The final judgment arrived by courier on a Monday morning, a thick document that represented the end of one life and the beginning of another. Emma sat at the kitchen table, Robert beside her, and read through it slowly, absorbing every detail.

The divorce was granted on grounds of cruel and inhuman treatment, the court finding that Daniel's conduct had made it unsafe and unreasonable for Emma to continue the marriage. Primary custody of the children was awarded to Emma, with Daniel's ...