Chapter 8: Justice Served

The divorce hearing arrived sooner than expected.

Unlike my previous life, I walked into the courthouse with my head held high.

Xavier looked exhausted.

The once-confident man now had dark circles under his eyes, wrinkled clothes, and an expression full of regret.

Sandra sat several seats away.

Justin had already filed for divorce, and the company had terminated her employment after the scandal.

She looked nothing like the glamorous woman who had proudly flaunted herself online.

The judge reviewed every piece of evidence carefully.

The hidden camera recordings.

The GPS records.

The chat history.

The financial transactions Xavier had secretly made to Sandra.

Everything proved that he had maintained an affair throughout the marriage.

"Mr. Henderson," the judge said sternly, "do you have anything to say in your defense?"

Xavier lowered his head.

"No..."

"I admit everything."

The courtroom fell silent.

After a brief discussion, the judge announced the verdict.

"The marriage between Lily Carter and Xavier Henderson is officially dissolved."

"Due to Mr. Henderson's marital misconduct, the jointly owned property shall be divided in favor of Ms. Carter."

"The vehicle registered under Ms. Carter's name remains her sole property."

"Mr. Henderson shall also compensate Ms. Carter for emotional damages."

The gavel struck the bench.

It was over.

Outside the courthouse, Xavier hurried after me.

"Lily... please wait."

I stopped but didn't turn around.

"I'm sorry," he whispered.

"I finally understand how badly I hurt you."

"Can we... start over?"

I couldn't help laughing.

"Start over?"

"When Sandra framed me online, you stood beside her."

"When everyone insulted me, you remained silent."

"If I hadn't protected myself with evidence, would you still be apologizing today?"

Xavier's lips trembled.

He couldn't answer.

"Some mistakes," I said quietly, "don't deserve forgiveness."

I walked away without looking back.

Behind me, Xavier remained standing alone at the courthouse entrance.

He had lost his wife.

His reputation.

His marriage.

And the future he had destroyed with his own hands.