Chapter 10 - Sloane Said She Was Trying to “Save the Marriage”
Sloane’s first serious explanation came through her attorney.
She claimed she believed Graham would eventually resent Maisie.
That was almost laughable.
Then she explained.
Every vacation was planned around school.
Every holiday included Rachel’s family.
Every anniversary of Rachel’s death affected Maisie.
Every time Sloane tried to discuss having a baby, Graham said:
“Let’s make sure Maisie feels secure first.”
Sloane began seeing the child as the reason her future remained delayed.
She told herself Harbor Pines would help.
Maisie could “work through grief.”
Sloane and Graham could marry.
Build stability.
Then bring Maisie home later.
Except her private messages told a different story.
To Elaine:
Thirty days won’t be enough. I need six months minimum.
And later:
Once she’s adjusted there, Graham will see she’s calmer away from us.
Sloane had hoped temporary placement would become self-justifying.
Send the child away because she is distressed.
Then point to the distress caused by separation as proof she needs more treatment.
A closed loop.
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And because professional institutions would surround the decision, Graham might eventually accept it as expertise rather than manipulation.
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