Zaria: ECHO, #4

By Tijana Popov

Kei Daigo's life is complicated.

 

He's a divorced, single father with a full-time job and a son who, although brilliant, is proving too much work for Kei to handle alone.

After another nanny resigns, unable to handle Ren and his antics he decides to hire someone different.

Someone like Zaria Khalil, a young woman with a tumultuous past and more baggage than Kei could imagine, desperate for a job.

 

At first, Kei is apprehensive about hiring someone so young and inexperienced but does it either way once it becomes apparent that his son has taken a liking to the strange, young woman with sad eyes.

 

What Kei couldn't have predicted was that along with a nanny, he would be getting so much more, as Zaria slowly but surely starts turning his life upside down.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Anna T. Pope
• Release date: Oct 29, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223348146

Tijana Popov

Tijana Popov was born in 1993. to a middle-class family. She lives in a small town in the Republic of Serbia; a tiny little state located in Southeast Europe. Tijana is a mother of two little boys, with a big love of literature and even bigger dreams of becoming a well-known author. She started writing during her adolescent years but the first time she allowed anyone to read her work was in 2016 when she joined the Wattpad community and published her first story. Her main genre is general romance, although she also dabbles in the fantasy genre.

Book preview

The Ad

KEI

KEI YAWNED, SCRATCHING his head as he sat up in bed, groaning once his eyes fell on the clock on the bedside table to see that it was already half past 10.

Kei fell back into the pillows, running a hand across his face as he sighed; he was late for work again, but still, Kei couldn't find it in himself to care much.

Kei dragged his body out of the bed, quickly pulling on the suit Betty had left for him the previous evening before he stepped out of the room and went downstairs.

As soon as Kei reached the ground floor, he was met with shouts of anger and exasperation coming from the living room, making him roll his eyes.

Here we go again.

Mr. Daigo! Mr. Daigo, Kei cannot take this anymore! a blond, middle-aged woman exclaimed as she rushed over, her face red, cheeks puffy, and eyes wide in anger.

He is impossible! I'm sorry, but I resign!

Let's not be too hasty. Why don't you join me in my office? We can sit and talk about this. Kei said, trying to calm the woman down, though he already knew it was pointless. Even if he made her stay today, she would quit tomorrow or the day after, as they all eventually did.

I’m sorry, Mr. Daigo, but I’ve had enough. I’m an educated woman with a degree in child development and care, who is used to dealing with naughty children, but that, that over there is not a child! she exclaimed, pointing her finger toward the living room, He's an antichrist!

As soon as the words left her mouth, his face turned thunderous, the polite, though slightly forced smile that was up until that point firmly planted on his lips slipping away, in its place an angry frown. His eyes pierced her; his bushy brows hooded as he stepped closer, making her step back.

Yes, I think you're right. That is quite enough.

I... I didn't... she stuttered before thinking better of it, smartly shutting her mouth and looking away.

I will have your check ready in a moment. Excuse me. Kei said shortly before turning around and leaving her to stand there alone.

He started walking toward his office, but at the last moment, changed his mind and took a detour towards the living room.   

As soon as he stepped in, his eyes fell on the small figure sitting on the floor beside a coffee table.

The boy was leaning against the foot of the sofa, his knees bent, holding up a book he was avidly reading. Kei was sure the boy would be done with it by tomorrow, and another book would be in its place, ready to be devoured.

His son was barely four when it became obvious that he was different than other kids his age, although Kei had suspected it long before.

Ren was one year old when he started talking; by age two, he could make conversation like an adult, and by the time he hit four, he was already reading and writing.

By age five, he could do first-grade math, and now, at the age of 10, he was already in middle school, soon to finish the 8th grade, meaning that he would be starting high school just in time for his eleventh birthday.

A child genius, people called him. He was a brilliant, once-in-a-generation mind, but to Kei, he was just Ren, his son, his little boy.

Is she gone? Ren asked, not taking his eyes off the book.

Yup.

A small smile crossed his son's face at the words so quickly that if you had blinked, you’d miss it before his face smoothed over, making Kei sigh while shaking his head in exasperation.

