9
Three years passed.
My company was booming, and my status as
a single female CEO made me a hot
commodity.
But my focus was on my career and my son,
James.
James was four years old, smart, happy, and
looked just like me when he smiled.
I made time for him, picking him up from
kindergarten every day.
I had a corner in my office filled with his toys.
“Mommy, when is Daddy coming to see me?”
James asked, his eyes hopeful.
I checked my calendar.
“It’s your birthday in two days. I’m sure he’ll
bring you a present.”
Michael had visitation rights twice a month.
He always showed up, bearing gifts and trying
to make up for lost time.
I never interfered.
Over the past three years, Sterling Corp had
slowly recovered.
It wasn’t what it used to be, but it was stable.
Michael and I occasionally crossed paths at
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industry events. We nodded, nothing more.
On James’s fourth birthday, I threw a small
party at home.
That afternoon, the doorbell rang.
Michael stood outside, holding a large box.
“Birthday present.”
I took the gift and nodded.
“I’ll be back in three hours.”
Michael nodded, watching me leave.
He’d made it clear he wanted to get back
together.
He brought up the past.
He lingered after seeing James.
He’d even asked friends to tell me he still
loved me.
I rejected him every time.
Some things can’t be fixed.
My life was good. I was successful, my son
was healthy, and I was free.
