Reclaimed By My Billionaire Baby Daddy

I woke up to the clatter of dishes and the sharp scrape of a chair against the kitchen tiles.

“Bella!” Trina’s voice rang out like an alarm bell. “Are you going to sleep all morning? The sun’s practically on top of your head.”

I sat up, rubbing sleep from my eyes. The clock on my nightstand blinked 7:12 a.m. It wasn’t even late. Not really.

“I’m up,” I mumbled, pushing the covers aside.

I opened my door to the sight of Chloe standing in the hallway, arms folded across her chest, already dressed in her little cream cardigan and pastel headband.

She wrinkled her nose when she saw me. “You look like a raccoon.”

“Good morning to you too,” I said, brushing past her.

Trina stood by the kitchen sink, scrubbing a plate like it had personally offended her.

“Since you’re finally awake, you can clean up breakfast,” she said without turning. “We’ve got things to do today. Chloe has a nail appointment, and I’m meeting your father for lunch.”

I glanced at the half-eaten dishes on the table. No one ever waited for me.

“Sure,” I said, grabbing a sponge.

Chloe plopped herself on a stool, texting furiously.

“I need that black dress ironed too,” she added. “The one with the lace sleeves.”

“I’m not your maid,” I said, but quietly.

“What was that?” Trina snapped, turning to face me.

I shook my head. “Nothing.”

I scraped egg off a plate, fighting the tight feeling in my chest. It was always like this. I’d gotten used to it—sort of. That didn’t mean it didn’t still sting.

I heard the front door open, and my father’s familiar footsteps echoed down the hall. I quickly dried my hands and rushed toward him.

“Dad,” I called out. He was fastening his watch and already halfway to the door.

He glanced up, distracted. “Yes, sweetheart?”

“Can we talk for a sec?”

“Make it quick. I’m running late.”

I hesitated, then followed him to the foyer as he grabbed his keys.

“I… I just wanted to talk about the anniversary. Of Mom.”

His eyes flicked to me, then back to the door. “Of course. I haven’t forgotten.”

“It’s next Friday. I was thinking we could go together. To the cemetery. Like we used to.”

He nodded, but the smile he gave me didn’t reach his eyes. “Sure. Whatever you need.”

“You promise?”

“Yes, Bella. I promise,” he said, then leaned down to kiss the top of my head. “Now I really have to go.”

And just like that, he was gone.

I stood there a second longer, staring at the closed door. I used to feel better after talking to him. Now, I just felt emptier.

---

Work was boring. A never-ending stack of files and sticky notes. I sent a quick text to Noah.

Me: Morning. Hope you slept well. Wanna do lunch?

I stared at my screen, waiting. Ten minutes later, he replied.

Noah: Busy. Maybe.

Maybe. That was it.

I put my phone down and sighed.

Across the office, a group of girls burst into giggles. They were huddled near the printer, chattering like birds.

“Jake surprised me with roses last night,” one of them said, grinning. “He just showed up outside my apartment.”

“That’s so romantic,” another squealed. “Tom’s taking me to that sushi place this weekend. You know, the one with the rooftop view?”

They all gasped and gushed, voices overlapping.

I looked back at my screen. Noah and I hadn’t gone on a real date in months, maybe a year. He used to send me good morning texts. He used to ask how my day was going. Lately, it was like I was the only one still showing up.

I checked my phone again. Still nothing from him.

I turned back to my computer, willing myself not to care.

---

By the time I got home, the smell of garlic and thyme filled the air. Trina was plating pasta while Chloe poured juice into the fancy glasses.

“Dinner’s almost ready,” Trina said without looking at me.

I slipped off my shoes and dropped my bag by the stairs.

“Do you want help?” I asked.

“No need,” she said. “We’ve got it under control.”

I washed my hands and sat at the edge of the table. Chloe was already talking, her voice filling the space like always.

“…And then Mrs. Harrow said I should totally apply for the internship in the city. She said I had the best aura in class.”

My father, seated at the head of the table, beamed at her.

“That’s wonderful, sweetie. I’m proud of you.”

Chloe grinned, twirling her fork. “She even said I had a commanding voice. Isn’t that so cool?”

“Very cool,” he said.

Trina nodded. “She takes after you, darling. Always so poised.”

I ate in silence, pushing pasta around my plate.

No one asked me how work was. No one asked if I’d eaten at all today.

I waited until the plates were cleared and everyone got up from the table. My father headed toward the living room, but I caught up to him in the hallway.

“Dad,” I said again.

He turned, his face tired. “Yes?”

“Just wanted to make sure about next Friday. For Mom.”

He hesitated.

“It’s still on, right?” I pressed.

“Yes, Bella. I said I’d be there.”

He smiled, but again it felt practiced. His eyes looked past me.

“You used to bring flowers,” I said, softer. “And talk to her. You remember?”

“I remember,” he said. “It’s just… things are different now. I have more responsibilities.”

“She was your wife.”

He closed his eyes for a second. “I know. I haven’t forgotten.”

I stared at him. “Sometimes it feels like you have.”

He didn’t answer right away. Just patted my shoulder and gave me that same forced smile.

“I’ll see you in the morning, okay?”

He turned and walked away before I could say anything else.

I watched his back as he disappeared into the bedroom with Trina. My chest felt heavy.

When did he stop really seeing me? When did he become a stranger too?