~ FIRST BONDS AND BOUNDARIES ~

The grand office was quieter than the chaos of the morning. Richard had left for an important meeting, leaving the massive space to Isabella, who was still shaken by the sight of the three lively little boys.

Daniel leaned against his desk, arms crossed, a grin playing on his face. “So… you’ve met the trio,” he said, gesturing toward the playroom door. “What do you think?”

Isabella’s eyes were wide. “I… they’re adorable! But… who are they exactly?”

Daniel chuckled, walking over to the room. “Adorable, yes—but also tiny tornadoes in disguise. That’s Adrian, Aiden, and Ashton. Triplets. Three years old. And yes, they are Richard Blackwood’s sons.”

Isabella blinked in shock. “His… sons? How… why have I never heard about them?”

Daniel’s eyes softened. “He doesn’t show them to anyone. Not even the staff. Ever since their mother… passed away, he’s been fiercely protective. But he trusts me enough to bring them here while he works. That’s why I’m their godfather—and their personal chaos manager.”

A small giggle drew Isabella’s attention to the three boys, who were now crawling out of their play area, dragging toys behind them like a parade. Adrian, the serious eldest, pointed a finger at her.

“Who… are you?” he asked, squinting like a tiny general inspecting a new recruit.

“I—I’m Isabella,” she said softly, kneeling to their level. “I’m here to help Mr. Richard with his office work.”

Aiden, the mischievous middle, grinned. “We like helping! Wanna play?”

Ashton, the shyest, peeked from behind Aiden’s legs, whispering, “We… play too?”

Isabella’s heart melted. She nodded eagerly. “Yes! Let’s play together.”

Daniel chuckled from the side. “Be careful—once you enter their world, it’s hard to leave.”

For the next few minutes, Isabella joined the boys in a whirlwind of giggles, blocks, and playful chaos. She built towers with them, read stories aloud in funny voices, and let them climb over her shoulders in fits of laughter. The office seemed alive with a joy she had never experienced before, and even Daniel’s usual grin widened at the sight.

But the sound of the door opening abruptly cut through the fun. Richard had returned, his eyes immediately taking in the scene: Isabella on the floor with the triplets, blocks scattered everywhere, and laughter filling the room.

“What… is going on here?” His voice was sharp, formal, and unyielding.

Isabella froze, caught in the act. “I… I was just…”

“You were just what?” Richard demanded, stepping forward. “You are not a nanny, Isabella. I did not hire you to play with my children. I am paying you to work, and I expect you to focus on your responsibilities—even in front of my children. Do you understand?”

Isabella’s throat tightened. She hadn’t expected to be scolded—especially not by the stoic, intimidating man she had met only yesterday. Tears prickled her eyes as the weight of embarrassment and guilt hit her.

“I… I’m sorry, Mr. Blackwood,” she whispered, her voice shaking. “I didn’t mean to… I just… I wanted to… make them happy. I’ll… I’ll focus on my work, I promise.”

Daniel, sensing her distress, gave her a small, comforting smile, but stayed silent—knowing this was a lesson she had to take from Richard himself.

Richard’s gaze softened ever so slightly at her words, though he did not speak. Isabella wiped a stray tear from her cheek, still kneeling on the office floor amidst the scattered toys. The triplets looked up at her with confused little faces, unsure why their new friend had suddenly gone quiet.

And just like that, the moment of innocent joy ended. Isabella’s first real interaction with the triplets had left her heart full—but also stung with a lesson about boundaries, authority, and the enigmatic, unapproachable man who was their father.

She stayed there silently, whispering a quiet apology to the boys, and made a promise to herself: she would earn their trust, respect Richard, and somehow, find a way to bring joy to all of them—without overstepping her place… at least for now.

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