Adopted by the Billionaire✔️

[40]

Ellie's POV
September 4th — Monday
Alarms are genuinely one of the worst inventions known to humanity.
BEEP.
BEEP.
BEEP.
Okay, whoever decided alarms were necessary clearly hated peace.
I smacked my clock and sat up, hair everywhere, soul halfway gone.
6:30 a.m.
My school doesn't even start until 9, but Dad insists I take forever to get ready—"Not everyone needs fashion and makeup," he says, which is hilarious coming from a man who owns more tailored suits than I own socks.
It's my first day of middle school.
And yeah, I'm scared.
Not "crying in the bathroom" scared—but "heart doing weird flips for no reason" scared. I'll have Raevynn and Kyle, obviously, but that doesn't magically calm your nerves.
I slid out of bed and headed to my closet. Everything is organized because chaos is not my brand. Underwear on the left (thanks to the joy that is my period), bras neatly stacked, clothes sorted by vibe.
I picked a red pair of underwear, a white training bra, then moved on to the outfit Dad bought during back‑to‑school shopping. I'm not describing it because honestly? It slaps. Cute, comfortable, confident.
After a quick shower, lotion, minimal makeup—just concealer and lip gloss—I checked the time.
7:45.
See? I wasn't exaggerating.
I grabbed my black‑and‑white striped backpack and stepped into the hallway just as the smell of French toast hit me like a weapon.
Dad's tactic.
Lure me with food.
And yes, it works every time.
I walked downstairs and found Dad at the counter, newspaper open, coffee in hand—like a stock photo of a businessman.
"Morning, Daddy," I said.
"Morning, baby." He kissed my forehead like it was muscle memory.
I poured cereal and soy milk while he asked, "Excited for middle school?"
"Excited is a strong word," I said. "But I get to see Raevynn and Kyle, so I'll survive."
He smiled like that was enough reassurance for him.
"Coffee?" I asked, eyeing his mug.
"No."
"Just a sip?"
"No."
"It smells bad anyway," I muttered, giving up.

---

School
Dad drove me to Holster Junior High in his Mercedes—not the flashy one, thankfully. I don't need that level of attention on day one.
"Want me to walk you in?" he asked.
"No," I said immediately. "I've got this."
He raised an eyebrow but didn't argue.
"Have a good day, princess."
"Bye, Daddy."
As soon as I stepped out, Raevynn nearly tackled me.
"I missed you!"
"We saw each other last week," I said, deadpan.
She grinned. "And yet."
We compared schedules inside—some overlap, some not—and found out Kyle was sick. Of course he was. First day of middle school and he gets the flu.
Typical.
At lunch, we texted him in the group chat.
Kyky🤪❤️: Bet I'd pull all the girls if I was there
Raerae🥰: You're literally home with a fever
Me: Talk to us when you survive, hero
Middle school itself? Honestly not terrible.
Except Evelyn.
She showed up with Aidan like they were royalty.
"Wow," she sneered. "Someone had a glow‑down."
I raised an eyebrow. "If that's true, what does that say about you?"
Aidan stood there awkwardly. I didn't care.
I asked to use the bathroom, escaped, texted Kyle, and avoided unnecessary drama.

---

Pickup
Dad was waiting at the curb like always.
"So," he said as I got in. "How was the first day?"
"Actually? Pretty good."
"Classes?"
"English is fine. Math is... a threat."
He laughed. "Good thing your father's a genius."
"Debatable."
I asked about a sleepover with Raevynn and Kyle this Friday.
"When do you not have sleepovers?" he asked.
"So... yes?"
"Yes."
I smiled, already planning snacks.

---

Final Thoughts
Middle school didn't kill me.
That's a win.
I've got my friends, my routines, and my dad—who still shows up every single day, even when he pretends not to worry.
And honestly?
That's enough.

revision: 3.10.26