Howdy all my readers. It's been a while since I last updated I hope you all aren't too upset with me. Anyways, this chapter is really dedicated to my editorloki he did a great job fixing it for me so fast. I gave it to him recently to edit and he was done in less than a day so special thanks to him. Hope you all like and approve of the new chapter. I am going to try and finish the next chapter as quickly as possible for you all. This chapter five is much different than the original version I hope you all find it refreshing.Much love from PR! and enjoy!

Chapter 5

Serena felt as if she were a rare butterfly captured in the collector's net. She stood there frozen on the top step, cheeks flushed, as her eyes took in a handful of Darien's guests in their semi formal dress that had gathered at the base of the stairs. They gaped at her as if she were a piece of meat in a fruit basket. The women clad in plain black devoid of color while the men in their expensive dress-shirts and trousers cut from the finest cloth were both well turned-out and imposing.

Serena's cheeks flushed brightly as her eyes gazed upon her daffodil dress and in an instant the comparison made her feel more than just a little uncomfortable as opposed to the elegant designer gowns worn by the well-to-do women who silently regarded her.

She was about to make a dignified retreat to change into something more appropriate for the occasion, when an annoyingly familiar baritone voice calling her name stopped her in her tracks. Serena turned to see Darien who stood at the foot of the stairs looking as regal as ever. She knew he couldn't possibly be pleased, but honestly how was she supposed to know the occasion required everyone to be well turned out. When he had said guest, she assumed a few close friends for a casual dinner party. She did not expect something so extravagant.

Serena smiled sheepishly at her audience and with what dignity she had in tact, leisurely made her way down stairs towards Darien. Serena drew a soothing breath trying to regain whatever self-control she had left, and as politely as humanly, possible gave her reply.

"Yes, Darien," forcing her voice to a soft elegant tone while avoiding his piercing gaze.

He took her slender hand abruptly in his; they turned to face their company, and he introduced her to them all. She felt the intensity of emotion add a deeper flush to her already burning cheeks as a wave of embarrassment overwhelmed her as her eyes met the penetrating glances of Darien's guests.

"Everyone … I would like to introduce you all to my new nanny, Lillian

Thompson," he said with much aplomb. "Lillian, these are some of my business associates and their spouses." Darien glanced at Serena expectantly and she nodded then brief introductions were made.

"Now that the minor greetings have been dispensed with, why don't we all mingle, eh?"

Serena watched as the faces surrounding her seemed to recline and their postures unwound with what she swore couldn't be anything other than visible relief. Some members of the assembly sighed softly to themselves. In an instant, she was ignored completely as they continued their casual banter amongst themselves as if she were a flicker of light that had once danced atop an extinguished candle. Serena could just imagine what was running through there minds at that moment. 'Oh, now I get it, she's just another nanny.' It didn't bother her all that much, and besides, it wasn't as if she wanted to be a part of their pompous festivities. She was just there because Darien expected her to be there.

Serena decided to look for Rini as a means of entertainment, but as she was about to withdraw her hand from Darien's tight grasp, he suddenly pulled her closer to him.

"Next time I have people over for a social engagement, dress accordingly." He chastised and was about to return to entertain his guests when she in turn pulled him towards her in the same manner.

"You know what, how about next time you tell me how I am suppose to dress. Better still, you can pick out the outfit for me … and while we're at it, you can cut up my carrots and tuck me in at night. Would that appease you now?" She countered and promptly left him standing there with mouth hanging open staring after her retreating form unable to fire back an appropriate retort.

Like a sun-blessed butterfly, she fluttered her way through the maze of people to settle herself across the room, as far away from him as she could get.

Fortunately, she had found a nice secluded spot next to the door leading to the dining room. She stood there idly for a long while tapping her foot lightly against the hard wooden floor. Bored out of her mind, but wouldn't dare admit it to anyone but herself. As if on cue, she felt a faint tapping upon her left shoulder. Assuming it was one of those pompous women attempting to strike up light conversation out of pity as part of social etiquette, Serena decided to ignore them. She was convinced that after a while the poor woman would get the picture and leave her be.

