"You Are My Dad": Lonely Rich Man Finds a Child on His Doorstep — Story of the Day

Max, a selfish businessman who leads a reckless lifestyle, wakes up after another party to the doorbell ringing. On his doorstep stands a little girl claiming he is her father.

Max, a young, self-absorbed businessman draped in the remnants of last night's indulgence, sprawls across his couch, clutching a whiskey bottle that's only a few sips shy of empty.

The jarring echo of the doorbell slices through the haze of his hangover, sending a surge of irritation through his veins. He places the bottle on the ground and staggers to his feet, the world tilting slightly with every step.

"I'm coming, for heaven's sake!" Max bellows.

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As he swings the door open, his gaze lands on an unexpected visitor—a girl no older than ten, her presence commanding despite her small stature. She's weighed down by an oversized backpack, looking every bit the unlikely guest on Max's doorstep.

"Max Jones, right?" The girl's voice cuts through the air, clear and surprisingly strong.

Max blinks, trying to clear his head. "Yeah, that's me," he says, his voice heavy with sleep and annoyance.

"You're my dad," Maya announces, her tone matter-of-fact.

Max can't help but laugh, a harsh, disbelieving sound that fills the small space between them. "Congratulations," he says, his sarcasm failing to mask the absurdity.

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He shuts the door without another word, ready to dismiss this unexpected visitor and her outrageous claim.

But the girl doesn't budge. Instead, the doorbell rings again, more insistent this time.

Max, now with annoyance and curiosity, opens the door once more. "What exactly do you want from me?" he inquires.

"I already told you. I'm your daughter," Maya repeats, her voice unwavering, her gaze steady and steadfast. "And I wanted to meet you."

Max studies her for a moment, his skepticism still intact. "Well, you've met me. Happy now?" he retorts and shuts the door once more.

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But Maya is relentless. The doorbell continues its insistent chiming, a testament to her determination.

Peeking through the peephole, Max's patience wears thin. "I'm warning you, leave now, or I'll have to call the police."

"I can wait. I'm patient," Maya responds, her voice as calm as ever, undeterred by his threats.

"I'm patient too," Max counters, though his annoyance is palpable.

"But your neighbors might start to think poorly of you," she points out, her logic unassailable even to Max's frazzled mind.

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"They already know the worst," Max shoots back, but the girl's persistence pays off. Her continuous ringing and knocking echo through the corridor.

Seizing a broom in a moment of exasperation, Max flings the door open, ready to face the intruder head-on. But to his surprise, the hallway is empty, save for the curious glances of his neighbors.

"Good Morning," they greet him, their eyes wide at the sight of Max, broom in hand.

"Morning," Max mutters, the absurdity of the situation not lost on him. As he turns back inside, he catches a glimpse of Maya slipping past him into the apartment.

Once indoors, Max confronts her again. "Alright, who are you, really? And where did you come from?" he demands.

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"I'm Maya," she says, her tone unchanged, dropping her backpack onto the couch with a familiarity that irks Max. "I came from the next town over."

"Your mother?" Max asks, the question hanging in the air between them, heavy with implications.

"She passed away a few months ago," Maya explains, her voice steady, but her eyes betraying a hint of the pain such a loss has inflicted. "After she died, I found out who you were and your name."

"Have you eaten yet?" Maya changes the subject abruptly, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth.

"If I feed you, will you go away?" Max bargains, half in jest, half in desperation.

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"No," Maya's reply is simple.

"Why are you so bold?" he can't help but ask, taken aback by her forthrightness.

"My mom said I'm just like you in that way," Maya responds.

" Where do you live? I'll take you back," Max offers.

"For now, I plan to stay with you," Maya states, her declaration hanging between them.

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Max is at a loss for words. "Any other kids I should know about?" he jokes.

"No. No other kids. Just me," Maya says, her voice softening. "And that's good. It'll be much easier with just one. Besides, I'm practically grown up."

Max considers her words, and the reality of the situation beginning to dawn on him. "If there's no mom, are you with guardians?"

"Yes," Maya admits, her confidence wavering for the first time.

"But do they even know you're here?"

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"Um," she hesitates, her resolve flickering. "Yes, it was their idea," she adds quickly, though doubt shadows her words.

"Great," Max says, though the word is laden with sarcasm.

He reaches for his phone, and the decision is made. Unsure of Maya's true origins and her claims, he opts for caution. With his company on the brink of financial ruin, he cannot afford any distractions.

"Good afternoon. Who do I call if a crazy child has just barged into my apartment?" Max's voice is steady as he speaks to the police dispatcher, his frustration bubbling just beneath the surface.

The officer on the line questions Max's sanity. "You misunderstood. I'm fine. The child is the issue," Max clarifies, his patience wearing thin.

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He glances at Maya, who now examines a glass tiger figurine on the shelf—a gift from his employees for being the 'best boss.' "Put the tiger back!" Max's attention snaps to Maya, but it's too late—the tiger's head is detached.

"Oops," Maya flinches, her mistake evident.

"Do you have any idea what that tiger means?!" Max's voice rises.

"You shouldn't yell at kids; I could get emotionally scarred," Maya retorts.

Max sighs deeply, he picks up the phone again, only to find the officer has hung up. "Great. Just great. I've glued that tiger back together ten times already," he laments, angrily approaching Maya.

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"Don't worry, I won't hurt you," Max assures her, sensing her wariness. He kneels to be at eye level with her, a gesture of peace.

"Look at us. We're nothing alike. Your blonde hair," he tugs gently at Maya's hair, "and my dark curls. Your blue eyes, my green. Ever seen my nose?"

