That morning, the air felt slightly different for Nayla. Her heart was beating faster than usual. Today would be the beginning of her new journey—a journey that she didn't know where it would lead, but she was sure it was not just about work.
After making sure her father had breakfast and her aunt had arrived to accompany him, Nayla sat on the edge of her bed, staring at the phone in her hand anxiously. On the screen, there was a number that a kind woman named Gaby had given her the night before.
Then her fingers began to press the numbers one by one.
The call started connecting. The sound of the waiting tone rang in Nayla's ears, and soon after...
"Hello?"
A soft and authoritative voice sounded from the other side.
Nayla took a slow breath. "Good morning, Ma'am. This is Nayla... the nurse you met at the hospital yesterday."
"Oh, Nayla!" Gaby's voice immediately changed to warm and hopeful. "I've been waiting for your news. So... how is it, Nay?"
Without beating around the bush, Nayla replied, "I accept your offer, Ma'am, I'm ready to help take care of your son."
A sigh of relief was heard from Gaby.
"Thank you, Nay. Thank you very much. Please send your home address now, okay? I'll pick you up myself with the driver."
"Alright, Ma'am. I'll send it right away."
After hanging up the phone, Nayla immediately got ready. A small bag containing a few pieces of clothing, personal belongings, and a medical notebook, she placed near the door. Although her chest felt tight, she knew this was the best way for now.
It didn't take long for a shiny black car to stop in front of her house. From inside, Gaby got out elegantly but full of warmth.
"Good morning," Gaby greeted politely as she entered Nayla's yard.
"Good morning, Ma'am," replied Nayla, who was already waiting on the porch. "Please come in."
Gaby was greeted by Nayla's aunt and father, who was sitting in a wheelchair. Respectfully, Gaby explained the purpose of her visit.
"I want to ask for permission, Sir, Madam. I need Nayla's help to take care of my paralyzed son. I will take good care of Nayla, and of course... Nayla can come home anytime to visit her father."
Nayla's father looked at the woman gratefully.
"Thank you, Ma'am... for trusting my daughter. Sorry if she's not experienced in a private residence, but she's a good girl."
Gaby smiled. "I'm sure of that. I need someone with a sincere heart like Nayla."
After saying goodbye and kissing her father's hand and hugging her aunt, Nayla got into the car with Gaby. The car started moving, leaving the small house behind. Although it was hard to leave her father, Nayla looked ahead with hope.
On the way to the Mahesa family's house, Gaby started a conversation.
"Nayla... I hope you'll be patient later when dealing with Leon. My son has been difficult to talk to since the accident. But I really have hope in you."
Nayla nodded slowly. "Yes, Ma'am. I will try my best. I know, caring for patients is not just about the physical, but also the heart."
Gaby smiled faintly. "Leon is my only child, Nayla. He used to be very cheerful, hardworking, loving... even his company grew rapidly because of his hard work. But since the accident, he has changed. He became angry, withdrawn, and sometimes—sorry—acts rudely."
Nayla was silent for a moment. She swallowed softly. Undoubtedly, feelings of fear began to creep in.
But Gaby wasn't finished yet.
"Even... his girlfriend left him after finding out that he couldn't walk anymore," she said softly, her voice trembling.
Nayla turned with a look of concern. "Left at a time like that?" she murmured softly.
"Yes. Leon hasn't been able to accept that reality. He feels like he lost everything at once. I'm afraid that if he continues like this, his emotional wounds will get worse."
Gaby turned, holding Nayla's hand gently.
"That's why, I beg you, Nayla. Don't just be a nurse for his body... but also help heal his soul. I'm sure, God brought us together for a reason."
Nayla's heart felt warm, but also nervous.
"Ma'am," she said softly, "I can't promise anything, but I will try my best to do what I can for your son."
Gaby nodded, tears almost falling because she was so touched.
They continued the journey in silence, but not an empty silence—but rather a silence full of prayer and hope, that all of this would be a good start, for Nayla... and for Leon who was trapped in his sadness.
The journey to the Mahesa family's house was quite long, but it didn't feel boring for Nayla. She was mostly silent, listening to every explanation from Mrs. Gaby about Leon, while trying to prepare her heart and mind to face the man who would become her master and responsibility.
Soon after, the driver's voice from the front seat broke the silence.
"We have arrived, Ma'am," reported the driver, turning back.
Gaby nodded and smiled at Nayla. "Come on, Nay. This is our house."
