Chapter 3 Little Princess
1117 Words
He just stared at me, and for a moment, I thought he might stop me and say that I was seeing things wrong. He wanted me to be his Luna and saw Chloe only as the mother of his child. My heart raced in my chest, and I swallowed when he finally sighed.
However, before he could say anything, his phone rang. He checked the caller ID and answered the call without hesitation. I recognised Chloe’s voice.
“Haven’t you finished yet?” she asked him.
“I’m about to finish. I only need a few more minutes. I’ll be with you shortly,” he replied.
“Oh, you better hurry; Tiffany wants to show you the new dress you ordered for her two days ago. It’s definitely worth six thousand dollars,” she added, causing my hand to curl into a fist as I overheard their conversation. Liam smiled.
“I’m sure she looks beautiful in it. Just tell her I’ll be there in a few minutes,” he said gently before disconnecting the call. His smile disappeared, and his expression returned to one of emptiness.
“Deal,” he said. His words felt like a dagger piercing my chest. Fighting back tears, I stood up and left his office without saying a word.
Once I was further away, I stopped and leaned against the wall, taking deep breaths. I couldn't cry. I couldn’t let Cecilia see the turmoil within me. I couldn’t make her unhappy.
After pulling myself together, I returned to the room where Sasha was playing a game with Cecilia.
“Come on, Serena. Join us!” Sasha called, but her expression shifted slightly. Even if I could hide my feelings from Cecilia, I couldn’t hide them from my best friend.
Later, as Sasha prepared to leave, I walked out with her and told her what happened. She wasn’t surprised by Liam’s behaviour and embraced me tightly, reassuring me that I could call her anytime I needed to talk.
I rushed back to Cecilia but suddenly stopped when I realised she wasn’t alone in the room. My heart pounded rapidly in my chest at the sight of Liam sitting next to her bed.
“Mummy, Daddy wants to know what kind of game I want to play at my birthday party!” she exclaimed as I stepped in. I forced myself to smile and sat on the other side of the bed.
"That sounds fantastic, sweetie," I said, and she began counting how many games she knew she could play while Liam listened.
“What do you think, Daddy? Which ones do the others like as well?” Cecilia asked. Before Liam could answer, his phone rang.
“Yes?” he answered.
“Daddy, can you come to me, please? Mummy has something to do, and I don’t feel well,” Tiffany’s voice came through the phone. Although her tone sounded fine, worry crossed Liam’s face.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
“I don’t know, Daddy; my stomach hurts,” she replied, prompting Liam to stand up.
“I’m coming, darling,” he said before hanging up.
“I’m sorry, Cecilia, but I have to leave now. Make a list for me by tomorrow, and after work, I’ll come, and we can decide together, okay?” he asked her. Cecilia’s face fell in disappointment, but she nodded with a sad smile. Liam smiled back before rushing out of the room. He didn’t hug her or kiss her on the forehead like he used to; he just left without a word.
“Don’t be sad, sweetie. You know that Daddy is very busy,” I said, and Cecilia nodded, but her head remained lowered.
The next day, I received Cecilia’s dress for her birthday party. I anticipated she would be delighted, and I couldn’t wait to see her face when she looked in the mirror.
“I have something to tell you, honey,” I said, sitting down next to her on the sofa and smiling.
“What is it, Mummy?” she asked.
“Guess what arrived today?” I prompted, and she shook her head.
“Your dress!” I replied. “Do you want to try it on?” Her face lit up instantly.
“Yes, Mummy! But can I try it on before Daddy finishes work? I want him to see it too,” she said, which made me frustrated, but I nodded.
When the time came, I helped her get dressed, and she gazed at her reflection, amazed.
“Mummy, it’s beautiful! When is Daddy coming?” she asked, and I sighed.
“Anytime, princess,” I replied, though as I glanced at the clock, I wasn’t even sure if Liam would show up. To my surprise, he did arrive, carrying a box.
“Daddy, look how beautiful my dress is!” Cecilia exclaimed, and Liam smiled at her.
“Yes, darling, you truly look like a princess,” he said. “But something is missing,” he added before handing her the box.
“What is this?” she asked excitedly.
“A little gift that can make you look exactly like a princess,” Liam answered. Cecilia opened the box and stared in amazement at the beautiful tiara inside.
"Daddy, this is so beautiful," she exclaimed, eager to wear it. Just then, Liam's phone rang again.
“Liam, we promised Tiffany we’d take her out for dinner. Where are you?” Chloe's voice cut through the moment, and I could see Liam rubbing his forehead, realising he had indeed forgotten.
“I completely forgot about that. I’m coming,” he replied, then turned to Cecilia, who looked disappointed.
“Darling, Mummy will help you put on this tiara. Just ask her to take a picture of you and send it to me, okay?” he said, gently caressing Cecilia's head. “I have to leave now, but I’ll see you tomorrow at the birthday party, alright?” He asked, looking at the little girl, who nodded sadly.
“Will you be there, Daddy?” she asked, and Liam nodded.
“Of course, I’ll be there,” he assured her, kissing her on the cheek before rushing out of the room.
I noticed Cecilia was on the verge of tears. She was young but perceptive enough to sense that her Daddy seemed to prefer his other daughter. Not wanting her to feel sad, I picked up the box and helped her put on the tiara.
“Like a real princess,” I said with a smile. Upon seeing her reflection, Cecilia's mood brightened, and she clapped.
“Mummy, now I really am a princess!” she exclaimed.
- Writer
