Chapter 7 - Maeve Refused To Become A Weapon Against Evelyn
My attorney suggested Maeve could be useful in custody proceedings.
“She’s been the primary daily caregiver,” he said.
“She can document Evelyn’s absence.”
I hated how quickly part of me saw the strategic value.
Then I asked Maeve whether she would provide a statement.
She agreed.
But not the statement I expected.
Her declaration said:
Evelyn had been inconsistent during periods of travel.
Sterling handled many major decisions.
Maeve provided most daily childcare because both parents relied heavily on paid support during the marriage.
After separation, Evelyn repeatedly attempted to maintain contact.
Orson visibly missed his mother.
Maeve believed increased predictable contact with both parents would benefit him.
I stared at the page.
“This helps Evelyn.”
Maeve looked at me.
“It helps Orson.”
“You work for me.”
She held my gaze.
“For another three weeks.”
I deserved that.
Then she said:
“I am not going to help one parent erase the other because one signs my checks.”
Something clicked.
Maeve’s loyalty had never been to me.
It wasn’t to Evelyn either.
It was to the child in her care.
That was what good caregiving looked like.
I had interpreted neutrality as disobedience because power had made me expect alignment.
I signed the statement acknowledgment.
Then told my attorney:
“Use it.”
He looked surprised.
“So we’re changing strategy?”
“Yes.”
“What do you want?”
May you like
For the first time since separation, I answered without thinking about winning.
“I want Orson to stop asking whether his mother is coming back.”