Maya studies Max's face, a thoughtful expression crossing her features. "Lucky you. It would be tough for a girl to have your looks."

"Aha."

"Maybe you're a good person, like me."

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"Aha," Max grunts, the conversation leading him down a path of unexpected self-reflection. "Right, I should be getting to work."

"Okay, I'll come with you," Maya decides as if it's the most natural next step.

"Not happening," Max states flatly.

"Then leave the keys. In case I want to go out," Maya suggests her smile a blend of mischief and innocence.

Max rubs his eyes, the morning events weighing heavily on him, a headache throbbing in his temples.

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As they step into the bright morning light, Maya tries to adjust her pace to match Max's brisk walk. The air is cool and fresh, starkly contrasting their tense atmosphere.

With a firm grip on Maya's jacket, Max seems lost in thought. Holding Maya's backpack like a shield, he seems to be wrestling with the situation.

"Alright, that's it. The bus stop is over there," Max says, trying to keep his voice even as he hands Maya her backpack.

A neighbor jogs past, still in his workout clothes, sweat glistening on his forehead. "Good morning, Max!" he says with a friendly wave.

"Morning," Max replies tersely, not stopping to chat. He watches the neighbor disappear into the building, his mood souring further.

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"I'll embarrass you in front of the neighbors," Maya threatens playfully, a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

"Is that a threat?" Max challenges, raising an eyebrow.

"It's genetics," Maya says, echoing something she must have heard from her mother. "You know, Mom always said I'm just like you. Stubborn."

Max shakes his head, a half-smile tugging at his lips despite his frustration.

They reach Max's car, which is sleek and clearly expensive. Maya stops, peering inside. "So, do you have a child's seat in there?"

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Max stares at her, momentarily lost for words. "Why would I have a child's seat?"

Maya shrugs, unfazed. "Safety first, right? I don't want to fly through the windshield if we crash."

Max sighs deeply, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "You're not going to let this go, are you?"

"Nope," Maya replies, popping the 'p' for emphasis.

"Fine," Max mutters and heads back to the apartment. He returns with a bicycle helmet, which he plops onto Maya's head. "There. Happy now?"

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Maya grimaces under the weight of the helmet. "Oh, absolutely thrilled."

Maya tugs at the handle of the locked car. "Well, open up," she says.

Max exhales in frustration, unlocks the car, and gets inside. Maya sits in the passenger seat and immediately buckles up, securing the helmet on her head.

Max sighed heavily as he navigated through the traffic, the silence in the car weighing on him, so he called his assistant and fiancée, Claire.

"Hello, some little scam artist has shown up claiming to be my daughter," Max half-jokes into the phone.

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"What? What daughter?" Claire's confusion is clear.

Max rubs his forehead, feeling the stress of the situation. "I don't know, but I don't have time to deal with this. After I pick up the investor from the airport, I'll hand her over to child services to figure out who she is and where she's from."

Claire's voice carries her worry through the phone. "Are you going to make it to the airport on time? Remember, this meeting is crucial for the company—and for you, too. We can't afford to mess this up."

"Yes, yes, I remember," Max assures her. He ends the call, his mind racing about the company's precarious situation.

Max's company teeters on the brink of disaster, a result of decisions made in haste. Tom Brown, the potential lifeline, had shown interest due to old ties with Max's father. Losing this opportunity was not an option, especially not for a sudden claim of paternity.

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"You're planning to hand me over to child services?" Maya's voice breaks through his thoughts, a hint of fear lacing her words.

Max turns to look at her, her expression earnest. "What else am I supposed to do?"

"Couldn't you... take care of me? Like any parent would?" Her question is tentative, hopeful.

Max scoffs at the suggestion, though not unkindly. "Fat chance of that. I can't even take care of myself properly, let alone a kid. Plus, I seriously doubt you're even my daughter."

Maya reaches into her backpack with determination and pulls out a photograph, handing it to Max.

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The picture, showing him with a blonde woman, does nothing to jog his memory. "This proves nothing. I don't even remember who she is," Max admits, frustration evident in his tone.

"Maybe I was wrong to think you were a good person," Maya murmurs, her disappointment palpable as she turns her gaze to the window, her small form deflating.

After a lengthy silence, he finally speaks, his voice low. "I am a good person."

"Then why do you live alone? " Maya's question is pointed, touching a nerve.

Max's response is swift, a defensive mechanism kicking in. "Because I like it that way! And for your information, I have a fiancée. We're getting married soon." His words hang in the air, a declaration to shield his vulnerabilities.

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Maya doesn't respond, her silence a clear indication of her feelings.

They arrive at the airport. Max swiftly gets out of the car, his mind preoccupied with the forthcoming meeting. Still unsure of the surroundings and implications, Maya follows suit, clumsily removing her helmet and leaving it behind in the vehicle. She hurries after Max.

As they navigate through the parked cars, Max's pace is brisk, almost too quick for Maya. Abruptly, he stops, causing an unsuspecting Maya to bump into him. Max turns around, his expression serious.

He crouches down to Maya's level, ensuring he has her full attention. "Listen," he starts, his voice firm, "The person we're picking up is very important to me. He's going to give money to my company because it's about to go bankrupt."

He pauses, searching Maya's eyes for understanding, for any sign that she grasps the gravity of the situation.

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"And if you mess this up in any way," he continues, the warning clear in his tone, "I'll make your life a nightmare. Got it?"

