"Me shameless? Clara, who's really shameless here? Look at your mother and brother; they would chew my bones if they could! They want to add your name to the house, and for the first three months, the car was for your brother. He crashed it and fled the scene; the insurance won't cover it, and I have to pay out of pocket for thousands! Plus, that huge dowry you expect? Where do you expect me to get that? Steal? Rob? Sell my kidney? You want to know why I'm with Sophia? I'll tell you straight up, Clara. Because she has money, and she pays me for my time! What about you?"
"What did you say?"
Tears streamed down my face, but my vision was becoming clearer. My heart stopped, yet my mind sharpened.
"You're with that woman..."
"I'm being kept, Clara. Yes, just like you think. Sophia pays me; I'm at her beck and call. Whatever she wants, I have to do. If she wants company, I'm there; if she wants to sleep, I'm there; if she wants to take pictures, I'm there; if she wants to play, I'm there. I had to marry you, and I needed the money; I've been with Sophia for three years! Are you satisfied now?"
With a loud slap, I struck Ford across the face.