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Chapter 4 - Chapter 4: Signs of the Divine

Marianna's early years unfolded like a symphony of small miracles. From her very first steps, it became clear to Hannah Beaumont that her daughter was anything but ordinary. The golden glow that had illuminated her newborn skin had not faded—it had merely grown subtler, more refined, manifesting in unexpected ways as she grew.

From the very beginning, Hannah made a promise to herself: Marianna would never leave her side. She couldn't bear the thought of separation—not out of fear, but out of an overwhelming instinct to shield her child from the chaos of the outside world. The media's relentless scrutiny had made that vow even stronger. Everywhere Hannah went, Marianna was there—her constant companion, her silent source of strength.

To help raise her extraordinary child, Hannah handpicked five nannies from different corners of the world, each embodying virtues that mirrored the growing miracle in her daughter:

The first one was Jophiel - a radiant woman from Paris. Hannah discovered her when Marianna was three months old. She was working in a quaint art gallery hidden away in Montmartre. Hannah had visited Paris for a corporate conference and had decided to stroll down the city in the evening. She stumbled upon Jophiel as she conducted a free art class for underprivileged children. 

Her voice was magical. The way she was talking to each child and paying attention to her caught Hannah's attention. They were sitting in the park…painting Nature. Hannah was always busy with business plans. She bought paintings based on their price tags - as an investment. She didn't really understand the art.

But at this moment, the way Jophiel was teaching the children caught her attention. She was mesmerised by her wisdom, the way she was talking to children, and the depth of her creative energy.

Hannah knew instantly that this woman would be a perfect fit to guide Marianna's sense of beauty and creativity. While she is working, she needs help and the nannies she had at the moment were not up to her standards.

And she was right. Since the day Jophiel entered her household, Marianna started glowing a bit more. She learned to appreciate the beauty in every brushstroke, every petal, every fleeting moment of wonder. Every day, she would have something or the other to show her mom - and Hannah cooed over every little dot or line she made.

On the day, Hannah turned one - Hannah was in Brazil for some work. She spotted Ariel - a healer from the Amazon rainforest - while watching a documentary on endangered ecosystems in her hotel room with Marianna. Surprisingly, Hannah loved watching documentaries on Nature more than cartoons! 

Marianna toddled to the TV and started touching Ariel and kissing her face on TV. She also started glowing. Jophiel said to Hannah - "Ma'am, can you hire her too - perhaps as a teacher? Marianna seems to love her. Hannah had also liked this woman. She was dedicated to Nature, seemed good with indigenous healing, and had some charm that made her affable to Hannah too. And Marianna seemed to love her.

Hannah went to meet her in person. Ariel lived in a thatched wooden house. Hannah knocked at her door. A woman opened the door. Hannah asked for Ariel. The woman took her inside. Ariel was nursing a wounded jaguar cub at the time.

Hannah told her about her offer. She wanted to hire Ariel as one of her nannies. Ariel got up. She shared a glance with Jophiel and it seemed they already knew each other. She washed her hands, changed her clothes, and then, went to Marianna. Marianna was observing her silently till then.

When Ariel stretched her hands, Marianna giggled and her glow pulsed brighter. She said, "I knew you were coming. My bags are all packed." Hannah was pleasantly surprised. Since then, Ariel also had a place in Marianna's life. She told Marianna stories of the forest's spirits and healing herbs and taught her to respect every living creature, no matter how small.

Soon after Hannah, Marianna, Jophiel, and Ariel flew to Ethiopia where Hannah was on a philanthropic mission. She was there to support orphanages in Addis Ababa. In one of the orphanages, they found Seraphiel - a compassionate soul who had transformed a struggling orphanage into a thriving sanctuary.

She was teaching children self-sufficiency and compassion. Her natural warmth and deep empathy resonated with Hannah's vision for Marianna's upbringing. When Hannah made the offer, Seraphiell hung her neck in a dilemma. How could she leave all the children under her care for just one child? But Hannah promised that she would make sure that all these kids get the best education and the best care if she agreed to be one of Marianna's caretakers.

And she would be able to fly to Ethiopia twice a year - to see how her orphanage is doing. This pacified her and she accepted the offer too. Under her guidance, Marianna learned to recognise sorrow without it being spoken. So, after a long day, when Hannah came back home - and seemed stiff or stressed - Marianna would offer her comfort with a simple touch or a knowing look.

Together her three nannies seemed like a perfect team.

By the time, Marianna turned two. She was already talking and running. Her giggles became Hannah's world. But there were some inexplicable occurrences that left everyone puzzled. One day, Hannah slipped in her heels and somehow - who knows how - Marianna appeared at her side and caught her mid-fall. She was 2…Hannah was 45!

None of the nannies were surprised but Hannah was flabbergasted. How is this possible?

Jophiel, Ariel, and Seraphiel told Hannah that Marianna seemed extraordinary and it would be best if she could remove all the other staff from the household. They would take care of all the household chores - and whatever she needed done at home.

