Chapter 4 - He's Married?!

I realized early on that I would settle in to this job with little to no problems and—for the most part—I was right.

It had already been almost a week since I started the job and I was set to move in tomorrow. I couldn't hardly cover up how excited I was to start this new chapter in my life, but something still felt off. Is this too good to be true? 

I wondered that often, but I continued pushing it aside. I had to remind myself daily that just because my life up to this point was a shit hole that kept getting deeper, for some reason Mrs. Madden decided to throw me a rope. Even if this didn't last long, I could at least enjoy it until the end. 

Aside from the doubt mingling around in my head, the only other odd thing I experienced after taking the job was the slight hints of cedar wood and vanilla that wafted through the halls, especially near Mr. and Mrs. Madden's bedroom. 

I kept wanting to ask Rin's mother about it and what exactly it was that permeated the space with the smell, but I kept forgetting. . .or maybe putting it off? I wasn't sure, I just knew it smelled delectable and I wanted to find out what it was so I could fill up every single thing I owned with it. 

But, as I stood in the hallway—faint television noises playing in the background and the occasional giggle from Rin—I noticed something. 

The scent was fading.

Maybe it was a scent warmer that was running out? Or a plug in? Or maybe a reed diffuser that was out of oil? I wasn't sure. 

"Mommy!" The faint excited scream from Rin brought me back to my senses, and I even got a little excited myself at the prospect of Mrs. Madden being back. 

I had grown very fond of her as well, the way she loved and looked after Rin being something I definitely lacked in my upbringing. 

"Hey, Sweetie. How was your day with Alek?" I heard her ask as I finally got to the living room, spotting the two by the front door. 

"Fun! We colored and watched TV all day!" I laughed at how Rin jumped up and down as he recalled his day, catching the attention of Mrs. Madden. 

"Alek, Darling, have you been letting my little boy watch television all day?"

Although I could tell her tone was playful, I couldn't help but gulp and shrink back just a tad. 

"Um, well, you see. . .Rin's version of 'all day' is probably closer to two hours." 

"Oh don't fret. I'm only teasing. Whatever keeps my little bundle of sunshine happy, hm?"

I giggled in response, but the way Mrs. Madden was standing had me confused. 

"Is everything alright, Mrs. Madden?" I stepped further into the room and that's when I noticed a presence behind her. 

"Oh yes. Rinny! Your father's home!" The air escaped my lungs as who I could only assume to be Rin's father stepped out from behind Mrs. Madden. Our eyes met briefly and for a second, I forgot where we were. 

The scent of cedar wood and vanilla became stronger than ever and I hardly even registered Rin's excited squeal as he jumped up into his father's arms. 

Mr. Madden's hazel eyes shone when they landed on Rin, but the light in them dissipated when he caught my gaze again. I swallowed, unsure of what to say or do. 

When I thought about meeting my fated mate, I imagined us bumping into each other at a coffee shop or a bookstore. We would smile at each other—eyes twinkling in pure happiness—exchange our numbers and fall in love. Was that too much to ask? 

Maybe it was, because I sure as Hell did not expect to meet my fated mate at my new job as a nanny and find out he was married to my boss!

"Alek, are you alright?" Came Mrs. Madden's concerned voice. I shook myself out of my daze and snapped my eyes to her, nodding my head. 

"Yes, of course. A bit tired, I think I'll retire for the night if I'm not needed?" I bit my lip, confused as to why Mrs. Madden seemed like she knew something I didn't. 

I completely avoided Mr. Madden's eyes, staring solely at Carly as I waited for a response. 

"Of course. But first, let me formally introduce you to Rin's father. This is Rowan Madden. And Rowan, this is Aleksander Atwood, Rin's nanny." I swallowed down my nerves and took a step forward, offering my hand to Rowan for a handshake. The scent only grew stronger the closer I got to him. 

"It's nice to meet you." I mumbled, eyes locked on his chin and unwilling to move up further. 

His warmer and much bigger hand engulfed my own and the tingles that started from my fingertips spread all the way up my shoulder. I gasped. 

Quicker than what was probably deemed socially acceptable, I yanked my hand back and forced a smile. 

"You, too. Thank you for taking care of Rin." Rowan's deep voice sent shivers down my spine and I looked to the ground, trying to regain my composure. 

"Absolutely, Rin is just precious. Thanks for the opportunity, I'll be off now. Goodnight." I rushed out and hightailed it out the door with my keys, leaving my bag behind as I scrambled into my Mazda. 

I sat hunched over in the driver's seat, encircling my arms around my knees as I gulped air into my lungs. 

Oh my God! 

I just met my fated mate. . .and he's married?!

A/N~ Sorry I disappeared for a bit there with this one, but we're back! Don't know if this is any good but I've had some people asking about it so here it is! This story is gonna be pretty short and sweet so stay tuned:) 

QOTD~ What's your favorite store to shop at? Mine's Hot Topic;)