I felt nothing.
Not because I had forgotten our marriage.
Because I finally understood it.
Adrian had entered a negotiated guilty plea to multiple offenses arising from the scheme, including conduct related to the unlawful administration of medication, child endangerment, and fraud.
The precise legal consequences were for the court to determine.
Before sentencing, the judge permitted a victim impact statement.
I had spent days writing mine.
Still, when I stood, my hands trembled.
I looked directly at Adrian.
“For years, you told me that family meant trust.”
His eyes lowered.
“You used that word whenever you wanted me to stop asking questions.”
I took a breath.
“Our daughter trusted you. She believed that if her father told her to do something, it must be safe.”
My throat tightened.
“You took advantage of that trust. You allowed people to frighten her, medicate her without legitimate authorization, and place her in situations she could not understand.”