It seemed unfair to Hannah. After all, they were just hired as nannies and not as house helps or secretaries. But it seemed necessary to protect Marianna. She decided to shift to a bigger, more secluded house…with just her daughter and three nannies.

It was around this time, she flew to Jerusalem for an interfaith conference. At this conference, there was a mystic scholar woman speaking about unity among religions. Her name was Metatron. While talking about religions, Metatron also talked about angels and demons - and some of the things she described were exactly what was happening with Marianna.

The lady had a serene presence and a profound understanding of ancient spiritual teachings. Hannah felt as if she might have answers to what was happening with her baby. So, she booked a dinner appointment with her. Their late-night conversation about divine connections led Hannah to invite Metatron to be Marianna's spiritual guide. 

Metatron gave Marianna a smile - looked at Jophiel, Ariel, and Seraphiel - and accepted. Under her, Marianna was introduced to sacred texts from all religions. She read stories and asked questions - questions far beyond her age. About the universe's mysteries, the purpose of human life, souls and their journey.

Hannah had never been around children. But Marianna still felt special to her. Perhaps, it was just her motherly instincts. 

One day, at bedtime, Marianna was lying down with Hannah - her tiny arms winded around her mom's neck, and the gentle weight of her little head nestled into the crook of Hannah's shoulder. Ariel was sitting in a chair telling her a folklore from rural Galway - far away in Ireland.

Suddenly, Marianna asks Hannah, "Mama, can we go there, please? I want to see this place."

Hannah was surprised but promised to take her there soon. That weekend, they flew to Shannon Airport - about 90 km from Galway City - on a private charter aeroplane. From there, they drove to a renowned hotel in Galway. When they came out for an evening stroll, Marianna said, "Mama, let me guide you today." She was giggling, jumping, and clapping with excitement. Of course, Hannah had to follow her little baby. Hannah was driving the car. Jophiel was sitting with Marianna in her lap while Arierl, Seraphiel, and Metatron were sitting in the back seat.

Marianna was excitedly shouting, "Mama, turn left. Mama, turn right." And Hannah was obeying her instructions. It was almost funny to see. The ruthless titan had turned a soft dough in front of her toddler. Hannah was also surprised at how dexterously her daughter was guiding her to a place she had never been. But that's how Marianna was - so she let her have her way.

About 40 minutes south of Galway City, they reached Kilmacduagh Monastery. This was where Marianna asked Hannah to stop.

Hannah was shocked. She was near Gort in County Galway. This monastery was one of the most impressive monastic sites in Ireland. Founded in the 7th century by Saint Colman, it has ruins of churches, monastic buildings, and a medieval cathedral. How could Marianna know about it? She didn't know much about it herself.

The monastery emerged from the landscape like a haunting relic of Ireland's medieval past. Fields dotted with grazing sheep surround the ancient stone ruins. There was an imposing round tower - standing at 34.5 meters (113 feet) - dominating the skyline.

They got out of the car. There was no ticket booth - no visitor centre. The narrow road they were driving on led directly to its entrance - where a small wooden gate and a low stone wall invite them to step into the past.

Once inside the perimeter, the atmosphere shifted. The air was silent except for the rustling wind and the sounds of someone singing. The divine voice drew them. It was there she met Rachel - an old woman singing to some abandoned children - a song of hope and goodwill.

Hannah, Marianna, and her whole team of nannies stood respectfully at some distance - lost in her voice. When Rachel stopped singing, she offered candies to the kids, and they ran away. As she stood up to leave - Hannah called her out, "Ma'am, can I talk to you?"

Rachel gave her an all-knowing look and a lovely smile.

"Of course, my dear. Let me sit again." And she sat down once again.

Hannah learned that Rachel lived alone in rural Galway. She told stories and sang songs and made enough to get by - and she was happy in her own way. Marianna kept looking at Rachel with her big eyes. She clutched her finger with her tiny hands and said, "Rachel, I have come here to take you."

Hannah looked at Marianna with surprise. The nannies all giggled together looking at Hannah's face. Rachel looked at Hannah's face as if waiting for an answer - or perhaps, asking for her approval - Hannah didn't know. She looked at nannies who all signalled their support of the offer. And that's how Rachel became part of Marianna's team of nannies. 

With time, it became clear that Rachel could arouse a deep sense of security and love in anyone through her Gaelic lullabies and gentle nature. She became a source of peace not only for Marianna but also for Hannah.

Hannah was a fair employer, offering generous pay and utmost respect to each nanny. Having built her empire from nothing, she understood the importance of kindness and dignity, especially towards those entrusted with her daughter's care. But even with their help, it was clear Marianna's bond with Hannah was unmatched—an unbreakable connection forged by love and shared secrets.

The Miracles Begin

Since the time Marianna turned two, the first signs of her otherworldly gifts began to reveal themselves.

It started with a simple touch.

One evening, Jophiel accidentally cut her finger while preparing a craft for Marianna. Without hesitation, the toddler placed her tiny hand over the wound. A soft, golden light shimmered from her palm, and within moments, the cut had vanished—leaving behind smooth, unbroken skin.

