Mommy, We Bought You a Dragon King Husband for $20!

“Mommy, I’m hungry!” Lily sighed as she stared at the almost empty packet of bread on the kitchen counter. “Just a minute, sweetheart. Breakfast is almost ready.” She opened the refrigerator for the third time that morning, hoping something might magically appear inside. Two eggs. Half a bottle of milk. And a small container of leftover rice. That was everything. Lily swallowed the lump forming in her throat. At twenty-six, she had never imagined her life would become this difficult. She worked as a waitress during the day and cleaned offices at night. Sometimes, she barely slept four hours before waking up to prepare her children for school. Yet, no matter how hard she worked, the money was never enough. “Mommy!” A little girl with curly brown hair rushed into the kitchen. “Yes, Nova?” “Brother said you promised pancakes.” Lily forced a smile. “Did I?” Nova nodded seriously. “With honey!” Behind her, Noah appeared, rubbing his sleepy eyes. “Mommy, I told her we don’t have honey.” Nova pouted. “But I want pancakes.” Lily crouched before them. “How about toast and eggs today? I’ll make pancakes when I get paid.” Noah studied her face. Unlike his cheerful twin sister, Noah was unusually observant for his age. “Okay, Mommy. I like toast.” Nova looked disappointed but eventually nodded. “Fine. But I want two pieces.” Lily kissed their foreheads. “Deal.” She turned toward the stove, blinking away the tears threatening to fall. Her children deserved so much more. Before she could begin cooking, someone pounded on the apartment door. BANG! BANG! BANG! “Lily! Open this door!” Her stomach dropped. She recognized that voice. Mr. Collins. Their landlord. “Children, stay here,” she whispered. She hurried to the door and opened it slightly. A heavyset man stood outside, wearing an expensive wristwatch and an irritated expression. “Good morning, Mr. Collins.” “There’s nothing good about this morning,” he snapped. “Where’s my rent?” Lily gripped the door. “Sir, I was going to call you. I just need a little more time.” “More time?” His voice rose. “You’ve been telling me that for two weeks!” “I know, sir. I’m sorry. My salary was delayed, and the children had school expenses. Please, just give me until next week.” Mr. Collins folded his arms. “I’m not running a charity home, Lily.” “Please. I promise I’ll pay everything.” “You have three days.” Lily went pale. “Three days?” “Three days to pay your overdue rent, or you and those children are out.” “Sir, please! Where will we go?” “That’s not my problem.” He turned and walked away. Lily remained standing in the doorway. Three days. How was she supposed to find that much money in three days? She closed the door slowly. For several seconds, she stood motionless. Then she covered her mouth as a sob escaped. “Mommy?” Lily quickly wiped her eyes. Noah stood behind her. “Why are you crying?” “I’m not crying, baby.” He frowned. “Your eyes are wet.” “Something got into them.” Noah didn’t look convinced. He walked closer and wrapped his little arms around her legs. “Don’t be sad, Mommy.” Lily knelt and hugged him tightly. “I won’t, sweetheart.” But when she looked over his shoulder, she noticed Nova standing quietly beside the kitchen doorway. Her daughter had heard everything. Breakfast was unusually quiet. Lily divided the two eggs between her children and placed the toast on their plates. She poured them the remaining milk and sat down with a cup of water. “Mommy, where’s your food?” Nova asked. “I’m not hungry.” Noah pushed half his toast toward her. “You can have mine.” Lily’s heart tightened. “No, baby. Eat your breakfast.” “But you didn’t eat yesterday night.” She froze. He had noticed that too. “I’m fine, Noah.” The little boy lowered his eyes. For a moment, nobody spoke. Then Nova suddenly asked, “Mommy, why don’t we have a daddy?” Lily’s hand stopped halfway to her mouth. “What?” “Everyone at school has a daddy,” Nova continued. “Mia’s daddy bought her a bicycle. And Daniel’s daddy came to school yesterday.” Noah looked up. “Daniel said his daddy can lift him with one hand.” Nova nodded excitedly. “Can our daddy do that?” Lily felt something painful twist inside her chest. Their daddy. A man she had spent six years trying to forget. For a moment, she was no longer sitting inside