Adopted by the Billionaire✔️

[16]

Ellie's POV
At first, when Daddy said the lady would stay here, I didn't like it.
But Daddy said if she did something bad, I could tell him, and she would have to leave. That made me feel better. And she was trying really hard to be nice.
"I'm Ellie," I said, holding out my hand like Daddy does.
"Hi, Ellie," she said softly. "I've heard a lot about you."
I climbed onto the couch next to her.
"Let's play dress‑up!" I said.
Her eyes got big. "Okay!"
I took her to my room and told her not to look while I picked clothes. I chose lots of dresses. Red ones. Sparkly ones. Fancy ones.
She clapped when I came out wearing them.
Then I found Daddy's clothes.
I put on his big shirt and his jacket. My arms felt heavy.
"Ta‑da!" I said.
She laughed really hard. That made me laugh too.
I asked why she couldn't stay with her parents. She got quiet and sad. I didn't understand everything she said, but I knew it hurt her. So I sat close to her on the bed.
"I'm sorry," I said.
She smiled a little.
Then I told her my old daddy hurt me. I showed her my bruises. They were getting better.
She covered her mouth and looked sad.
After that, we played with dolls.
Then Daddy came.
"Daddy!" I yelled and ran to him, but I tripped. He caught me before I hit the floor.
He picked me up. "Why are you wearing my clothes?"
"Dress‑up," I said.
He smiled.
He talked to the lady quietly, then she went to get her things. I waved goodbye.
Daddy picked me up again.
"Why aren't you wearing your sling?" he asked.
"My wrist doesn't hurt," I said.
He looked worried but nodded.
We made mac and cheese together. I used a step stool. I helped pour the milk. I watched the water boil. Daddy said staring makes it slower, so I looked away.
When we ate, everything felt warm and nice.
Later, we watched a movie. I got sleepy. Daddy tucked me into bed.
That night, I had a strange dream.
I was crying. Babies were crying too. A nurse held me. Then another lady took me. I reached for someone, but I didn't know who.
I woke up.
The room was dark, but my nightlight was on.
I wasn't scared anymore.

revision: 3.10.26