Chapter 1 – The Words That Stopped the Ballroom
The little boy wrapped both arms around the maid's neck.
He held on with all the strength a seven-year-old could find.
Two security guards stepped forward.
"So sorry, young master," one said gently.
"We need to take you back."
The boy shook his head violently.
"No!"
His voice echoed beneath the crystal chandeliers.
Then he looked directly at his father.
"I don't want to go with her."
Every conversation in the ballroom stopped.
His stepmother's smile disappeared completely.
"What did you say, Daniel?" she asked.
The boy pointed at the elegant woman standing beside his father.
"She isn't my mother."
The guests exchanged uneasy glances.
His father, Alexander Hartwell, forced a polite smile.
"Daniel is tired."
"It's been an emotional day."
But Daniel continued speaking.
"No."
"You said Maria wasn't allowed to hug me anymore."
"You said she wasn't family."
Tears rolled down the maid's face.
She had cared for Daniel since he was six months old.
Fed him.
Read bedtime stories.
Stayed awake beside his bed through every fever.
Then, after Alexander remarried, she had slowly been pushed aside.
Forbidden from eating with him.
Forbidden from comforting him.
Eventually...
Ordered to resign.
Tonight was her final evening.
The farewell banquet had been presented as a generous celebration.
In reality...
It was a public goodbye.
Daniel buried his face against Maria's shoulder.
"Please don't let them send you away."
The ballroom became painfully quiet.
An elderly voice broke the silence.
"What is happening here?"
Everyone turned.
At the entrance stood William Hartwell.
Alexander's father.
Founder of the Hartwell family fortune.
The old man rarely attended social events.
Tonight...
He had arrived unexpectedly.
His eyes settled on Daniel.
Then on Maria.
Then on his son.
"Explain."
Alexander smiled nervously.
"It's nothing."
William looked at his grandson.
"Daniel."
"Who do you want?"
The boy answered without hesitation.
May you like
"Maria."
"I always want Maria."
