Chapter 8 - The Adoption
A week after the trial, Arthur threw a massive party at the estate.
It wasn't a business gala or a boring charity dinner for his wealthy friends.
It was a party entirely for Julian and me.
The backyard was transformed into a massive carnival, complete with a Ferris wheel and cotton candy.
I was running through the grass, laughing as Julian chased me in his motorized wheelchair.
Suddenly, Arthur called us over to the grand patio.
He was holding a thick manila folder and a golden pen.
“Maya, come here for a second,” Arthur said, his eyes shining with emotion.
I walked up to him, suddenly feeling very small.
He knelt down so he was at eye level with me.
“You saved my son's life in the park that night.”
“But you also saved mine, because this house was so empty before you arrived.”
He opened the folder to reveal a stack of legal documents stamped with a judge's seal.
“The courts have officially approved my request.”
“If you sign this paper right here, you will legally become Maya Sterling.”
“My daughter, forever.”
I stared at the paper, tears instantly flooding my vision and spilling down my cheeks.
Julian rolled up beside me and grabbed my hand.
“Please say yes, Maya,” Julian whispered.
May you like
I grabbed the golden pen and signed my name as neatly as I could.
Arthur picked me up and spun me around, laughing louder than I had ever heard him laugh.