What did you do this time? He asked as he walked closer, taking a seat on one of the armchairs.

Nothing. I just explained to her why her children's education and care degree was only good enough to wipe her ass. Ren answered, looking up for the first time, his big eyes the picture of innocence as he stared at Kei.

Kei closed his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose. He could already feel a headache brewing as he tried to decide what to do.

Right. So, what are we going to do now? Kei asked his son, who only shrugged before returning to his book.

I don't need a babysitter. I'm old enough to stay home alone.

No, you are not.

Ren 's jaw tensed, but he stayed quiet, hiking up his book higher and hiding his face.

Ren, love, I know that you are smart, hell, you are brilliant, but you are also still a child. You know everything about everything, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need someone to care for and watch out for you. Since I can't do that all the time, that means we need help. Please understand.

Ren peeked over his book, a stubborn glint still in his eyes, but he nodded.

Fine. But could we get someone fun for a change? They don't have to be highly educated since I hardly need them to teach me anything. And maybe someone young? All these older women just keep trying to smother me with affection, and it's really starting to get annoying.

Kei smiled, although it was a sad one, and nodded. The thought that his son couldn't stand affection from a woman saddened him. It was all Jessica's fault, his ex-wife who couldn't stand the pressure of having a brilliant son and walked away, leaving them alone.

It had been hardest on Ren, for as much as he was logical, he was still a child who had loved his mother very much and was heartbroken when she left.

Her departure had turned a happy, excitable child into a withdrawn one who had to grow up too fast without his mother's love. Kei had tried to be there, putting aside his hurt feelings and concentrating on Ren, but he was still just one man and feared that he hadn't been enough.

Fine. I'll put an ad out again. Kei said as he glared at his son, though Ren just smiled, knowing Kei wasn't really mad.

Thanks, Dad, Ren said, jumping to his feet and coming over to hug him. Kei’s arms wrapped around his son's middle, pulling him close as he breathed in his scent.

Happy place, Kei thought, this was his happy place.

ZARIA

I DON'T KNOW, ZARIA, it's so small, Nura said as she turned around, her eyes traveling over the tiny apartment, although calling it apartment was too big of a word, seeing as it was just one room with a small bathroom attached.

Zaria shrugged, not seeing what the big deal was. Yes, the place was tiny, but after the places she had stayed in the past, this one seemed like a palace to her, and if she had learned anything in her life, it was to be grateful.

Zaria had escaped hell; she was free and alive, and that was all that mattered. After all, Zaria was just one girl; she hardly needed a lot of space, and this was the best thing she could afford with the pittance she was making in the fast-food place she worked at.

Are you sure about this? You can stay longer in my place until something better comes along; Nate and I don't mind. Nura said, wrinkling her nose as she glanced around, but Zaria shook her head.

She had been staying with them for the last few weeks since Nura, Nik, and she had been kidnapped and then rescued, but she knew it was time to move on and find her own place.

Zaria had decided to stay in town, happy to have Nura back in her life and unwilling to part from her, though finding a good-paying job was proving hard, especially since she had only recently finished high school after immigrating to the US.

She didn't even consider going to college; she could barely afford food, let alone school, though she wished.

They left the small apartment soon after, Nura returning to her place while Zaria made her way to work. It was mind-numbing, working behind the till day after day, but it was the best she could do, and it sure as hell beat the job she had before it.

A giggle caught her attention, and she turned toward the sound, a small smile spreading over her lips as she saw two children playing in a booth while their parents ate.

Zaria adored children. Unlike herself, they were so innocent and good, untouched by the harsh world surrounding them. They were pure and untainted, and she hoped to be fortunate enough to one day have one of her own.

Children loved unconditionally, without question or hesitation; they just loved, and after her harsh life, Zaria yearned for that kind of affection.

No one had ever loved her like that, not her parents, the monsters that they had been, not even her sister, though she did love her, but obviously not enough since she chose to end her life instead of staying with Zaria.