Unfortunately for her, the tapping became more insistent. This person really couldn't take a hint. Serena finally turned towards the would-be intruder intending to berate them for bothering her when she clearly wasn't in the mood to idly chat. However, she was taken aback when her eyes encountered the greenest and most friendly set of eyes she had seen all night. He was quite gorgeous, and Serena thought to herself that he was more than an ideal consolation for this staid social event.

The man standing before her had sandy-blonde hair that fell charmingly over his brow and his evergreen eyes had her captivated; his face narrow and fine bone-structure was something you could only imagine in your wildest dreams. He had broad shoulders and what seemed to be a well-proportioned torso, he was nicely built and his arms seemed as if they'd been sculptured by a master craftsman.

Serena decided He was one of those eligible bachelors who assiduously worked out regularly in his spare time. He had a narrow waist and long legs reminding her of a Greek God. 'He could be a model… he probably was for all I know.' Serena mused still holding his gaze. His perfection was beginning to annoy her; She was a firm believer that it was wrong for someone to look so damn good.

"You alone?" he inquired, his deep baritone voice heightening her blood pressure and annoyance. 'Why does his voice have to be so god-damn soothing!' She asked herself.

Serena had decided to do her best to keep him from getting the better of her and refused to allow him to gain the upper hand. She was a woman and was supposed to hold all the cards, not the other way around.

"If I was with someone else, would you be over here asking that question?" She scoffed, a slight smirk forming on her supple lips. "You look intelligent enough, I would think you knew a better way to strike up a conversation," she mocked. Serena heard his deep chuckle in response.

"I guess you're right," he smiled dashingly at her as he took her hand and brought it to his lips lightly brushing them over the back of her hand. "My name is Andrew Spades; I'm the new Vice-President of Moss Inc. Darien's company."

"Ser-Lillian Thompson," Serena corrected, inwardly chastising herself for her slip of the tongue and almost revealing her identity. She looked up and noticed the confused look in his eyes. Obviously, her slip had not gone unnoticed, so she quickly changed topic. "I'm Darien's nanny … well not his nanny, he doesn't really need anyone to watch over him … obviously cause' he's an adult. I mean I watch over his daughter." Serena ranted nervously and lucky for her he laughed at her awkwardness.

"That's nice to know," he chuckled taking her hand in his then led her across the floor towards a large group of people. "Come; let's see what kind of gossip they're conjuring up shall we?"

As they went, Serena noticed Darien looking in her direction. She had also realized he wasn't alone; he had a woman on his arm. She had unnaturally red-hair and was about as skinny as a twig and almost taller than Darien himself. Her breath caught in her throat as finally the realization struck her like a bucket of ice-cold water in the face.

He had moved on. Darien had found another woman to take her place. Serena detached herself from Andrew and abruptly walked away. She strode out of the room struggling to breathe properly and angry that hot sapphire tears gathered at the corners of her eyes and threatened to fall at any moment. Andrew was about to follow, but thought better of it. She was clearly too distraught to enjoy his company; he would find and ask her later and just left her alone to deal with her feelings.

Darien too had noticed his nanny's sudden departure from the room. His eyes followed her as she made her way into the garden out back. He shook his head and resumed his conversation.

Once outdoors, Serena gasped for breath. She had no idea why she was reacting this way. Of course, Darien would move on, though she hadn't herself.

She sighed and looked into the dark night sky, a glistening silvery moon hovered over some fur trees that stood to attention beside a flagstone causeway that led to the grounds man's cottage and a little further on the lake. She waked towards the lake, caught the moon's reflection off its mirror like surface, and hugged herself before returning to the patio and sniffing some beautiful roses and this soothed her emotional tempest for the time being.

Serena began to wonder whether he and that woman were in a serious relationship or not, and knew she was only torturing herself needlessly with these thoughts. Further, more, Darien's private life wasn't any of her business, but she couldn't help it. It cut her deeply as she understood the fact she could quite easily, and most likely if not already, be replaced.

Serena felt a burst of sudden rage rise from the pit of her stomach, the unbidden feelings of anger and pain shot through her petite body like an exploding sun; it wasn't fair that she had missed so much of her daughter's life having returned only to be forced to conceal her true identity. It wasn't fair that she'd been unable to get over her ex husband when he obviously forgot her; it wasn't fair that he had put her through this in the first place, especially after finding herself placed in this situation and having to deal with all the on-going pain. Mostly, the fact she still loved him and desired to be with him added to her pathos. None of this was fair.

