Hired By The Hot Daddy to be His Kid Mom

Stanley Robbins had always strived for a life of perfect harmony and synchronization. As a prominent businessman in the bustling city of Newark, he understood the importance of dedicating his time solely to matters pertaining to his trade. He refused to let any competitors outshine his position, and his ambition was to ensure that Robbins City Wide, his trading company, maintained its place at the pinnacle of success.

This had always been Stanley's unwavering plan.

However, everything changed when he became a father, and his intended partner departed from his life, driven by her pursuit of an acting career. Left to raise their child alone, Stanley's priorities shifted. His new plan revolved around securing the future of his daughter, prioritizing the success of his company for her sake.

"Heather was looking for you when she woke up, Stanley. Now, she won't stop crying. Why do you have to leave that early? 4 am was unacceptable!" Lisa, his mother, was somehow yelling over the phone.

"I'm sorry, mom. My schedule for today was really tough. Please tell Heather that I love her, and I'll make it up to her when I come back," he said.

"Why don't you say it yourself?" Lisa complained as she turned the call into a video call. She then gave it to Heather, who was still sobbing.

"Heather, baby, daddy just needs to catch up on some things at work, okay? You do know that daddy is a busy man, right? And I'm sure you understand. I will come back later, baby. Please stop crying, and eat your breakfast. Daddy loves you." Stanley said in the most adorable way. He even gave Heather a kiss.

"I love you too, Daddy, and I miss you, and I I will wait for you." Sobbing, Heather responded. She eventually stopped, too—she just really wanted to talk to her dad.

"Thank you," Lisa said to Stanley as she took the phone back.

That day, Stanley continued with his business errands. On the other side, Lisa and Heather decided to spend their time in the park. Heather was very excited, especially about the ice cream and the balloon.

"Heather, listen carefully to Abuela, okay? I will get your favorite ice cream on the other side of the road. I want you to stay still on this bench. This is the place where I will come back for you, okay? We're doing this every time we go here, and like those times, I want you to listen to me." Lisa had carefully instructed her granddaughter.

"Okay, Abuela!" Heather cheerfully responded.

Lisa immediately went to the ice cream shop to buy the ice cream. Heather, with the balloon in her hand, doesn't have a plan to disobey her grandma. Well, not when her red balloon flew in the air. She then tried to catch it by following it. But when the balloon was high enough, Heather sat on a different bench—a bit far from where she first was—and began crying.

"Abuela! My balloon!" She cried out loud. People in the park began to look at her with worried eyes, but none tried to approach the poor little girl, except for the young lady who didn't even think twice about sitting beside Heather when she heard and saw her.

"Why are you crying? Shhh, please stop." The young lady said in a nice and pleasing way.

It was really hard to make Heather stop crying. But this girl had easily made her loud cries into silent sobs. "My my balloon," she said as she pointed to the sky.

The young lady then patted her head and smiled, "let me buy another one for you, okay? Come," she said. Heather smiled at her as she willingly went with the girl.

Lisa, on the other hand, was so worried when they found them—the young lady holding Heather's other hand. "Heather! Thank goodness you're safe!" She said as she approached her granddaughter, who was holding her new balloon in her free hand. Lisa pulled her away from the girl.

"I'm sorry. I just saw her crying and figured that she had lost her balloon, so I decided to buy her another one." The young lady explained when Lisa gave her a sharp glare. She then eventually went away.

"She was a nice girl, Abuela!" Lisa was shocked by her granddaughter's reaction toward the lady. She must be really kind. Yet, being in the park, you should never really trust anyone. Lisa knew too that she should never let Heather alone again. Leaving her on the bench to buy ice cream wasn't a great idea after all.

"She must be. But I told you not to talk to strangers, right?" Lisa said as they sat on the bench and handed Heather the ice cream that she had bought. She had expected Heather to be happy to finally have her ice cream, but clearly, she was not.

"What's wrong? Come on, eat your ice cream before it melts down."

"Where is she, Abuela?" Heather asked, looking for the young lady who had bought her her new balloon. Then, again, she began sobbing.

"But we don't know who she was, Heather… please don't cry," Lisa said, but the more she did, the more Heather sobbed. Looking left and right, Lisa couldn't find the girl anymore. Instead, she found a book on the other side of the bench where they were sitting. She grabbed it, assuming that the owner of it was the girl.

"Where is she, Abuela?" This time, Heather was crying so bad—completely forgetting about the balloon and her now startingtomelt ice cream. Lisa had tried to call Stanley, but it seemed that he was too busy at work, and he turned off his phone.

"Shhh, please stop crying, Heather… we will find her, okay? Abuela will find her," she was forced to say those words even though she knew there was no chance of finding her again in that huge park—or city.

Thinking of what to do, Lisa accidentally dropped the book on the ground. When she picked it up, a picture inserted between the pages also fell. Upon getting it, she noticed how Heather immediately stopped crying. In fact, she was smiling, eyes directed at the picture.

When Lisa looked at the picture, she instantly knew who it was.

It was the girl Heather was crying and looking for.

She then let the child hold the picture in her hand.

"She was so beautiful, Abuela," Heather said with a priceless smile on her face.

Since they couldn't find the girl again, Lisa just decided to keep the book and the picture with them. Even she could not explain why that girl and her picture could give Heather such calm and ease. Why, when they didn't even know who she was?

"Careful, she was already asleep. You don't wanna wake her up," Lisa said to Stanley, who had just arrived home from work. "She fell asleep while waiting for you… good thing we have that picture to calm her down," Lisa continued.

"Goodnight, baby. I'm sorry, daddy's late." Stanley whispered through his daughter's ears as he kissed her on her forehead. He then turned his gaze to his mother. "What picture?" He asked.

Lisa gets the book and the picture of the girl in it. She then handed it to Stanley. "Heather loved looking at that picture, Stanley. She even called her mommy a while ago. It was weird, yet, I still decided to keep it and let Heather have it." She said.

"Do you think it's okay? We never knew who this woman was," Stanley suggested.

"I know, but Heather loves seeing her, and she will surely cry and look for it when we take this away from her. Maybe we can just let the child have it for a while. I'm sure, sooner, she'll eventually forget this just like her old toys," Lisa explained, to which Stanley agreed.

