The C.E.O'S shattered heart (MxM, C.E.O X C.E.O)

Chapter 17. Chasing cars

I offered to help Alexei when I heard that the kids needed a substitute nanny. I finally had an opportunity to spend time with the kids. I came up with a list of activities that I wanted to do with the kids. I wanted to surprise the children. The only way to achieve that would be by arriving early. I texted Alexei that I would be at his house by nine AM. I took a shower and went straight to bed after that. Zavier was still asleep when I left the house in the morning. It took me a while to reach Alexei's mansion. The building looked magnificent. There was a garden with lots of flowers and trees in front of the house. "It must have cost Mr. Marquis a fortune to build this house," I thought to myself while showing the security guard my id card. I felt anxious suddenly. I couldn't believe that I was nervous to see Alexei. I calmed myself down by saying that I was there for the kids.

I drove through the gate when the security guard gave me the clearance. I noticed that there was another gate while I was parking my car. Two guards approached me the moment I stepped out of my vehicle. One of the guards smiled at me, then uttered, "Good morning, Mr. Joseph. Sorry to disturb you. We are here to check if you are carrying any weapons." I nodded at the guard, then let them check the car and my bag. The other guard then said after scanning my body with a handheld metal detector, "Sorry for the inconvenience, sir. You can walk to the other gate. The guard will let you through. One of the maids will open the door as soon as you push the doorbell." I nodded, then grabbed my bag and started walking towards the gate.

The guard uttered while opening the gate, "Welcome to the Marquis mansion, sir." I smiled, then replied to him with, "Thank you, sir." I took a deep breath, then pushed the doorbell. I gazed at the water fountain in the garden while waiting for someone to open the door. A flock of birds was bathing in the fountain. They looked carefree and excited. I wished that I also had a carefree life. I quickly made myself look presentable when I heard someone unlock the door. Ocean threw herself at me before I could greet her. I chuckled while hugging her back. "Good morning, Ocean," I said to Ocean while pulling her away from me. Ocean grinned, then replied to me with, "Good morning, Zach. I'm so happy to see you." I stepped into the house, then asked Ocean while taking off my jacket, "Are the kids still asleep, Ocean?"

Ocean nodded, then answered me with, "Yes, Zach. Mr. Marquis is also still sleeping. Genevieve had a mild fever last night. He had to stay up to take care of the toddler. The child's fever is fortunately gone. She's sleeping peacefully right now." I was glad that Genevieve was feeling better. I decided to prepare a nutrient-dense meal for Genevieve to ensure that her fever didn't return. The meal would keep the other kids healthy too. Ocean looked in shock at me when I asked her where the kitchen was. "Am I not allowed to step foot in the kitchen, Ocean?" I asked Ocean while frowning. Ocean looked in fear at me, then responded to me with, "That's not it, Zach. Mr. Marquis told everyone that you have access to the whole mansion. I was just surprised that you know how to cook." I was just about to reply to Ocean when I heard a woman say, "Welcome to the Marquis residence, Mr. Joseph." Ocean instantly moved out of the way and said, "This is Charlotte, Mr. Marquis's housekeeper, Zach. She's in charge of all of Mr. Marquis's houses. Even of the ones that are abroad."

I smiled at Charlotte, then uttered, "Good morning, ma'am. It's nice to meet you." Charlotte nodded while looking at my bag. She reached her hand out to me, then said, "You can give your belongings to me, Mr. Joseph. You can call me Charlotte, by the way. I heard you say that you wanted to cook for the kids. Like Ocean said before, you are allowed to do whatever you wish while you are here. Mr. Marquis told me that he trusts you. We have chefs who prepare meals for Mr. Marquis, the kids, the staff, and the guards. They also cook for the people who guard Marquis's other properties. The kitchen is busy at the moment, but I'm sure that the chefs will allow you to cook whatever you want." I nodded at Charlotte, then responded to her with, "Thank you, Charlotte. I'll make sure not to trouble the chefs too much. You can call me Zachariel or Zach if you like." Charlotte smiled broadly at me, then said before leaving, "I'm looking forward to spending time with you, Zach."