The Lost Billionaire's Daughter

"Mommy, I'm ready for the ballet dance. Are you coming with me?" "Ava baby, you know." I said as I tucked a strand of her hair behind her ears as the 6-year-old girl stared at me with her hands clasped and a pleading expression. But she stopped me and said, "Mommy, no! you missed my rehearsals. Today is my dance! I sighed, and said, "Ava please!"

"Baby, you know I have a work to catch up with and you know I do this for us, right? I slowly questioned her, stroking her cheeks.

She gave me her puppy dog eyes as she nodded and continued, "But please, mommy, just this once, I need you, because it's a big play and many important people are coming and I want you to be there to cheer me up."

I yelled, "Alright, baby, I'm coming," as she screamed.

"THANK YOU! Many thanks, Ma. As she gave me a bear hug, she shouted.

"Mama, I love you!" She proclaimed this while kissing my cheek.

"Oh, baby, you know I love you more, Ava." As I said, "Now get ready, love."

As soon as we both entered the room, I helped her remove her clothes, and she did so while grinning at me and going to the restroom.

After getting ready, Ava and I left the house.

As I always do, I whispered, "Ava, stay close."

As I locked the door, she exclaimed, "I know, ma," grabbing my dress. I held her hands as we exited in front of onlookers.

The area where we resided wasn't ideal at all; there were fights and instances of males raping girls, and they frequently sit outside staring at girls as though they were the prey.

Although neither Ava nor I felt safe in this neighborhood, it was the only house I could currently afford.

I was now coping with a number of issues.

I held Ava's hand as we both entered Ava's school after taking the bus and stopping at a few locations.

"Nervous?" As I held her hands, I questioned her.

She said, looking up at me, "A bit, because it's a big event, but I'm really excited since you're here."

I tearfully said, "I'm sorry, baby."

Although she is only six years old, she said, "I know, ma, it's alright," and I smiled. I have no idea how she has developed into such an understanding person.

"AVA!" As they were hugging, Olivia yelled and ran to her.

What's this! Today, Mommy's here," Ava exclaimed with a big smile.

Olivia remarked as I hugged her, "Hey auntie Lilian."

Where are your parents, little one? I prompted her

She said with a smile, "They're waiting there, with the audience."

"Baby, I'm going to leave right away, okay?" As Ava nodded, I said

I gave the top of her head a kiss and wished her luck.

"Thanks, ma," she said.

They both grinned and waved me off. "Good luck to you too, Olivia; you both will do a good job," I remarked.

When I entered the theater, it was really crowded; there were cameras all over it, and there were VIPs sitting in the top rows.

I scanned the auditorium before spotting my two closest pals seated together.

I smiled at them and said "excuse me, may I pass" before they both turned to face me with wide eyes.

"Lilian!" Theo and Isabelle both stood up and turned to face me.

"bitch! You didn't let me know you were coming. Isabelle said as she gave me a hug.

I hugged Theo and said, "Change in plans; I couldn't miss it; she wanted me here."

Theo added as he sat down, forcing me to sit between him and Isabelle. "Lilian, you missed many plays; you did right today by coming here, and hey, it's about time since the three of us are together, without the kids and outside of our house or yours."

Before Isabelle gave me a look, I sat in between the two of them.

"Hey! I would have suggested that you sit next to your spouse in my place, but you may excuse me because I'm the reason you both are here today. I stated, poking out my tongue.

Oh my God, Lilian, you have a child. Isabelle chuckled.

I joked, "I'm 24, babe, still a child."

Before I could respond, Theo slapped his palm over my lips and said, "Attention ladies, the dance is starting."

Ava was the first to have her ballet dance and the crowd cheered her for a beautiful performance and the entire audience came up to applaud her. She also received an award for the dance performance

Moreover, the show made a surprising amount of money, all of which went to charity.

The kids quickly descended and ran to their parents; Olivia made her way to us before being embraced by her parents.

Salutations to Olivia! You excelled in Avary way. I said this as I gave her a hug.

I appreciate it, Aunt Lilian. She commented while grinning.

The question "Have you seen Ava?" I inquired as I perused the area.

She pointed and said, "Yeah, she was talking to a man over there."

"A man?" I inquired as I saw Theo and Isabelle.