As years passed and Heather grew up, she often looked for her mommy. What made it more complicated was she assumed that the woman in the picture they kept in her room was her mommy.

"Will mommy gonna come to my birthday tomorrow?" Heather asked her grandma. Lisa looked up at Stanley and then at Heather. "Mommy was still busy at work, Heather. But she will come home soon," she lied.

"Okay, Abuela." She understood.

"Go to your room, baby. Your Abuela and I were just gonna talk about some things for your birthday tomorrow." Stanley said. When Heather was already inside her room, he faced his mother. "Things can't always be that way, mom. She can't see that woman as her mother. We can't let Heather forever believe in these foolish lies!" He then said.

"I know, but what else can we do?" Lisa asked.

"I will tell Heather the truth now. Years of believing that that girl was her mother was enough." He exclaimed.

Lisa nodded, "you are the father. You know what to do."

Stanley then turned his back to his mother and quietly went to Heather's room. However, upon opening the door, he didn't eventually come inside as he saw his daughter holding the picture and talking to it.

"I love you, mommy. I really want to see you soon. I hope you will surprise me at my birthday tomorrow. But if not, I wish you would take care of yourself wherever you are now. I can't wait to see you and hug you real tight," those were her innocent words before she gave the picture a kiss.

Stanley had heard everything, making him back away from letting Heather know the truth.

"Make a wish before blowing the candles, Heather," Lisa said after they finished singing the song. Everyone was clapping as they waited for Heather to tell her birthday wishes.

"I wish for my dad and Abuela's good health. I hope they stay with me forever. I also wish to see my mom," Heather said as she blew the candles on her cake. Upon hearing what his daughter had said, Stanley couldn't help but feel sad.

While the rest were enjoying the party, Stanley approached his mother. "Last night, I could not tell Heather that the girl in the picture wasn't her mom. I tried to, but seeing how she sincerely talked to the picture made it hard to do. Mom, you know we got to tell her the truth." He then said.

"We got to tell her the truth. Heather was a smart girl, I'm sure it will hurt, but I know she will understand." Lisa said while looking at her granddaughter, who was a bit far away from where they were—enjoying her birthday party. "If only I knew that it would lead to this… I should've never let her have that picture in the first place. I'm sorry," she continued.

"It was no one's fault. Don't blame yourself, mom. Your intention of giving her that picture wasn't bad, after all. We just got to tell her everything," Stanley stated.

"After the party, we will bring her to the park where we met that girl and got her picture from years ago. There, we will explain everything to Heather—I will explain everything that happened, then you will say that she isn't her mom, she was just too young back then, and she will never understand." Lisa suggested.

"Okay…" Stanley sighed.

"She will get over it," Lisa gave her son assurance.

That was what they did. After the party, Stanley immediately drove to the town park with his mom and daughter. They were now very determined to tell Heather everything she needed to know about that girl in the picture.

"I really miss going back to that park, Abuela! And I know it will be more fun because we're with daddy! This is my best birthday ever!" Heather said in excitement, making Lisa and Stanley fake a smile. They didn't want to ruin her mood—at least until now.

Upon arriving, Stanley immediately parked his car somewhere nearby. They let Heather run for a while, of course, while keeping their eyes on her.

"You don't have to worry, Stanley. Everything is going to be fine…." Lisa reminded him again as she noticed sudden uneasiness in her son.

After a while, they called Heather, who immediately ran toward them. "I really love that swing, dad! I feel like I'm flying!" She said, while acting as if she was a bird. It gave Stanley a smile—a smile that eventually faded away.

He then held Heather tight in her hand. They walked a few steps before he managed to utter a word. "Listen, baby. Your Abuela and I need to tell you something…" he started.

"What was it, dad? Abuela?" She innocently questioned.

Stanley looked at his mom, signaling her to start everything. They took a few more steps, then sat on one of the park benches before Lisa spoke. "Do you remember that this was the place where we found the picture?" She started.

"Mom's picture?" Heather asked, and for a while, she thought. "I'm not quite sure, Abuela. I don't clearly remember…" she then said.

"It's okay. You were just three years old back then, it was normal for you not to remember. But here, let me tell you…" Lisa said as she held Heather's hand. "You were crying so badly that day because you lost your balloon, then, suddenly, a young lady approached you. She bought a new balloon for you, and you stopped crying." She continued.

"You mean, mom?" Again, she asked. Lisa then looked at Stanley, signaling him to just tell everything to his daughter.

He then moved closer to Heather and took a deep breath before speaking. "Heather, listen carefully, okay? That picture in your room was—" And just when he was about, to tell the truth, fate decided to play a little more on them.

"Mommy?!" Heather cut Stanley off as she stood from the bench and ran towards the lady standing not so far away from them. Heather hugged her with a pure genuine smile all over her angel face. She was the only one who was smiling, though. Lisa, Stanley, and even the woman Heather was hugging had the same expression—shock.

Stanley, as well as Lisa, couldn't believe their eyes.

She was the girl in the picture.

Heather, who was still hugging the lady, looked at them. "Thank you, Daddy! Thank you, Abuela! Thank you for bringing my mommy back! This was the best gift I have received today." She then said.

Stanley knew he should take his daughter away from the lady and tell her what he was supposed to do earlier. But seeing how happy she was and seeing how he could completely hurt her feelings when he let her know the truth at that exact time tore him apart. So instead of doing that, he came up with another plan—a plan that could definitely and absolutely complicate things even more.

"Heather, you and Abuela should take a stroll for now. I just need to talk to your mom," he then said as he looked to the lady who also didn't manage to utter a single word since Heather hugged her.

"Okay, daddy! Abuela, let's go!" Heather happily said as they walked away.

"Stanley," he offered her his hand.

The lady just looked at it. Without seeing the plan of taking his hand, Stanley just took it away. "That was Heather, my my daughter, and it was her birthday tod—" she cut him off.

"First of all, I do not know all of you. Second, why was the kid calling me mommy? Third, what were all these about? I'm sorry, Sir, but I don't understand a single thing." She said out of confusion.

"Please let me explain in a nearby restaurant. Please, just let me." The lady could see such sincerity in Stanley's eyes, so she agreed.

The first few minutes in the restaurant were completely awkward. The two were basically… strangers.

"You can start your talk, Sir." She then said.

