Spoiled Sweetness

Chapter 1: The Unwanted Morning

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Lily Mei sat on her enormous pink bed, surrounded by an army of dolls. Her room was a dreamscape of pastel colors—plush carpets, soft lights, and silk curtains that glimmered under the morning sun. But Lily's delicate face twisted into a scowl as her mother's voice echoed from downstairs.

"Lily! You're going to be late for school!"

The girl let out a groan and whine so loud it made her personal maid, Rosa, flinch from across the room. She flung one of her plushies onto the floor dramatically. "I said I don't wanna go!" she yelled, kicking her legs wildly like a toddler throwing a tantrum. "It's boring! School is so stupid!"

Rosa tried to reason with her. "Miss Lily, your father will—"

"I don't care!" Lily cut her off, crossing her arms over her chest. "Tell Dad to build me my own school if it's so important. But I'm not going today!"

Just then, the soft sound of the front door opening echoed through the house and they doesn't need to turn to look who it was.

Adrian Blackwood.

The man walked into the house that he knew so well by now. Towering over everyone like a dark prince in a perfectly tailored black suit. He was stern and always too serious. Yet, Lily knew she could always count on him to give her what she wanted. After all, he never said no to her.

Lily slid off her bed just as Adrian's heavy footsteps echoed down the hall. Her lips pulled into a pout as she prepared her next tantrum, knowing he'd be at her mercy the moment he saw her.

The door opened with a soft click, revealing Adrian standing there in all his intimidating glory. His black hair was slicked back, his broad shoulders stretching the dark fabric of his coat effortlessly. His sharp jawline tensed slightly as his eyes landed on her.

"What happened?" His deep, low voice was calm, but the slight furrow in his brow betrayed his concern.

"She's refusing to go to school again, sir," Rosa explained, exasperated.

Adrian held up a hand, dismissing the maid gently. "I'll take care of it."

Lily's pout deepened. "Tell them I'm not going, Adrian. They're being so mean to me!" she whined, her brown eyes glimmering with the beginning of tears. Tears she could summon at will.

Adrian's stern expression softened instantly. He closed the door behind him and crossed the room with slow, measured steps until he was standing right in front of her.

"Baby, what's wrong, hmm?" His voice dropped into that warm, patient tone that was reserved only for her. He reached out and tucked a strand of her long brown hair behind her ear, his fingertips lingering for a second too long. "Why don't you want to go?"

Lily stomped her tiny foot. "Because it's boring! I don't wanna learn about dumb stuff. I want to stay home and play!"

Adrian crouched down to her eye level, his large hands gently cupping her small face. His thumbs brushed away the stubborn tears that had started to pool in the corners of her eyes. His chest tightened painfully at the sight of her like this—so upset, so small. If she wanted the world, he would have given it to her.

"I know, baby," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "I know school feels boring. But I promise, it won't be so bad, hmm? And after school, I'll take you shopping. Just you and me."

Her pout wavered, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Really?"

Adrian smiled. One of those rare smiles that only she could pull from him. "Of course. Anything you want, baby. I'll buy out the whole mall if it makes you happy."

Lily's lips twitched as if she was fighting back a grin, but she wasn't done being difficult. She wrapped her arms around his neck suddenly, pressing her small frame against his broad chest. "I still don't wanna go," she mumbled into his neck, her voice muffled.

Adrian let out a soft chuckle, cradling her against him. "I know, baby." He lifted her effortlessly, settling her on his lap as he sat down on the edge of her bed. His large hands rubbed soothing circles on her back, his heart melting at how perfectly she fit in his arms. "But you'll make me really proud if you go today, okay? Just for me."

Lily pulled back slightly, her brown eyes searching his. "You promise you'll come get me as soon as school's over?"

Adrian nodded, his gaze tender. "I promise, baby. I'll be there the second you walk out of that gate."

Lily bit her lip, still undecided. But the way he looked at her. With so much patience, so much love. Made it impossible to refuse him for long. With a small huff, she relented. "Fine. But only because you said so."

Adrian's chest swelled with warmth. He pressed a kiss to the top of her head, inhaling the sweet scent of her hair. "That's my good girl."

Lily's cheeks flushed a soft pink at the praise, but she quickly hid her face against his neck again, not wanting him to see how it affected her.

Adrian held her for a moment longer, savoring the feeling of her in his arms. He could stay like this forever. Just him and his baby, away from the world.

But for now, he had to let her go.

He stood up, carrying her effortlessly toward the door. "Come on, baby. Let's get you ready for school."

And just like that, the tantrum was over. Adrian knew that she'd never truly change. She'd always be spoiled, demanding, and difficult. But she was his. And as long as she was happy, nothing else mattered.

Because, in the end, she was his baby. And he'd spend the rest of his life making sure she always had a reason to smile

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