I worked as a nanny for Max and Veronica, caring for their daughter, Thea. She was my sunshine, and our days were filled with joy. One afternoon, Thea found a man’s wallet full of cash under her bed. When I handed it to Max, he said, “It’s for Mommy’s friend,” which nearly cost me my job later on.

Max’s wife, Veronica, rarely acknowledged my efforts. One evening, she took Thea to the playground but left her alone. Max found Thea upset and accused me, saying, “Anna, you should have been with her. This is unacceptable.” I was fired, but Thea revealed Veronica’s secret. “Veronica has a friend who comes over a lot. She even has pictures of him on her phone.”

Max confronted Veronica, who exploded, “You’re always at work. I have no life, no one to talk to.” Realizing her neglect, Max asked her to leave, saying, “You put Thea in danger, and I can’t forgive that.”

I stayed on as Thea’s nanny, and Max began spending more time with his daughter. Our bond grew stronger, and Max asked me out for dinner, nervously saying, “I’d like to spend some time with you outside of the house.”

Our relationship blossomed, and we spent many happy days together, imagining a future where we were a real family.