The Billionaire Who's My Daughter's Father

I looked at my little girl one more time and said goodbye. Her name is Lilly. She is six years old. She has my eyes and a smile that can make me forget every bad thing that has ever happened to me. She came from one night I never talk about. A night I try not to remember. But I would live through that night a thousand times again, if it meant I would still get her. She is not my mistake. She is the best thing that ever happened to me. She ran back to me and wrapped her small arms around my legs. "Mummy, don't go. Please stay." Her voice was small and scared. It melted my heart. I bent down and hugged her tighter. I really cannot imagine my life without her. I carried her and walked toward my mother who was standing by the car. "Mom, I will leave Lilly with you now." I put Lilly down and gave my mother a tight hug. "I love you, Ava." My mother's words brought a broad smile to my face. "I love you too, Mummy." I turned to my little Lilly. "I love you too, kiddo." "Love you, Mum," Lilly answered as she entered the car. I just got a job at Crawford Group and my mother asked me to let Lilly stay with her so I can focus on work. It was a hard decision for me. For six years, Lilly had become a huge part of me that I can never be separated from. "Just get yourself together, then your kid will live with you again." That was my mother's word when I agreed to let Lilly go with her. I wiped the tears on my face and entered the house. Tomorrow is Monday when I will start my job at Crawford Group. I just got a job as Liam Crawford's secretary. Thinking of having to work for Liam Crawford sent a cold chill down my spine. I sat on the sofa and rubbed my palms together. Liam Crawford is the first child of the Crawfords. He is said to be so domineering, a powerful man in business, and does not tolerate nonsense from anyone. Lots of words were said about him, but the only good thing is his physique. As described, he is so hot. And girls always want to be around him. Meanwhile, he does not allow girls around him. He barely shows up in public, but he controls almost half of the city. "All you need to do is to focus, Ava. I'm sure you've got this." These are the words I held dearly in my heart. That night, I rolled on the bed several times and could not sleep. The bed felt too big. Too quiet. Too cold. I kept reaching out to the other side, expecting to feel Lilly's small warm hand, but there was nothing there. I miss my daughter, Lilly. She is literally my everything. I have never been separated from her for a day. And now I have to spend the night alone without her. At exactly 1 a.m., my phone rang. I sat on the bed. Who could it be? I picked up the phone and checked the caller. "Mum?" I was shocked. My mother had never called me this late. "Hi, Mum," my voice trembled on the phone. "Mummy!" It was Lilly. She started crying. "I miss you. I can't sleep without you." Tears rolled down my eyes as I burst into tears as well, but I had to control myself. "I know, baby. Mummy misses you too. So much," I said. "You have to go to bed now, Lilly. Remember what Mummy told you about sleeping at night?" She lowered her voice and responded, "Children must not stay up late, as early to bed is early to rise." I smiled. "That's it, baby. Mummy misses you here as well, but you have to sleep now. I promise to call you tomorrow before going to work, okay?" "Okay, Mummy." Her voice suddenly changed. She seems happy now. "I can't wait to see your call tomorrow. I love you, Mummy." "Ava," my mum's voice came back on the line. She has been there all along. I am sure she could not sleep either. "Mum," I sobbed. "I can't do this. It hurts too much." "You have to be strong. I know you have not been apart from your daughter, but for the little time to get yourself together, you need to endure, okay? You are doing this so she can have a better life." "Yes, Mummy." "Sing for me, Mummy, so I can sleep soundly," Lilly added joyfully. I smiled. I lay on the bed and started singing for her, the same song I have sung every night since she was a baby. In a few moments, we both fell asleep, still on the phone. * The alarm sound is a loud one. Why didn't it wake me up this morning? Was it because I slept so late after singing for Lilly? I turned a few times on the bed and picked up my phone to check the time. "What!?" I screamed. "It's past 9 a.m.?" I jumped from the bed and rushed to the bathroom. I was supposed to resume work at exactly 9 a.m. "My first day, for crying out loud!" In less than ten to fifteen minutes, I was done. That is one thing motherhood had taught me. How to be fast with everything. Before I take care of myself, I take care of my child. I did not bother to take breakfast. I rushed out and took a taxi. I was constantly checking my wristwatch on my way to work. "I just wish I won't be fired," I silently wished. I need this job for Lilly. I cannot lose it on day one. Some minutes later, we arrived at Crawford Group and without slowing down, I rushed in. I took the elevator and went to the top floor immediately. Ding. The elevator door opened. I composed myself and quickened my footsteps toward the boss's office. "Lateness on your day one?" One of the ladies at the desk asked surprisingly. "Should I say you are unlucky today?" Another one questioned. "Because boss arrived at work as early as seven a.m. today," she added. "I am to resume by 9 a.m.," I said gently. "And this is quarter past 10," the lady answered. "Just go in, we wish you good luck." I knocked at the boss's office door and there came an icy voice. That should be Liam Crawford. "Come in." I adjusted my dress for the umpteenth time, rubbed my palms together, and heaved a heavy sigh. I entered and walked toward the boss's big table. I bowed slightly and stood in front of him. I wanted to greet, but words failed me. He looked hotter than described. I almost drooled. For a second, I forgot I was a mother. I forgot I was tired. I forgot everything. "When you are done staring, give your reason for coming late." His words jerked me back to reality. What was that just now? I lost control in front of my boss. You are here for work, Ava. Focus. Focus. Focus. For Lilly. I finally opened my mouth to talk. "So hot." The words came out unexpectedly. I never intended to say that out loud. It was all in my mind. "Are you here to work or to admire me?" His words came like a bomb. "Both." I heard myself say, unconsciously. Again. Ava, what exactly are you saying? This is bad. But I could not stop myself. I have never felt this way around a man. "I love you, Mummy." Lilly's words suddenly echoed in my head. Oh no. I am losing focus. I am separated from my daughter for this purpose. How will my daughter feel if she learns I lost the job due to some carelessness? I took a deep breath and stood straight. I looked him in the eyes. "Forgive me, Mr. Crawford. I am here to work. And I will not disappoint you."