Page 231 of His Sunshine Baby

“Are you okay? It doesn’t hurt? I can ask them to increase the morphine dose, but…”

“I’m okay, Danny, chill.”

“Babe. You could have…”

She frowns, and I know she’s telling him to be mindful about Estelle, who’s right next to them. To my surprise, she turns to me.

“Can you take her? I need to talk with Daniel.”

I’m a bit disappointed that’s all she asks of me, but I hurry over.

“Sure. Estelle, are you coming? Let’s go grab the hot chocolate you liked last time.”

“Oh, yes! Mommy, do you want a hot chocolate too? They are really good, and the nice lady puts sprinkles on it!”

“I’m fine, baby, eat a lot of sprinkles for me, okay?”

“Okay! See you later Mommy, see you later Dada!”

“Bye, baby star.”

We walk out, Estelle still waving at her mom, while I feel like I left my heart back there…

I drive us back to my place, Estelle sipping her hot chocolate in the back seat, excitedly talking to me about how happy she was to see her mom.

I still can’t believe it, either. I was prepared for anything, for Elena to scream or yell at me. I wouldn’t even have blamed her if she punched me a few times. I’m still waiting for it. I take a glance at my baby star in the back seat. How did she raise such a precious, perfect little girl alone like that? I take a deep breath.

I need to make things right. Not just with Estelle; I want to resume my relationship with Elena too. Even if it takes years, I want to earn her forgiveness, have them both back in my life, and stop being that ghost I’ve been for the past four years. I’m the most selfish man there is, for sure, but honestly, I’d rather die than miss my chance again.

I finally park in front of the residence, escorting my baby star out of the car. She is amazed by the view of the sea behind us.

“Daddy! Is it the ocean? It’s so big!”

“Yes, baby star. Come, you will see it even better from my apartment.”

“Really?”

She takes my hand and follows me inside. The concierge, Harry, opens his eyes wide, seeing me walk in with a kid. Aside from Elena or my family, he’s never seen me bring anyone else home.

“Good evening, Mr. Black. May I ask who the little Miss with you is?”

Estelle, a bit shy, exchanges a glance with me before smiling at him.

“I’m Estelle, mister.”

“Nice to meet you, Miss Estelle, I am Harry. Please let me know if you need anything.”

“Thank you, Harry!”

“Thanks, Harry,” I say, a bit proud.

While we walk to the elevator, Estelle suddenly stops. You can see the pool from the other side of the glass wall, and she is stunned.

“Daddy! There is a huge pool too!”

“I know. Do you want to go for a swim later?”

She frowns, turning to me.

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