I thought my life with my ex-husband was firmly in the past until a late-night message request appeared from a woman I didn’t know. When I realized she was married to him, I understood that ignoring it wasn’t an option. Her message was polite but unusual, asking a single question about our divorce. At first, I hesitated, unsure why she needed that information, but something about her tone made it clear that this wasn’t just casual curiosity.

I hadn’t spoken to Elliot in nearly two years. Our marriage had lasted eight years, and we had separated after a difficult period shaped by challenges around starting a family. After the divorce, we went our separate ways and rebuilt our lives. So when his new wife reached out, it felt unexpected. She asked if our separation had been mutual and without conflict, something Elliot had apparently told her. Her question made me pause, because it sounded like she needed confirmation for something more important.....