Stanley cleared his throat, "I'm sorry." He started. "So, like what I have said, she was Heather, and it was her seventh birthday now—"

"Please get to the point."

"Years ago, they went to the same park, and according to my mom, you made her stop crying, and you bought her a new balloon."

The lady seemed to be enlightened upon hearing those words, "she was that girl? Where did the time go?" She muttered.

"So, you remember?" Stanley confirmed.

"I will never forget. She was as lovely as before, and she's a big girl now. Unfortunately, that was also when I lost my favorite book…" she stated.

"We have the book."

"You, what?"

"We have the book," Stanley repeated. "And your picture," he continued.

"What? But why would you wanna keep that?" Confused, she asked.

He sighed, "it unexplainably calmed my daughter every time she cried back then. We actually just wanted to use your picture for that, but things went a little too far and a little too wrong…"

"Why?"

"She thought that you were her mother," Stanley revealed. "Until now, that was what she believed in."

"Shit. Why didn't you tell her the truth?" The lady asked.

"We tried to. Actually, we were about to when she unexpectedly saw you." He said. "Did you see how happy she was while hugging you earlier? I love her smile, but she never smiled that way before. She was the happiest. And I know that we should tell her the truth, but I just can't do it now. Not now when she already saw you. Not on her birthday. I don't want to break my child's heart." He continued his explanation.

"I understand… what are you planning to do then?"

"Please let me know your name first."

"Maxine," she finally stated.

"Maxine…" Stanley breathed out as he put his gaze outside the window. He then looked at her. "I want to hire you as my daughter's mother."

That night, Maxine was not able to sleep well. Her encounter with the Robbins kept on running through her head. And the fact that she could be a mom—a fake one—in an instant, completely made her wide awake. More than that, she could earn a lot of money if she accepted Stanley's hardtoresist offer.

She then sat on her bed and took the calling card Stanley had given her.

"I want to hire you as my daughter's mother." His words were on repeat in her mind.

"Oh God, please tell me what to do! Give me a sign!" She screamed as she lay back on her bed.

Maxine was on her own and currently living in a small apartment in Newark, downtown. She makes a little money by being a waitress at a local diner. Although she could survive her everyday life, Maxine couldn't deny that it was really hard. She sometimes couldn't pay her bills on time, and sometimes, she needed to starve herself just to make enough money for it. She was a rat and Newark was a big city for her.

And so when Stanley gave her the offer, she knew that she had to think hard about it.

Still lost in her thoughts, she heard a loud bang from her door. "Fuck it, Maxine! Do you know what time it is already?! It's fucking 2 am! Why the hell are you screaming?!" It was the landlord.

"I'm sorry," she said in a low voice.

"Open the fucking door and let me throw your things outside! I have made up my mind and you're out in this apartment!" He was going insane. Maxine couldn't do a thing. That night, she let the night pass on the street, Stanley's calling card in her hand.

"I never knew that the sign You would give was like this…" She said as she let her tears fall.

That night, she had made up her mind. Or maybe, it was more like, she was left with no other choice.

Earlier that day, Maxine had decided to call Stanley to let him know that she was accepting the offer. Stanley then gave her a specific time and place for them to meet and talk about the rules Maxine had to abide during her stay. Before that certain time, Maxine went to the local diner where she was currently working and filed her resignation.

Maxine arrived—with all of her things with her—at the restaurant at exactly 4 pm. That time, Stanley wasn't at the place yet. So, she grabbed the time to fix herself even a little. She was a complete mess.

Maxine was already seated at one of the seats inside the restaurant when she saw a Mercedes Benz parked outside. Her heart started throbbing as she saw Stanley go down from it.

"Fuck, fuck, fuck," she was in complete panic upon seeing Stanley coming her way.

"Maxine… and the bags," Stanley said as he stared at the belongings Maxine has with her.

"It was not what you think! I have that because the landlord kicked me out of his apartment last night, not because I was thinking I could already move out to your place! Don't think of it that way, Sir." She instantly defended herself which made Stanley laugh a little.

"As you said, Maxine. Why did the landlord kick you, though? Bill problems?" He asked as he looked at the restaurant's menu.

"He he heard me," she paused for a while. "Yes, bill problems." Then she lied. She thought that telling the truth would be embarrassing.

"Right. So, like what I have mentioned yesterday, I want you to be Heather's mom for a while. With this, you will be needing to live with us—at our family villa. But since we were strangers, and you would basically work for me, I want you to sign a contract before we got to start anything." He said as he got the papers inside his suitcase. "Written here were the rules you must abide by and the monthly salary you will get," he continued as he handed Maxine the contract.

"How about the term? How long would this last?" Maxine asked as she get the contract from his hand.

"That I am not sure yet." Stanley truthfully answered.

Maxine gave her a short look before reading everything written on the contract.

—

Contract of Employment:

The following is the list of the DO'S and DON'TS of your employment. Failure to comply with them has its consequences:

1. Heather was your priority. Take care of her, and stay by her side. It will be your fault if something bad happens.

2. Try your best to act normally, especially around Heather. We do not want her to suspect anything.

3. This contract has no specific time on when to end. Signing this means you agreed to be her mom for as long as it was needed.

4. Having a relationship is forbidden. Besides Heather, people around us will also see you as her mother. Seeing you with another person would give our family such a bad reputation.

5. You will act as my wife when needed, especially in front of Heather.

6. You will live in the villa with us, get all the employment benefits, and a salary of 50,000 USD each month.

7. Personal attachment with me is forbidden. I am your boss, you are my employee.

Termination of and any changes to this contract is only upon my consent.

Signed: Mr. Stanley Robbins

Employer

Ms. Maxine Ballard

Employee

—

"Fifty thousand dollars each month?" She whispered, yet it was visible in her expression that she was surprised. Maxine didn't expect it to be that huge.

"Yes, Maxine," Stanley said as she handed her the ballpen. "Upon signing, I will let one of my drivers fetch you here then to our villa, and you can start immediately. Heather has been looking for you since last night," he explained.

Maxine got the ballpen, stared at the paper for a while, and nervously signed her name to where it was needed.

"Here, Mr. Robbins." She said as she handed the papers back to Stanley.

And just by that, her whole life had changed. Who would have thought that she would end up this way? Absolutely, no one.

