Andrew told Gail to settle Elena’s final paycheck and walked inside, leaving Elena alone in the yard. She had been fired, humiliated, and was losing the boy she loved like her own. It was the longest three days of her life.
Back at the estate, Arthur hadn’t left his room. He hadn’t spoken. He barely touched the food Gail brought up. “Mr. Miller,” Gail tried to talk to him on the second day. “He’s not eating. He’s getting weak.” “He’ll eat when he’s hungry. It’s a protest,” Andrew replied, staring at his laptop. But by the third day, even Andrew was starting to worry.
His phone rang. It was Victoria, the brunette in the navy dress. “Andrew, darling, how are you?” “I’m okay, Victoria.” “I’ve been thinking about that awkward scene. That housekeeper was a real piece of work, wasn’t she? Clearly a gold-digger, using the boy to get to you.”
Andrew paused. “You think so?” “Oh, absolutely. She spent six months grooming him, making him think she was the only one who cared. It’s a classic play. You’re a brilliant businessman, Andrew, but you’re a bit naive when it comes to people like that.”
Victoria’s words offered Andrew an easy out. It was easier to believe Elena was a villain than to believe he was a failing father. “Maybe you’re right.” “I know I am. Give us another chance. I’ll come over this weekend, we’ll bring some gifts, and we’ll show Arthur what a real family looks like.” Andrew agreed, desperate for a solution.
Meanwhile, in a cramped studio apartment across town, Elena couldn’t sleep. She kept seeing Arthur’s pale face. She tried calling Gail, but the house line went to voicemail. On Thursday, she caught Gail at a bus stop. “Gail! How is he?” Gail looked around nervously. “Not good, Elena. He’s fading. Andrew thinks it’s a tantrum, but the boy is heartbroken.”
“The women are coming back on Saturday,” Gail whispered as her bus arrived. Elena stood on the sidewalk, a pit in her stomach. Those women were going to descend on a grieving, weakened child. It wasn’t a visit; it was an ambush.
Saturday arrived. The five women returned, armed with expensive toys and “strategies.” “We brought a PlayStation, a mountain bike, and designer clothes,” Victoria announced. Andrew led them to the living room. Arthur was brought down by Gail. He looked terrible—thin, with dark circles under his eyes.
“Hi, Arthur,” Victoria said in a sugary voice. “Look at all these presents!” Arthur looked at the pile of plastic and metal with zero interest. “Where’s Elena?” he asked quietly. “Arthur,” Andrew said sharply. “Forget her. She’s gone.”
“Why?” “Because she wasn’t a good person.” “She was the only good person,” Arthur whispered. Victoria leaned in, her perfume cloying. “Honey, she was just using you to get your dad’s money.” Arthur looked at her with a weary, adult-like gaze. “If you care about me so much, why didn’t you ask how I’m feeling?”
The women blinked. “What do you mean, sweetie?” “I haven’t slept in three days. I have nightmares about the car crash every night. Did you know that? Elena knew. She’d sit with me until I fell asleep. Can you do that? Or will it mess up your hair?”
The room went cold. “Arthur, that’s enough,” Andrew warned. “No, it’s not! You want to buy me off with toys? You want to hire a mom? Elena loved me for free!” Victoria snapped, “Andrew, this child is impossible. He needs a boarding school and some real discipline.”
“Maybe you’re right,” Andrew muttered, feeling defeated. Arthur turned and ran back upstairs, the sound of his door slamming echoing through the house. “Andrew,” Victoria said, “you need to be firm. Pick one of us, and let’s move on. Don’t let a nine-year-old run your life.” Andrew looked at the five women. They were perfect on paper. So why did he feel so empty?
Comments are closed.