"Yes," Maya replies, her voice barely above a whisper. She looks up at Max, fear evident in her wide eyes. But Max, caught up in his worries and the stress of the moment, remains indifferent to her discomfort.

He stands, his stature returning to its full height, as he adds one more condition, "And I don't want to hear a word from you. Pretend you're mute." His directive is harsh, leaving no room for negotiation.

Maya nods, her response silent but accompanied by a small, uncertain smile. Despite his sternness, she's trying to lighten the mood and find some way to connect with Max.

Max, seeing her smile, can't help but roll his eyes. He turns away, leading them towards the bustling airport entrance, Maya trailing quietly behind.

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As they weave through the crowded airport, Max looks for Tom, the investor. Beside him, Maya looks around curiously, taking in the new environment.

Spotting a middle-aged man dressed casually in a blue sweater and khaki pants making his way towards them, Max's expression tightens. "Things aren't looking good," he mutters, more to himself than to Maya.

"Why's that?" Maya, ever curious, tilts her head, looking up at Max.

"Because only very family-oriented people dress like that," he explains, his tone laced with a hint of worry.

"What's wrong with that?" Maya inquires.

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Before Max can elaborate on his apprehensions, the man in question approaches them with a friendly demeanor. "Max Jones?" he asks, extending his hand.

"Yes, pleased to finally meet you," Max responds, firmly shaking the man's hand. His business persona takes over, masking any concerns he had moments earlier.

"And who's this?" Now identified as Tom, the man glances at Maya with a curious and somewhat gentle look.

"This is Maya," Max introduces. "Let me help you with your luggage," he offers, attempting to be hospitable and make a good impression.

"No, thank you. I still have my strength," Tom declines the offer with a chuckle, showcasing a hint of pride in his self-sufficiency.

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"How was your trip?" Max inquires as they start walking together, the conversation moving to more casual territory.

"Fine, but I don't like being far from home, from my kids," Tom admits, a softness in his voice when he mentions his family. It's clear family means a lot to him.

"Do you have any assistants?" Max asks, curious about how someone with such responsibilities manages.

"Assistants? Why would I need assistants? My wife is my main helper. We've been together for thirty years and raised five kids. So, I manage quite well on my own," Tom explains with a hint of pride, reinforcing the family-man image he portrays.

"Of course," Max murmurs under his breath, a comment meant to stay between him and Maya. But the little girl catches it and starts giggling, unable to contain her amusement.

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"You know, I completely agree with you," Max says, louder this time, making sure Tom hears his words of endorsement. "For me, my family is my life."

Maya's eyes widened in surprise at Max's declaration.

"Beautiful words," Tom comments, seemingly pleased with the conversation, a hint of respect in his voice for Max's apparent dedication to family values.

"Excuse me, I need to make a call," Max suddenly says, realizing the necessity of clearing up the potential mess waiting for them at the hotel.

"Of course, of course," Tom responds understandingly. He moves ahead, giving Max some privacy for his call.

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Max dials Claire, his voice low but urgent. "Claire, listen closely. Cancel the drinks and girls in the hotel room, cancel everything."

"Why? What's happening?" Claire's voice carries a mix of confusion and concern.

"No time to explain," Max cuts the call short, his mind racing with thoughts of how to navigate the delicate situation they were in.

Turning back to Maya, he addresses her with a newfound determination. "Now, scam artist, listen closely. $500, and you pretend to be my daughter for a week. You're an orphan, right? You need the money." His proposal is pragmatic, aimed at securing his company's future, yet tinged with a hint of desperation.

Maya's response is silent. She's not quick to accept his offer, and the tension between them is palpable.

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"I'll hand you over to child services," Max threatens, his patience wearing thin.

"A thousand dollars," Maya finally responds, her voice firm, unwilling to be undervalued even in this bizarre negotiation.

Max chuckles, the absurdity of the situation not lost on him. He catches up to Tom, trying to regain some sense of normalcy as Maya follows closely behind.

Max drops off the investor at the hotel and wishes him a good rest after the journey. As soon as Tom steps out of the car, Max immediately calls Claire.

"Claire?"

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"Yes," Claire responds, sounding displeased over the phone.

"Listen carefully, we are living in a happy marriage. We have a daughter, Maya, she's..." Max pulls the phone away from his ear and turns to Maya. "How old are you?"

"Ten," says Maya.

Max returns to the phone call. "She's ten years old."

"What? Max, have you lost your mind?"

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"We are a good, beautiful family, like in a commercial."

"Did you hit someone again?"

"I haven't hit anyone. Our investor is just a bore and a model family man. So, we need to practice to make it look believable."

Maya tugs on Max's shoulder. "What?" Max asks her.

"I want to go to the amusement park. It's perfect for a family outing," says Maya, causing Max to roll his eyes.

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"Claire, I'll see you in half an hour by the amusement park," Max tells her.

Maya smiles contentedly.

"What amusement park? Max, are you completely insa…" Claire doesn't finish her sentence as Max hangs up the phone.

They arrive at the amusement park. Claire is already waiting for them at the entrance, arms crossed and tapping her foot. Seeing Max and Maya, her expression turns even more displeased.

Max is irritated. Doesn't Claire understand that they need to do this to save the company?

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"I'm tired of waiting for you. Why did it take so long?" Claire complains.

"Traffic," Max responds tersely.

Maya extends her hand to Claire. "I'm Maya. Are you my new mom?"

"God forbid," Claire replies, pulling her hand away.

"So, are you ready to have some fun?" Max asks Maya.

