Chapter 8 - The Offer
Two weeks after the party, Donald requested a meeting.
Claire agreed only if Margaret and the attorney attended.
They met at a quiet office downtown. Donald arrived wearing a suit and carrying flowers. He placed them on the table as though they were evidence of change.
“I made mistakes,” he began.
Claire waited.
“I was stressed. Turning forty made me feel like I had failed.”
Margaret’s expression remained unreadable.
Donald continued. “I wanted people to think I was doing well.”
“So you used me to create that illusion,” Claire said.
“I didn’t understand how much pressure you were under.”
“I told you.”
He looked down.
Then came the offer.
He would sell the boat, attend counseling, and allow Claire access to the accounts again. In return, she would come home and tell everyone the birthday confrontation had been a misunderstanding.
Claire almost laughed.
Even his apology required her to repair his image.
“What happens if I say no?” she asked.
Donald’s face shifted for one brief second. The resentment returned.
“You’ll lose the house.”
The attorney leaned forward. “That is not accurate.”
Donald looked at him sharply.
Claire studied the man she had loved for twelve years. She realized his kindness had always depended on her cooperation. The moment she resisted, the mask slipped.
She pushed the flowers back across the table.
“I don’t want access to the accounts again. I want my name removed from every account you opened without permission. I want the house sold, the debts divided legally, and the remaining proceeds distributed fairly.”
Donald stared at her.
May you like
“You’re ending our marriage over one party?”
“No,” Claire said. “The party ended the lie.”
