CHAPTER 001
1223 Words
LOUIS'S POINT OF VIEW
"Sweet Pie, come on, the car is ready!" When I was waiting in the living room, I made a call out. Because today was her special day, everything else could be put on hold for the time being. There was nothing more important than her.
"I am coming, Daddy!" The sound of that heavenly, angelic voice echoed in my ears. She appeared wearing a floral knee-length dress, her curly blonde hair pulled back into a ponytail.
"What took you so long, Sweet Pie?"
Dear Daddy, I am a female. It takes some time to choose the appropriate attire! She twirled, flashing her decision to the audience. Are you able to imagine that a four-year-old child is having trouble deciding what to wear? My head shook, but if I were to be completely honest, I would never stop spoiling her.
"Okay, okay, whatever you say."
"It's time, Dad! There is ice cream waiting for me! She took hold of my hand and pulled me in the direction of the vehicle.
"You really cannot wait, huh?"
"Not at all! Today, I will be purchasing additional ice cream. You had better have a sufficient amount of money, Dad! She wore a grin.
I assisted her in entering the vehicle, opened the door for her, and secured her seatbelt. As we drove away from the estate, the engine started to work. My security followed in a separate vehicle. When she was with me, I had to exercise an abundance of caution. They would never be able to take her away from me. Unlike the events that took place with my family a year ago today. I continued to be troubled by that nightmare.
When we finally arrived at Snow Cafe, it had been half an hour since we had left the road. It was my instruction that two of my guards wait outside. They would attract an excessive amount of attention if they stood inside. Although I was not concerned about that, I did not believe that Élodie required that level of pressure.
I gave her the option to choose whatever she desired.
As she looked over the various options for ice cream, her charming little eyes gleamed. This was her beloved location. Once a week, I made an effort to bring her here by making time for it.
She carefully selected a few flavors, some of which she chose for me.
"That is it?" I taunted her.
She smiled broadly, clapped her small hands, and shook her head in agreement. Smiling, I paid for our order, and then I carried the bowls to a table that was located near the window.
As I made my way over, Élodie skipped ahead of me because she was too excited to wait. After that, she was involved in a collision with a female. The impact caused the woman's ice cream to fall to the ground in a crashing manner. As Élodie stumbled and fell to her knees, my heart raced.
After putting the bowls down, I hurried over to her.
What's going on with you, Sweet Pie? Have you been hurt? While I was checking for any injuries, I felt a tightening in my chest. I could not allow her to suffer any harm. There were absolutely no marks at all.
I am truly sorry! It was with a nervous stutter that the woman said, "I did not see her."
"Sorry does not fix anything!" My tone of voice came out more harsh than I had intended. "It is fortunate that she is not wounded. If it were the case, you would not be able to stand here with such ease.
Oh, no, Dad! I was to blame for it! Because I was not careful." As a means of calming me down, Élodie reached out and grabbed my hand.
The woman knelt down and looked directly into Élodie's eyes. "What's up, Princess? Please accept my sincere apologies.
It was then that Élodie let go of my hand and stepped closer to the woman, placing a small touch on her shoulder. "It is not a problem. I was to blame for it. In addition, I am sorry for the ice cream you had.
I caught her eye as she turned around to look at me. Even though she was whispering, I was able to hear her clearly. "And about my dramatic dad, too," she said.
The woman laughed out loud.
While the debris was being cleaned up, a waiter arrived.
"Dad, we need to buy her another ice cream," Élodie said, now maintaining her grip on the woman's hand.
I'm sorry, but that is not required at all. "Everything is fine," the woman replied as she gently placed her hand on Élodie's cheek.
Élodie did not seem to be persuaded. "No, Dad."
With solemn determination, she pounded her little foot. I heaved a sigh, fully aware that I had been defeated.
"Hell, yes, I am. Regardless of what you desire, Sweet Pie."
She gave me a grin as she dragged me to the counter to place an additional order for ice cream.
While Élodie was having a pleasant conversation with the woman, I took care of the bill. This was a unique occurrence. It was the first time that Élodie had ever chatted so much to a complete stranger. Especially after what transpired with her biological parents. Even though she was only three years old at the time, she had already comprehended enough. Since that day, she had been referring to me as "Dad." I never challenged her.
"Are you alone?" Élodie inquired about it.
The woman gave a slight nod.
"Oh! " What a wonderful idea! You are free to sit with us!
The woman appeared to be taken aback. Her eyes gave me a fleeting glance. Who would want to sit with the man who had just yelled at her? That's right.
Not at all. In any case, that is OK. She instantly added, "I do not wish to be an intrusive person."
Élodie shed a tear. "Please?"
It was obvious that the woman was looking for a way out of the situation.
"Dad?" In need of assistance, Élodie went to me.
A sigh escaped my mouth. Without uttering a single word, I reached for the fresh bowl of ice cream and positioned it on our table.
It's time to move on. Although I was sitting down and not looking at her, I added, "Come join us before it melts."
During the time when Élodie was dragging the woman toward the table, I heard her squeal.
"What is your name?" Élodie inquired about it.
The lady flashed a grin. "Use the name Sophie!" Would you like to join me, Princess?
It was Élodie. Nevertheless, you may also refer to me as Princess Élodie! It was a giggle.
When Sophie laughed, I found myself trying to conceal a smile from her. Whenever she was in her presence, Élodie acted like a completely different person. I don't know what it was about this woman that made my daughter feel comfortable enough to talk to her.
In the midst of their conversation, I focused my attention on Sophie. Is she a person? To what extent did Élodie appear to be attracted to her?
My daughter was the target of a spell that was cast by this woman.
- Writer
