Dad

Chapter 8 ~ Dinner

I got up to my room and found a beautiful new dress laid out on my bed.

I quickly put it on and fixed my hair and makeup. I didn't know what this dinner was for, or why it was so fancy, but it was almost time to go.

I held onto the railing as I attempted to walk down the stairs in heels. On the last step I tripped but Levi caught me. "Are you okay?" He asked.

"I'm fine." I chuckled and we made our way to his car. We ended up at one of the city's fanciest and most expensive restaurants. I stared in awe as I have very rarely come this close to anything so grandeur.

"You'll catch flies if you keep your mouth open." Levi said. I blushed and brushed off my dress. Levi opened the door for me and I was immediately greeted with the smell of amazing food.

"Good evening, Mr. Ackerman. Right this way." The waiter led us to the restaurant's party room where a bunch of other nicely-dressed people were waiting.

"Mr. Ackerman." A taller blonde came over to us with a smug look on his face. "Pleasure."

"Luna this is Oluo, my assistant." Levi said, a bit disheartened.

"H-Hi." I said.

"Stop being a snob." A familiar lady hit him on the head. Oluo bit his tongue and walked away sulking.

"Ms. Petra?" I asked.

"Hey, Luna." She smiled.

"Petra helps take documents and such to and fro." Levi said. I was introduced to a few more people until it was finally time to eat. The food was amazing. I tried to engage in some conversations to make Levi look good but I was super nervous. "Excuse me." Levi suddenly stood up beside me. Everybody kept laughing and talking, however. "Excuse me!" He raised his voice and everybody immediately quieted down. "Stand up." He whispered to me more gently. I straightened out my dress and stood next to him, not exactly liking all the eyes on me.

"Thank you all for coming here tonight. The reason I called you all here is because it seems like our company has a little problem." He eyed a few people who immediately averted their gaze. So he uses fear, huh. "Recently I've been hearing rumors and gossip going around this company about me, which I do not appreciate. If you have a problem with me, I expect you to come to me directly." He seemed a little irritated. "But nonetheless, I want to make all things clear." He put an arm around my waist and pulled me beside him. "I do, in fact, have a daughter. I adopted her about a week ago. Her name is Luna, and I expect you all to treat her with the utmost respect. If you do not, there will be consequences." Levi just... called me his daughter...

There were collective "yes, sir"s around the table and he let go of me. "You are now free to do whatever you wish, just don't embarrass the company. Dinner is on me." Levi said. Most of the table clapped and we sat back down. People were gossiping about him? And his subordinates, nonetheless.

The rest of the night went by fine. I remained at the table while Levi chatted with some of his workers. "You know, Luna." Oluo plopped down beside me. "What's it like living with Levi? Do you ever feel scared?"

"W-What do you mean?" I asked, utterly confused.

"Don't you ever feel like he could go back? You know, to his old lifestyle?" He smirked.

"What are you-"

"Oluo." Levi stomped over. "One more strike, and you're gone." Oluo sighed and walked away. "Let's go." We walked to the front and paid the bill. I don't even want to know how much it was. We got into the car and it was silent. What did Oluo mean? "His old lifestyle?" What did he used to-? "I'll explain it all when the time is right." Levi said, picking up on my thinking.

"Okay." I answered quietly. We eventually made it back to the house and I yawned.

"You better get to sleep, you have school in the morning." Levi said.

"Right. Goodnight." He nodded and I went upstairs to get ready for bed. It was a while until I could fall asleep. My mind was swarming with questions, but I trusted Levi. I mean, why shouldn't I?