CHAPTER 35: NANNY IS GONE!

Elias frowned, his heart racing when he spotted Jace. He looked around to see if any of his bullies or friends were around, but there was no one

"What are you doing here?" he asked, voice low and tense.

Jace shrugged, his usual easy smile in place. "Family invitation. The Vosses have ties with the Dragos." His eyes flicked over Elias’s face. "You okay? You look a little bit tired."

Elias gave a small nod. He had no idea why Jace always asks him that question whenever they meet as if staying in the Drago mansion is the same as living in hell. Well, he wasn’t wrong. For some people, it was like living in hell. He glanced toward the side entrance where Gerald had taken the twins earlier.

"I’m fine, Jace. Just didn’t expect you here. I have to check on the kids."

"Sure." Jace’s smile softened, his tone lowering. "We’ll talk later. About the movement. I’ll text you,"

Elias forced a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. "Later."

He couldn’t let anyone hear him since he had to move in secret.

Jace said nothing else, but as Elias walked away, he studied him closely, his thoughts already racing.

’Lila is already safe at my place. Elias just has to step out from the Drago cage and everything will change. He’s leaving... and he’ll come to me.’

He flinched when his brother walked towards him.

"Are you alright, Jace?"

"Huh? Yes! Big brother!" Jace replied with a smile.

"Stop staring and let’s head in," Ethan said, tapping his brother’s back and Jace followed him.

.

.

The twins met Elias halfway, tugging at his sleeves excitedly. They were excited because of the engagement, but also because their nanny was back.

"Was that Jace?" Dante asked curiously.

"Yes," Elias said softly, guiding them back into the main hall.

"What is Jace doing here? Did you invite him?" Dario asked.

"Of course, I didn’t. Let’s just go in," he answered.

He also didn’t expect Jace to be there at the engagement but it’ll make his movement easier.

.

The venue was grander than anything he had ever seen. Crystal chandeliers spilt golden light across the high ceilings. White roses and red tulips decorated the tables. The scent of wine, perfume, and expensive food mingled in the air. Guests in gowns and tailored suits mingled, laughing, toasting, and gossiping under the sound of a live orchestra.

At the front of the room, Viktor stood tall in his black suit, his arm steady around Clara’s waist. She looked like she had been carved out of glass and glitter, her dress sparkling with silver embroidery, her smile practised and perfect. She was radiant, every movement smooth, every glance calculated. She wanted all eyes to be on her since it was her day. She wanted everyone to know the man she was marrying was the famous Viktor Drago who was rumoured to hate marriage.

She wanted to tell everyone that she won and they all... Lost!

The master of ceremonies called for attention. The engagement ceremony officially began.

Clara’s father gave a proud speech, his booming voice praising Viktor and their union. He spoke of family ties, strength, and the future of the Drago name. Guests clapped politely.

Viktor responded with calm authority, thanking both families, acknowledging Clara’s parents, and offering a few words about commitment and loyalty. His voice was even, deep, and controlled. Clara then spoke briefly, her voice emotional and teary, talking about love, unity, and the life she envisioned with Viktor. Guests dabbed at their eyes, nodding.

It felt like a movie. They were all given a script and we’re expected to follow everything in it. After all, Viktor and his family never wanted the engagement.

The ring exchange followed. The hall hushed as Viktor picked up the diamond ring from its velvet box and slid it onto Clara’s finger. The sparkle under the chandelier drew gasps of admiration. Clara’s hand trembled slightly as she returned the gesture, slipping a gold band onto Viktor’s hand.

Polite applause filled the hall. The master of ceremonies declared them officially engaged.

They moved to the cake table, where a three-tiered white cake stood, decorated with sugar roses and gold details. Viktor placed his hand over Clara’s, and together they cut the first slice. Cameras flashed, guests cheered, and Clara fed Viktor a small bite. Viktor returned the gesture, his face calm, while Clara’s lips trembled with the effort of keeping her smile steady.

"Does it taste good?" She asked and Viktor just nodded.

Viktor lied. Of course, he doesn’t like sweets.

The orchestra shifted to a gentle waltz. Viktor and Clara opened the dance floor with a slow, graceful turn. Guests clapped, couples joining soon after. Laughter and music swirled, the entire hall alive with celebration.

