Chapter 208 Just An Ordinary Dad (CALIA)

Chapter 208 Just An Ordinary Dad (CALIA)
"Doctor Calia. It's good to see you back at the hospital."
"Doctor Adric. Thank you. Did you just arrive? Night shift?"
I was waiting for Elion to pick me up in the lobby when Dr. Aldric suddenly greeted me. He was an oncologist and one of the senior physicians, though I rarely collaborated with him in the operating room since we treated different patients.
"No. I left a patient's medical records on my desk and had to go back for them. What are you doing here?"
"I'm heading home. I'm waiting for someone," I said with a smile.
"Your boyfriend?"
"Um... He's my daughter's father."
"You have a daughter? Congratulations, Dr. Calia."
"Thank you."
My phone rang—a message from Elion saying he had arrived at the lobby entrance.
"Sorry, I have to go. Elion is waiting for me. See you, Dr. Aldric. It was nice chatting with you."
"Wait. You just said Elion, is that Elion Starling?"
"Yes. Sorry, I'm in a rush. My daughter's nanny finishes her shift in thirty minutes. See you, Dr. Aldric."
I didn't mean to be rude by suddenly walking away, but Vero would be off duty in thirty minutes, and I needed to stop at the supermarket to pick up some stuff for dinner. So, I was in a hurry.
"Hi."
"Hey. Were you running?"
I was breathless as I got into the car. Elion set his tablet on his lap and looked at me, his brow furrowed.
"Yeah, I didn't want to keep you waiting too long. Could Frans stop at the supermarket? I need to pick up a few things."
"Sure."
"And I need to shop quickly because Vero goes off duty in twenty-seven minutes."
"I can help you with the groceries."
"I know I can count on you."
"Or we could get takeout from a restaurant if you're tired."
"No, I'm not tired. I promised to cook dinner for you."
Elion planted a quick kiss on my lips.
"Thank you, but don't wear yourself out. I'm fine eating anything."
"Nope, I'm not tired at all."
I ran through the supermarket aisles, with Elion following me, pushing the cart. I laughed as I tossed some chicken into the cart.
"Why are you laughing?"
"You must never go grocery shopping."
"Edward does the grocery shopping, and I have a personal shopper for my things."
"That shopping cart doesn't suit you at all. Look, people are glancing your way."
In his expensive suit and with his fierce expression, Elion looked completely out of place in the kitchenware aisle.
"I wouldn't be here at all if it weren't for you. Is this enough stuff?"
"I just need to grab some onions and potatoes."
We got home right on time. Vero was waiting in the living room with Lea. I set down our groceries, then walked Vero to the door.
"Thanks for looking after Lea. Here’s your pay for the week."
"Thank you, Ms. Calia. I enjoyed looking after Lea. She’s a sweet girl. See you tomorrow."
"Yeah. Take care on your way home."
I closed the door, then went to my room to change. Lea was busy unpacking all her new toys with Elion. She forgot about me the moment she was with her Daddy. She didn't even give me the hug she usually gave when I got home from work.
"Daddy, no, no. Ms. Barbie sits next to Mr. Panda."
"Then where should I sit?"
"Right next to me. I’ll bring you some cookies and tea."
I peeked through the doorway and laughed at the sight of them. Elion had become a guest at Lea’s tea party alongside her other dolls. Lea had clipped a flower hairpin onto Elion’s hair—matching the one she wore herself. All his fierceness and masculinity vanished in an instant. He was just an ordinary dad.
I quietly closed the door, not wanting to disturb their fun, and headed to the kitchen. I was going to make schnitzel with mashed potatoes and Lea’s favorite mayo salad. I’d also bought a brownie mix, so I’d make that for dessert. Lea loved having cake after her main meal.