be mindful of the child's safety and well being, but couldn't understand his paranoia.

Serena considered such excesses rather redundant, but decided to not allow that fact to tarnish their afternoon's festivities and kept her own council.

They ate their fill, for there was more than enough food for everyone. They shared light conversation filled with good-humor; the atmosphere of joviality continued until the last morsel was consumed. As promised, they visited the lake using empty plastic cups to seek out tadpoles or whatever else they could find.

Rini would occasionally run ahead of Serena and Diamond, who kept Rini well in their sights as they jogged companionably along the shore stopping after catching up with Rini and all three engaged in water play as they splashed each other with the lake's chilly water.

After several hours, they were exhausted from their fun-filled frolic and decided to rest upon the grass and absorb the sun's warmth, and that's how they were found a few hours later oblivious to how late it had become until they'd noticed the sun slowly descend into a blanket of cloud upon the horizon. Diamond and Serena admired the sun's glorious corona as soft lavender light encircled the bright magenta sphere as it slowly dissolved into dusk. They burst into fits of laughter due to their inattention to the fact the sun was setting. 'What kind of person fails to notice such a stunning sunset?' Serena asked herself. The sound of laughter caught Darien's attention while walking through the rose garden. They were teasing one another and laughing uproariously and this was how he found them as they sat in a circle upon the grass. He moved in their direction, his stoic mask firmly in place. Darien's resonant voice assumed an austere tone interrupting their fun and promptly startling the revelers.

"Rini, you've been neglecting your duties; you were supposed to be bathed an hour ago."

"Sorry dad, we didn't realize how late it was." Rini giggled as she jumped to her feet and ran to her father. Darien swooped down, picked her up in a single moment, and in his powerful embrace smothered her with affection. Serena noticed how his facial features softened whenever his daughter was with him.

"Yes, well it is rather late as I'm sure you've forgotten. I will have guests arriving soon. So make haste and get cleaned up." Darien scolded, and then set Rini down gently and she ran inside.

Diamond stood up and dusted himself off. "Well then, I guess I'll be taking my leave, mister Moss," he said rather timidly. He turned towards Serena and kissed her cheek in a polite manner taking her slightly aback. Serena shook her head as she watched him walk towards the estate before considering Darien worthy of her complete attention.

She looked up at him and noticed his intense stare. She lifted a delicate bow questionably. "Had I known you were entertaining guests tonight I would have kept an eye on the time." Serena remarked as she struggled to her feet receiving no response, but his deep stare hadn't abated.

"Well I'll go make myself useful with Rini up stairs." Serena added awkwardly as she moved past him, and almost got away without incident until she felt the tug on her wrist. Bewildered, she turned and stared at a muscular hand encircling her small wrist. Her eyes slowly swept over his impressive build and then their eyes met.

"Don't bother with Rini, focus on getting yourself ready. I will not have my guest see you in this unsuitable attire." He told her, his voice somewhat detached as he let her wrist slip from his fingers. He turned away as if he couldn't bear to look into her eyes any longer; this left Serena confused. 'Why would he turn away like that with a wounded expression on his face?' She almost asked him, but wisely decided against it. It wasn't her place, nor was it her business. At least not anymore now that they were separated and he remained in the dark as to her identity. No, she wouldn't complicate matters by getting involved in his personal affairs. Therefore, she returned to the house ignoring the nagging feeling that he was watching her go as if trying to memorize her every movement.

She entered her bedroom, stood before her full-length mirror, and let her hair flow luxuriantly down her back enjoying the sensation against her fingers as they moved through its thick silky locks. She took a deep breath and sighed before undressing, showering and then changed into a knee-length light daffodil yellow spring dress and slipped on a pair of pastel-pink flip-flops. Her hair was still wet from the shower, and after Serena finished dressing, she rushed downstairs to join Rini and Darien's guest downstairs. She had heard the doorbell ring several times while she was getting ready. After checking her daughter's room and finding it empty, she assumed Rini was already downstairs.

Serena casually glided down the soft carpeted steps and almost immediately regretted it…