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She nods vigorously. The three of them enter the amusement park and approach the ticket booth. Maya wants to go on almost every ride. Max, annoyed, takes out money and pays for the tickets.

"I'm not going on those scary things with you," Claire states.

"Fine, then you'll wait here for us," Max decides.

"Max, can we talk?" Claire asks. They step aside.

"I really don't like this idea of a fake family," Claire confesses.

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"But we need to win over the investor," Max responds.

"And this girl. Where did she even come from?" Claire points at Maya, and Max turns to look. Maya waves at him energetically.

"I don't know and don't want to know."

"Are you sure she's your daughter?"

"I'm sure she's not my daughter... probably," Max takes out the photo Maya gave him and shows it to Claire. "She found this photo and somehow concluded that I'm her father. But I don't even remember her mother."

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"With your past, it's not surprising," Claire hands the photo back. "I don't want to play someone's mom, especially not for a girl who might be your daughter. I have more important things to do."

"Going to the gym and getting a manicure are not 'things.' And you don't have a choice, so be a good mom and think about what your daughter will eat for lunch," Max says and walks back to Maya.

"You're an asshole, Max!" Claire yells after him.

Max and Maya enjoy the rides. Max catches himself thinking that he hasn't had this much fun in a long time. He listens to Maya's laughter and realizes it sounds very much like his own.

Maya clings to him when they ride the rollercoasters because she's scared. At first, Max freezes but then puts his arm around her. He feels a warm, unfamiliar sensation in his chest.

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After visiting all the attractions, they return to Claire.

"Why did it take you so long?" Claire asks, clearly displeased.

"We were having fun," Maya replies. "Oh! Ice cream!" she shouts and runs to the ice cream stand.

Max watches her and smiles.

"Why are you smiling? Are your parental instincts waking up?" Claire asks mockingly.

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Max immediately changes his expression to serious. "Don't be silly. I'm doing this for work."

Max approaches Maya, and Claire follows. "What ice cream will you have?" Max asks Maya.

"Vanilla. I don't like all these fancy flavors."

"Me too..." Max whispers so Maya can't hear. "Two vanillas, please," he tells the ice cream seller. "And what will you have, Claire?" Max turns to Claire, who stands behind them.

"Strawberry," Claire answers.

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Max and Maya grimace in unison.

"Strawberry flavor is the worst," they say together.

Max looks at Maya in surprise. Maya laughs. The seller hands them their ice cream, and Maya enjoys hers, getting messy in the process. Max laughs at her, saying she looks like a little pig. Maya glared at him and smeared his shirt with ice cream.

"Hey, what's that for!" Max exclaims.

"Who's the pig now?" Maya laughs.

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Max wanted to yell at her, to tell her how much the shirt cost and that it would have to be thrown away, to say she was acting like a child, but then he realized...she is a child.

Max remembered how his parents forbade him from behaving like a child and punished him whenever he did something innocently mischievous, like climbing a tree and tearing his pants or drawing portraits of their family on the walls.

Though they had enough money and no one would have suffered from his actions, Max was still scolded and punished. And then, he looked at the situation from a different angle.

Maya is just a child who lost her mother and never had a father. She thinks he is her father, and although Max highly doubts it, he can't yell at Maya for an innocent child's prank.

"Alright, troublemaker. What's the plan next?" Max asks.

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Maya scans the entire park, and her eyes land on the quad bikes. Max notices that.

"No," he says.

"Oh yes," Maya responds, pleased.

"No, and that's my final answer."

"Aw, are you scared?"

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"I'm not scared, but it's dangerous, and you can..."

"Max is a chicken! Max is a chicken!" Maya teases him.

"I'm not scared. I'm an adult man; I'm not scared of anything."

"Then let's go."

"No."

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"Max is a chicken!"

Max grabs Maya's hand and pulls her to the ticket counter. "You want quad bikes? You'll get quad bikes."

"Yes!"

Max and Maya get on two different quad bikes. Max insisted that Maya ride with an instructor, but she refused, saying she could handle it herself. While they were putting on helmets, he asked Maya, "How can you be afraid to ride in a car without a helmet but easily get on a quad bike?"

"Well, you're driving the car, and I don't know how you drive. But here, I control everything. Plus, I have a helmet," Maya points to her helmet.

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When the instructor explained how to control the quad bike and safety techniques, Max said, "So, ready for me to dust you?"

Maya just smiled and said, "Don't fall behind." Then, she immediately sped ahead on the quad bike.

"Hey, that's not fair!" Max said and went after her. They were supposed to ride around the attractions area; the road was uneven and had many bumps. Max was worried about Maya's safety, but she seemed to handle it fine. Finally, Max caught up with her.

"How does it feel to be a loser?" he asked Maya and overtook her.

"Hey!" Maya yelled after him.

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Maya didn't take a minute to overtake him again; she turned to him and yelled, "Who's the loser now?"

"Watch the road!" Max yelled.

"What?" Maya asked, continuing to look back at him instead of ahead.

"Watch the...," but Max didn't finish his sentence because Maya's quad bike flipped over after hitting a small bump, and she was thrown onto the ground. Max quickly approached her and got off his quad bike.

He ran to Maya and started checking on her. Maya was crying loudly and holding her left arm, her knees were scraped, and her hands were torn.

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"What hurts? The arm? Let me see," Max fumbled, unsure what to do or how to help.

"Did you do that on purpose? To overtake me?" Maya said through tears.

"What? No, no. I didn't want this to happen. I told you to watch the..." Max felt guilty that Maya flipped over, especially since he had allowed her to ride.

