My Daughter Took My Hand After School and Said, “Mom, Divorce Dad — He Doesn’t Love Us.” That Night, Over One Chicken Leg, I Finally Listened

His ex-wife tried, even then, to lay a hand on his shoulder.

“Zachary, I did all of this because I still love you.

I’ve regretted the divorce every day.

Every time I came here and saw Charlotte sitting in my place—”

“That place was never yours,” he said, and stepped out from under her hand.

She went still.

“Then look me in the eye and tell me you don’t love me.”

“I don’t love you.”