A few months had passed and Maxine was getting warmer during her stay at her temporary home. Heather was clearly enjoying her time with her making everything easier for Maxine. She didn't expect it to be this way. She was in fact… enjoying being her mom.

"Mommy! Mommy!" Heather said in a rush. The kid just arrived home from school and in her hand was a couple of paper.

"Baby, why in such a hurry?" Maxine said as she gave 'her daughter' a hug.

"Look! I got an A+!" She said as she excitedly showed her art project to Maxine.

"Wow! You're so smart and creative!" Maxine gladly said. That time, Stanley had arrived at their home earlier than he usually was. And he silently watched the little moment the two were having. It put a smile on his face.

"Was what I heard, right? You got an A+?" He enthusiastically said as he entered the living room.

"Yes, daddy! Look! Mommy had taught me so well that's why I was able to get this grade!" She happily informed her dad. With that, Stanley went closer to where Maxine was standing and gave her a quick peck on the cheek. "Thank you," he whispered. That made Maxine dumbfounded as if butterflies were dancing in her stomach. She didn't manage to utter a word.

"Where do you want to go? This calls for a celebration!" Stanley said as he lifted Heather through his arms.

"To McDonald's!" Heather was fast to answer. It was her favorite fastfood restaurant.

She was such a jolly and sweet kid. That fact made Maxine wonder why her real mother had to abandon her. Yet, she knew that she'll never know the reason why. Never did she try to ask.

"To McDonald's, we go! Love, please prepare Heather. I will just change my clothes," Stanley said as he put Heather down. Before heading to their room—yes, they were sleeping in the same room—he winked at Maxine.

"Okay, love!" She tried to fight the butterflies in her stomach and answered Stanley as naturally as she could. The man had been like that ever since her stay. From time to time, he would call Maxine different endearments such as love, honey, or sometimes, babe. He would also make some sweet gestures toward her. Maxine understood that it was all on the contract, but it was just so hard not to catch butterflies—not when your boss is 6 foot tall, looking like a god.

A few minutes had passed and the three were already at McDonald's. They literally looked like a small and happy family. Stanley ordered everything Heather had requested—of course, with her favorite sundae and fries. In the middle of their simple celebration and happy conversation, Velma, Stanley's friend, surprisingly went near their table.

"Stanley?" She suddenly spoke. Heather and Maxine's attention were instantly shifted to her

"Velma," Stanley immediately acknowledged his friend's presence, trying to avoid certain complications. But complications seemed to like him that much.

"Did you know that Maureen already came back? I thought she was staying in London for good?" Velma said out loud.

Stanley then pulled Velma away from their table. "Please watch your mouth and don't say her name in front of my daughter. You see them over there? They are my family. Do you understand?" He then said leaving Velma completely out of words.

Stanley on the other side, couldn't deny to himself that what Velma said had created an impact on him.

Maureen had come back.

What Velma had said and what Stanley did leave a few questions over Maxine. Was it possible that the Maureen she was talking about was Maxine's mom? What if she really was Heather's mom and she decided to come back into their lives?

'Will I let her?'

'Do I still love her?'

Upon going back to their seat, it was obvious that Stanley's mind was occupied, and he looked a little bothered. It was written all over his face and gestures. Maxine badly wanted to ask him some questions.

Still, she chose to remain quiet. Thinking that she was just an employee and he was her boss, she knew that shutting her mouth was the best thing to do. She does not have any right to know anything about their personal lives or anything that happened in their past unless Stanley allows her to.

By this, Heather's mom's disappearance remained a mystery to her.

Lost in her thoughts, Maxine felt a warm touch around her shoulders. She froze in an instant upon knowing that it was Stanley's arm. There he goes again, making sweet gestures, making her feel things.

"I just noticed that you were in deep thoughts while staring at me. Any problem, love?" He then asked, making Maxine's heart throb. A smile appeared on her lips.

'It was written on the fucking contract, Maxine! Please act naturally! And please, you can't be happy with this! This should not make you feel happy! All of these were just your fucking job!' She was fighting with her mind.

"Hey, are you okay?" Stanley inquired again when Maxine didn't give him an answer.

"It was my job I mean I…" she answered, unfocused. She knew that she was doomed when she saw how Stanley's eyebrows furrowed. "I mean, it was my job to take care of you both, love. And yes, I am okay. Definitely okay." She said, finally getting back on track.

Stanley then just gave her a smile.

"You looked so cute together, mom and dad." Heather teased them with happy eyes. It was clear how happy she was.

The child enjoyed their 'little celebration' at McDonald's. Maxine and Stanley too. When they decided to go back home, Heather was already asleep. Stanley then just carried her as they walked to where they parked the car.

"Look, Hayley, he's so hot."

"Hell yes, I want him."

"Who would not want a guy like him, though? He must have some girls behind his wife's back."

Maxine overheard those words from some ladies while they were walking through the parking space. Stanley heard them too. He also noticed how Maxine bowed her head upon hearing them.

"Don't mind them. You are my only." He then said, not directly looking at her. Maxine couldn't help but smile. How odd is it to have a genuine smile over a fake situation?

Heather was already awake when they arrived home. They let her rest for a few more minutes before giving her a hot bath and changing her into pajamas. Maxine, too, changed in her sleepwear.

"Have a rest now, Heather. Goodnight, I love you." Maxine whispered through the child's ear as she gave her a sweet kiss.

"Goodnight, mommy. I love you too." Heather replied.

Maxine, too was already ready to sleep when Stanley entered Heather's room, halfnaked. Only a towel covered his lower body. Maxine couldn't seem to take her eyes away from the man's gorgeous and wellbuiltup body.

"Daddy," Heather said in a low voice as she saw her dad.

Stanley came near them—nearer to where Maxine was laying. He then leaned in closer as if aiming for a kiss.

'Holy shit, why is he going to kiss me?' Maxine thought as she closed her eyes, waiting for Stanley's lips to land on hers. A few seconds had passed, and no kiss had happened. She then just decided to open her eyes to see that it was Heather Stanley who was going to kiss.

"Goodnight, baby." He then said to Heather as he walked through the door.

'Now, this is embarrassing,' Maxine thought as she pulled the blanket over her.

"Goodnight too, love." With a grin on his face, Stanley said, leaving Maxine blushing.

Earlier that morning, Maxine was woken up by a gentle and somehow unfamiliar voice. "Oh, Heather, I missed you so much." It was Grandma Lisa, and it had been quite a long time since she had visited the villa.

