15

Maya, accompanied by Liam's personal driver, arrived at the school. The atmosphere inside was tense, and she was directed to the principal's office. As she entered, she found Madison sitting quietly with ruffled hair and a big frown on her face.

"Madison," Maya greeted with a mix of concern and reassurance. "What happened?"

Madison crossed her arms defiantly. "I got into a fight with that girl, Hailey. She's been annoying me for weeks."

Maya sighed, understanding the situation. Turning to the principal, she introduced herself, "I'm Maya, Madison's nanny. Can you please provide more details about the incident?"

The principal explained the altercation, mentioning that Madison had been suspended due to the school's zero-tolerance policy on violence. Maya maintained a calm demeanour, but her eyes conveyed a sense of determination.

"Madison won't fight without a reason," Maya asserted. "What triggered this incident?"

Madison shot back, "That's right, Maya. How did you know?"

Maya motioned for Madison to calm down. Addressing the principal, she said, "Children can have disagreements, but it's crucial to understand the context. Madison, here, deserves a fair assessment. Is there a reason Hailey's behaviour hasn't been addressed before this escalated to a fight?"

The principal hesitated but acknowledged that there had been previous incidents involving Hailey's disruptive behaviour towards Madison. Maya continued, "It's essential to judge these situations correctly. Moreover, Mr. Foster is influential, and damaging Madison's reputation could reflect poorly on the school."

Madison's eyes widened as she realized the potential consequences. Maya added, "I propose we find a resolution that benefits both parties. Perhaps a mediated conversation between Madison and Hailey to address the root cause of their disagreements. And let's consider alternative disciplinary actions instead of a suspension."

The principal, recognizing the weight of Maya's words, nodded in agreement. "We'll take your suggestions into consideration, Maya. Let's work towards a resolution that is fair to all involved."

Maya turned to Madison, "We'll handle this together, Madison. Now, let's go home and discuss this further with Mr. Foster."

As they left the principal's office, Maya couldn't help but feel a sense of responsibility for both Madison and Liam's reputation. The mansion awaited them, carrying the weight of unspoken tensions and the complexity of their intertwined lives.

---

Maya guided Madison into the quaint ice cream shop, a charming place with pastel-colored walls adorned with vintage posters. The sweet aroma of freshly made waffle cones filled the air, creating a cozy atmosphere that contrasted with the heaviness of the day. Soft jazz music played in the background, enhancing the ambiance.

Approaching the counter, Maya glanced at the array of flavors. "What's your favorite, Madison?" she asked, trying to bring a moment of joy to the troubled girl.

Madison's eyes lit up for a brief moment as she scanned the options. "Cookies and cream," she replied with a faint smile.

Maya placed the order, opting for a double scoop in a waffle cone for Madison and a comforting cup of chocolate ice cream for herself. As they waited, she led Madison to an exclusive corner with cushioned seats and a small, delicate table. The decor exuded warmth, offering a sense of privacy within the bustling ice cream shop.

Once seated, Madison stared at her melting ice cream, the somberness returning. Maya observed the tears forming at the corner of Madison's eyes. "Hey," she softly uttered, reaching across the table to touch Madison's hand.

Madison looked up, her eyes filled with vulnerability. "Why didn't Liam come pick me up from school? Doesn't he care that I was in trouble, Maya?"

Maya hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "Mr. Foster was busy, Madison. He has a lot on his plate, and sometimes work demands his immediate attention."

Madison responded sarcastically, "Oh... how could I forget? He works tirelessly like his life depends on it."

Maya gently probed, "Did you intentionally get into a fight to get Mr. Foster's attention?"

Madison sighed, "Not exactly. Hailey kept telling other kids that I'm adopted, and I don't know what family feels like. It just... got to me."

Maya moved to sit beside Madison, patting her hair comfortingly. "We both know you aren't adopted, Madison. But tell me... do you know anything about your mother?"

Madison stared into the air for a moment, then whispered, "She died. I didn't get to meet her; she died shortly after my birth."

Meeting Madison's eyes, Maya asked gently, "How do you feel about it?"

Madison's eyes welled with tears, "I've lived with the guilt of killing her. Liam holds me responsible."

Maya's heart ached at Madison's confession. Tears streamed down her face. "You can't blame yourself for something beyond your control. Keep it cool if you don't want to talk about it."

Madison shook her head and continued, "I want to. He told me when he was drunk one night that he hates when I call him dad, so I started calling him Liam. He brings heaven on earth to my feet but barely spares me a glance. He said I remind him of the pain he wishes to forget."

Maya hugged her tightly as Madison sobbed. "I'm so sorry you've had to go through this, Madison. You deserve love."

Madison looked up, eyes red and puffy. "And all my life, it's been from one nanny to the other. They never lasted because they were after Liam's affection, not me. I hate everyone, and I have no friends at school because I think nobody likes me for who I am."

Madison's pain was palpable, and Maya's heart ached for her. Madison then asked, her voice vulnerable, "Why are you different, Maya? Why do you make an effort to care about me?"

Maya held her gaze and replied sincerely, "Because I truly care about you, Madison. You don't deserve this kind of life. No one deserves it."

Madison, already in a mess, expressed her desire to go home. Maya wiped her tears and helped her to the car. The driver, aware of the delicate situation, came to the seat and pulled the car onto the main road as they began the journey back to Foster's mansion.

As the car glided through the evening traffic, Madison's sobs gradually subsided. Maya continued to comfort her, offering a soothing presence amidst the turmoil. The sun dipped below the horizon, casting warm hues across the sky, a reflection of the complex emotions intertwined in the lives of those within the Foster mansion.

The return to the mansion marked the end of a tumultuous day, yet the shadows of untold secrets and unspoken connections lingered within its opulent walls. The delicate dance of emotions had taken a poignant turn, leaving Maya and Madison to navigate the intricacies of their intertwined lives. The journey was far from over, but for now, they faced the challenges together, seeking solace in the bond that had begun to form between them.