Part 13:
It was David, she said. It had to be. You don’t know that. Who else would do this? He’s angry about the divorce settlement. About the fact that I’m not broken and alone like he wanted me to be. Mason’s jaw clenched. If it was him, he’s going to regret it. Don’t. That’ll just make things worse. Elena, please just let it go.
Let the lawyer handle it. Mason pulled her close. I won’t let anyone take you away from us. You might not have a choice. There’s always a choice. The next few days were tense. Elena went through the background check process, answering invasive questions about her entire life history. Mason’s lawyer prepared documentation proving her employment was legitimate.
The kids sense something was wrong, but didn’t know what. Why are you sad? Sophie asked one evening. I’m not sad, sweetheart. Yes, you are. Your smile doesn’t reach your eyes. Elena pulled Sophie onto her lap. I’m just worried about grown-up stuff. What kind of stuff? Boring paperwork things. Is someone trying to take you away? Elena’s heart stopped.
Why would you ask that? Because that’s what happens. Adults come and do visits and ask questions and then people leave. Sophie’s voice was matter of fact, but her eyes were scared. That’s how it works. Not this time. You don’t know that. Sophie, I don’t want you to go. Sophie’s composure cracked. “You promised you wouldn’t go.
” Elena held her tight. “I’m keeping that promise.” “But what if they make you? Then I’ll fight to stay, and your dad will fight, and we won’t stop fighting until we win,” Sophie cried into Elena’s shoulder. Mara appeared in the doorway, having clearly heard everything. “What’s going on?” Elena explained, keeping it simple. Mara’s face went white.
“Someone reported you?” Yes. That’s insane. You’re the best thing that’s happened to this family. Mara, no. Seriously, dad’s actually happy now. Sophie’s doing better in school. Ethan talks about his feelings. And I’m not. She stopped. I’m not as angry anymore. You have every right to be angry. I know, but you made it easier to be less angry.
Mara’s eyes filled. Please don’t let them take you away. I won’t. I promise. Tuesday arrived too fast. The case worker showed up at exactly 10 in the morning. Amanda Chen was a tired-l looking woman in her 40s carrying a massive binder and a tablet. Mr. Carter, Miss Brooks, thank you for meeting with me.
They sat in the living room. The kids were at school at Mason’s insistence. I’ll need to tour the home and ask some questions about the living arrangement, Amanda said. Of course, Mason said. His voice was professional, cold. Elena recognized his business tone. Amanda asked question after question. How long had Elena been living there? What were her duties? How was she compensated? What was her relationship to the children? Elena answered honestly.
Mason provided documentation for everything. Finally, Amanda closed her binder. I have to say this is one of the more unusual cases I’ve handled. Unusual how? Mason asked. Usually when we get complaints like this, there’s actually something wrong. But from what I can see, you’re running a functional household with proper employment documentation and genuinely happy children.
Elena felt herself breathe for the first time in an hour. So, we’re fine. The background check came back clean. The employment is legitimate, and frankly, whoever filed this complaint wasted everyone’s time. Amanda stood. I’ll file my report clearing Miss Brooks. You shouldn’t hear from us again. Thank you, Mason said. After Amanda left, Elena collapsed onto the couch. That was terrifying.
It’s over for now. What if David tries something else? Then we deal with it. Mason sat beside her. But Elena, you need to stop waiting for the other shoe to drop. That’s easy for you to say. No, it’s not. I spent 4 years waiting for something else terrible to happen after Caroline died. waiting for the kids to be taken away or for me to fail them or for the universe to decide I didn’t deserve this family.
Mason took her hand, but at some point you have to accept that maybe you get to keep the good things. Elena leaned against him. I’m trying. I know. That evening, Mason asked Elena to come to his study. She found him standing by the window looking nervous. What’s wrong? Nothing’s wrong. I just I wanted to talk to you about something. Okay.
Mason turned to face her. I have a business opportunity, a big one. Opening a new office in New York. It’s a 6-month project minimum, maybe longer. Elena’s stomach dropped. You’re leaving? Not leaving. Relocating temporarily. Mason moved closer. The kids would come with me. I’d set up a place there. Keep them in school remotely. Make it work.
That’s great, Elena said, trying to mean it. I want you to come too. Elena blinked. What? Come with us to New York. Mason, I know it’s asking a lot. You have classes here and you’re just getting settled. But he took her hands. I can’t do this without you. The kids can’t do this without you. And honestly, I don’t want to.
You’re serious. Completely serious. Elena’s mind raced. New York. 6 months. A whole new city. leaving behind the few pieces of stability she’d built here. But staying meant losing them. When would we leave? 2 months. I need time to set things up. And my classes transfer to an online program or take a semester off.