"Max, I'm joking," Maya calmed him down. "But my arm really hurts."

"Maybe you have a fracture; we need to go to the hospital."

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"Good thing I was wearing a helmet," Maya joked and tapped on the helmet. Max smiled, not understanding how a little girl could maintain optimism when in so much pain.

"Can you walk?" Max asked.

Maya got up and tried to take a few steps. "Yes."

"Alright, let's go to the car; I'll take you to the hospital."

They walked to the car, where Claire was already waiting for them.

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"What happened?" Claire asked, seeing Maya and Max.

"She flipped over," Max said, putting Maya in the car's front seat. "We're going to the hospital."

"What hospital? We have dinner planned."

"We'll have dinner another time," Max replied.

"I've already booked a table! This little girl is ruining everything!" Claire yelled.

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Max decided to ignore Claire. He couldn't argue with her over something as silly as dinner. Max knew Claire was very selfish, but so was he, which is probably why they are together. Max got in the car and drove off.

"What am I supposed to do?!" Claire yelled after him.

"Call a taxi!" Max yelled back through the open window.

At the hospital, it turned out that Maya had a fractured arm. Max thought it was his fault, but Maya reassured him that she should have been more careful. While they waited for Maya's cast to be applied, Max remembered how he once broke his leg and decided to share it with Maya.

"Did you know I once had a fracture, too? Only I broke my leg," Max says.

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"Really?" Maya asks.

"Yes, I threw a ball onto the roof of a house and decided to climb up by a tree."

"And you fell from the tree?"

"No, no, I had climbed trees before, no problem there. But when I climbed onto the roof and reached for the ball, I lost my balance and fell."

"Ouch, must have hurt a lot."

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"Yes, very much. I cried hard, and our housekeeper ran to the noise. She called my parents and told them I had fallen and needed to go to the hospital."

"Did they take you?"

"No, they said they had a meeting and couldn't come. The housekeeper called me an ambulance but said she wouldn't go with me because her workday was almost over."

"Were you mad at them?"

"At my parents?" Max asks, and Maya nods. "No, I was used to it. They never paid much attention to me. Their work was always the priority."

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"That sounds really sad."

It was. Max was sad even thinking about it. Because of his parents, he didn't have a single warm memory of childhood. When he was younger, he thought it would be better if he hadn't been born at all.

"But I inherited the company from my father, and now I have a looot of money," Max tried to make the conversation more positive.

"Probably, but you're just as lonely as they were."

Max had nothing to respond to that. He knew Maya was right. Even though he had Claire and his employees, he always felt lonely, as if something was missing from his life. After a long pause, Maya spoke again.

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"Max?"

"What?"

"My foster family, they're not very good people. They don't care about me, they only took me in for the payments."

"I'm sorry."

"Yeah, I often think how mad my mom would be if she knew what kind of guardians I have. So, Max, I want you to promise that I won't return to that family even if you give me to child services."

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"I..." Max didn't know if he could make such a promise; he didn't know if he could keep it.

"Please, Max, promise."

"I promise," Max said and took Maya's hand.

Maya got her cast, and Max was told recommendations to follow for a quick recovery. Max listened and nodded, then asked questions, then listened and nodded again.

While returning to Max's apartment, Maya fell asleep in the car. She looked very peaceful, the first time since Max had met her. But Max was far from peaceful; he was burdened by his promise to Maya and unsure if he could keep it.

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Maya has been living with Max for several days, and although Max spent almost all his time at work, meeting with Tom, talking about the company, and proving why Tom should invest in it, he gradually began to get used to Maya.

He learned that she likes to eat pancakes with honey for breakfast and that she loves to draw because, in just a few days, she drew about twenty sheets that she couldn't fall asleep without a story.

Max had to make up stories to tell Maya before bedtime because he, of course, didn't have any children's books.

When Tom, the investor, found out they have a large national park, and suggested going on a hike to get to know each other better. Max had to agree, he was ready to do anything to make Tom invest in his company.

Claire really disliked this idea, but she stood in his kitchen and looked down at Maya, who was packing sandwiches for the road.

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"I'm not going to eat that," Claire said.

"Your loss," Maya calmly replied, closing the backpack and packing it. Max looked at the large hiking backpack standing at Claire's feet.

The backpack looked as if it was about to burst. "You do know we're only going there for a day?" Max asked skeptically, pointing at the backpack.

"Only the essentials, you never know what might be needed, need to be prepared for everything."

"Whatever you say," Max responded.

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They left the apartment and approached the car. Max loaded his small backpack and Claire's gigantic backpack into the trunk. Max heard Claire arguing. He approached her and saw that Maya was sitting in the front seat.

"Max, say something to her," Claire pleaded. "She's not listening to me."

"What's the problem?" Max asked.

"She refuses to move to the back seat," Claire explained.

"I might get carsick if I sit in the back," Maya said.

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"Claire, did you hear that? She might feel sick. Sit in the back and don't make a scene."

"But that's my seat!"

"Claire, please. This day is very important to me. It could be decisive for Tom's choice."

"But I..you...she," Claire's finger moved from Max to Maya. Finally, with a dissatisfied sound, Claire sat in the back seat, and they could finally drive to the hotel to pick up Tom. While they were waiting for Tom, Max turned to Maya.

"Kiddo, can you sit in the back so Tom can sit in the front? It's very important to me. Or will you feel sick?" he asked her.

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"No, everything's okay. I think I can go in the back if it's not long."

"Thank you," Max said. Maya got out of the car and moved to the back.

