I looked at him steadily.
“Yes, you were.”
He swallowed.
“I was ashamed of my failures. I felt like everybody expected me to become a father, build a successful business, and provide everything. When things started falling apart, I didn’t know how to admit that I was failing.”
“So you blamed me?”
He lowered his head.
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because I was angry with myself, and I took it out on you.”
His answer was honest, but it did not excuse anything.
I folded my hands in my lap.
“And Nonye?”
He closed his eyes.
“I was selfish. She made me feel like I could start over without facing the problems I had created. I told her things I shouldn’t have told her. I promised her things I had no right to promise.”
“Did you ever love me?”
He looked up immediately.
“Yes.”
“Then why did you treat me as if I were worthless?”