She wanted to hate him, but no matter how hard she tried, it was useless. He would always be her one and only. Serena's delicate crystalline eyes moistened and soon hot tears trickled down her pale cheeks. 'Why do things have to be so complicated? Why can't I just take my daughter and leave this place, never to return. Why is he putting us through this shit?' She asked herself, her face devoid of emotion except for the tears caressing her cheeks.

She was suddenly lifted out of her thoughts by the very man at the centre of her inner turmoil. She heard him call her name and hurriedly rid herself of the evidence of tears.

"Why are you out here all alone Lillian? It gets utterly cold around here during the night, you should come back inside." Darien consoled behind her. Serena steeled herself and masked her emotions.

"Sorry, I just felt like getting some fresh air; it's stuffy in there," She turned to face him. "You go ahead, I'll not be long."

Darien scoffed lightly before rebutting, "No, you should come in now; it's almost time for dinner and I have to cut your carrots. You wouldn't want my hard work to go to waste now would you?" Serena couldn't help but laugh lightly at his comment, though she didn't like his commanding attitude.

"The almighty Darien Moss, owner of a multi-million dollar company, thinks he has a sense of humour. You're funny really. Now go inside and I'll be there when I damn well feel like it."

"Just because I'm rich doesn't mean I lack a good sense of humour, and you will come in now before you catch a chill, and sick nannies don't get paid."

"Nice, just hit me where it hurts," she rolled her eyes as she walked past him. "I'm not going back inside because I care about getting sick or the money. I'm going because I feel like talking to that dashingly charming Vice President you have inside."

"You mean Andrew," he chuckled. "He's always been quite popular with the ladies; I see you're no different."

"Yeah … well better him than a boring, uptight, emotionless businessman who gets his kicks by taunting his employees." She spat back, her temper getting the better of her. Surprisingly, she was actually starting to feel better and walked away denying him the chance to defend himself and rejoined Andrew.

It wasn't long before the dinner bell rang. Serena made sure she was seated between Andrew and Rini, and not too close to Darien. Dinner was delicious; Lita had really out done herself, Serena only wished she could cook as good.

Serena, of course, was the very first to finish her meal. She felt slightly embarrassed when some of the guests looked at her as if she had three heads, but all was forgotten when Andrew began to slurp his wine in an effort to draw attention away from Serena and her eating habits. She couldn't help but flash him a thankful smile.

After Dinner, people broke into two distinct groups. The women on one side of the room to gossip while the men talked business seated around a large pool table reclining upon comfortable soft red-leather sofas as drinks and platters of food came and went with monotonous regularity.

Andrew, much to Serena's chagrin regretfully rejoined his peers leaving Serena and Rini to fend for themselves. They decided to make the best of their time together before Rini's bedtime. They decided to play with the cats on the floor in front of the fireplace; it wasn't long before Jessie interrupted their fun, informing them that it was little Rini's bedtime. With one final embrace, Rini was off to bed leaving Serena alone with the contented cats purring contentedly before the fire.

With nothing better to do, she decided to seek out Lita in the kitchen knowing she wouldn't find good company amongst Darien's friends. Lita was surprisingly glad to have Serena visit; she had made a pot of her unique home styled blend of percolated coffee. They settled down in the breakfast room to converse. So wrapped up in their conversation were they, and completely ignorant to how much time had elapsed having gone through two cups of coffee and starting there third when Darien barged in with Andrew.

"What great fortune!" Andrew announced in a jocular tone, a playful grin gracing his features, "For we have stumbled upon two lovely ladies in great need of our attentions."

"Who said we needed any kind of attention from the likes of you? Now,

aren't you quick to make assumptions Mr. Spades." Serena shot back playfully earning a giggle from Lita as Andrew chuckled good-naturedly.

Darien seemed to be the only one not enjoying the game they were playing. Andrew was just about to retort when Darien cut him off. "It's getting late; Andrew wouldn't leave before bidding you farewell," Darien turned impatiently towards Andrew. "On with it, so I can go to bed … we have a lot of work to get through in the morning."

Andrew took his cue and took her hand and kissed it as he did earlier and consequently offered Lita the same courtesy before leaving the kitchen with Darien. Serena watched them leave while silently comparing Andrew's light heartedness to Darien's ominous demeanor.

