My husband thought he would catch me off guard by announcing the divorce — he had no idea that I had prepared myself for this moment.

For weeks, each of my apologies was accompanied by a justification.

I just needed to stop living according to his version of events.

David didn't change overnight.

For weeks, each of his apologies was accompanied by a justification.

"I'm sorry, but I felt ignored."

"I'm sorry, but Nina put pressure on me."

During a visit, David complained that I was turning the children against him.

Jenna refused to see him after the party.

Cole continued to go to the town hall on Saturdays.

During a visit, David complained that I was turning the children against him.

Cole stood up, picked up his backpack, and said, "Every time you blame Mom, you prove she was right not to trust you."

Then he left.

The apology he eventually offered Nina contained no request for forgiveness.

After that, David started therapy and took the court-recommended parenting course.

The apology he finally offered Nina contained no request for forgiveness.

In his apology to me, he directly mentioned the forged signature and the threat concerning custody.

"I wanted to scare you," he said. "I thought fear would make you give up."

"I know," I replied.

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