Isabelle remarked to Olivia, "Let's go congratulate her," as they followed me to go meet Ava, I sighted a man who hurriedly entered his car and zoomed off.

The dude was giving me his back, so I couldn't see him.

I breathed out "Ava baby" and started talking.

"MA!" Ava shouted, then rushed over to me and gave me a hard hug.

"Baby, I'm so proud of you! Thank you," I said.

"Who's the man you were talking with?" I queried. "He's one of the top VIP that supported our dance play

Suddenly, out of nowhere the mystery man arrived again, and I heard a call out from behind

"Baby?" I looked back and saw someone I hadn't seen in about 7 years, I heard a voice say:

His features didn't alter much, and he was still attractive despite having grown up.

"Dan?" I remarked in shock.

"Dan!" Isabelle remarked with her mouth gaping and her eyes wide with concern.

I felt someone grab my waist right away, and I immediately recognized Theo.

"Lilian?" Dan said it hesitantly.

"L...Lilian?" Since I hadn't heard Dan mention this person in a while, I felt my heart tense as he talked. "Ma, do you know this guy? He's incredibly sweet; he provided most of the money for our play. "Ava said while grinning.

My vision became hazy as I observed my infant standing next to her father, both of whom appeared to have the same facial characteristics and hairstyle.

Isabelle shouted out from behind her, clutching her elbow and beckoning her to where they were standing: "Ava, baby, come here."

"Lilian, how are you? How are you doing? said Dan

I uttered "good," but it was hardly audible.

Theo leaned down close to me and said, "We can go."

"Is she your daughter?" I took a big breath and gently nodded in response to his question as he looked at Ava.

I heard Olivia say loudly, "Ava looks like him," as a stab of pain shot through my chest.

"Olivia!" Theo and Isabelle remarked

I hastily uttered "I need to go" as I turned, but a hand stopped me.

Dan stated as she turned to face the individuals behind me and continued, "Something about this place is off."

Lilian said, "Get your hands off her, and let's go." Theo motioned for Isabelle to take the children.

He released his hold on my hand before Theo drew me away. Immediately after I left the school.

I inhaled deeply before my eyes started to tear up.

What is he doing in this place after all these years?

"You're okay, you're okay, Lilian." Theo murmured as he fiercely hugged me.

"Baby, nothing happened; you're fine; Ava's fine; don't cry," the mother said. As they both gave me hugs, Isabelle added,

"Mom, are you all right? Ava questioned, "What happened?

Is Aunt Lilian all right? Olivia enquired

Isabelle kneeled next to her and assured her that her mother was well.

"Ma?" She regarded me, unsure of whether to believe Isabelle.

I said, "I'm okay, love; I'm always okay, as long as you're beside me," after wiping my eyes. She embraced my neck with her arms as I pulled her close to my chest.

"Would you like to stay here with us?" Theo asked while holding my cheek.

I said, "She won; she deserves a celebration," to the request to "just drop me at the house; you guys go celebrate with Olivia."

Ava also merits it. And no, we won't listen to you; you're coming to our house, so either you stay with us or we stay with you. We all walked to Theo's car as he put an arm around me and whispered.

Isabelle motioned for me to take a seat at the front, but I shook my head and took a deep breath before giving her a feeble smile.

I said, "I'll sit with the girls," since I needed to be near Ava. I had to hug her.

Between the two girls in the backseat, I sat.

"Aunty Lilian, are you all right?" Olivia looked up at me and questioned

I nodded, saying, "Don't worry, girls; I'm fine. I just feel a little worn out." I replied, encircling them with my arms. I pulled both of them to my chest.

Ava was lost in thought; her eyes were closing, and I knew she wanted to sleep but kept stopping herself. She would look at me, but by the time we arrived at their house, she was asleep. Theo glanced at me from the front mirror, while Isabelle glanced back at me every few minutes. Olivia slept soundly on my chest.

Before he and Isabelle descended, Theo parked the car in their driveway.

Before entering the house, Theo picked up Olivia cautiously and stated, "I'll take them to bed."

Despite Isabelle's "I'll take Ava" offer, I rebuffed her.

Isabelle replied as I took her up, "I'll just take her to bed because it's all right."

Since I don't even have her clothes, "I should change her clothes!" I sighed in frustration as I ran my fingers through my hair.

