Everyone gathered for Heather's seventh birthday party. Everybody has a smile plastered on their faces while they sing Heather a happy birthday song. But among all of them, Stanley had the most precious one. He seemed unable to believe how fast the days and years went by. His baby, Heather, was now seven years old, and she turned out to be a real pretty girl. He knew that even if she didn't have the guidance of her birth mother upon growing up, they managed to raise her well—not just a girl with a beautiful face, but also a girl with a kind heart.

"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 hard-to-resist 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 fast-food 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, half-naked. Only a towel covered his lower body. Maxine couldn't seem to take her eyes away from the man's gorgeous and well-built-up 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 t-to 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.

"Maureen was Heather's real mom. She's an actress. Unfortunately, she left Heather when she was just three months old. She left her for her career. She chose her growing career over her baby and over my son. Stanley begged her to stay, but no, she never did. She said she was not ready to be a mom. And so, I completely understand my son for doing all of these. He just wanted Heather to have a complete family." Lisa explained. "I wanna thank you for taking good care of them, Maxine." She continued as she held Maxine's hands.

"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.