Chapter 14 - ELAINE CHOOSES THE TRUTH
Elaine became the witness Nathan never expected.
Not because I asked.
Because he subpoenaed her first.
He believed his mother would support his version.
He believed blood guaranteed loyalty.
Again.
At deposition, Nathan’s attorney asked:
“Did Claire appear hostile toward Nathan before the baptism?”
Elaine answered:
“No.”
“Did she ever tell you she planned to leave him?”
“No.”
“Did Nathan tell you the marriage was struggling?”
“No.”
“Did Nathan ask you for money?”
“Yes.”
His attorney stopped.
“How much?”
“Ten thousand dollars.”
“For what?”
“He said an investment.”
“Did you later learn the real purpose?”
“Yes.”
“What?”
Elaine swallowed.
“Vanessa.”
Then Rebecca asked her questions.
“Did you know Nathan had transferred money from the joint emergency account?”
“Not until after the baptism.”
“Did you encourage Claire to forgive him?”
“At first.”
“Why?”
“Because I was trying to keep my family looking intact.”
That answer surprised everyone.
Elaine continued.
“I spent years teaching Nathan that appearances mattered more than accountability.”
Nathan stared at her.
She cried.
“I will not do it again.”
He whispered:
“Mom.”
Elaine looked at him.
“I love you.”
Then:
“And you did this.”
Those four words ended something between them.
Not love.
Protection.
Nathan left the deposition without speaking to her.
Elaine called me later.
“I feel like I betrayed him.”
“You told the truth.”
“I know.”
“It can still hurt.”
“Yes.”
That became another lesson.
Doing the right thing does not always feel noble.
May you like
Sometimes it feels terrible.
Do it anyway.