"I missed you too, Abuela! Look, mom's back!" Heather cheerfully said as she removed the blanket from Maxine's face. Seeing her left an unexplainable reaction towards Lisa.

'Was she the girl in the picture?' She thought while staring at Maxine.

"Hi… Mrs. Robbins," Maxine stuttered.

Lisa just looked at her. "I need to talk to my son," she then said as she walked out of Heather's bedroom. Maxine felt nothing but nervousness upon that.

"What was that, Stanley? Why is that girl here?" Lisa asked upon seeing her son.

"Mom, please, calm down. You don't wanna Heather to hear you saying these things," he then said.

"Then explain this to me. What was that all about? Was that the reason why you prevented me from visiting Heather from time to time? Because that girl is here? She was the girl in the picture, right?" She said, this time, calmer.

"I'm sorry. Yes, she is, and I I actually hired her to be Heather's mom for a while. Just for a while until I have gathered enough strength to tell her everything. I am just looking for the right time," Stanley revealed. "Please… just let me do this. Heather's so happy with her. I I just want my daughter to be happy," he continued.

Lisa sighed, "I completely understand you. But don't you think this thing will just hurt Heather even more? She will be attached to that woman, Stanley."

"I know, I know. I just need some time. All of this will end soon," he reasoned. Lisa just gave him one last look before she went back to Heather.

The lunch that afternoon was a bit heated, not because of the food but because of some questions Lisa was throwing to Maxine. She couldn't deny to herself that she was seeing 'Maureen' in her. The two had an undeniable resemblance that she just couldn't seem to ignore. One look, first glance, and you would think she was actually Heather's real mom. By this, she decided to play a little—acting as if it was really Maureen she was talking to.

"Until when are you staying here?" Lisa asked, making Stanley look at her. Maxine was obviously caught off guard by the question. "Don't tell me you're leaving my granddaughter again," she followed up. "How about your career? What was your actual plan?" And again, she added.

"I resigned from my job tto take good care of of Heather, Mrs. Robbins," Maxine answered.

"She was staying here for good." Stanley finally answered. Maxine had been waiting for her to do so as she didn't actually know how to answer Lisa's questions.

After eating their lunch, Stanley asked the house maids to prepare the guest room for Grandma Lisa. It was then she found the time to talk to Maxine privately.

She cleared her throat as she entered the room where Maxine was. "Can I have a minute with you?" She then said.

"Of of course, Mrs. Robbins." Nervously, Maxine answered.

"Until when did all of these started?" She asked as she sat at one of the chairs. "Have a seat," she continued.

Maxine sat on the chair. "Since Heather's birthday. Stanley talked to me and offered me the job while you and Heather were in the park." She then answered. "Please don't be mad at me. I don't have any bad intentions towards them," she continued.

Lisa laughed a little. "I am not mad. Everything was fine. In fact, I am happy, for Heather will finally have a mother figure because of you. The child longed for this." She stated. "And by the way, I'm sorry for what I did earlier. I just can't seem not to notice seeing Maureen from you," She continued, again, with a little laugh.

"Maureen?" Maxine asked. Finally, she will have an answer to her questions.

"I am more than happy doing this, Mrs. Robbins." She answered.

Lisa then stood from her seat. "Stop calling me Mrs. Robbins. Call me 'Mom' instead. Heather is a smart girl, and we don't want her to suspect anything." She said as she left the room with a smile.

Maxine and Heather were currently in the playroom, the kid playing with her iPad. Maxine glanced at it and saw she was playing the good old game, Plants VS Zombies.

"What level are you at?" She then asked, eyes on the screen, undeniably curious.

"Already fighting with Dr. Zomboss, Mommy! This zombie doctor looks scary." She answered with a smile. Her attention was still on the screen, so focused on what she was doing. Maxine was amazed by how this sevenyearold kid could gracefully play this notsoeasy game. While there she was, a 30yearold woman who couldn't even edit her PowerPoint presentations properly on her cheap laptop.

'World's unfair,' she thought as her friend Laura came to mind. It had been a long time since she last had a conversation with her, and she somehow missed her friend. Well, in fact, everyone in her life before she got the job.

Maxine then got her phone, opened her Facebook application, and sent Laura a message. It was in that instant when she gave her a reply. They talked for a while like how best friends would do. Maxine then told her that she was working at the Robbins household as a mom to an adorable kid and sometimes a wife to his hot dad. Of course, Laura didn't miss teasing her friend, saying she might fall in love.

Staring at her phone, then at Heather, who was still playing, Maxine thought about what her friend had said for a while. A smile appeared on her lips, thinking that it was never impossible. Yet, she said to Laura that she was just there for the money and not for the jawdropping, uberhandsome husband she had.

She hoped she could really make it, though.

Having a deep attachment to the two will make everything hard for her. But, with the fact that Maureen, the birth mother, had come back, there really was a chance for her to be replaced—immediately.

"Maxine? Maxine?" A husky voice brought Maxine back to reality. It turned out that Stanley had been calling her name a few times already. She then just looked up at him without saying a word. "You seemed to be daydreaming." He said with a chuckle.

Maxine gave him a smile as she sighed. "Just thinking of my life back before my feet landed here," she lied.

Stanley grabbed a seat next to her as he stared Maxine in the eyes. It intimidated the hell of her. "Don't you have a boyfriend?" He then asked. Maxine was beyond shocked. She didn't expect Stanley to ask her that question. Wasn't that written on the contract?

"I I don't have a boyfriend," she said in a low voice. Actually, Maxine hasn't had a relationship ever since. Her world basically just revolved around her work, family, and friends—and now to the two, Stanley and Heather, since she started working at them.

"Great. I was worried you might leave us soon if you have," Stanley playfully answered.

Maxine gave him a small grin, "you were giving me chunks of money. Why would I even want to leave?" Maxine answered even more playfully.

It made Stanley laugh as he went closer to her face, eyes piercing through her soul. "I don't believe you, honey." He let out, almost a whisper. Maxine could feel his breath. "You're staying because you liked taking care of Heather." He continued as he went closer, almost kissing Maxine. "You're staying because you liked being with me," he ended as he intently let their noses touch.

"What are what are you talking about?" Maxine whispered, not wanting Heather to hear them.

