The cleaner rescued a child in the sink… The millionaire father’s reaction stunned everyone
A 28-year-old woman had worked as a cleaner in the home of businessman Roman Melnyk, one of Kyivs wealthiest men, for three years. She always carried out her duties quietly and dutifully, remaining invisible, as expected of a good employee. Everything changed when she heard desperate crying from little Mishas roomthe boy was just a year and a half old. She knew something was terribly wrong.
The nanny, Svitlana, had vanished, leaving only a note on the dresser stating she wouldnt return, with no explanation or warning. The childs wails echoed through the mansions empty halls, and Karina rushed upstairs to find the boy in a pitiful statehis clothes were soaked and filthy, the sharp smell making it clear hed been like this for hours. His tear-streaked, flushed face broke her heart.
Oh God, how could they leave you like this, little one? she whispered, gently lifting Misha. He instantly quieted in her warm embrace, his sobs fading. Karina knew she had to act fast. The nurserys shower was impractical for such a small child, and the master bathroom was strictly off-limits.
Without hesitation, she took Misha to the kitchen. In the large stainless steel sink, she prepared a warm bath. Moving tenderly, with the experience shed gained helping neighbors with their children, she tested the water with her elbow. There we go, Misha, lets wash away the grime, she hummed, carefully removing his soiled clothes.
The boy babbled happily, splashing in the water. Karina smiled, overcome by a maternal warmth shed 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 the boys fair hair, she softly sang a lullaby shed once sung to Sonia.
Misha laughed, slapping his palms against the waterfinally relaxed for the first time in hours. Thats when Roman Melnyk walked in. The 35-year-old entrepreneur had returned early from a business trip to Lviv after government meetings were canceled due to a strike.
He froze in the doorway, stunned. His cleaner, in her beige uniform, was bathing his son in the sink as if it were the most natural thing. What is this? His voice boomed, startling Karina.
She spun around, nearly dropping Misha, her brown eyes wide with fear. Mr. Roman, II can explain, she stammered. The nannyshe left a note.
Youre bathing my son in the kitchen sink? His voice sharpened with outrage. Who gave you the right? Misha, frightened by his fathers tone, burst into tears and clung to Karinas wet uniform. She immediately soothed him, whispering comfort, and he calmed instantly.
Roman watched in disbelief. Normally, his son would cry for hoursyet here he was, quiet in the cleaners arms. Please, let me explain, Karina insisted. When I arrived, hed been crying for hours. Nanny Svitlana left with just a note.
Roman snatched the note. Svitlanas handwriting was unmistakable: *I cant continue this job. I quit.* No explanation. No warning. That still doesnt give you the right he began, but was interrupted by the arrival of Ms. Alla, the 55-year-old housekeeper.
Her graying hair was impeccably pinned, her navy dress unwrinkled. Mr. Roman, thank goodness youre back! she exclaimed, clearly relieved. I tried controlling the situation, but this girl refuses to follow orders.
Karinas blood boiled. Ms. Alla had always treated her with contempt, jealous of how easily she bonded with Misha while Alla herself had failed.
What situation, Alla? Roman asked irritably.
I told her not to interfere, that a new nanny was comingshe was supposed to keep cleaning!
Karina turned in surprise. There was no new nanny appointed today. Misha was alone for hours.
Thats none of your concern! Alla snapped. Youre just a cleaneryour job is to scrub, not care for children!
Misha, who had been quietly nestled in Karinas arms, began squirming, reaching for her whenever Roman or Alla approached. His actions spoke volumeshe felt safest with the cleaner.
Romans discomfort grew. His own son, whom he barely knew due to long work hours, clearly preferred an employee over him. That truth cut deeper than he cared to admit.
Alla, you said a new nanny was coming. Where is she? Roman demanded.
The housekeeper hesitated, averting her gaze. I called the agency right after Svitlana left. They said someone would come, but there mustve been a delay.
When exactly did you call?
This morning, of course.
Karina shook her head, unable to stay silent