"What the hell?!" Claire yelled in displeasure.

Max ignored her. Maybe Maya really didn't want to give up her seat to Claire to feel more important. But Max had other things to worry about now; he was thinking only about making the hike with Tom successful so he would invest in Max's company.

Maya sat in the back seat next to Claire. And through the rearview mirror, Max saw Maya sticking her tongue out at Claire, and Claire responded the same way. Max couldn't help but laugh.

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"Very glad you find this funny," Claire muttered, catching Max's gaze in the mirror.

Tom got into the car. "Sorry to keep you waiting," he said.

"Not at all, everything's fine," Max responded, driving towards the nature reserve.

To get to the picturesque place, the reserve is famous for; they had to walk up a steep and winding ascent. Max noticed how Claire grunted and complained about the backpack's difficulty.

She was constantly stumbling and losing her balance because of the backpack's weight. But Max was talking to Tom. He was listing all the advantages of the company and what Tom could gain if he invested in it.

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Tom listened attentively, occasionally distracted by a plant or a bug. But Max wasn't bothered; he continued talking about the company.

"Max, please take my backpack," Claire groaned.

"Just a second," Max said, continuing his story to Tom.

"But, Max, it's heavy," Claire said.

"I warned you this would happen and told you not to take such a big backpack." Max turned back to his conversation with Tom, but out of the corner of his eye, he saw that Maya was struggling to climb the hill because of her broken arm.

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"Excuse me, just a second," Max said to Tom, and Tom nodded understandingly. Max approached Maya.

"Is it hard for you to walk, kiddo?" Max asked her.

"A bit, but don't worry, you seemed to have a serious conversation with Tom."

"It can wait," Max said. He bent down, picked up Maya, placed her on his shoulders, and hurried back to Tom. As he passed Claire, she became indignant.

"Seriously? You couldn't take the backpack, but her, immediately!" Claire said.

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"Claire, don't be childish," Max said.

"Yeah, Claire, don't be childish," Maya teased her.

"And you, don't tease," Max said, tugging on Maya's leg.

"Sorry," Maya said, folding her hands on Max's head and resting her chin on them. Max approached Tom.

"I'm so tall!" Maya yelled and stretched her arms upwards.

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Tom laughed, "Kids. I miss the times when mine were that small."

"Actually, Maya assured me she's already grown up. Right, Maya?" Max remembered their first conversation, and Maya blushed after hearing this.

"So, about the company, where were we?" Max decided to return to their conversation.

"Max, enough about work. We're relaxing. Tell me more about your family," Tom said.

"Well..." Max felt awkward; although he and Maya had planned what they would say about their family, Max seemed unable to lie to Tom.

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But Maya didn't have a problem with that. She began to tell how they went on vacations, how they love to cook together, how both hate the flavor of strawberries but adore fresh strawberries, and didn't forget to mention how she broke her arm when they both rode quad bikes.

"Ah... With such a dad, you don't need enemies," Tom said and laughed, Maya joined his laughter. And Max wondered how strange it sounded that someone called him dad. Could he be a good father to someone if he had never had such an example?

Tom was distracted again by some plant, and Max sighed heavily. He needs Tom to sign this contract, and he needs him to give money to the company because if it does not, the company will fail.

"Don't worry," Maya said, probably noticing Max's mood. "He will definitely give you the money, he likes you."

"Not me, the company. Do you think he likes me?"

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"He definitely likes me, and you're just an addition," Maya said.

"Hey! I'm cool, too."

"Well, that's debatable."

Max didn't have time to respond because Claire interrupted them. She was leaning against a tree and breathing heavily. "Can we...can we...take a...break?" she said, catching her breath.

"Great idea!" Tom said. "And it's a suitable place. Plus, I'm hungry."

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They were on a small meadow, scattered with various wildflowers.

"I made sandwiches!" Maya yelled and tapped her feet for Max to put her down. Laughing, Max took Maya off his shoulders and placed her on the ground.

She approached the backpack hanging on Max's back and took out four sandwiches. Maya handed one to Max and another to Tom and approached Claire to give her one as well.

"Thank you. I have my own food," Claire said, taking out a bottle of thick green liquid from the backpack lying on the ground. Max grimaced when he saw it, he looked at Maya and saw a similar expression on her face.

Maya sat next to Tom. She opened her sandwich and also started to eat. Max dropped the backpack on the ground and stretched his shoulders. He looked at Claire, who was about to drink that green sludge from the bottle.

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"Are you really going to drink that?" Max asked.

"What's wrong with it? It's a very nutritious cocktail; it has a lot of vitamins," Claire took a sip from the bottle and grimaced, but when she saw Max watching her, she smiled. "Very tasty," she said.

"Sure," Max responded.

When they finished the sandwiches and Claire finished her green sludge, Maya ran to collect flowers, and Tom joined her. Max watched them for a while until Claire sat down next to him.

"Max, how much longer will this performance go on?" Claire asks.

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"What do you mean?" Max didn't understand at first.

"How long do we need to pretend to be this happy family?"

"Until Tom signs..."

Claire interrupted him. "Yes, yes, until Tom signs the contract. But I have a plan. We'll give the girl to child services and tell Tom we took her to her grandmother."

"No, we can't take that risk," Max said. But he wasn't sure if it was true, and he didn't want to take the risk, or he wasn't ready to say goodbye to Maya yet.

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"You've become very attached to this girl."

"What do you mean?"

"You do everything she wants. You've completely forgotten about me. Sometimes, I think she's even more important than your company."

"Don't say stupid things. The company is my priority."

