Chapter 2 Amazing Touch

• In the vicinity of Northbury.
• In front of an ancient villa.
• A young girl, approximately six years old, paced nervously at the entrance, as though awaiting someone's arrival.
• "Army Commander, that's Daphne Lewis's daughter. We've confirmed her identity as your child,"
• John reported from the camouflage car, referring to Tahlia Lewis.
• "After Daphne's expulsion by her elders due to pregnancy, she has been sheltered in this villa," John elaborated.
• Across the street, Maxwell observed Tahlia, a mix of excitement and unease flooding his senses.
• It was a complex emotion he had never experienced, not even in the face of a formidable army.
• "Do you want me to bring her to you?" John offered.
• "Not necessarily, I'll approach her myself," Maxwell asserted firmly.
• "No matter what, I have to meet the daughter I've never seen since birth," Maxwell muttered.
• John quickly stepped out of the car to roll down the window for Maxwell.
• As the sun's rays beamed on his face, Maxwell felt his heart quicken with anticipation.
• He took a deep breath to steady himself.
• After that, he strode toward the little girl.
• "You ... you must be Tahlia," Maxwell addressed her upon reaching her side.
• Despite his trembling voice, Maxwell attempted to speak calmly.
• "I'm Tahlia. Who are you?" Tahlia asked.
• Her gaze fixed on the tall, attractive man before her. His voice sparked a sense of familiarity within her, though she couldn't pinpoint where she had heard it before. It was perplexing.
• "I'm Maxwell York, Cupcake. Haven't you called me before?" Maxwell asked, smiling gently.
• "Oh! It's you. Are you my dad?"
• Tahlia's eyes widened with joy. "Daddy!" she exclaimed.
• She reaching out to hug him.
• Squatting down, Maxwell tenderly caressed the child's cheeks and forehead, a sense of contentment washing over him.
• This girl is his own daughter, the child born to him by Daphne.
• "Aren't you afraid I might be a human trafficker? How can you trust me so easily?" Maxwell questioned, concerned.
• "The man beside you is a soldier, and soldiers are good people," Tahlia replied earnestly.
• "My teacher said that police officers and soldiers protect us," she added.
• "You're right," John chimed in with a chuckle.
• "Have you been waiting for me here since you called?" Maxwell asked, distressed.
• "Yes, I've been waiting for you. I didn't want to stay with that bad man," Tahlia declared firmly, her expression stubborn.
• Tahlia responded loudly and with determination, her expression stubborn.
• "What about your mother?" Maxwell prodded gently.
• "Mom is having dinner with someone and told me to wait at home," Tahlia replied softly.
• "And your grandparents?" Maxwell pressed further.
• "Grandma and grandpa left early in the morning and haven't returned," Tahlia replied.
• Her stomach growled audibly.
• Daphne out dining with some other guy? Her folks nowhere to be found and the little one left starving back home?
• Maxwell's face instantly soured at the news.
• And when he heard the kid's tummy growling, his heart just sank.
• What kind of mom was Daphne, leaving her child hungry to go hang out with someone else?
• "Hey Tahlia, what did you have for brekkie?" Maxwell asked, all worried.
• "Just some bread and milk. I'm starving," Tahlia replied, sounding pretty pitiful.
• "Let's grab a bite then. What's your fancy?"
• Maxwell felt even worse. She'd only had a bit of bread and milk all day. Even a grown-up would be famished after that, let alone a kid.
• "Dad, can we get some fried chicken?"
• Tahlia asked softly and fill of uneasiness.
• In the past, bringing up fried chicken would've landed her in trouble with her mom, who thought it was junk.
• "Sure thing, Cupcake. Anything you want. I've got cash."
• Even though Maxwell couldn't see her, he could tell Tahlia was excited and maybe a bit nervous from her voice.
• "Awesome, Dad! Let's go!"
• Tahlia sounded thrilled, bouncing around.
• "John, take us to the closest joint. Tahlia, today's all about filling up on whatever you want."
• Maxwell grasped Tahlia's hand as they climbed into the camouflage car.
• John revved up the engine, and they were off.
• Maxwell had gleaned from John's briefing that Daphne hadn't been faring well since her eviction from the Lewis mansion.
• As they rode, he held onto Tahlia's hand, relishing its warmth.
• "Dad, why'd it take you so long to come see me? Don't you miss me?"
• Tahlia pouted, her expression a mix of hurt and longing.
• Maxwell's face softened with affection. "Tahlia, Daddy's been serving in the army, protecting our country. But this time, I won't leave you again. I'll always be here."
• "Are you a soldier, Daddy?"
• Tahlia asked, peering at him with curiosity, noticing he didn't wear a uniform like the man driving.
• "Yeah, I am."
• "Daddy, you're a hero. My teacher says soldiers are the most admirable. So that makes you the best," Tahlia said proudly.
• "Is your hand cold, Daddy?"
• Tahlia asked, her curiosity piqued again, noticing the glove on his left hand.
• "It's warm now. But my left hand is missing a finger. I didn't want to scare you," Maxwell explained.
• "I'm not scared.
• "Teacher says soldiers sometimes get hurt or sacrifice. So when we see one, we should salute," Tahlia said, her voice filled with earnestness.
• Maxwell gently touched her forehead, surprised at her strong sense of patriotism at such a young age. This, he thought, was how it should be. Patriotism should start early.
• Soon, the three arrived at the fast food restaurant.
• As Maxwell stepped out of the car, John whispered, "Army Commander, should I clear the place?"
• "Why clear it? Is this big restaurant just for us? Don't be silly," Maxwell replied with a chuckle.
• Maxwell advised, "Don't bring up such nonsense again."
• John nodded, acknowledging, "Got it, Commander."
• Then he proceeded to join the queue.
• Tahlia clung to Maxwell's hand as they entered the fast-food joint.
• She found her father's hands comforting, like a small heater.
• As she ate, her kids' watch beeped on her wrist.
• "Dad, Mom's calling. What should I do?"
• Tahlia looked worried. If Daphne found out she was with Maxwell at a fast-food place, she'd surely be in trouble.
• Maxwell touched her forehead and suggested, "Answer her call outside. Don't mention me. I'll talk to her later."
• "Am I lying to Mom then?" Tahlia asked with a playful blink.
• "Not exactly."
• "Okay, I'll do as Dad says. Hehe."
• Tahlia stepped outside to take the call.
• Maxwell instructed, "John, find out where Daphne is."
• He wanted to see what kind of mother Daphne was, leaving her child hungry to dine with another man.
• "Sure thing." John promptly made a call to gather information.
• Meanwhile, in a private room at a restaurant.
• "Daphne, we've known each other since high school. Asking for my help is no issue at all," the man said smoothly.
• "Honestly, you've always been my crush since then.
• "Even with a six-year-old child, you don't look like a mom at all," he added, his gaze fixed on her.
• The man with a big belly had glasses on. The glasses made him appear refined. He kept his eyes fixed on the elegant woman beside him.
• Her features were delicate, her gaze bright and clear. She exuded sophistication despite not flaunting any designer labels.
• "Here, let's drink to us."
• As he spoke, he raised his glass. The other hand of his lightly patted Daphne's thigh. Her skin felt incredibly smooth, the touch was amazing.