Chapter 10

The past week has been good for Ella. She, Rosie, Tim, and Dan had been working on a project to expand the cafe. Dan was looking glummer than before.

Ella still hadn’t got a chance to tell them the whole truth about the marriage, and later on, she assumed that both of them knew because they would have asked her.

So, it was Saturday, and Ella was arguing with her daughter. Lilly was persistent about eating chocolate, and Ella was against it. They continued arguing until she heard the doorbell. Before she could come and open the door, Lilly beats her to it.

Dan was driving around when he came across Ella’s home. Well, he was not officially given her address, but he knew that she lived next to Thompson’s. He decided to talk to Ella, finally. He stopped the car in front of her house and rang the doorbell.

A little girl opened the door. Before Dan could react, a familiar voice came from the house.

“Lilly, how many times do I need to tell you not to open the door? What if there is a dangerous person?” Ella finally came into view and was shocked to see Dan. She was panicking from the inside.

“Dan.” Her eyes were wide with apprehension.

“You know him, mom? You should call him inside. It is rude to make guests wait outside.” Lilly grabbed Dan’s hand and pulled him inside. Dan was too shocked to say a word, and Ella was too scared to react.

“Mommy, why are you two looking like that? And can I have a chocolate?” Listening to the word chocolate made Ella come to her senses and diverted her attention from Dan to her daughter.

“No, Lilly. You are not having it.”

“Please, mommy.”

“No, Lilly. You already had one yesterday.”

“But mom, please.”

“Lilly, I will tell Ron to give you an injection if you didn’t listen to me.” At the exact moment, Ron showed his presence.

“Hello, my favorite girls.” He greeted them. Lilly snuck behind Ella when she saw him.

“What did you say to that poor kid about me?” He glared at Ella.

“She wanted to have chocolate.” She murmured.

“Seriously, Ella. Give that child a break and stop making me a monster in front of my princess’s eyes.”

“But...” Ron cut her off.

“You couldn’t blame her. You were the one who called me at three at night to have chocolates.”

“But I was pregnant during that time and was craving chocolate.” She whined.

“Whatever. Lily dear. Listen, why don’t you go get ready upstairs, then we will go to the park. I will even buy you your favorite chocolate.”

Lilly immediately went upstairs to get ready. Ella was frowning at Ron.

“Listen, I kind of need a favor. I need to take Lilly to the park. Kristy is coming there with John, and you know John and Lilly could play while you know I can...” He was scratching his neck.

“Okay-okay. But not too much chocolate for Lilly.” Ella said.

“Cool. Oh hey, I didn’t see you there. I am Ron,”

Ella stiffened. She completely forgot about Dan standing there.