Elias stood at the back, the twins on either side of him. He sat on the spot that was made for him but when the twins found out where their nanny was seated, they sat close to him. Elias begged them to head back to be close to their father and their other relatives, but they refused.

He just let them do what they wanted but it would be difficult for him to leave with them sticking close to him.

He tried to smile for their sake, but his chest hurt as he watched Viktor twirl Clara across the floor. Every smile Viktor gave her, every touch of his hand on hers, pierced deeper.

Then his phone buzzed. He pulled it out discreetly.

Message from Jace:

"The car is ready. We can move in 5 minutes."

Elias’s heart lurched. His decision was made. It has to be tonight.

He quickly typed back:

"Yes. Side entrance. I’ll be there."

Without hesitation, he began deleting everything on the phone. All the messages, every call, every piece of evidence that could tie him to Jace. When the phone was clean, he slipped it into Dante’s suit pocket as though absentmindedly.

"Nanny?" Dante looked up in confusion.

Elias crouched, forcing a calm smile.

"Hold this for me, okay? I’ll be back soon. Promise."

"Where are you going?" Dario asked, suspicious.

"Just outside. Don’t worry." Elias hugged them both tightly, longer than usual. His voice cracked. "I’ll come back. Just sit right there."

The twins nodded, but as Elias left, they shared a look.

"Nanny is acting weird," Dante whispered.

"Yeah," Dario muttered. "Come on. Let’s follow him."

"Are you sure? He said we should sit here," Dante said touching the phone in his pocket.

"We’ll be discreet. He won’t find us," Dario replied.

.

Elias walked briskly toward the side entrance, his bag already slung over his shoulder. His pulse thundered in his ears. He was certain there were trackers on his phone. By leaving it with the kids, he gave himself a small chance to slip away unnoticed.

The twins trailed after him, hiding behind pillars and tall flower stands. They saw him pause at the door, checking the driveway.

"Is Nanny waiting for someone?"

"Is that his bag?"

Then, headlights swept across the pavement.

A sleek black car rolled up... Jace’s car.

Elias’s chest tightened. He stepped forward, adjusting his grip on his bag. He opened the car door, tossed the bag inside, and slid in after it.

"Let’s go," Elias muttered, his voice shaky.

Jace’s hand tightened on the wheel.

"Sure. Wear your seatbelt. We’re going straight to my place,"

The car rolled forward, disappearing down the long driveway into the night.

The twins’ eyes widened. They rushed forward, clutching Elias’s phone in Dante’s pocket.

"He left it behind," Dante cried, pulling it out. "He was supposed to have this... he forgot!"

"No," Dario’s voice trembled. "He did it on purpose. He... he’s leaving us."

Tears burned their eyes, but they didn’t waste more time. They turned and ran, pushing through the guests until they reached the front of the hall.

.

At the centre of the ballroom, Viktor and Clara stood with raised glasses, preparing to give the engagement toast. Guests crowded around, waiting for Viktor’s words.

But before he could speak, two small voices broke through.

"Dad!" Dante shouted, tugging at his sleeve. "Nanny’s leaving! With that guy!"

The entire hall went silent.

Viktor’s glass froze midair. His gaze dropped to his sons, both breathless and wide-eyed, clutching a phone.

"What guy?" Viktor’s voice was dangerously low.

"Jace!" Dario gasped. "He got in his car and drove away! We tried to bring him his phone but... he left without it!"

Murmurs rippled through the guests. Everyone was busy wondering what was happening. Clara’s smile faltered, her grip tightening on her glass.

Viktor set his drink down slowly, his expression turning ice-cold.

"Where?"

"Side entrance," Dante sobbed. "He’s gone, Dad!"

Viktor turned to Clara. His words were sharp and final.

"Excuse me."

Clara’s eyes widened. "Viktor, the toast..."

But he was already moving, Luka falling into step beside him.

"What happened?" Luka asked urgently.

Viktor’s jaw clenched. His voice was quiet, deadly. "Elias is leaving. With some Jace guy."

Luka’s eyes narrowed.

"Jace? From the Voss Family? Are you certain?"

Viktor gave a single nod, his fists tight.

"Find him. Now."

By the time they reached the gate, Jace’s car had already vanished into the night.

"Fuck! Where the hell did that bastard take the Nanny to?" Viktor growled angrily.