Betrayal: Weekly – Episode 13: Dr. Kerry, Part 2

Episode Overview

In Episode 13 of Betrayal: Weekly, host Andrea Gunning delves deeper into the harrowing story of Carrie McAvoy, a clinical psychologist whose life unravelled after marrying Cesar, a man whose façade of charm concealed dark secrets. This episode, titled "Dr. Kerry, Part 2," explores the complexities of trust, deception, and resilience as Carrie navigates the treacherous aftermath of discovering her husband's true nature.

Carrie's Initial Relationship with Cesar

Carrie's journey begins soon after the tragic death of her first husband, Brad. At 51, seeking closure and companionship, Carrie embarks on a whirlwind romance with Cesar. Their relationship promised adventure and a fresh start, leading Carrie to make significant life changes:

Carrie [03:35]: "I felt like I was trying to build on the best I had with Brad, but make it better."

Together, they planned to relocate to the Yucatan Peninsula, investing emotionally and financially in a new business venture renting vacation properties. Their relationship seemed harmonious, with both partners contributing equally to their shared goals.

Honeymoon Discrepancies

The facade began to crack during their honeymoon in Jamaica. Despite Cesar’s initial assurances of fidelity, signs of his deceit emerged ominously on the first night:

Carrie [06:53]: "I hear the TV turn on. I'm thinking, well, that's a little weird. That's not really the focus of the honeymoon night."

Carrie noticed Cesar watching pornography, a habit he had previously denied. This revelation left her feeling humiliated and questioning the integrity of their relationship. The tension simmered until they agreed to set boundaries, such as putting away their phones to focus on each other.

Crisis and Treatment Attempts

The honeymoon’s serenity was short-lived. On the last day, Carrie received alarming text messages from an unknown woman, hinting at Cesar's infidelity and financial manipulations:

Carrie [11:48]: "I've been dating you for the past three months. Is that your sunglass case in the car?"

Conflicted and distressed, Carrie sought professional help, leveraging her background in psychology to secure a three-day intensive couples' treatment program. While Cesar showed a temporary commitment to change, Carrie’s concerns persisted, especially as Cesar failed to attend follow-up therapy sessions, deepening her mistrust.

Medical Emergency and Family Crisis

Amidst the marital turmoil, Carrie received devastating news about her son Cameron's health. Diagnosed with leukemia, she rushed back to the United States to support her family. This crisis highlighted Cesar's true priorities, as he displayed a lack of concern for Carrie's son's well-being:

Carrie [30:10]: "He says, I'm not staying. I can tell already."

Cesar’s indifference and continued deceit underscored the depth of his betrayal, pushing Carrie further into isolation and despair.

Increasing Betrayal and Confrontation

As Cesar’s deceit grew, so did Carrie’s determination to uncover the truth. Discovering an Ashley Madison account linked to Cesar, Carrie confronted him:

Carrie [40:15]: "I used to think that you were a good guy who sometimes wore a monster mask. But what I realized is that you're actually a monster who sometimes wears a good guy mask."

This confrontation marked a turning point, revealing Cesar's manipulative nature and solidifying Carrie's resolve to end the toxic relationship.

Divorcing Cesar

The final stages of Carrie's ordeal involved a bitter divorce process. Despite her efforts to gather evidence proving her financial contributions, Mexican law favored an equal split of their joint assets. Faced with legal hurdles and Cesar’s relentless pursuit of his ex-wife Maria, Carrie felt trapped:

Carrie [37:16]: "I'm speechless, like, floored. I feel like I don't know him. This is another level of a stranger."

Determined not to let Cesar exploit Brad's life insurance, Carrie sought innovative legal strategies, ultimately negotiating a settlement that limited her financial loss, albeit far from her initial demands.

Final Revelations and Conclusion

In the aftermath, Carrie reflected on the physical and emotional toll of her marriage. The severe health issues she experienced during her time with Cesar—ranging from unexplained vomiting to white lines on her nails—remained unresolved medically but were emblematic of the chronic stress inflicted by their relationship.

Through therapy and support groups, Carrie began to understand the psychological manipulation she endured, identifying patterns of narcissistic abuse and coercive control. Her professional insight as a psychologist provided a lens through which she could dissect her experiences, revealing how deeply her past traumas influenced her vulnerability to Cesar’s deception.

Carrie [45:51]: "They use the same tactics that cult leaders use. It's like a connection on fear."

Carrie's healing journey culminated in writing her book, Love You More, serving both as a cathartic release and a guide for others facing similar betrayals. Her story emphasizes that no one is immune to deception, regardless of their background or expertise.

Carrie [50:38]: "If it can happen to me, it can happen to anyone."

Notable Quotes

• Carrie on Discovering Deceit:

  "I used to think that you were a good guy who sometimes wore a monster mask. But what I realized is that you're actually a monster who sometimes wears a good guy mask." [40:15]

• Carrie Reflecting on Psychological Manipulation:

  "They consider a narcissistically abusive relationship a cult of two, really the same tactics that cult leaders use." [45:51]

• Carrie on Healing and Support:

  "I'm a psychologist. Everyone somehow assumes that psychologists are like above human. Superhuman. We should know." [48:22]

Insights and Conclusions

Carrie's story is a poignant exploration of how vulnerability, combined with past trauma, can make even the most self-aware individuals susceptible to manipulation and deceit. Her journey underscores the importance of self-awareness, external support, and the courage to confront uncomfortable truths. Betrayal: Weekly sheds light on the invisible forces that govern trust and the profound impact betrayal can have on one's life, while also highlighting the resilience required to overcome such profound personal challenges.

Closing Thoughts

Through Carrie's narrative, Andrea Gunning masterfully illustrates the intricate dynamics of betrayal, offering listeners a compelling case study in deceit, recovery, and the unyielding quest for truth. This episode serves as both a cautionary tale and a beacon of hope, reminding us that even in the darkest times, the human spirit's capacity for healing and growth remains unbroken.