I wanted this over. I brought up the trending topic:
"You sought me out because of the scandal, right? Need a PR plan? I'll help."
Their eyes lit up simultaneously: "Really?"

Scarlett paused, choosing her words carefully: "If you're willing to take one for the team... we can survive this."
"What do you mean?"
"You publicly admit you're my ex. We ended long ago. You're just bitter, still obsessed, still harassing me."
"Fine."
I wouldn't ask why she wanted to throw me under the bus, shift blame, let me face the mob's fury.
It was exactly what I needed.

They both turned, faces brightening.
Silence hung for minutes.
"But I have a condition."
Scarlett smiled hopefully: "Name it! Ten conditions!"

I locked eyes with her, expressionless: "I want the divorce. I want half your assets."
Instantly, Scarlett's face drained of color.
Finally, she laughed coldly.
"Jason, playing hard to get doesn't suit you. You know divorce isn't a game."
I smiled, pulling out the pre-filled divorce papers.
"Sign. Or no cooperation. No clarification."
Scarlett glared, inches away. I saw her gritted teeth.
"Fine! I'll sign! Jason, if I sign, you sign too! In front of me!"
She thought I was bluffing, sure I'd chicken out, just making a point.
I watched her sign, then snatched the papers and signed my name.
She finally grasped my seriousness. Her calm shattered. Face pale, she reached for my hand:
"Jason... how did we get here?"
"I'm sorry. I know I treated you poorly. Hiding you for eight years, then publicly announcing someone else... I..."
I cut her off.
"Doesn't matter."
She stared, stunned, then flared up again:
"Why can't you forgive me when I've apologized? I didn't even cheat!"
I stared back, incredulous at her audacity.
For a split second, memories flashed.
When she first entered the industry, just a nobody playing bit parts, always getting hurt on set.
I'd worried constantly:
"Scarlett, when you get famous... will you do a lot of kissing scenes?"
"There are so many handsome guys in showbiz... will you fall for someone else?"
"Jason, relax! I'd never betray your trust. I'll stay true. Only kiss you."
I'd constantly seek reassurance she loved me. She'd always respond.
But that sincere, passionate girl was corrupted by fame and greed.
Finally, I got the signed papers.
As they wished, I recorded a video, cooperated with their emergency PR.
Instantly, the narrative flipped.
"Damn that civilian! Knew Liam couldn't be the cheater!"
"OMG YES! Our queen is innocent!"
"The civilian homewrecker has no shame! Broke up ages ago, still harassing Scarlett!"
My personal info was doxxed.
My Twitter DMs overflowed with hate.
Texts were relentless.
I didn't dare answer calls.
I was branded the ultimate, pathetic homewrecker.
The scandal cost me my job.
I shut off my phone and computer, hid in a rented apartment for a month.
Meanwhile, Liam and Scarlett's careers soared.
They flaunted their "love" constantly online.
Passionate kisses on the couch. Deep embraces at sunset.
Ding-dong!The doorbell rang.
I opened it. Seeing who it was, my voice choked: "Dad. Mom."