She knew that she was being harsh, thinking like that since her sister had gone through hell and just wasn't strong enough to overcome it as Zaria had, but still, that small kid that was still inside of her, who had worshipped the ground her sister had walked on felt betrayed and abandoned, even after all these years.

She shook her head, looking away from the happy sight, knowing it would bring her nothing but sorrow.

Hey, Zaria! Cristy exclaimed when Zaria walked into the back room that they used to change once her shift was over.

Hi, she said as she sat on the chair, waiting for her to leave before she changed, feeling too self-conscious to do it in front of anyone, unlike Cristy.

After all, she looked perfectly lovely, normal, while Zaria’s body witnessed everything she had gone through, scars littering her skin and making it look hideous.

What do you have there? she asked when she saw Cristy reading newspapers.

Oh, I'm looking for another job since this one isn't cutting it, but nothing so far. There is an ad for a nanny that looks interesting, and money is probably good considering the part of town they live in, but they are looking for a live-in nanny. And that wouldn't work for me. Cristy said, throwing the papers on the table before standing up.

Right. I'm off. See you tomorrow.

Do you mind if I take a look? Zaria asked as she eyed the newspaper, to which Christy just nodded and left.

She grabbed the papers as soon as the doors closed, her eyes flying over the ads until they found the one she was looking for, her eyes lighting up the longer she read.

Maybe, she thought as she quickly took her flip phone out and typed in the number.

The Interview

ZARIA

SHE KNOCKED ON THE front door, her hand shaking slightly as she I did so. The doors swung open after a moment, and an old lady appeared on the other side with a polite smile as she ushered her inside.

Hello, dear. My name is Betty. I’m the housekeeper. Are you here for the nanny job? she asked.

Yes, Zaria said, sighing in relief when she realized this wasn’t some prank like she had feared when she called the number and scheduled a meeting with a certain Mr. Daigo. She was apprehensive about the truthfulness of this whole thing, seeing as they apparently didn't care that she only had a high school degree. 

Betty nodded and motioned for her to follow her as she made her way through the house. Zaria did as she was asked, trailing after Betty while her eyes danced over her surroundings, widening slightly the more she observed. 

The house was huge, nothing like she had seen before, more resembling a mansion than a simple house. The closest she had witnessed was Nate’s place, which they had been hiding in when she arrived two months ago.

You can wait here, dear. Mr. Daigo is in a conference meeting but should be done soon. You don’t mind waiting, do you?

She shook her head, taking a seat on the oversized, white couch at the center of the living room, careful not to touch anything for fear of dirtying it. 

Luxury, she was surrounded by luxury and felt very uncomfortable about it. She thought she didn’t belong there as she looked around once Betty left her alone, already starting to rethink this whole idea.

She was a nobody, a foreigner with a high school degree and nothing else, hardly a hirable prospect for what appeared to be a high-society family. They would ask for experience and high education, nothing of which she possessed.

She was about to stand up and leave, her mind full of self-doubt and insecurity, when a boy of about nine or ten entered the room, holding a book in his hands.

Um... hi, she said, making the boy startle since he didn’t seem to have noticed anyone in the room until he heard her voice.

Who are you? the boy asked in confusion as he stopped in his tracks, his big, brown eyes observing her intently. 

I’m Zaria. I’m here about the nanny job.

The boy hummed, looking her up and down curiously before continuing his way into the room and sitting on the floor near the coffee table, his eyes once again glued to his book.

She felt awkward as the two of them sat in silence, though the boy seemed pretty at ease. She wracked her mind in search of some topic that would be interesting for a boy of such a young age when her eyes fell on the book the boy was reading, and her brow hitched in surprise at the sight of her favorite book.

Do you like it so far? she asked.

What? the boy asked, still reading, not even moving an inch.

The book. Do you like it? It’s my favorite, so I wonder what you think about it.

The boy’s head snapped up at that, his eyes going around as he jumped to his feet and came to sit beside her.

Really? Mine too! I’ve read it ten times at least!

She started at that, frowning as she looked at the boy who couldn’t have been more than ten years old.

Ten times? How old are you? she asked, a snort escaping her mouth as the boy proudly stated he was ten.

Are you a genius or something? she