Chapter 1

In my last life, I died all by myself in a shabby little apartment.

It was a sudden heart failure. No one was there for me, not a single person by my side.

I spent three years acting as a stand-in mom for Dexter, Aaden Goodman's son, all for the money.

It was only because I looked like his first love, the one he could never let go of.

I put everything I had into it, loving Dexter as if he were my own, until he finally called me "Mom" for the first time.

I thought that after all the effort and care I'd poured in, Aaden would make me his wife.

But once Dexter was healed, Aaden just handed me a check for 3 million dollars and told me to get lost.

Aaden said, "Rosemary, never forget who you really are. You're just a knockoff."

After travelling through time, I found myself back on the day I signed that contract.

Staring at the clause that said I couldn't get attached to Mr. Goodman or his son, a bitter laugh escaped me.

This time, I'd be nothing but a nanny with no strings attached, grab the cash and get out.

*****

I found myself three years in the past, sitting across from Aaden.

He looked handsome as ever, but there was a hint of impatience in his eyes.

"Have you read the contract? If there are no issues, sign it," Aaden said.

On the table was that same shameful contract I'd signed in my previous life, the one that made me a fake mom.

One clause in particular jumped out at me, practically screaming for attention.

It read, "During the contract period, the second party shall not develop any personal feelings for the first party, Aaden, or his son, Dexter Goodman."

In my last life, I'd laughed it off as a joke.

This time, I was going to treat it as gospel.

"Mr. Goodman, I have no objection to the contract, but I'd like to add one clause," I replied calmly, pushing the contract back to him.

Aaden and the lawyer were surprised. I wasn't expected to raise any demands.

Aaden frowned slightly, gesturing for me to continue.

Ignoring his gaze, I picked up the pen and wrote slowly.

"Addendum: Working hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekends off, and all national holidays observed."

"Any overtime will be paid at triple the hourly rate."

After writing, I paused and added, "Additionally, I am only responsible for Dexter Goodman's diet, daily care, and psychological counseling. I will not handle any household affairs, or provide emotional support or any bed-warming services."

The air went dead silent.

The lawyer looked like he'd just seen a ghost.

For once, Aaden's icy mask slipped.

Bet he never expected a woman who'd do anything for cash to start talking about labor laws and personal boundaries. To him, it must've sounded totally absurd.

In my last life, I was always on standby, ready to drop everything for him, living like a high-class nanny just to please him.

In the end, he just called me a knockoff.

This time, I wasn't going to fall in love again.

All I wanted was to make some money and live my own life.

"Miss Zamora," the lawyer cleared his throat, trying to smooth things over.

"I think you might be misunderstanding. Mr. Goodman wants you to be completely focused on Dexter's recovery..." he said.

"I understand," I cut him off, looking directly at Aaden, my tone firm.

I said, "And that's exactly why I need set rest times, to keep myself sharp and professional.

"Mr. Goodman, you hired me to help your son, not to be some bargain, do-it-all babysitter, right?"

I met his eyes, and this time there was no trace of the old admiration or fear, just pure, professional detachment.

Aaden stared at me for a full thirty seconds, his eyes deep and inscrutable.

Just when I thought he was about to throw the contract in my face, he let out a low chuckle.

Then he picked up the pen and signed his name on the contract.

"Fine," he said.

"We'll do it your way. Just make sure your skills live up to these demands."

I breathed a quiet sigh of relief.

I knew he'd go along with it.

After all, I'd succeeded once before in a past life.

This time, I'd do even better.

Because a cold, emotionless parenting machine always outperformed some lovestruck idiot.

We signed two copies of the contract, and as soon as it was done, Aaden's lawyer slid my copy over to me.

I slipped it into my bag with steady hands, cool and collected.

Honestly, it felt less like I'd just sold myself off, and more like I was starting a normal nine-to-five office job.

"Miss Zamora, Dexter's situation is pretty unique. He's got pretty severe autism. He doesn't talk to anyone, and his moods can be unpredictable," Aaden said.

"Don't let anything go wrong," he added.

Aaden's voice jerked me out of my thoughts, carrying a clear warning.

I stood up and gave him a textbook smile.

"Don't worry, Mr. Goodman," I replied.