Then:

“You can love him without telling me to stay married to him.”

She nodded.

That became our rule.

Eleanor supported me.

She also remained Jonathan’s mother.

No one had to turn motherhood into exile.

PART 20 — SAMANTHA’S SECOND MESSAGE

Three days later:

I understand why you’re angry. Jonathan told me your marriage was effectively over months ago. I would never have become emotionally involved if I believed otherwise.