Stanley didn't give her an answer anymore. His tease for a kiss immediately became a real kiss. Maxine closed her eyes while tasting his mouth, completely caught off guard. Again, butterflies began to rumble in her stomach. The feeling was unfathomable, and she inexplicably gave the kiss back. It went deeper and more passionate as if it was made by someone who was truly in love.

It felt real.

It felt like it was not a job.

"Daddy! Mommy! What are you doing? Are you kissing?" Heather's shout broke the kiss with her endless questions. The two immediately looked at her, then at each other, then back at the child who was complaining. In the heat of the moment, they almost forgot that they were in the playroom with Heather.

"You didn't see anything!" Stanley said in defense, it was more like a joke.

Heather had her eyebrows furrowed when she answered. "I was the only one allowed to kiss mommy!" She said as she went close to Maxine. She then hugged and gave her a kiss on her cheek—three kisses which made Maxine chuckle.

Stanley laughed at the sight while raising both hands as if he accepted his defeat. This little moment soon turned to them playing, laughing, and tickling each other. At some point, Maxine had stared at the two when they were so distracted by their playful gestures. Again, she smiled. It was a sad smile while a thought ran through her mind.

'How could I even handle losing both of you?'

"Hurry up, Mom and Dad! We don't wanna be late for the family day's first game!" Heather excitedly shouted as she ran down the stairs.

"Careful, baby. You don't wanna attend the family day with a foot injury," Maxine warned Heather as she followed her.

It was Heather's Family Day at school, the first time Maxine would show up there, standing as her mom, and the first time in many years that Heather's classmates would see her with her family, complete. If there was someone who was so excited about this, it was the child.

"The car's ready. Come on, my babies." Stanley gleefully said. It made Maxine smile while doublechecking everything that they needed to bring.

Upon arriving at the school, Heather went straight to the field, where she saw her classmates and teachers. The place was full of colorful buntings and happy families in their different colored shirts. It made Maxine's heart full. She, too, was very excited about how this day would go.

"Hi, teacher! Hi classmates! Look at my mom; she's so beautiful, right? I really wanted you guys to meet her," Heather suddenly said, taking everyone's attention, which made Maxine shy and shocked. She then just waved her hand as smiles greeted her.

"Hello, I am Patty. What is your name?" One of Heather's classmates said. "You are really beautiful," she continued while looking straight at Maxine's face.

"You're so sweet, thank you," Maxine responded as she patted her head. "I am Maxine, Max for short." She continued.

"Mom's kidding. She is Maureen. That's your name, mommy," Heather interfered, making Maxine completely speechless. Some of her classmates also laughed as to why Maxine didn't know her real name.

"Hey, what's going on?" Stanley finally came back after parking their car.

"Mom said that she was Maxine. But her name was Maureen, and not Maxine, right daddy?" Heather complained. It made Stanley look at his wife, who was still speechless now.

Stanley let out an absurd laugh. "Okay, guys, listen. Heather's mom was named Maureen Maxine. Maxine was her second name," he lied, thinking that this was the only way to get out of it. The children, including Heather, thankfully believed.

"I'm sorry about that," he then said to Maxine as he held her hand.

"No problem," she responded with a smile, not letting go of his hand.

"Parents, students, our family day will start in a while. Please go to your designated areas now," one of the teachers announced.

There, the whole day went by with ease. Everyone was clearly enjoying every activity prepared, including the Robbins. They gladly join every game and do it with such teamwork, competitiveness, and joy. Like a real family, they were. That made them the school event's overall champion.

"We've made it, woohoo!" Stanley said while holding out the trophy.

"My daddy is the best! My mommy is the best! Our family is the best!" Heather excitedly said while jumping over and over. She then gave both her parents a kiss. "Thank you, mom and dad."

"All for you, baby," Maxine responded.

"I'll just go to the washroom, mom!" Heather said before she ran through the nearest bathroom.

Maxine just sat at one of the school benches while waiting for her child to finish. That was when she realized that Stanley was not around anymore. She roamed her eyes around the campus and finally saw her husband—surrounded by many girls, primarily those moms.

'Jerk,' she laughed at the odd situation.

Fifteen minutes had passed, and Heather was still in the washroom. Thinking that it was taking her too long, Maxine decided to just follow her inside.

"Our family was the best! Your mom just cheated on the game earlier; that's why you won!" A girl shouted inside the washroom. Maxine saw it when she pushed Heather hard, making her fall on the bathroom floor.

"Hey! What are you doing?" She fastly went over to Heather to help her stand up. When she did, she immediately gave her a tight hug. The child started to cry. "What are you doing? Don't you know that hurting someone is a bad thing?" Maxine said, her voice a bit loud. It made the other girl start crying too. And just as that, her mom showed up.

"Who gave you the right to yell at my child?" She was mad.

"I'm not yelling at her. I'm just telling her that hurting someone is bad because it seemed that you didn't teach her about it." Maxine retorted back.

"Excuse me?!"

"Excuse me, too, but I saw how your child pushed Heather. Miss, please teach her some manners." Maxine said as she started her way out of the bathroom.

"So, you're saying that my child is a brat!?" The mother yelled as she followed Maxine out.

"I didn't say that at all." Her calmness made the other party even more upset. She continued the yelling until other people's attention was caught. The teachers also went to stop the scene. Stanley was already there too.

The teachers sincerely talked to the two kids one by one. It took a few minutes before letting them go back to their parents. "Come on, Alice. Be a good girl and do what you have to," one of the teachers said.

The other girl, Alice, then went near Heather. "I'm sorry for pushing you inside the washroom. I will not do it again," she said.

Heather gave her a smile. "It's okay. Apology accepted," she said as she gave Alice a quick hug.

When everything was settled, the Robbins headed to the nearest bench to eat and take some rest. "Thank you for standing up for her," Stanley said while walking, and again, he held Maxine's hand.

"That would never happen if you didn't flirt with other single moms in the field," she joked, making Stanley scratch his head.

It was a long and memorable day for the three of them. It may not be as smooth and perfect as it should be, but it sure was one of those days they would go back from time to time.

"Goodnight, baby," Maxine said to the already asleep Heather. As she gave her a forehead kiss, she heard a shattering glass sound from Stanley's room.

