After the Divorce, I Slapped My Ex-Husband in the Face

My name is Elena Smith, and right now, I'm absolutely desperate. My father has been framed and is about to stand trial.

The only person I could rely on-my husband, Ewan Brown, who promised to defend my father in court-has suddenly disappeared.

I need him, but no matter how many times I call or message, there's no response.

"Ewan, where are you? Dad's trial is about to begin-I need you!"

"Ewan, please, I'm begging you, answer me!"

I stare at the empty chat screen, my heart sinking as I slowly lower my phone.

Then, with a loud thud, the judge enters the courtroom. Like everyone else, I rise to my feet-but just as I lift my head, my world shatters.

Behind the judge, walking side by side, are two familiar figures-my husband, who had vanished for half a month, and the very woman who framed my father. Anna Smith.

No. Why are they together?

I watch in disbelief as Ewan, my husband, calmly takes a seat beside Anna in the plaintiff's section-right across from me.

My hands fly to my mouth. My mind reels back to that night two weeks ago, when we were sitting together at home-Dad, Ewan, and I-celebrating a major breakthrough.

"Cheers! To the success of our five-year research on the cancer drug! May tomorrow's press conference go smoothly!"

Then came the knock at the door,A group of police officers burst in.

"Is Dana Smith here? Luca Smith has reported him for stealing his research. He needs to come with us immediately."

Handcuffs glinted under the room lights.

I rushed forward, blocking the officers. "No! This must be a mistake! My father would never-Luca Smith is my uncle! We're family! There has to be a misunderstanding!"

But the officers were cold and unmoved.

"If you have concerns, take it up in court. We're acting on solid evidence."

I froze in place, helpless, as they took Dad away.

Ewan wrapped his arms around me, his voice full of reassurance. "Elena, don't worry. I'll appeal for him. I promise I'll find evidence to clear his name. Trust me."

And I did.

I was blind-blinded by love, by the illusion of happiness. I never once suspected that the very man I trusted most... would betray me.

The judge's solemn voice yanks me back to reality.

"The court finds Dana Smith guilty of corporate espionage. He is sentenced to four years in prison. All assets of Smith Enterprises will be transferred to Luca Smith."

Dad is going to jail... And it's all because of my husband.

As soon as the judge announces recess, I storm forward and slap Ewan across the face with all my strength. The sharp crack of the impact echoes through the courtroom.

"Ewan! Why?! You knew my father was innocent! Why did you help Anna?! Who is your real wife-me or her?! Give me a damn explanation!"

My voice is raw, shaking with anger and pain.

Ewan grabs my wrist, his voice pleading. "Elena, please, just listen. Forgive me this one time. I swear I'll get your father out of prison, but I had no choice-Anna can't go down for this! Luca Smith is her father! She's a public figure-if people find out her father framed his own brother, she'll be ruined!"

Then he hesitates before adding, "Besides... Anna is my savior. When I was a kid, she risked her life to save me. I owe her everything."

I freeze.

So that's it.

That night, when I rescued an unconscious Ewan, Anna must have taken the credit.

She stole even that.

I let out a sharp, bitter laugh. "Ewan, you're a fool."

I turn my gaze to Anna, my voice laced with venom. "So this is the story you fed him, huh? Anna Smith, you have no shame. Your family stole my father's company, and now you've stolen my kindness, too."

Anna's eyes glisten with fake tears. She clings to Ewan's arm, looking pitiful. "Elena, how can you say that? I really did save Ewan that night... How could you accuse me of lying?"

Ewan immediately pulls her into his arms, comforting her. "Anna, don't cry. Elena didn't mean it."

Then, his eyes darken as he glares at me. "Elena, you can't speak to Anna like that. If your father was innocent, do you really think Anna's family would risk an appeal just to frame him? Let's be real-your father was the younger brother. The Smith family business was supposed to belong to Luca!"

The blood in my veins turns to ice.

"So you're saying... my father deserved to be locked up because he 'stole' what was supposed to be theirs?"

"No! That's not what I meant!" Ewan rushes to deny it.

"Oh, but it is."

I let out a hollow laugh.

"Ewan Brown, I must've been blind to ever fall for someone as pathetic as you."

His expression darkens. "Elena! Did you just insult me?!"

"I sure did. What are you gonna do about it?" I spit.

"You-!"

Just then, my phone chimes.

I glance down. A message from my best friend, Lilian Green.

With trembling hands, I open it.

Countless photos flood my screen.

Pictures of Ewan and Anna-laughing, touching, kissing-undeniable proof of his betrayal.

A wave of nausea crashes over me.

All that talk about protecting Anna's reputation-what a joke.

The truth is simple: he was cheating.

The very moment I was desperately searching for him, he was in bed with her.

I barely register the message below the photos:

"Elena, this is the man you sacrificed everything for. While you were begging for his help, he was screwing Anna. He doesn't deserve your love."

A sharp laugh escapes my throat.

I hurl my phone at Ewan, and he instinctively catches it, his face darkening as he scrolls through the pictures.

I don't give him time to react.

"Ewan Brown, you're disgusting. Let's get a divorce."

"Elena, can you stop being so dramatic and-wait, what?!" His eyes widen in shock.

"You heard me. I want a divorce."

"Elena, you're being ridiculous! I already told you, I'll get your father out of prison. Why are you acting like this? You're just upset-calm down, and we'll talk later. But divorce? That's not happening."

I scoff. "And what exactly gives you the right to refuse?"

His confidence falters.

"You think I need you to survive? You really believe I'm just some pampered little rich girl?"

I step closer, voice dropping to a lethal whisper.

"I am the rightful heir of Smith Enterprises. I gave you a chance, Ewan. You threw it away. Now, it's my turn to fight back."

Right in front of him and Anna, I pull out my phone and dial a number.

"Get over here. Bring everyone."