'Because, baby, she and Olivia are one; they always use each other's things, and it's no different today, and Olivia's nanny could change her,' the speaker said. Reaching for my hand, Isabelle replied

Isabelle offered me a feeble smile and said, "Let me assist you."

"Babe, you take Lilian inside; I'll make sure the girls are asleep." Taking Ava away from my chest, Theo said

I walked into the home and changed into Isabelle's clothing, then sat on the couch in the dim living room and sobbed subtly.

He can't show up now, not after all these years. He departed; therefore, he's not here right now.

"Lilian?"

"Because don't, don't, don't do this to yourself." Pulling me close to his chest, Theo said

Theo, how could this happen after 7 years? I'm frightened! How? I sobbed into his chest, and I murmured, "I don't understand.

Nothing will happen because Theo is with you, I'm with you, and I have Avary confidence that Theo won't allow anything to happen to Ava. As Isabelle placed her hand on my arm, I overheard her say.

"I believe he was aware; Even Olivia noticed how much she resembled him. How can he fucking reemerge after seven years? How! I don't comprehend! God, I can't handle this. What if he finds out now? Imagine if he took her. I cried and said,

Theo released his hold on me, then he moved and cupped my face.

"Lilian Liam, I want you to hear me clearly. Nothing bad is going to happen to Ava; she will remain with you despite everything. She is your baby; you raised her; he can't take her; you won't let that happen, and I swear to you that I won't let that happen. And only then would you consider me serious? Now, please take me seriously, because I sincerely promise that nothing will happen as long as I'm alive. Nothing! Will something bad happen to my family, which includes you and Ava? Do you hear me? said Theo

"Do you hear me, Lilian?" I nodded as Theo stated.

"Quit crying now! Just halt! Don't do this to yourself; you are strong enough, because all you need to do is look after Ava; the rest will be taken care of, okay? I nodded as he requested.

"Now, get some rest. I swear, Lilian, if I hear you cry, you'll regret it." I glanced at Isabelle as Theo spoke, pointing a finger at me and trying not to laugh. Then the three of us started laughing.

"Yes, everyone, that's my best friend." Isabelle shook her head and muttered.

"Now, get some rest," Theo said.

Why do you say that? you ascend to your room," I remarked.

Isabelle remarked, "You're an idiot, because..."

Because Isabelle already wants to sleep with you and you can't accommodate both in your room, he stated, "You both are going to my room, sleeping together, so I can take the couch."

I held her hand and said, "Isabelle, babe, I'm fine. Go sleep with your husband."

"Because let's go; I've been sleeping with him for the past six years." Pulling me up with her, Isabelle said

We both walked to Theo's room and sat on the bed there after saying goodnight to him.

"You are aware that everything will be fine, correct?"

I replied, "I hope so, Isabelle. I really hope so," before she drew me in for a hug.

We are available to you.

AVA! OLIVIA! The meal is ready. After Isabelle and Theo insisted that I stay until lunch, which caused me to miss work, Isabelle exclaimed,

"We're here, girls!" Olivia yelled while seated at the table. You neglected to wash your hands. I murmured, crossing my hands and frowning at them.

Before rushing to the bathroom to wash their hands, they both muttered, "I'm sorry," and returned to the kitchen.

The question, "Where is Daddy?" Olivia questioned Isabelle.

Theo appeared at the kitchen door and said, "Daddy just got home from work."

"DADDY!" I noticed Ava watching Theo and Olivia as Olivia ran to her dad as he hugged her.

Theo called out, "Ava, baby, come here," as Ava grinned and rushed to embrace him.

"Have my princesses cleaned their hands?" They both nodded as he questioned

He released the girls from his embrace and said, "Good job, girls; let's go eat."

Theo remarked, "Ava sit here, Olivia," as he took a seat between them, and I couldn't help but chuckle at the thought of how Theo would treat Ava the same way he treated his daughter.

I looked at Isabelle as she placed a hand on my shoulder and gave it a light squeeze, and we both grinned.

Before everyone began to eat, we served the meal.

Whose turn is it now? Theo queried

"Mine!" As Olivia shouted, "Ava's!" Ava said.

Theo said, "Oops, guess I forgot," which made the girls smile.

I actually have a fantastic suggestion: how about getting ice cream later? said Isabelle

"YES!" We four-yelled.

