Three days to go.

I repeat the words as I walk, still preoccupied with a possible pregnancy even as I prepare to plead Cora's case with Dominic Sinclair. It's a coping mechanism: I need a comforting thought to face begging him to save her job.

His bodyguards spot me, their mouths moving as I approach, undoubtedly alerting him. Approaching nervously, I wonder, for the hundredth time, if this is a mistake. Who am I to ask a favor of one of the world's most powerful men? Shaking off my doubts, I tell myself this is for Cora. I may not be brave for myself, but I will be for her.

"Mr. Sinclair?" I ask hesitantly, my heart pounding.

He turns, gazing imperiously down at me. "Yes?"

"I'm Ella Reina, I nanny for Jake and Millie Graves," I begin, gnawing my lip.

His dark eyes fix on my mouth, and I feel like a frightened rabbit before a wolf. "I know who you are, Ella." The sound of my name, spoken with such purpose, sends a shiver down my spine.

"Oh… well, I'm friends with Dr. Cora Daniels…" His expression hardens; some unidentified emotion flashes in his eyes.

"She told me she's in trouble at work, and I know you're a bank donor," I improvise. "I don't know what she's accused of, but I'm sure she's innocent. She takes her job seriously and would never risk her career."

"And what do you expect me to do about it?" Dominic asks ominously. His disbelief is evident in his body language; his anger vibrates in the air.

"I just hoped… that if you had any influence, you might put in a good word for her." Shame floods my cheeks. My attempt feels feeble, but I don't know how else to approach this delicate situation. I don't want to get Cora into more trouble.

His jaw tightens. The voice in my head urges me to flee. "From what I've heard, your friend made a serious mistake, and the consequences are appropriate. She should take responsibility, not send you to do her dirty work."

"She—she doesn't even know I'm here! I swear!" I plead.

"I've said all I'm going to say," Dominic declares, turning and striding into his house. The door slams shut.

"You need to leave, miss," one of the men announces sharply.

"I can't," I moan. "He has to understand! She's going to lose everything!"

"We're not going to ask again," a second guard growls.

"Please, she's innocent!" I beg. Before I can continue, they grab my arms and start to lead me away. Desperate, I dig in my heels, deciding my dignity is worth Cora's future. "Please, let me speak to Mr. Sinclair."

"You already have," the first guard grumbles. "And frankly, you're lucky he was as generous as he was. Your friend clearly told you things she shouldn't have."

They throw me onto the sidewalk, causing me to fall. The gates slam shut, and I slink away, tears stinging my eyes.

This was only the beginning. The next day, my keys didn't work. I knocked, confused, and Jake and Millie's furious mother opened the door.

"My keys aren't working," I say, noticing her glare.

"They're not supposed to," she replies coldly. "Your services are no longer required."

"You're firing me?" I squeak. "Why?"

"We got a call from the neighbors," she explains haughtily. "Apparently, you let Jake run into the road, almost getting hit by a car! And yesterday, you made a fool of yourself at Dominic Sinclair's—his bodyguards had to remove you."

"That's not fair! That's not what happened!" I plead. "Jake threw his toy into the road; I didn't let him. And Mr. Sinclair was a misunderstanding."

"I don't want to hear it," she hisses. "Leave before I call the police."

"Can I say goodbye to the kids?" I ask, praying for this kindness.

"I'm dialing," she says, pulling out her phone.

"No!" I raise my hands. "Okay, I'll go."

Again, I retreat through the neighborhood, tears streaming down my face. Losing my job hurts, but not seeing Jake and Millie one last time hurts more. Their mother will surely tell them lies, despite my two years of loving care.

Dominic Sinclair is responsible. I don't believe the neighbors' story. He punished me, just as he's punishing Cora. Fury consumes me. I wish I could punish him. It's unlike me to be vindictive, but my life is falling apart, and it's partly his fault.

I spent all my money on the insemination.