“You listed me as his father.”
Her eyes filled with tears.
“Because you are his father.”
I lowered myself into the chair beside her bed.
There were countless things I wanted to ask.
Only one question came out.
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
Elise watched me for several seconds.
Then she whispered:
“Caleb, I tried.”
EVERY DOOR HAD BEEN CLOSED
At first, I couldn’t understand what she meant.
Then Elise began explaining everything she had done.
She had called my office.
More than once.
She had emailed me.
She had tried reaching my personal number.
She had gone to my company’s headquarters twice.
The first time, she had taken three home pregnancy tests that morning.
The second time, she was almost twelve weeks pregnant and had an ultrasound photograph tucked inside her purse.
Security had refused to let her upstairs.
“They told me you had given strict instructions that personal visitors were not allowed.”
I stared at her.
Unfortunately, that was true.
After we separated, I had instructed my assistant, Tessa Baird, that I wanted a clean break.
No unexpected personal calls.
No visits from anyone connected to the divorce.
No interruptions.
At the time, I thought I was protecting myself.
Elise went on.
“I called your attorney too.” “What did he say?” “He told me communication regarding our divorce had to go through your office. He said he would pass along the message.”
A chill ran through me.
“He never told me.”
“Nobody told you.”
I dragged both hands over my face.
“Why didn’t you keep trying?”
Elise looked wounded.
“I did keep trying, Caleb.”
Her voice grew firmer.
“How many closed doors was I supposed to stand in front of before I understood that you didn’t want me there?”
I had nothing to say.