"I didn't mean you, Theo and Lilian; I meant Olivia and Ava!" As we chuckled, Isabelle remarked

"But can't Daddy and Auntie come, right?" Olivia enquired

Yes, baby, whatever you both desire. However, please finish your meal so that we can go to bed later. As we sat and consumed our meals, Isabelle said

Before the doorbell to the house rang, I got up to wash my hands.

I walked over to the door and said, "I'll get it." When I opened it, a familiar pair of eyes greeted mine, sending a surge of shock through me.

How did you get here? I said

Hello to you as well, he added, his face expressionless.

"Babe, who's at the door?" The kitchen was where Isabelle yelled.

How did you discover this home? What brought you here? I remarked, feeling very anxious.

"Lilian?" Theo remarked as he approached the threshold.

"Lilian!" When he noticed who was at the door, he moved in my direction.

Why are you in this place? How did you discover this residence? Theo queried

Dan put on a sneer and stated, "You forgot who I am."

Do you think I care about who you are anyway? No! Just fuck leave, Theo replied, attempting to contain his rage.

"Theo," I said, "it's fine."

Theo halted me and said, "Go inside," before turning to Dan.

She won't be leaving. Dan said, "I'm here to speak with her.

Theo crossed his arms and continued, "But she doesn't want to talk to you."

She has a tongue, right? She's competent to talk for herself, Dan said.

Theo closed the door, saying, "It's not your business; just leave."

I won't be leaving. When Ava rushed to the door, Dan was hunched.

"Ava!" Both of them appeared by the door, and Isabelle yelled.

"Ava, enter," I ordered.

"Ma?" She remarked while perplexedly glancing between Dan and me.

"Dan" "What are you doing here?" she asked, turning to face him.

Dan greeted Ava and asked, "How are you?"

"I'm OK! Why are you in this place? She inquired while grinning.

"Ava, baby, could you please go to Olivia's room?" She shook her head at Theo's comment as he kneeled next to her.

I'm eager to see Dan. Ava added, "He promised me he'd take us sometime to buy presents with all the kids who were in the performance.

"I'm still keeping my word; I'll be picking you guys up soon." I'll simply have to arrange it with your teacher, Dan stated as he continued to watch her as she tried to think of something.

"Ava, enter," I commanded.

Let's go, Ava, Isabelle remarked.

She shook her head. "Nope, I want to see Dannn."

I cried "AVA JUST GO INSIDE" as a shock wave hit her, and she rushed upstairs with tears streaming down her face.

As she followed Ava, Isabelle remarked, "I'll go with her."

"Can you please just leave?" I avoided his sight, I said.

Dan remarked, "You didn't need to yell at her."

It's not your business, I said, so please go.

Theo pushed him out and shut the door, saying, "JUST FUCKING LEAVE," as he grabbed me to his chest.

Holding back my emotions, I continued, "He knows it, Theo; he knows."

"Lilian, I think it's time you talk to him because I don't think he'll stop; you need to talk to him, and if he figures everything out, I'll be here with you, okay?" He remarked, "You upset your baby."

I said, "I'll talk to her," as I entered Olivia's room and discovered Isabelle sobbing while holding Ava.

'Baby girl,' I uttered.

She said, "I don't want to talk to you."

What did I tell Ava, exactly? Isabelle remarked as Ava huffed.

"You talk, guys, and I'll go." We were silent for a few moments after Isabelle announced she was leaving before she looked up, and I continued to look at her.

We both uttered "I'm sorry" at the same time.

"What are you sorry for, baby?" Pulling her to my chest, I spoke as I dried her tears.

She responded quietly, "I'm sorry for not going; I just wanted to see Dan."

Baby, I'm sorry too; I shouldn't have yelled at you. But you should pay attention to me; all I want is for you to feel safe with me. I said

"Is Dan the bad guy?" She inquired as I struggled to swallow a lump in my throat.

"Mommy?" I didn't respond, so she said it while gazing at me.

We should be wary of strangers, I said. "No, baby, he's not; he's just a stranger."

I nodded, and Ava continued, "Then I promise you, mommy, I won't talk to him a lot, but he is kind."

Should we return home? I prompted her

She pouted, "But Auntie Tee said we'd go get ice cream."

She nodded with a smile on her face, and I replied, "We could pass by an ice cream bus, while you could go with them in another time, baby."