As soon as she got out of the car and stepped onto the front yard, Nayla was immediately amazed. The magnificent modern European-style building stood gracefully on a large plot of land. Large pillars towered on the terrace, and a neatly arranged garden decorated the front of the house. The scent of fresh flowers from the side garden welcomed their presence.
But Nayla's surprise wasn't over yet. As soon as she entered the house, she was stunned again. The interior was luxurious and elegant, with a dominance of white and gold colors. The walls were adorned with classic paintings, and a giant crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling of the living room, illuminating every corner of the room with warm light. The shiny marble floor seemed to be a mirror, reflecting the shadows of every step they took.
"This... is like a palace," Nayla whispered to herself.
Gaby smiled faintly when she saw Nayla's face full of admiration. "You'll get used to it later, Nayla," she said softly.
Nayla just smiled shyly. Finding Mrs. Gaby like knowing her admiration.
After passing through several rooms, they arrived in front of the house's elevator.
"There is an elevator in this house, because Leon's room is on the third floor. Since the accident, we installed an elevator to make it easier for him to move around," explained Gaby as she pressed the button.
A small chime sounded as the elevator door opened. They entered and went up to the third floor. Upon arriving there, they were immediately greeted by Bibi Eli, who looked a little panicked.
"Ma'am... Tuan Leon just fell from his wheelchair. Thankfully Paman Juan came quickly and helped him sit back down," reported Bibi Eli.
Gaby was immediately shocked. "Oh my God... how could he fall? Why didn't you tell me right away?"
"I was afraid to bother you, Ma'am. Because you were out," replied Bibi Eli anxiously.
Gaby immediately walked quickly towards Leon's room, followed by Nayla from behind. Upon arriving in the room, Nayla could immediately feel a different cold and gloomy aura from the other rooms. The room was spacious but looked bleak. The large curtains were open, letting in the afternoon light and illuminating the figure of a man sitting with his back to them near the window. That was Leon — the man who would be Nayla's responsibility from today.
"Leon... are you alright, Dear?" Gaby asked worriedly as she approached.
"I'm fine... go away. I don't need anyone," Leon's voice sounded heavy, sharp, and cold. Nayla could even feel the hidden tone of anger behind the sentence.
Nayla swallowed. This was the first time she had seen the man Gaby had told her so much about during the trip. Just hearing his voice was enough to make her heart beat fast. But instead of being afraid, Nayla felt a kind of challenge that she had to conquer.
"If there is a part that hurts, it's better to get it treated immediately, Leon," Gaby coaxed patiently.
"I said go away!" he snapped, still not turning around.
Gaby sighed. "But Mama sees your hand is swollen... at least let Mama—"
"I don't want to!" Leon interrupted quickly.
Before Gaby could respond, Nayla's soft voice sounded between them.
"Sorry, Tuan Leon... if you would like, I can help massage your swollen hand."
Leon was silent for a moment. That was a strange voice. He realized that his mother had not come alone. Quickly, he turned his wheelchair, looking towards the voice.
And there stood Nayla — a young girl with a plain face without makeup. Her long hair was braided simply, her skin was clean even though it wasn't pale white. Her face showed politeness, but her eyes looked firm and full of conviction. Although simple, Nayla's appearance implied warmth and honesty that was hard to find.
Leon was stunned for a moment. His gaze locked on Nayla's face for a few seconds longer than it should have, as if there was something that made it difficult for him to look away.
Nayla was the same. Even though she had a picture of him before, seeing Leon directly made her heart race. The man's face was very handsome, with a firm jaw, sharp eyes, and thick eyebrows. But his eyes were dark, as if storing so many wounds and anger. Even sitting in a wheelchair, Leon's charisma remained strong.
Awakening from his reverie, Leon finally turned his gaze away and looked at his mother cynically.
"Who is this country girl? Why is she here?" he said coldly and sharply, with a clearly dismissive tone.
Gaby remained patient in responding.
"She is Nayla. Mama brought her here. From today, she will live with us and help take care of you."
"Take care of me?" Leon snorted. "I don't need care, especially from an unknown girl like her."
Nayla bit her lower lip, holding back the words that wanted to come out. But she realized, this was the beginning of her big responsibility. She had to be strong.
Gaby looked at Leon with a gentle gaze. "You didn't ask for it, Son... but Mama did. At least... give her a chance."
Leon snorted irritably and turned his wheelchair back to face the window, ignoring them.
Gaby looked at Nayla hopefully, while Nayla took a deep breath, trying to prepare herself to face the days ahead that would definitely not be easy.
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