30/11/2025
“Dad… Can We Keep Her?” — The Moment My Life Changed Forever
I was drowning in $40,000 in medical debt. I had an eviction notice on my door and $14.50 in my bank account. When my friend set me up on a “blind date” through a high-end registry, I thought it was a joke. I was a waitress at a fancy diner; I didn’t belong in a world of private jets and platinum cards.
But I was desperate. So I put on a too-tight thrift-store dress, swallowed, and walked into The Obsidian—the most expensive restaurant in town.
I didn’t expect him to show up.
Ethan Blackwood. The billionaire CEO was known for being ruthless, cold, and intimidating.
And he wasn’t alone. Sitting next to him was a girl, about six, who was coloring in a sketchbook. She didn’t look up when I sat down. She didn’t say anything.
“She’s been quiet,” Ethan said coldly, not even meeting my eyes. “Since her mother died. Don’t take it personally. And don’t expect this date to go anywhere. I’m only here because my matchmaker insisted.”
The dinner was a disaster. He insulted my job, my lack of qualifications, and my life choices. I wanted to cry. I wanted to run.
But then I looked at Lily. She had broken her crayon and was staring at it in despair.
Ignoring Ethan, I took a napkin and pen from my purse. I drew a funny cat. I pushed it toward her.
For the first time, she looked up. Her big, sad eyes met mine. I winked.
We spent the next hour drawing on napkins—mice, superheroes, flowers. I forgot about the billionaire. I just wanted to make this girl laugh.
Then, something happened. A waiter slammed the table. Lily's water glass shattered.
Ethan exploded. ""Look what you did!"" he yelled at her.
Lily curled up, shaking with fear.
Something inside me snapped. I stood up, holding Ethan away from his daughter. ""Stop!"" I yelled, right in the middle of the silent restaurant. ""It's just water! She's a child, not an employee you can fire! Ethan, you may be rich, but you're poor in every way.""
I turned to Lily, shoved the drawing into her hand, and whispered, ""Take care of the mouse, okay?""
I grabbed my purse and was about to leave. I'd missed my chance. I was going back to the eviction notice.
""Wait.""
Her voice was soft and hoarse, sounding as if it hadn't been used in years.
I froze. Ethan froze.
Lily was standing on the chair. She looked straight at her father, a trembling finger pointing at me.
""Dad..."" she hoarsely said.
Ethan knelt down, tears welling up in his eyes. ""Lily? Did I tell you?""
She looked straight into his eyes and uttered five words that would change everything:
""Dad... can we keep her?""..