Chapter 1 - The Departure
“What do you think you’re doing?” Ethan Cole froze in the doorway of his bedroom. His travel-wrinkled suit hung on him as his briefcase hit the floor.
On his bed was Naomi Brooks, the housekeeper — and beside her, his three triplets, fast asleep.
Six months. Six months without real rest.
Naomi met his gaze calmly.
“I can explain, Mr. Cole.”
“You’re done here,” Ethan said coolly. “Pack your things and leave.”
She didn’t argue. Slowly, carefully, she slipped away from the children. She gently smoothed Leo’s hair, tucked the blanket up around Micah, and whispered something to Oliver that Ethan couldn’t make out.
Then she walked past him, barefoot, composed.
In the hallway, Mrs. Alvarez stopped when she saw Naomi.
“Miss Brooks…”
“It’s alright,” Naomi said quietly. “Goodbye.”
Moments later, she was gone — out into the quiet streets of Southside Chicago.
Ethan went back into the room, his heart pounding. The children hadn’t stirred. He leaned in closer.
They were sleeping.
Not restless. Not crying. Sleeping.
Twenty-three nannies had failed. So had doctors, therapists, and specialists from Lakeshore Children’s Hospital.
May you like
And yet Naomi Brooks — quiet, almost unnoticed — had managed it.
Then Ethan noticed a folded note on the nightstand.
