My husband pushed me down the stairs, and as I lay shattered at the bottom, my mother-in-law called my father and said, “Come get your worthless daughter and take her back.” Dad gave her only one warning: “If she has so much as a scratch, your family will answer for it.” They laughed at him because they had absolutely no idea who my father truly was.

Looking at that paper crown, I knew what sort of legacy I wanted instead.

PART 20

Eventually, the criminal case reached a resolution.

Martin entered a plea on an assault charge after negotiations between the parties and review by the court.

The outcome included supervision, mandated programming, and conditions designed to protect me.

I was informed of my rights to address the court and chose to speak briefly about the harm, the fear, and the effect on Lily.

I did not try to speak for her.