The answer is simple: I didn't know he was abusing me. Leslie goes on to explain to the audience the things her husband did to her, concluding with "I never thought of myself as a battered wife: instead, I was a very strong woman, in love with a deeply troubled man." . There are many similarities in Malaika and Leslie's story, including the pattern of manipulation and seduction. Olivier appears as a knight in shining armor come to save Malaika from her abusive husband and horrible parents, he offers her a safe ride, encouraging her to quit her job and move to France where he will take care of her. of her. Leslie meets her husband on the bus and he spends the first months of their courtship in awe of her. He later follows the same pattern as Olivier by taking him away from his family and friends and beginning the process of isolation. The differences are why they stay. Malaika’s story is one of chaos and helplessness. Leslie is a strong woman who created a similar process of denial with a different apology narrative. What stands out in both stories is the loss of a sense of self. The pattern of abuse from Olivier and Leslie's husband