Chapter 1

HARDIN'S POV

TEN YEARS LATER

The polished mahogany door of my office swung open, a sleek silhouette interrupting my contemplation of the latest sales figures. Natasha. Of course. My daughter, my whirlwind, the only other person with the audacity to waltz into my inner sanctum without prior notice.

A multi-billion dollar empire, built brick by brick, deal by deal. Hardin Royce, a name synonymous with success in the fashion and textiles industry. A legend, they called me.

But to Natasha, I was simply Dad.

"Nats, darling," I greeted, rising from my leather armchair, a comfortable expanse overlooking the bustling city. I crossed the room, the Persian rug muffling the sound of my footsteps, and enveloped her in a warm hug.

Her usual boisterous greeting was absent. Instead, a sombre silence hung between us, a stark contrast to her usual vibrant energy. My brow furrowed. Something was amiss.

"What's wrong, sweetheart? You seem… downcast." My voice was gentle, laced with concern.

She pulled back, her gaze fixed on the floor. "Daddy," she began, her voice barely a whisper, "I don't want anyone to know I'm… you know."

"Know what, Nats?" I crouched down, meeting her eyes.

"Rich," she mumbled, her cheeks flushing crimson. "I don't want people to treat me differently. To think I get everything handed to me."

The realization hit me like a cold wave. My daughter, sheltered from the realities of the world, was starting to grasp the stark contrast between her life and that of her peers.

My heart ached. I had always intended to shield her from the complexities of wealth to allow her a semblance of normalcy, but perhaps I had erred.

"Nats," I began, "you are a rich girl. There's no denying that. But that doesn't define you. You are kind, intelligent, and incredibly talented." I paused, searching for the right words. "You deserve all the good things in life, but I also want you to learn the value of hard work of earning your own rewards."

She shifted her weight, her gaze flickering towards the floor. "But everyone expects me to be perfect," she whispered, "to excel at everything. It's… overwhelming."

I understood. The weight of expectations, both internal and external, could be crushing. "Nats," I said, my voice firm yet gentle, "you don't have to be perfect. You just have to be yourself. Embrace your passions, pursue your dreams, and never let anyone dim your light."

She looked up at me, a flicker of hope in her eyes. "Really?"

She looked at me with a new hope erupting in her,the way she swung her tiny legs to and fro tells me that she is excited.

"Absolutely," I assured her,

"But I also want to experience life outside this bubble. To make my own friends, to face my own challenges, to learn from my own mistakes." She said, antagonising my point sensibly

She nodded slowly, a thoughtful expression gracing her features. "Okay, Daddy," she said finally, a small smile gracing her lips.

She is not leaving any chance for debate.

But I'm afraid of what might unfold for her in the future. Being a heiress of the famous billionaire alone will make everyone automatically in her callings and bidding. But she is willing to leave all these opportunities just to experience a normal life?

" Okay," I affirmed after many thoughts on it

Her joy knew no bound as she clapped her hands together. She is indeed happy, and this is exactly what I want for her, no matter the challenges

"But on one condition."she said with her smiling face

"And what might that be?" I raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in my eye.

"I choose the car," she declared, her chin held high.

I was dumbfounded at first. What car is she talking about again?

" What car?" I asked her

" The car that will take me to my new school. I don't want those fancy and flashy cars, so I will pick," she said, and it occurred to me that she has actually had these things planned out already

She has planned to change her school.

I chuckled. "Very well, Your Highness. You choose the car." I scooped her up, the weight of her small body a comforting anchor.

"Now, let's go get some lunch. My favourite pizza place is calling your name."

As we walked out of my office, I couldn't help but smile. This was just the beginning of a new chapter in our lives, a chapter filled with both challenges and incredible adventures. I was ready.