Adopted by the Billionaire✔️

[12]

Ellie's POV
Daddy said he had to go wash up, so I went to the living room and turned on the TV. I found a show with bunnies called Max and Ruby. They didn't have parents, and Ruby always took care of Max. I liked that.
After a while, I thought maybe I could surprise Daddy.
I went to my room and opened my big closet. There were so many clothes. I picked a flowery dress. It fit me just right. I felt pretty.
I went back to the living room and sat down again. The show changed to Tom and Jerry. That one was funny. They ran everywhere and made silly faces. I laughed out loud.
I didn't hear Daddy come out of his room, but then he said I looked beautiful. I ran to him so fast and held my arms up. He picked me up like it was easy.
We went into the elevator and then down to the place with all the cars. I saw Daddy's car right away. The door opened like a big wing. He lifted me into the backseat because I couldn't climb in by myself.
He said we were going shopping.
I liked that word.
We went to a huge place with lots of stores. I held Daddy's hand the whole time. There were too many people, and I didn't like strangers yet.
Daddy asked me what things I liked, and I pointed instead of talking. That was easier.
Lots of ladies kept looking at Daddy. I didn't like that. When he wasn't looking, I made grumpy faces at them.
"What color car seat do you want, princess?" Daddy asked.
I saw one with blue and purple flowers. I pointed at it.
"Good choice," he said.
Then he showed me booster seats, and I picked a dark blue one.
We walked around for a long time. My feet got tired, but Daddy didn't let go of my hand.
Then a lady came up to Daddy.
I didn't like her.
I tugged on Daddy's hand so he would pick me up. He did right away, like he knew I wanted to feel safe.
The lady said something I didn't understand. Something about staying the night.
I didn't know what that meant.
"I refuse," Daddy said. His voice was strong. I had never heard him sound like that before.
The lady kept talking, but Daddy didn't listen.
"I'm having a moment with my daughter," he said. "Go away."
I felt proud.
We went into a restaurant. It smelled really good. My tummy made a noise.
Daddy picked a table far away from other people. I liked that better.
When the lady was gone, I asked, "Daddy, what did she want?"
He said it was just grown‑up nonsense and nothing important. That made sense to me.
I nodded and looked at the menu. I was starting to talk more now. It felt easier when Daddy was around.
Daddy said he had to make a phone call and walked a little away.
Then my tummy felt weird.
Like when you know something bad is coming.
I looked around.
Then I saw him.
My old daddy.
My heart started beating really fast. My hands felt cold. He was walking toward the restaurant, just like in my bad dream.
I couldn't breathe.
I ran away from the table and hid in a corner, curling up small and quiet.
I didn't want him to see me.
I didn't want to go back

revision: 3.10.26