Chapter 3 - DIAMONDS AND CRUMBS
The Vance estate was a sprawling mansion of glass and marble, a stark contrast to the gritty streets Maya knew.
For the first week, the transition was a nightmare. The trauma of the foster system ran deep. Julian’s private chef prepared feasts, but Maya would still steal dinner rolls, hiding them under her silk pillows. When the housekeeper tried to clean her room, Maya had a panic attack, hiding inside the grand mahogany closet, terrified they were sending her back.
Julian canceled all his board meetings. The ruthless CEO spent hours sitting on the floor outside the closet, sliding plates of sliced apples and turkey sandwiches under the door.
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"You don't have to hide the food, Maya," he said through the wood one evening. "There will always be breakfast tomorrow. I promise."
Slowly, the door creaked open. Maya crawled out and rested her head on Julian’s expensive suit. For the first time, Julian realized that while Maya had saved Leo’s smile, she was simultaneously saving Julian’s broken heart. They were a family of fractured pieces, slowly fitting together.