"But she's manipulating you, Max. She wants you to believe she's really your daughter."

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"She truly believes I'm her dad."

"You know what I think? I think she's just some orphan who discovered you're rich and decided to improve her life."

"No, Maya's not like that."

"Just think about it. You've heard nothing about her for ten years, and suddenly, she shows up."

"She didn't know who I was until her mother died."

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"No, Max. She'll take your time, your attention, maybe your money. And then, when she grows up, she'll take your company."

Claire's words did make sense. Why didn't her mom say anything if Maya was really his daughter? Didn't try to contact him? Max really started worrying about the fate of his company in the future.

"She won't take it," he said. "As soon as Tom signs the contract, I'll return her to the foster family."

Claire looked over Max's shoulder and smiled, but he didn't notice it or just didn't want to give it meaning.

After the conversation with Claire, Max was tormented by guilt, wondering if he had done the right thing by allowing Maya to stay. He noticed flowers scattered on the ground, which Maya had been collecting. Max looked around but couldn't see Maya anywhere. He approached Tom.

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"Have you seen where Maya went?" Max asked Tom, concerned about etching his features.

Tom looked around, not seeing Maya, and said, "She was here just a few minutes ago."

"I can't find her anywhere."

"What happened?" she asked.

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"Maya's gone," Max responded, panic setting in.

"Maybe she just went off for a walk," Claire suggested.

"Claire, she's not recalling. We need to find her," Max insisted, his voice tinged with desperation.

"I suggest we split up; we'll find her faster that way," Tom proposed, looking determined.

"Good idea," Max agreed, trying to stay hopeful.

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Claire stomped away, her face twisted in frustration. Max could see the annoyance in her steps, but his mind was clouded with worry for Maya. He shouted her name, his voice echoing through the trees, but only silence answered.

The sun began to dip below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple. Max's heart sank with the setting sun; the beautiful scene felt mocking in the absence of Maya.

Max combed through the underbrush for hours, calling Maya's name until his voice grew hoarse. He tried to push down the rising panic, reminding himself to stay focused.

As darkness enveloped the woods, Max made the difficult decision to return to the meadow. He held onto a sliver of hope that Maya had found her way back or that Claire and Tom had better news.

But the meadow, now bathed in the soft glow of twilight, was empty of the one person he hoped to see. Claire and Tom's faces were grim, mirroring Max's dread.

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"Did you find her?" Max asked, clinging to a sliver of hope that Maya was just hiding somewhere, planning to surprise him. However, Claire and Tom shook their heads.

"Max, let's go home. It's getting dark, and we won't be able to return," Claire said, trying to be pragmatic.

"You're right. You go ahead, and I'll keep looking for Maya," Max replied, determination clear in his voice.

"But Max, I want you to come with me. We'll call the police when we get home," Claire suggested, worry apparent in her tone.

"No, I'll keep looking for her, but you can call the police so they can start looking, too," Max said, unwilling to give up.

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"Max," Claire started to say something but then looked at Tom and changed her mind. "You won't find her by yourself, so let's go home," she pleaded, but Max could hear the command in her voice that he had known for years.

"I won't go anywhere until I find her!" Max shouted, his emotions boiling over. "I won't leave my daughter here alone!"

Claire's eyebrows shot up in shock. "As you wish, but I'm not staying," she said, putting on her heavy backpack and walking away.

"I hope you find her," Tom said, patting Max on the shoulder before following Claire.

Max wandered through the reserve, his voice echoing in the quiet. "Maya!" he called repeatedly, his tone a mix of worry and desperation. The darkness seemed to swallow his calls, giving back nothing but silence.

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He moved carefully, the light from his phone barely cutting through the night. Then, he heard it, a faint voice calling his name.

"Max! I'm here!" Maya's voice sounded small and distant. Max rushed towards the sound, his heart racing. He found her in the pit, looking small and vulnerable.

"Did you hurt yourself?" Max's concern was palpable. He hated seeing her in pain, even more so knowing he was the cause of her distress.

"No," came Maya's cold reply. Her usual warmth was missing, replaced by a distance that Max had never felt from her before.

"How did you end up there?" he asked, trying to keep his voice steady.

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"I fell," she said simply. The brevity of her answers, so unlike her, made Max's heart sink further.

"Why did you even come here?" he pressed, needing to understand.

"What does it matter?" Maya's voice was resigned, almost defeated.

Max squatted by the pit, trying to reach out to her physically and emotionally. "Maya, what happened?" he asked softly, needing her to see he was sincere.

Her following words hit him like a physical blow. "You lied to me. You promised you wouldn't send me back to my foster family, but that's exactly what you're planning to do after Tom gives you the money for the company!"

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Max's denial was immediate. "Maya, that's not true."

"Don't lie! I heard everything! You told Claire you'd send me back to the foster family! You said the company was your priority!" The hurt in Maya's voice was clear, and Max felt a sharp pang of guilt.

"You were eavesdropping on us..." Max trailed off.

"And I'm glad I did! Now I know what you're really like! You're a liar who only cares about money and his company!" Maya's accusation stung.

"Enough of this conversation," Max said with a determination born of desperation. He couldn't stand the distance between them when Maya needed him. So, he did the only thing he could think of—he jumped into the pit.

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"Why did you do that? How are we going to get out now?" Maya's voice was tinged with frustration, but Max could hear the underlying fear.

"Because I care. Because when you disappeared, I felt the ground disappear under my feet. Because I'm your dad, and I'll get you out of this pit!" Max's declaration was fierce, a promise made in the dark.

