The cleaning lady bathed the child in the sink The millionaire fathers reaction stunned everyone
A 28-year-old woman had worked as a cleaner in the home of entrepreneur Roman Melnyk, one of Kyivs wealthiest men, for three years. She always performed her duties quietly and dutifully, remaining unnoticedjust as a good employee should. Everything changed when she heard desperate cries coming from the room of little Misha, only a year and a half old. She knew something was terribly wrong.
The nanny, Svitlana, had vanished, leaving behind only a note on the dresser stating she wouldnt returnno explanations, no warnings. The childs wails echoed through the mansions empty halls, and Karina rushed upstairs, finding the boy in a pitiful state. His clothes were soaked and filthy, the sharp smell making it clear he had been like this for hours. His tear-streaked face tugged at her heart.
“Oh God, how could anyone leave you like this, little one?” she whispered, carefully lifting Misha into her arms. He instantly calmed, his sobs fading as he nestled into her warmth. Karina knew she had to act fast. The nursery only had a shower, impractical for such a small child, while the main bathroom was on the owners’ floorstrictly off-limits to her.
Without hesitation, she brought Misha to the kitchen. There, in the large stainless-steel sink, she prepared a warm bath. With gentle motions, honed from helping neighbors care for their children years ago, she tested the water with her elbow. “There we go, Misha, lets wash away all the dirt,” she hummed, carefully removing his soiled clothes.
The child babbled happily, splashing his tiny hands in the water. Karina smiled, feeling a maternal tenderness she had long suppressed. She had lost custody of her own daughter, Sonia, two years ago after being left alone and penniless when the girls father disappeared. As she lathered Mishas hair, she softly sang the same lullaby she once sang to Sonia.
Misha giggled, slapping the waters surfacefinally relaxed for the first time in hours. Just then, Roman Melnyk stepped into the kitchen. The 35-year-old businessman had returned early from a trip to Lviv after government meetings were canceled due to a strike.
He froze in the doorway, stunned by the sight before him. His cleaning ladydressed in her beige uniformwas bathing his son in the sink as if it were the most ordinary thing. “What is the meaning of this?” His sharp voice echoed, making Karina flinch.
She turned abruptly, her brown eyes wide with alarm, nearly dropping Misha. Her hands trembled, but she held the child close. “Mr. Roman, II can explain,” she stammered. “The nanny she left a note.”
“Youre bathing my son in the kitchen sink? Who gave you permission?” His anger rang clear. Misha, frightened by his father’s tone, burst into tears again, clinging to Karinas wet uniform. She immediately rocked him, whispering soothing words until he quieted.
Roman watched in astonishment. Normally, his son would cry for hours, yet here he settled instantly in the cleaners arms. “Sir, please, let me explain,” Karina said firmly. “When I arrived, hed been crying for hours. Svitlana was gonejust a note saying she wouldnt return.”
“Thats impossible. She was here yesterday when I left.”
“But shes not here now,” Karina insisted. “Misha was in a filthy diaper, covered in rashes. I couldnt leave him like that.” Roman took the note she pointed toSvitlanas handwriting confirmed it: “I can no longer continue this job. I resign. Svitlana.” No reasons, no notice.
Before he could respond, the housekeeper, Alla, appeared in the doorway. The 55-year-old woman, who had served the family for over a decade, looked horrified. Her gray hair was tightly pinned, her navy dress impeccably pressed.
“Mr. Roman, thank goodness youre back,” she exclaimed. “I tried to control the situation, but this girl refuses to follow orders.”
Karinas blood boiled. Alla had always treated her with disdain, jealous of how easily she bonded with Mishasomething Alla had never achieved.
“What situation, Alla?” Roman asked irritably.
“I told her not to interfere, that a new nanny would arrive soon, and she should stick to cleaning. But she insisted on taking the child!”
“A new nanny?” Karina turned, confused. “Ms. Alla, no nanny was scheduled for today. Misha was alone for hours.”
“That is none of your concern!” Alla snapped. “Youre just a cleaner. Your job is to scrub floors, not care for children!”
Misha, still in Karinas arms, clung tighter, reaching for her whenever Roman or Alla approached. His actions spoke louder than wordshe felt safe only with her.
Roman grew increasingly uneasy. His son, whom he barely knew due to long work hours, clearly preferred the cleaning lady over him. That truth stung more than he cared to admit.
“Alla, you said a new nanny was coming. Where is she?” he demanded.
She hesitated, shifting her gaze. “Well, sir, I called the agency as soon as I learned Svitlana left. They promised someone, but there might be delays.”
“When exactly did you call?”
“This morning, of course.”
Karina shook her head, unable to stay silent
