I devoted my love to my family, my house, and my children.
So, when it came time to return to work after maternity leave, I wanted someone who could care for my children as well as I could. And that’s when I discovered the ideal babysitter for them.

Liam was born six months ago, and before that, my days were filled with fun and turmoil as I raised my four-year-old daughter, Lily.

But, as much as I enjoyed my time at home with them, reality was calling. My maternity vacation was coming to an end, and I needed to return to work shortly.

That’s where Janice stepped in.

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We hired her many months before my vacation ended to see how she got along with Lily and Liam. I could tell she had a natural connection with youngsters from the start.

She treated the children like they were her own.
The best thing was that Janice did more than just care for the children. She kept me updated throughout the day, sending me text messages and images while I was at work.

As perfect as Janice seemed, there was something she hadn’t told us.

And I wouldn’t find out until Lily tugged at my sleeve and whispered a terrifying secret into my ear.

“Mommy…” she said in a whisper. “Janice has a secret.”

Lily shifted on her feet. “It’s what she does when she puts me down for my nap.”

“When she thought I was asleep…” Lily swallowed. “She went into your bedroom. And she took off her clothes.”

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Lily nodded solemnly. “And then I heard weird noises.”

What made matters worse was that I knew Paul had been arriving home earlier than usual in the previous few weeks. I’d even commented on it.

But later that night, my suspicions strengthened.
We were sitting on the couch and watching television. Paul was beside me, thumbing through his phone. I continued stealing looks at him, noting how his eyes followed Janice as she moved around the home.

I took a cautious breath and turned to face him. “So… what do you think of Janice?”

“I think she’s amazing. I mean, we really lucked out, right? She takes care of the kids and even helps around the house. I don’t know how we managed without her.”

That’s exactly what he had said previously. Same terms. As if it had been rehearsed.

Something wasn’t right.

And I was about to find out the truth.

The following day, I left work early. I did not inform Paul. I did not inform Janice. I hoped to catch her in the act.

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My heart slammed against my chest as I climbed the stairs.

I held my breath and pushed the door open.

And there was Janice.
She stood in front of my mirror, adjusting her lovely dress. It was not mine. I’d never seen it before.

Around her, garments were neatly folded and heaped.

What about the weird noises? It was the calm hum of a sewing machine.

She signed while looking at the dresses.

“I… I wanted to surprise you.”

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Janice hesitated, then gestured to the clothes. “You always spend money on your house, on Lily, and even on me. But I’ve never seen you spend money on yourself. I see you wearing the same clothes over and over. So, I thought… maybe I could do something for you.”

“I know you must be thinking I was doing something fishy in here,” she interrupted and picked up a gorgeous dress. “But I just want you to try this on. Can you do that for me, please?”

“Thank you so much, Janice,” I finally said as tears blurred my vision. “Now I know why Paul says we really lucked out. Because we did! I don’t have words to thank you for all that you do.”

Then I tried on the outfit.
When I looked in the mirror, I could scarcely recognize myself. It fits well.

That evening, I wore each dress in the living room for Lily. She applauded and smiled as I spun like a princess.

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Paul strolled in right as I was tweaking the hem of a sleek blue piece.

“Wow,” he said, eyebrows raising. “You look… incredible.”

I smiled. “Thanks to our incredible babysitter.”