Lily Ralph, a 23-year-old Greek model, is strong-willed and independent. Growing up in an abusive household, she developed deep trust issues, making it hard for her to let people in. Despite her tough exterior, there's a vulnerability underneath, on...
It was one of those quiet, sunny afternoons in Monaco when Lando and Lily decided to take a break from the usual hustle of their busy lives and do something a little more "normal" for a change. Gemma had been more than patient during their last few weeks of traveling, and Lando and Lily agreed it was time for a little outing to the mall.
"I think she's finally old enough to enjoy a little shopping trip," Lily said as she gently buckled Gemma into her stroller, her little hands reaching out to grab at the straps, clearly excited for what was to come. "What do you think?"
Lando smiled, pushing the stroller toward the door. "I'm more concerned about how much trouble she'll cause in there. You know how she gets when she sees something she likes."
Lily chuckled, her hand brushing against Lando's. "I have a feeling this trip's going to be interesting."
As they entered the mall, the hustle and bustle of the crowds immediately surrounded them. It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon, with people milling around, enjoying the weekend. The sound of footsteps echoed in the bright, modern space, and the smell of fresh coffee and pastries wafted through the air.
Gemma, as always, was entranced by the lights and colors around her. Her bright blue eyes darted from one display to another as Lando and Lily pushed her along. It wasn't long before they found themselves in the toy section of the mall, where Gemma's attention was immediately drawn to a large display of dolls.
"Oh, look at that," Lily said, crouching down to get on Gemma's level. "Do you want one of those, sweetheart?"
Gemma giggled and pointed excitedly at a doll with long, curly hair and a sparkly pink dress. She babbled in her own baby language, clearly in love with the toy.
"That's a pretty doll," Lando said, looking at Lily with an amused smile. "She's got expensive taste already."
Lily laughed softly. "I guess so."
They made their way over to the display, and Lily picked up the doll to check the price. Her eyes widened when she saw the price tag.
"Uh-oh," she muttered, glancing at Lando. "This is a little more than I expected. Fifty euros for a doll?"
Lando raised his eyebrows. "Fifty? That's almost the price of a decent dinner for two. I'm not sure I'm ready to pay that much for a toy."
Gemma, who hadn't fully grasped the concept of money yet, continued to point at the doll eagerly. She wanted it, and that was clear.
Lily exchanged a look with Lando. "Let's just see if we can find something else. Maybe a cheaper version?"
But as they turned to leave, Gemma's face morphed into a sudden frown. Her bottom lip quivered, and before either of them could react, she let out a shriek.
"No! Want!" she cried, flailing her arms and kicking her legs.
Lando immediately knelt down next to her stroller, trying to calm her down. "Hey, hey, Gemma, what's going on? You can have a doll, just not that one, okay?"
Gemma's cries grew louder as she threw herself backward in the stroller, her arms flailing about. "No! I want that one! NOW!"
Lily sighed, a little helpless. "She's having a full-on tantrum, isn't she?"
"Yep," Lando said, his voice low. "And I think we're about to become those parents who give in to their toddler's demands in public."
Lily tried to reason with Gemma, but it was no use. The screams were getting louder, and the attention of the other shoppers around them was growing. At that moment, Lando turned to Lily with a resigned smile.
"You know, I never thought I'd say this, but I think we need to get her the doll," Lando said, his voice playful yet full of understanding. "She's not going to stop until she gets it."
Lily sighed dramatically, glancing down at their daughter's tear-streaked face. "I can't believe we're giving in."
Lando grinned. "I'm pretty sure it's a rite of passage for every parent. Besides, what's a little doll when we spend more on coffee every month?"
With a dramatic sigh, Lily nodded, reaching for her wallet. "Fine, fine, we'll get her the doll."
After a few minutes of fussing with the cashier, Lando handed over the money, and Lily carefully placed the doll in Gemma's tiny hands. As if on cue, Gemma immediately stopped crying, her face lighting up with a huge, beaming smile.
Lando and Lily exchanged a tired but amused glance. Gemma hugged the doll tightly, cooing happily as if the tantrum had never happened.
"See? That wasn't so bad," Lando said, leaning in to kiss Lily on the cheek.
"Maybe not for you," Lily teased. "But I'm pretty sure we've just set a precedent for the rest of our lives."
Lando chuckled. "Hey, it's worth it for the peace and quiet."
Gemma, now happily clutching her new toy, babbled excitedly, her eyes never leaving the doll. Lando and Lily couldn't help but laugh at how easily their little girl had wrapped them around her tiny finger.
"Alright," Lando said, turning toward the exit, "Let's go home before she starts asking for more toys."
Lily nodded, smiling fondly at Gemma. "Deal. Let's just enjoy the peace for a while."
And as the trio headed toward the car, they were content, knowing that sometimes giving in to a little tantrum was all part of the parenting adventure.
@Lando.Norris
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@Lando.Norris: POV: when your daughter is having a full-on tantrum over a doll