"We should head off to bed as well; I have to get up early to start breakfast and you have to occupy the little miss's time. We're both busy, so busy!" Lita said getting to her feet, bidding Serena goodnight and left the room. Serena sighed lightly before going to bed, and just her luck she had unwittingly bumped into Darien and his companion on her way up stairs. She decided it was best to ignore him, but he of course would have none of that.

"I see Andrew has taken a fancy to you … see to it that your romantic life doesn't get in the way of your work," he taunted coldly.

"Not that it's any of your business, but I can assure you it won't. I think you should spend less time worrying about my love life and focus on your own, Sir."

"What are you trying to imply, Lillian?"

"Oh, nothing at all, Sir, I was simply … making a comment."

"I've told you repeatedly to address me as Darien, and that Lillian, wasn't just a innocuous comment, you were clearly trying to imply something. Please share your thoughts with me." He bit through clenched teeth his temper getting the better of him.

"I was saying you ought to focus more on the little red head than stick your nose into my private business. Oh, and by the way, she seemed a little bored if you ask me."

Darien snarled, "And how did you arrive at that momentous deduction may I ask."

"Well, due to the simple fact this if anyone was to stand next to you of all people all night would bore anyone to distraction, Sir." Serena shot back and quickly rushed past him to seek sanctuary within her room, but her escape promptly thwarted by Darien's firm grip on her upper arm.

"You know what Lillian … you have a real penchant for insulting your employer then scurrying away like a frightened rabbit. I simply cannot accept that," he muttered menacingly, Serena bit back the temptation to scoff. "I will not tolerate this Lillian, and it must come to an end as of now. Also, I forbid you from having any kind of romantic relationship with my colleagues or staff, are we clear?" Serena hesitated before nodding stubbornly. What she really wanted to do was tell him off, but knew he meant business. He would fire her if she continued to test his patience, and she couldn't afford to lose her job just yet. She needed more time with Rini before telling her daughter the truth. Serena was about to turn and leave when he caught her attention one last time that night.

"I'll also have you know and assure you that any woman in my company 'all night long' is anything but bored, quite the opposite actually. You can ask Anne yourself."

Serena's eyes blazed dangerously and she knew this taunt would break her resolve and couldn't let him get away with that comment. "I wouldn't be so sure of that as I recall your wife left you … hmm I wonder why." She new she hit a raw nerve when his face paled at the mention of his ex wife, who was technically none-other than her good self. Despite the fact, she knew full well Darien was a man who never left a woman wanting, and she was never bored in his company.

She prepared herself for the tirade she thought inevitable and the consequences of her remark. She shut her eyes, too afraid to look at him, but when the storm failed to break, she opened them, and was shocked to see him walking silently away towards his room. He left her standing in the hall feeling utterly alone and guilt ridden.

She berated herself, believing she shouldn't be experiencing feeling of guilt. 'He was being a prick and deserved it. Actually, he deserved worse for what he put me through … Jesus, it's no use …' her thoughts trailed off into a torpor of emotional tumult. No matter how many times she tried to convince herself he was a malicious ogre not worth her love, she would always willingly give it to him no matter how badly she thought of him. Serena knew with unshakable conviction that if he approached her one-day, apologized wholeheartedly and opened his arms to her; she would gladly run into them. Serena was angry, yes, but her love for him was stronger than all else. All she could do was hope that day never came. However, if it did eventuate, she could leave here in peace with her daughter and never take so much as a glance back over her shoulder. His heart may be as cold as ice, his disposition indifferent to her, but the warmth within her heart and this heart would always beat for him.

She thought back to his words; he had confirmed it. Darien Moss had moved on, though it was likely to have been many other women in his life since their shattered marriage. She felt utterly pathetic at that moment. What was she thinking; for she knew, he would never apologize or want her back in his life. 'He had Anne, didn't he?' she thought angrily. There was nothing to worry about; Serena would steal her emotions for a little while longer until it was time to leave. It would all work out in her favour, and besides, He didn't love her despite the fact she loved him, but she wouldn't be left alone anymore, for Rini would love her and be with her and of this, she was sure. All she needed was a little more time. 'This will all end in my

favour … right?' she asked herself before sleep claimed her within its velvety blanket of tranquility and the world of dreams.