A single mother pretends to be broke so she can find a good-hearted father figure for her daughter, testing suitors by hiding her true circumstances. Most men walk away once they think she has nothing—but a humble deliveryman stays, and their unlikely bond grows into something real.
My mom, at Picture One Moretti, is a billionaire mafia godmother. Men have been lining up to marry her for years, but she always says, You can't count on men. I wanted mom to find me a dad, so I made a bet with her.
If the company went bankrupt and she lost everything, but a man still wanted to marry her, he could be my At first, mom thought it was just a game, but in the end, she really did find a man who stayed, even after she lost My name is Lily Moretti, and I'm five years old. Unlike the other kids, I've never seen my dad since the day I was born.
After kindergarten, I watched the other kids leave with their dads, and I couldn't help feeling Mom, can you find Lily a dad too? A dad? Mom took off her sunglasses and smiled at me.
Where am I supposed to find one? I counted on my fingers. Uncle Daniel, Ryan, Ethan, they all said they liked you. They're always lining up to marry you. So why can't one of them be Lily's dad? Mom ruffled my hair.
Silly girl. They only like me because I'm the Moretti family's godmother. What they really love is my money and power, not me. I frowned. I don't believe you. That's not how it happens on TV.
Uncle Daniel and the others are always around you. They bring you flowers and play with me. How could they not love you? Mom tapped me lightly on the head. TV isn't real life, sweetheart.
Don't take it so seriously. When I still looked unconvinced, she crouched down in front of me. How about this? Let's make a bet.
A bet? A bet about true love. Mom looked me. I'll pretend the Moretti family has gone broke.
If a man still wants to marry me after I lose everything, he can be your dad. But if no one does, you have to stop asking for a dad. Deal? This was perfect.
Mom had so many men chasing after her. Surely they wouldn't all leave just because she was broke, right? I was going to win. I happily slapped my palm against hers.
Deal.