Maxine immediately walked over to see what was going on with Stanley or if everything was alright. The door was halfopen when she reached the room. Her heart sank as she saw Stanley crying while holding a beer bottle.

"Fuck it, Maxine. Why do I have to like you? Why does it have to be this fast? Fuck, I like you so much! I like you so much…" she heard him say.

Maxine was so caught off guard that she didn't even notice how Stanley had already seen him outside.

"You heard everything?" He asked as he walked closer to her. He then put strands of her hair to the back of her ear. "All of that was true, Maxine. I like you." He said with all his heart.

"Stanley… we have a contract. Remember rule number seven? Personal attachment with me is forbidden. I am your boss; you are my employee." Maxine reminded him without moving an inch away.

"Fuck that contract, Maxine. I want you." He cursed as he started kissing her.

Although shocked and barely believing what was happening, Maxine still gave the kiss back. It was far from the kisses they shared before or when Heather was around. It was more intimate, passionate, and somehow lustful. Stanley devoured Maxine as he let the kiss go deeper.

They walked inside the room, lips unseparated. "I want you," he breathlessly said as he bit Maxine's lower lip.

Stanley's hands started to wander around her body. Slowly, he undressed Maxine. And although it was her first time, she didn't make him stop. She let him consume all of her, giving up at his every touch. The night was intimate as they shared love, making their souls one. Moreover, both of them didn't regret one thing.

"I love you," Stanley breathed out while hugging Maxine from the back. But since she was already too tired… she didn't hear him clearly, lost in her sleep, inside his arms.

Maxine woke up at the beaming sunlight hitting her face. Beside her was Stanley, who was still sleeping soundly. A bittersweet smile unconsciously appeared on her lips as she looked at his gorgeous face. She stared at him while reminiscing about what had happened between them last night.

It felt surreal, knowing it was her first time and she had given it to someone like Stanley, an ideal man. But upon remembering Maureen, she couldn't help but feel guilty. It was a fact that she still had slept with a married man.

She was brought back to reality when Stanley gave her a hug, his head on her chest. "Good morning, love." He said in his groggy voice. He was about to give her a kiss when he noticed how blank Maxine's expression was. "Was there a problem?" He then asked as he leaned his head on the bed's headboard.

"We we had," Maxine could not put into words what she wanted to say. "We did it even if you were still married. Stanley… all of this was wrong." She finally managed to let out.

Stanley then gave her a quick kiss and a playful smirk. "Maxine, I would never sleep with someone if I was still married. I and Maureen were already annulled. You don't have to worry about anything," he gave her assurance, putting a slight smile on Maxine's lips.

The two went silent for a few seconds as if trying to figure out what they should say. It was until Stanley broke the silence with words Maxine had never expected to come out of his mouth. "Marry me, Maxine." He said while holding her hands and looking straight into her eyes.

"What?" It was hard for her to believe. "Why?" She added.

"Because I love you, and I don't want to pretend anymore. I want you to be Heather's real mom. I want you to be my real wife. I don't want the contract anymore. I want sincere and genuine love from you," he confessed. Stanley had actually said everything to her last night when Maxine was already sleeping. She didn't hear a thing, but now, everything was said right in front of her.

Maxine had her tears almost falling from her eyes, yet, she didn't manage to utter even a single word.

"Loving you was unexpected. I honestly didn't know when everything had started. It's just one day; I opened my eyes, saw you and my daughter so happy together, and my heart was immediately filled. I knew that there was nothing I would want in this world but for the three of us, Heather, you, and me, to be together." He said. Maxine was happy with everything he said, but her mind was somehow doubtful.

She then wiped the tears that had already fallen from her eyes. "Did you love me because you really love me? Or was it because I resembled Maureen?" She asked.

Stanley cupped her face. "Of course not. I love you because it was you, not because you resembled anybody else. It was Maxine Ballard that I love—you, only you." He answered as he let their noses touch. Maxine let out a small laugh at his gestures. "Do you want to be my wife?" He then asked.

Her laugh continued. "But you don't even have an engagement ring," she joked.

Stanley also laughed at what she said. "I could buy you an engagement ring now and ask you the same question later," he responded with a smile.

Maxine also cupped his face as she took a deep sigh. "I would marry you, Stanley." She then said, making Stanley kiss her out of happiness. Maxine gladly gave the kiss back. She had never been this fulfilled in her entire life.

The two took a shower together, claiming each other as their own.

After dressing up with playful moments in between, Heather's nanny, Yolly, knocked on Stanley's door, saying that the kid was crying. Upon hearing that, Maxine immediately ran through the room, leaving Stanley with a smile on his face.

'I know you're gonna be a good mother,' he thought before following her.

"I thought you left me again, mommy," Heather said in between the sobs.

Maxine immediately gave her a forehead kiss. "That would never happen again, baby. You don't have to worry, okay?" She said as she gave Heather another kiss. The child had finally smiled.

"Come on, my babies, let's eat our breakfast," Stanley said while standing behind the door.

Grandma Lisa and Grandpa George had joined them for breakfast that morning.

"I have some good news for the both of you," Stanley said as he drank a glass of water.

Both of his parents had looked at him with curious eyes. "What is it, young man?" George asked.

He then held Maxine's hand as he took a deep breath. "Maxine and I were already engaged. She said yes!" He said in full excitement.

"That's great to know. Congratulations!" Lisa said with a smile.

"When and where do you plan to get married?" George added.

Heather was also smiling despite not getting everything that they were talking about. On the other side was Maxine, who also had a smile on her face. She was so glad, relieved, and happy, knowing that Stanley's parents were in favor of them getting married.

"The details were yet to announce. We will let you know soon," Stanley answered as he continued eating. All of them continued eating as well and finished the breakfast with a calm atmosphere.

She went inside her manager's office with such grace and perfect posture. Even if shades covered her eyes, everyone she passed through kept their stares on her until she was out of sight. Indeed, she created such a huge impact—a headturner. It's impossible not to when she was sixfoottall, had long blonde hair, and a gorgeous face.

"I'm sorry for being late. The traffic was crazy," she said as she removed her shades, revealing her astonishing emerald eyes. She also took a seat in front of Jen's table.

"Well, well, well… welcome back, Maureen. You looked as beautiful as ever. Wait, wrong, more beautiful than ever." Jen, her manager and also a friend, complimented her as she handed her a bouquet of flowers.

