Chapter 5

In the director's office, the director said, "Ms. Carter, your records will be sealed."

"Since you have a personal relationship with Julian, you cannot continue with this evaluation."

Julian rushed in, blocking the desk. "Chloe, don't let this ruin Mary's enrollment."

I looked at him. "Even now, she's the first person you think of."

He frowned. "She's just a child."

"Then what am I?" I pressed, stepping closer.

Silence filled the office. Julian didn't answer.

Outside the door, Mary’s cries broke out. "Daddy! Daddy, come out!"

Clara’s voice was soft as she tried to comfort her. "Mary, don't cry. Julian has his own home."

Mary cried harder. "But Daddy said I am his home too!"

I turned back to Julian. "You said that?"

Julian opened his mouth. "She was in a terrible state back then. I was only—"

"Only comforting a child?" I interrupted.

He went quiet.

I clenched the hem of my coat. I had been waiting for him to admit his mistake, waiting for him to explain.

After a long silence, he dropped a sentence: "Chloe, just don't make things difficult for me today."

He truly believed I was the one who should always compromise.

Clara’s voice came from outside. "Julian, you should stay with Chloe. I'll comfort Mary, though it might take a while."

Every word she spoke was designed to push him out the door.

Mary sobbed, "Daddy, don't go. You promised you’d stay with me and Mommy today."

Julian lowered his head, turned around, and walked out of the office to kneel in front of Mary.

I stood inside, watching his back.

He said, "I'm not leaving."

Mary sniffled. "Really?"

Julian wiped her tears. "Really. I'll stay with you and Mommy today."

I let go of my clenched fists. I slid my wedding ring off my finger and set it on the desk.

I pushed the spare house keys right next to the ring.

Julian turned, saw this, and instantly rushed back in. "Chloe, what are you doing?"

I said, "Julian, you don't have to come home to explain anymore."

He reached out to grab my wrist. "Don't be like this. I'll come back later tonight and explain everything."

I stepped aside, dodging his hand. "You already have a home to go to."

"I'm done waiting." His hand froze in mid-air.

I ignored him and turned to the director. "Please give me the withdrawal form."

The director handed me the paper.

I took the pen and wrote my name: Chloe Carter.

Reason for withdrawal: Personal relationship with the primary caregiver, Julian, which compromises evaluation neutrality.

Julian stared at the words "primary caregiver." His knuckles turned white.

I handed the form back to the director. "From this moment on, I am officially off this case."

Julian wanted to chase after me, but Mary’s crying voice stopped him.

I grabbed my bag, walked right past him, and closed the office door behind me.

Ten minutes later, Adrian received my full written statement.

Julian probably didn't realize that the "home" he had so carefully built for someone else was about to be torn down, piece by piece.