Jack, a man who never takes sick days—even during the flu, a thumb injury, or his mother’s death—surprised his family by calling in sick one Tuesday morning. His wife, Lauren, noticed his pale complexion and advised him to rest. As she prepared their three children for school, she was startled to find a life-sized clay statue of Jack on their front porch, complete with details like his nose’s slight crook and chin scar. A note beneath it read:
“Jack, I’m returning the statue I made while believing you loved me. Finding out you’ve been married for nearly ten years destroyed me. You owe me $10,000… or your wife sees every message. This is your only warning.
Without love, Sally
The note revealed Jack had been having an affair. Lauren consulted a divorce attorney, Patricia, who advised gathering concrete evidence. Later, Lauren discovered Jack’s emails to Sally, pleading to keep their affair secret. Sally confirmed the affair and agreed to testify in court.
In court, Sally presented evidence, including photos and messages. The judge awarded Lauren the house, full custody of the children, and ordered Jack to pay Sally $10,000 for the statue. Outside the courthouse, Jack apologized, but Lauren, resolute, reminded him of his visitation schedule. She had found the truth and held him accountable.