Page 1 of The Grumpy Billionaire Baby Daddy

Chapter 1

Fiona

Aswepullupin front of our new apartment, my heart skips a beat with excitement. It's a fresh start, a new chapter filled with endless possibilities, and I can feel the thrill coursing through my veins. We've had our fair share of challenges, but this moment is the epitome of hope, and it's as sweet as cherry wine. I plan to relish every single moment of it.

I take a moment to fully take in the grandeur of the apartment complex in front of us. It's a stunning four-story building with pristine white edges lining its windows, standing tall against the sky. The building itself is painted in a rich, dark green hue, but it's not as dark as the lush green of the trees that surround the front of the apartment. I can't help but feel a swell of pride in my chest. I've never lived in such a breathtakingly beautiful apartment before, and it's a feeling that fills me with a sense of awe.

The anticipation of what awaits inside is palpable. I can't wait to step through those doors and make this new space our own. It's a new beginning, a fresh canvas on which we can paint our dreams.

“Fiona, are you going to come to help us with these boxes, or will you just stand there?”

“Right, sorry, Mom.”

I shuffle toward the boxes on the floor beside the car. Eleanor, my best friend, is already walking into the building as I pick up two boxes.

“Hey! Wait up!” I call from behind, picking up my pace.

Our flat is on the first floor. I catch up with Eleanor in the elevator, panting.

“Why are you panting like you’re in the Olympics?”

I roll my eyes and keep my gaze on my reflection in the elevator mirror.

“Hey, I was thinking. We should totally go out and celebrate after moving everything in. What do you say?”

“Eleanor, you’ll find every excuse to party.”

“Uhmm, excuse me? Life isn’t supposed to be boring.”

I roll my eyes again. Eleanor’s been my best friend since elementary school. It’s difficult to believe she was the smartest in class because she always had the most fun. I admired how she managed to balance academics and social life. It wasn’t something I did well. She didn’t look like the typical nerd with glasses and braces. In fact, she was also the most popular girl in high school. She had the prettiest face and the blondest hair. Every boy wanted her. Every girl wanted to be her. Yes, me too.

The elevator gets to the first floor in a wink, and we step out into a wide, serene lobby. The apartment is the last on the left. Eleanor takes the lead, and I follow right behind. When we reach the front door, the realization dawns on us - none of us have the key. Just as we exchange puzzled glances, my dad appears with three boxes precariously balanced in one arm, and the key firmly gripped in his other hand. With a triumphant smile, he unlocks the door to our new abode, and my eyes widen in awe as I step inside. The apartment is a blank canvas, a place where we can create new memories and make it our own. The sunlight streams through the windows, casting a warm glow on the walls. The rooms are spacious and inviting, with the promise of countless adventures to come.

The opulent hardwood flooring gleams under my feet, and the walls adorn a muted yet sophisticated shade of brown. As I survey the expansive living room, a profound sense of relief washes over me. Our previous abode pales in comparison to this magnificent space, with its lackluster flooring and tired walls. The neighborhood we used to reside in was a constant source of worry, and my father went to great lengths to secure our escape from its confines.

“There are still many boxes downstairs. Move! Move!” Dad says, clapping like he’s a platoon commander.

“Ugh, I said I wanted to help, not die,” Eleanor whispers, and I let out a loud snicker.

As we make our way back downstairs, Eleanor begins again.

“I hear there’s a fire club around. It’s about ten minutes from here. Let’s check it out. C’mon!”

She winks at me repeatedly, in a hilarious manner, as she always does when convincing me to make a bad decision.

“El, after lifting this many boxes back and forth, the last thing I want is a wild night. I need to rest, and so do you.”

“Okay, how about we leave the club early?”

I grimace, shaking my head.

“Say yes. C’mon. C’mon.”

She does the wink again, and I giggle.

“I can’t believe I’m saying yes to this, but fine. Let’s do it.”

She pumps her fists in the air, and the boxes in her arms nearly slip off. Fortunately, she catches them, looking around to make sure dad didn't see.

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