I like that proverb. I think we still want to think that the spouse we knew and loved, and at least appeared sane, didn't mean to hurt us. If the just UNDERSTOOD what they had done, the would acknowledge it, and seek to make amends. It's what WE would do.
It has helped me to think of the MLC as a kind of mental break. One where right and wrong doesn't exist. There is no concept of honor, Integrity, loyalty or morals. There is only themselves, what they want and no care for anyone unless that person fills a need for them. Some people (a very few) can heal that break. Some never will.
And it so much harder still when the courts have zero clue.
All I can say from my end is when I dropped any expectations, it helped my mental state. And I include expecting my MLCer to act like a decent human being. He's just my third cousin I only see occasionally. I don't know him at all.
Keep being the best you and Dad you can be. You are incredible, your girls know it.