After knowing that massive projects had wanted to get her to play a big role, Maureen had never thought twice about going back to the US. One reason was that it was an opportunity she never wanted to miss in her acting career.

"Their offers were huge, and it's up to you who you want to sign with. I have a few suggestions that you might want to consider. One was a project with DiCaprio," Jen winked as she handed her the files. Maureen got it from her hand and scanned everything carefully.

Another reason was the money and growth she could get from all of these.

She then dropped the files on the table, lay back her head on the chair, and took a deep breath. "I'll continue looking at it later," she then said.

"Why? Was there something else you wanted to do more than this?" Jen asked in confusion upon noticing that she was somehow not that interested.

"Maybe…" she sighed.

In her mind was the biggest reason for coming back.

For her, returning to the country was a great way to reunite with the family she had left seven years ago.

"To where Mr. Robbins?" Stanley's driver asked him.

Stanley, who was at the back of the car, fixed his suit before answering. "To Cartier," he answered with a smile painted all over his lips.

The driver then started driving to one of the finest and most expensive jewelry lines in the world.

Along the way, Stanley got lost in his thoughts, thinking about Maxine being his wife and the mother of his child. He loved the idea of it becoming a reality. But somewhere along the line, Maureen had entered his mind… Maureen and all the chaos he had been through because of her…

–Seven years ago, at Silversea Cruises, Europe–

"What does a gorgeous man do on the cruise's upper deck all alone when everybody is having a party inside?" Maureen approached Stanley while holding a glass of wine.

He stared at her for a while. "Just wanted to breathe in some fresh air," he answered, eyes on her face.

Maureen let out a small laugh as she drank her wine. She then offered him a handshake. "Maureen Frezilia," she introduced herself.

Stanley was fast to accept her hand, and instead of shaking it, he placed a kiss on it. "Stanley Robbins."

That was their first encounter, and Stanley was immediately mesmerized by the beauty of the girl standing in front of her.

The two became inseparable on that fourteennight cruise. Like Jack and Rose, they were fast to fall in love. Infatuation or not, the two had decided to continue what they started as the cruise departed.

–Anatole Paris, France–

"When we met at the Silversea Cruises, I instantly knew that you're the one I want to marry. As cliche as it may sound, it was true, Maureen. Since then, I have dreamt of marrying you." Stanley stated in front of the crowd and in front of his threemonth girlfriend, Maureen. He then knelt in front of her. "Make my dream come true, Maureen. Marry me," he said as he pulled out a ring.

The new actress in town never thought twice about accepting his proposal. She said yes, in the city of love, under the Eiffel Tower.

Upon getting married, Maureen found out that she was pregnant. Wanting to focus on Stanley and their soontobe baby, Maureen wholeheartedly gave up her acting career. She wanted nothing but to become the best mother and best wife.

–Newark, New Jersey–

"Take care, babe," Maureen said to Stanley. After giving their now onemonthold baby, Heather, and his wife a kiss, he headed to work.

Staring at their angel's innocent face, Maureen heard her phone ring. It was a call from her manager, Jen.

She answered it, and they talked for almost half an hour. When the call ended, she looked at Heather again, but this time, her stare had doubts and regrets.

It turned out that she was offered a big acting opportunity at Europe's biggest media company. Maureen thought about the offer a million times, and it seemed that she couldn't put it down. It was every actress' dream.

But accepting it means leaving Heather and Stanley.

Being the young woman who was full of dreams that she was, Maureen ended up choosing the onceinalifetime offer. He left the two without even saying a word. She didn't even bid goodbye to them. Stanley was stranded, lost, and full of questions.

He just figured everything out when she saw her on the television making her own name, having the best times in her acting career.

–London, United Kingdom–

"Was there any chance that Ms. Maureen Frezilia was here?" Stanley asked one of the staff of the media company Maureen was working at.

"Do you need anything from her? I'm afraid that she had her schedule full for today," he answered.

"I just need a minute with her…" Stanley pleaded.

After knowing that he was known in Newark, they decided to let him in at Maureen's dressing room. They gave him thirty minutes to stay while Maureen was preparing for an interview.

"This is it, Heather. You're going to see your mom!" He said to Heather, who was now one year old. The child's face was immediately filled with excitement.

"Yey!" She cheered with chocolates all over her mouth. Stanley gave her the chocolates when she started crying a while ago.

He then let the child walk as they went through the dressing room. When they opened the door, they immediately saw Maureen in her elegant white gown, the one she would wear at the said interview.

"Stanley? Heheather?" She was in total shock upon seeing the two.

"Hello, Maureen." Stanley greeted her with emotional eyes. "Come on, baby, go to your mom." He then said as he let go of Heather's hand.

The child happily ran toward Maureen. "Mommy!"

"No!" She said in defense, but Heather had already hugged her feet. "Fuck, kid! Can't you see your face? Fuck, you ruined my dress!" The chocolate in Heather's mouth was transferred to her gown, making her growl at the kid with anger.

"Hey, you don't have to curse and yell at her like that!" Stanley comes over.

"And you two don't have to come here! This kid needs to learn her lesson!" Maureen turned Heather back at her and repeatedly hit her butt. She never stopped until Stanley got the crying kid from her.

"She just wanted to see you," he said while carrying Heather in his arms. Maureen just rolled her eyes. "You're right. We should have never come here." He ended as a single tear fell from his eyes. He then stormed out of the room, fully deciding that he would never come back to her.

It was a wakeup call he knew he should never ignore.

"We're here, Mr. Robbins." His driver brought him back to reality.

Stanley immediately went inside the jewelry store and searched for the best ring to give Maxine. Once he bought the ring, they headed home, so excited to place it on her finger.

She was with Heather in the rocking chair when he arrived. The two were sleeping soundly, and Stanley had admired the sight of them being together. They looked like a real mother and daughter.

He was about to approach them when Lisa tapped his back. "I'm so glad you found her. I am so happy for you, Stanley." She said with a genuine smile.

Stanley gave her a hug.

Finally, he walked toward the two and placed a kiss on Maxine's forehead, waking her up. He then pulled the ring out of his pocket and knelt in front of her.

"Maxine Ballard, will you be my wife?" He sincerely asked.

Maxine cried out tears of happiness as she let him hold her hand. "Yes," she answered.