THE LAST STRAW

PART 2 — THE APOLOGY THAT SHOCKED EVERYONE

I adjusted the camera and looked directly into the livestream.

“Good evening, everyone. Tonight, I would like to apologize to Sophia Bennett.”

The comments began flooding the screen.

Who is Sophia Bennett?

Isn’t she the woman involved with Claire’s husband?

What happened?

I smiled and continued.

“Sophia, I’m sorry that I poured something unpleasant on you. I’m sorry that I slapped you. And most importantly, I’m sorry that I didn’t realize how difficult it must be to live in another woman’s house while pretending to be her husband’s wife.”

The livestream exploded.

I held up a photograph.

It showed Sophia sitting beside Ethan at a family dinner, wearing my late mother’s diamond necklace.

“This necklace belonged to my mother. I noticed it was missing three months ago. Today, I finally discovered where it went.”

Within minutes, viewers began questioning Sophia.

I ended the livestream without saying another word.

The next morning, Ethan called me from the hospital.

“Claire! What the hell did you do last night?”

“I followed the court’s order. I apologized.”

“You humiliated Sophia in front of thousands of people!”

“Did I say anything untrue?”

He went silent for a moment.

Then he lowered his voice.

“Listen carefully. I know you’re angry, but don’t push me. I’ll make sure you regret this divorce.”

I laughed softly.

“Ethan, you still think I’m afraid of you?”

I hung up.

Daniel arrived at my apartment that afternoon carrying a thick folder.

“Your father anticipated this situation,” he said. “He established a private trust in your name. Ethan has no legal claim to it.”

I opened the folder.

Inside were property deeds, company shares, investment records, and a letter written in my father’s handwriting.

My dear Claire, never allow anyone to make you believe that you need their permission to be happy.

My eyes filled with tears.

My father had died five years earlier, but somehow, his words gave me the strength I needed.

Daniel continued.

“There is something else. Your husband has been using your marital assets to finance several investments. We found transfers to an account connected to Sophia Bennett.”

I looked up.

“How much?”

“Approximately two million dollars.”

I slowly closed the folder.

So Ethan had been spending our family’s money on his mistress while I was struggling to keep our marriage together.

“Prepare everything,” I said. “I want every transaction investigated.”

Daniel nodded.

That evening, Ethan sent another message.

Tomorrow is your second apology. Don’t embarrass yourself again.

I smiled.

He had no idea what was coming.