her tiny apartment. She was back in that beautiful hotel room. She remembered a handsome stranger with dark hair and extraordinary golden eyes. His voice had been deep and gentle. His touch had made her feel strangely safe. She remembered the way he had held her close, as though letting her go was the last thing he wanted. That night, she had believed she had found something special. But the following morning, she had awakened alone. He was gone. No note. No telephone number. Not even his real name. When she discovered her pregnancy weeks later, she searched desperately for him. She returned to the hotel. She asked questions. She contacted everyone who might have known him. Nothing. Eventually, someone told her the mysterious man was already married and wanted nothing to do with her. That was the day Lily stopped searching. “Mommy?” Nova’s voice pulled her back. Lily forced herself to smile. “Your daddy is somewhere far away, sweetheart.” “Does he know about us?” Noah asked. Lily hesitated. “No, baby.” “Then why don’t we tell him?” “Because Mommy doesn’t know where he is.” Nova considered this seriously. Then her face brightened. “I have an idea!” Lily smiled weakly. “What idea?” “Let’s buy a daddy!” Lily blinked. “Buy a what?” “A daddy!” Nova repeated happily. “We can buy you a handsome husband!” For the first time that morning, Lily laughed. “Oh, sweetheart. Husbands aren’t things you buy.” “Why not?” Nova asked. “We buy everything else.” Noah suddenly straightened in his chair. “Nova, I think that’s a good idea.” Lily shook her head, amused. “You two are impossible.” But Noah was already running toward their bedroom. He returned carrying a small biscuit tin. He placed it on the table and opened the lid. Inside were several folded notes and coins. Lily stared. “Where did you get all that money?” “Our savings,” Noah announced proudly. “From our allowances,” Nova added. The twins began counting. Five dollars. Ten dollars. Fifteen. Twenty. Noah pushed the money toward his sister. “Exactly twenty dollars!” Nova clapped excitedly. “We’re rich!” Lily burst into laughter. “Oh, my babies.” Noah looked at her seriously. “Mommy, is twenty dollars enough to buy a husband?” Lily pulled both children into her arms. “You don’t need to buy me anything. Having you two is enough.” But Noah exchanged a determined glance with Nova. He had already made up his mind. They were going to find Mommy a daddy. A handsome one. A rich one. And most importantly, one who would never make her cry. That afternoon, Lily’s phone rang. “Hello?” “Good afternoon. Am I speaking with Miss Lily?” “Yes.” “I’m calling from Blackthorn Royal Estate regarding your housekeeping application.” Lily immediately sat upright. “Yes, ma’am!” “We’re pleased to offer you the position.” Her heart skipped. “Really?” “The salary is four times your stated current earnings. Accommodation is provided, and you may bring your children.” Lily almost dropped her phone. Four times? Free accommodation? “Are you still interested?” “Yes!” she answered immediately. “Absolutely!” “Excellent. Report tomorrow morning.” When the call ended, Lily covered her mouth. For the first time in months, she felt hopeful. Maybe things were finally changing. Maybe she could give her children the life they deserved. She had no idea that accepting this job would bring her face-to-face with the man who had changed her life six years ago. That night, Lily fell asleep exhausted. Across the room, Noah suddenly sat upright. “Nova?” His sister opened her eyes. “What?” “My hand feels hot.” Nova switched on their little bedside lamp. Her eyes widened. Tiny golden scales were appearing on Noah’s wrist. “Noah!” He stared at his hand in horror. “What is happening?” Suddenly, his eyes flashed bright gold. A small golden flame burst from his fingertips. The twins screamed. Noah quickly shook his hand, and the flame disappeared. For several seconds, they stared at each other. Then Nova whispered, “Brother…” “What?” “Are you a dragon?” Noah swallowed. “I don’t know.” Nova’s eyes suddenly sparkled. “Maybe our daddy is a dragon too!” Neither child noticed the faint silver glow appearing in Nova’s eyes. And far away, inside the magnificent Blackthorn Royal Estate, a powerful Dragon King suddenly opened his golden eyes. Something had awakened. Something carrying his blood.