At 49, I ended a 20-year marriage with my wife, Izzy. The relationship had run its course, and we both knew it. Soon after, I began dating Jenna, a woman I met at a party. When I introduced her to my family at my daughter Maya’s birthday, the atmosphere turned tense. My ex’s family reacted strangely, like they’d seen a ghost.

Izzy burst into uncontrollable laughter when she saw Jenna. Moments later, her mother, Gloria, slapped Jenna and accused her of hurting Izzy in the past. My confusion deepened as my ex-brother-in-law, David, stepped in and revealed Jenna had been Izzy’s high school bully. Not only that, but she had also tried to sabotage Izzy’s college career by spreading damaging lies.

Jenna admitted it was true, claiming she had changed. I was shocked and asked if she’d known Izzy was my wife—she had. Gloria demanded she leave, and Jenna accused me of breaking up our family out of boredom. She walked out, and I was left stunned and humiliated. My children, especially Maya, were deeply hurt and angry. “You broke our family for nothing,” Maya said through tears.

In the aftermath, I tried reaching out to my kids. Caleb was cold but responsive; Maya wouldn’t reply. I cut off all ties with Jenna and began reflecting deeply. My cousin gave me a therapist’s contact. The therapist helped me see the damage my impulsiveness had caused, regardless of what I knew or didn’t know.

Wanting to make amends, I contacted David and Gloria, listened to their pain, and asked for forgiveness. They eventually gave it. Then I called Izzy—she was surprisingly understanding and agreed to help me reconnect with the kids.

Now, after weeks of effort, I’m finally seeing my children again. It’s my chance to make things right.