I’m 49, recently divorced from my wife Isabel, or “Izzy,” after 20 years of a flatlining marriage. After the split, I started dating Jenna, a woman I’d met at a party while still technically married. A few months later, I decided to introduce Jenna to my family at my daughter Maya’s 15th birthday party.

From the moment we arrived, something felt off. Izzy’s family was side-eyeing Jenna, as if they’d seen a ghost. Then, Izzy saw us together and screamed, “You idiot!” with uncontrollable laughter. Everyone was confused, including my kids. Jenna looked nervous, and before I could ask what was going on, Izzy’s mom, Gloria, stormed over and slapped Jenna across the face.

Gloria shouted at Jenna, accusing her of tormenting Izzy in high school and even trying to get her kicked out of college. Jenna admitted it was true, but that she had changed. My head was spinning. “Did you know she was my wife when we met?” I asked. Jenna nodded.

Gloria screamed for Jenna to leave, and as she walked away, Jenna snapped, “You think you’re perfect? You left your wife and kids for nothing!” My kids stood there, angry and disappointed in me. Maya said, “How could you?” and Caleb asked if I really didn’t know about Jenna’s past. I realized my actions had hurt them deeply.

In the days that followed, I tried to reach out to my kids but didn’t dare contact Izzy. After talking with my cousin, I saw a therapist, who helped me realize I’d acted impulsively. I needed to fix things with my kids.

I called David, Izzy’s brother, to get the full story about how Jenna had tormented Izzy. After asking for forgiveness, I called Gloria, who lectured me before reluctantly forgiving me. The hardest conversation was with Izzy, who forgave me for not knowing who Jenna was, but I had to beg her for help with the kids.

It took weeks, but eventually, Caleb and Maya agreed to talk. I know this is my one chance to make things right. I’m seeing them tomorrow—wish me luck.