Maria, a German girl, grew up in a wealthy family with her mother, who ran the family business. Maria's father left when she was born, and her mother never talked about him. Maria had a rare medical condition that caused seizures, but she never let it hold her back.
When Maria was a teenager, her mother started dating a man named Clayton, who worked as a waiter. Maria initially liked Clayton, but soon discovered that he was a thief and a liar who was only after her mother's wealth. Maria tried to warn her mother, but she didn't believe her.
Meanwhile, Maria met a boy named Kyle, who was Clayton's nephew. Despite their initial differences, they started dating, but their relationship was complicated by Kyle's loyalty to his uncle. When Clayton's true nature was finally exposed, Kyle was framed for his crimes and ended up in jail.
Maria and her mother eventually rescued Kyle and helped the police catch Clayton. In the end, Maria's mother recovered most of her stolen wealth, and Maria and Kyle rekindled their romance.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The narrator, Maria, is from Germany and grew up with her mother.
2. Maria's father left after she was born, and she never knew much about him.
3. Maria's mother ran the family business, which they inherited from her father.
4. Maria had a privileged upbringing but longed for a father figure.
5. On her 7th birthday, Maria had a focal motor seizure and was hospitalized.
6. The doctor told Maria that she had a condition with no cure and that episodes could happen at any time.
7. Maria's mother became overprotective of her after the seizure.
8. Maria attended a special school where she met other children with similar conditions.
9. Maria's mother started dating a man named Clayton, who seemed perfect but was actually a thief.
10. Clayton proposed to Maria's mother, and she said yes without consulting Maria.
11. Maria discovered that Clayton was stealing from her mother and reported it to the police.
12. Clayton was arrested, and Maria's mother got most of her money and valuables back.
13. Maria met a boy named Kyle at school, who turned out to be Clayton's nephew.
14. Maria and Kyle started dating, but their relationship was complicated due to Kyle's loyalty to his uncle.
15. Maria had another seizure during cheer practice, and Kyle helped her.
16. Kyle's uncle, Clayton, framed him for his crimes, and Kyle was arrested.
17. Maria and her mother helped the police rescue Kyle and catch Clayton.
18. Maria and Kyle eventually started dating again and seemed to be meant for each other.