"You're lying again." Maya's disbelief was a sharp contrast to Max's earnestness.

"No, Maya," Max said, kneeling to be on her level, to show her he meant every word.

"I was an idiot when I said that. I've been an idiot all my life until you came into it. I let Claire manipulate me and thought you were using me because all my life, people have used me. But I was wrong. You're the first person who needed nothing from me but me. And now I see it. And I promise I won't leave you. Do you believe me?" His voice was emotional, laying bare his feelings in a way he never had before.

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Maya's nod was hesitant and uncertain, but it was there.

"Good," he said, a soft smile touching his lips despite the situation. "Now, let's get out of here."

With Maya on his shoulders, Max climbed out of the pit, using every ounce of strength and determination he possessed. They emerged onto the road, and Max called a taxi, his mind racing with what came next.

As they approached Max's apartment building, enveloped in the night's quiet, the sight of the police car and the child services van struck a chord of fear in Maya's heart. "Max?" she whispered.

"Don't worry, we'll sort this out," Max reassured her, though his heart raced with uncertainty.

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He paid the taxi driver, and with a protective hand on Maya's shoulder, they approached the awaiting officials. Claire was there, hovering near the officers with a look of concern that didn't sit right with Max.

"Max! Are you okay?" Claire rushed over, her arms wrapping around him in a hug that felt more intrusive than comforting. Max gently pushed her away, his eyes searching for answers.

"Why are the police and child services here?" Max's voice was firm, demanding an explanation for the scene before him.

"I thought it would be better for everyone," Claire's response was vague.

Maya, sensing the tension, retreated behind Max. A woman from child services stepped forward, her gaze fixed on Maya.

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"Is this the girl we have to take?" she inquired, looking from Claire to Maya with a professional detachment that Max found cold.

"Yes, that's her," Claire replied, her tone betraying a hint of satisfaction. "Imagine, when I got home, I decided to find out more about Maya and found out her foster family was looking for her. She just ran away from them."

"Let's go, child. I'll take you home," the woman addressed Maya with a false gentleness that did nothing to ease the tension.

"She's not going anywhere," Max's response was a growl, a clear warning that he wouldn't let Maya be taken without a fight.

"But Max..." Claire's attempt to interject was cut short by Max's glare.

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"We have to return her to her guardians," the woman from child services insisted.

"I'm her father. I'll take a DNA test if needed, but I can tell you it's true even without it. Because Maya is my spitting image, though you wouldn't say so from the look," Max's declaration was filled with a newfound determination. Holding Maya close, he clarified, "And she's staying with me. I'll fight if I have to."

Sensing the depth of Max's resolve, the woman from child services backed off with a curt, "Sort it out yourselves."

"Max, she's manipulating you," Claire attempted to sow doubt, but her words were brushed aside.

"Listen here, Claire. The only one manipulating here is you," Max's retort.

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"I don't want to live with this child. Choose her or me," Claire's request was met with immediate dismissal.

"Her," Max didn't hesitate for a second.

"What?! How dare you?! After all these years, I've been by your side! If so, I'll tell Tom everything. That your perfect family is a farce! There is no family!" Claire's threat was desperate.

Tom emerged from the building, his presence unexpected. "What's he doing here?" Max's confusion was evident.

"He wanted to stay until you found Maya, and I let him stay to help you!" Claire's explanation did little to soothe Max's growing ire.

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"You want to tell Tom it's all a lie? Don't bother, I'll tell him myself." Max's resolve was unshakable as he approached Tom.

Max recounted the reality of their situation to Tom, admitting that Claire wasn't his wife but his fiancée, that Maya's existence was a recent discovery, and that their stories were fabrications, except for the quads incident, which stood as a testament to his failings as a father.

"So, your whole family is a lie?" Tom's disappointment was palpable.

"What you saw - yes. But Maya is truly my daughter, my family," Max affirmed.

"Max, I'm glad you told the truth. But I can't deal with someone who lied to me from our first meeting," Tom's decision was final.

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"I understand. Thank you for your time," Max expressed his gratitude for Tom's understanding despite the circumstances.

"Spending time with Maya was a pleasure, not a waste. I'm glad you understand that," Tom offered a parting kindness before leaving.

Max watched him go, and a silent goodbye was exchanged between them. Tom waved farewell to Maya, who returned the gesture with a slight wave.

"Max... I..." Claire attempted to reconcile, but Max's patience had run out.

"Get lost. I don't want to see you again. Not as my assistant, not as my fiancée," Max's dismissal was final.

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"But..." Claire's objection was cut short by Max's firm command to leave. With Claire gone, Max turned his full attention to Maya, kneeling to meet her eye-to-eye in a moment of shared vulnerability.

"Sorry. It's all my fault," Maya's voice was small, her eyes shining with unshed tears.

"No. I'm to blame for lying and dragging you into this lie. Will you forgive me?" Max's plea was sincere, his eyes searching Maya's for forgiveness.

Maya nodded, her gesture simple yet profound, as Max wiped away her tears and hugged her.

"What will happen to your company now?" Maya's concern broke the silence.

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"I don't know, but we'll handle it. Together, as a family."

"Does that mean you'll pay me $1,000 weekly to pretend to be your daughter?" Maya's attempt at humor lightened the mood, drawing a laugh from Max.

Max's laughter was a balm to their wounds, his embrace tightening around Maya. In that moment, amid the chaos and uncertainty, they found a semblance of peace, a family forged not by lies but by a shared resolve to face the future together, whatever it may bring.

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