The household fell into a stunned silence. But Marianna, unaware of the miracle she had performed, simply smiled and returned to her colouring book.

Another time, when Ariel fell ill with a sudden fever, Marianna climbed into her bed, resting her hand on Ariel's forehead. By morning, the fever had broken entirely, leaving Ariel not just healed but invigorated, as if touched by some ancient, unseen force.

Then came the dreams—visions that Marianna would describe with startling clarity. She would speak of places she had never visited, of people she could not have possibly known. Sometimes, she spoke of coming storms, both literal and emotional, predicting events with uncanny precision.

Her wisdom was profound as if she carried the knowledge of lifetimes beyond her own. She spoke with gentle confidence about love, loss, and hope—concepts far beyond a child's usual grasp. The nannies, each deeply spiritual in their own right, began to wonder if Marianna was truly touched by something divine.

A World of Cultures

Exposed to a tapestry of cultures, languages, and beliefs from her diverse caretakers, Marianna became a vessel of global understanding. She spoke French with Jophiel, whispered prayers in Hebrew with Metatron, learned Gaelic lullabies from Rachel, and shared Amazonian folktales with Ariel. Seraphiel taught her ancient Ethiopian songs that resonated through the house like a blessing.

Hannah watched in awe as her daughter absorbed every lesson with ease, her mind as bright as her radiant spirit. Despite the chaos of the outside world, their home became a sanctuary of learning, compassion, and gentle miracles.

By the time she was four, Marianna could speak seven languages fluently, understanding nuances of culture and religion that even adults struggled to grasp. She was a child shaped by the world yet untouched by its cynicism.

Phillips' Silent Vigil

Far from their sanctuary, Phillips Grayson lived a different reality—a life of cold responsibility and mechanical routine. His corporate empire thrived, but his heart remained tethered to something—someone—he could never claim.

Through the endless stream of online news, paparazzi photos, and gossip columns, Phillips quietly followed Marianna's every milestone. The media's fascination with Hannah's life made it easy for him to piece together glimpses of his daughter's world.

A photo of Hannah holding Marianna's tiny hand at a charity gala.

A grainy image of the toddler placing a flower crown on a homeless man's head, the man's eyes filled with sudden, inexplicable peace.

An article describing how Hannah's company had funded a global initiative for children's healthcare—a decision Phillips suspected was inspired by Marianna's quiet influence.

Each moment was a window into a life that should have been his to share. He had three children of his own, each raised within the gilded cage of his wealth and social expectations. And yet, none of them stirred in him the same aching tenderness that Marianna did from afar.

Sometimes, late at night, Phillips would find himself staring at a picture of her—her radiant smile, her eyes shimmering with innocence and wisdom beyond her years—and feel as though his carefully curated life was a hollow stage play. Marianna, though distant, was the only real connection he had ever known.

The Burden of Miracles

For all her gifts, Marianna remained blissfully unaware of the awe she inspired. To her, healing was as natural as breathing, and understanding others' emotions was simply kindness.

But Hannah knew better.

As Marianna's abilities grew stronger, so too did Hannah's determination to protect her. The world could be cruel to what it didn't understand, and miracles often drew envy as much as admiration. Every paparazzi photograph was a threat, every headline a potential danger.

Phillips understood this too, though from the shadows. He never reached out, never risked exposing the secret they both kept buried. But he remained a silent guardian, ensuring that any whispers about Marianna's unusual nature never gained traction in the press.

There were moments when Hannah considered telling Marianna the truth about her father—but fear always won. The stakes were too high, and the cost of exposure too great.

A Glimmer of Destiny

One quiet evening, as snow blanketed the world outside, Marianna curled up in Hannah's arms.

"Mama," she whispered, her voice soft but certain, "I think I'm here for something important."

Hannah's heart clenched. "You are, my love. But you don't need to worry about that now. Just be my little girl."

Marianna nodded sleepily, but her eyes—those ancient, knowing eyes—held the weight of a destiny yet to be revealed.

In the shadows, across cities and screens, Phillips watched from afar, wondering if the child of Light might one day bring not just miracles, but the truth neither he nor Hannah dared to confront.

And so, the signs of the divine continued, unnoticed by the world but felt by those who loved her most.

As Marianna's light grew brighter with each passing day, Phillips found himself feeling increasingly helpless. Watching her grow up through photographs and news snippets, he resented Hannah for having all the joy and connection with the daughter he could never publicly acknowledge. Every smile Marianna shared with Hannah felt like a knife twisting deeper into the wounds of his absence.

On the other hand, Hannah simmered with resentment of her own. Despite the challenges she faced alone, Phillips had never tried to visit Marianna, not once. His aloofness felt like a betrayal—a coward's retreat from responsibility and love. The moments they could have shared as a family remained locked away in silence.

Neither of them ever voiced these feelings. The hurt festered quietly between them, two people bound by a secret but divided by their inability to confront the pain that the secret had caused.

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