Sebastian stood in front of the full-length mirror in his bedroom, adjusting the cufflinks on his dark suit.
The smooth fabric fit him perfectly, sitting neatly across his broad shoulders.
His black shirt underneath was crisp and his dark hair was styled neatly with a few strands falling naturally over his forehead.
The door to his room opened suddenly and Sophie burst in, swirling around like a little tornado.
She was wearing a short pink dress covered in tiny flowers with puffy sleeves and a fluffy skirt that bounced when she moved.
A matching pink flower crown sat on her head making her look even smaller than usual.
“Daddy!” she shouted, stopping right in front of him.
“How do I look?”
Sebastian glanced down at her, his expression calm.
“Beautiful,” he said simply.
Sophie nodded in satisfaction.
“Auntie Belle says I look like a princess.
She said everyone is going to look at me tonight.”
Sebastian went back to fixing his cuffs, his movements slow and precise.
“Try not to make that happen,”
Sophie grinned and twirled around again.
Then she suddenly stopped.
“It would have been better if I had gotten heels instead of these shoes,” she complained while looking down at her small pink flats.
“They make me look like a baby.”
Sebastian didn’t look up.
“You’re five.
You’re supposed to look like one.”
“I’m not a baby!” Sophie huffed and folded her arms under her chest.
“I’m almost six.
All the pretty ladies wear makeup.
Chloe said I can’t have any but that’s not fair.”
Sebastian finally looked at her, his eyes cold.
“Stop saying that.
You just turned five three months ago.
You’re not a lady.”
Sophie’s face crumpled.
“Whatever,” she muttered and pursed her small lips into a pout.
“I’m not a baby anymore.” She walked over to him and looked up.
“Daddy, you’re very handsome.”
Sebastian’s fingers paused for a second.
He looked down at her and a small snort escaped him.
“Why are you telling me that?”
Sophie only flashed a smile at him as if she had just said something perfectly reasonable.
“Because you are,” she said, blinking innocently.
“My classmates’ daddies don’t look like you.
Some of them look like monkeys.” She tilted her head as she thought about it.
“One of them has a really big stomach and another one has hair coming out of his ears.
Daddy, you don’t have hair in your ears.
Your hair is only on your head, and it’s nice.”
She reached up and patted the fabric of his suit pants as if checking that he was still the same person she had been talking about.
“And you’re tall, and your clothes always look good.
Even your shoes are better than theirs.
I think you’re the most handsome daddy at my school.”
Sophie continued looking up at him with complete confidence, waiting for him to agree.
When he remained silent, she gave a small shrug.
“It’s true.
That’s why everyone will look at you tonight.
They will look at me too because I’m pretty.” She paused and smiled proudly.
“We’ll look the best together.”
Sebastian didn’t answer.
He just finished his tie, his movements smooth and practiced.
He picked up his phone and checked the time.
“We need to leave,” he said.
“The dinner starts in a few minutes.”
Sophie nodded and took his hand.
“Okay, Daddy.
Let’s go.”
They walked out of the room together, Sebastian leading the way with Sophie holding onto his hand tightly.
The house was quiet, the only sound was the soft click of his shoes on the floor.
Chloe was already waiting by the door.
“Good evening, Mr.
Sebastian,” she said while bowing slightly.
“Miss Sophie, you look lovely.”
“I know.” Sophie said, not even looking at her.
They walked out of the house and got into the car.
Sophie immediately climbed into the front passenger seat and settled in beside Sebastian.
He glanced at her as he started the car.
“Go to the back.”
“No.” Sophie crossed her arms and looked straight ahead.
“I want to sit here with you tonight.”
“Sophie.”
“I’m staying here.” She tightened her seat belt and leaned back comfortably.
“You can’t make me move.”
Sebastian looked at her for a moment before turning his attention back to the road.
He didn’t argue with her.
He simply started driving while Sophie smiled to herself as if she had just won.
The drive to the hotel was short, and soon they were pulling up to the entrance.
Sebastian got out first and helped Sophie out of the car, holding her hand as she hopped down onto the pavement.
Just as her small feet touched the ground, a man rushed toward them from the hotel entrance, nearly tripping over his feet in his hurry.
“Boss!” Leo panted.
His tie was slightly crooked and his hair was mussed as if he’d been running his hands through it repeatedly.
“I’ve been waiting for you.
The event is about to begin and everyone is already inside.”
Sophie looked up at him, her eyes narrowing.
“Are you trying to tell us we’re late?”
Leo quickly shook his head.
“No, Miss Sophie!
I would never do that.” He bent down to her level and smiled.
“But you look absolutely beautiful tonight.
Like a little princess.”
Sophie rolled her eyes.
“Princesses don’t wear flats,” she said and pointed to her pink shoes.
“And they don’t have to listen to people who can’t even walk without tripping.”
Leo straightened up, his cheeks flushing.
“Right.” He fell into step behind them as they walked toward the entrance.
“I’ve prepared everything for your speech, Boss.
The screens are set up and the microphone has been tested three times.
I also made sure to arrange for extra security at the entrances as you requested.”
Sophie tugged on her father’s hand.
“Daddy, can we get ice cream later?”
“After the event,” Sebastian said, not looking down at her.
Leo continued talking as they walked through the lobby, completely unaware that his audience had stopped listening several sentences ago.
“I also spoke with the catering staff about your dietary restrictions.
They’ve prepared a special meal for you.
Apart from the main seating area, I’ve also arranged a private table near the front where you and Miss Sophie can sit together if you prefer.”
“Daddy, I don’t want to sit at a special table,” Sophie complained.
“I want to sit with everyone else.”