You have the emotional maturity of a thousand lifetimes in your post. I am sorry for what you went through; you were wronged, very wronged and almost robbed of your dreams.
I want to say YES to a cat. My first time I lived alone, I adopted a cat and it was meant to be. He need me and I needed him. it is a good choice.
If you need cat or and ear to listen, feel free to PM me! >^..^<
cats are the best. i’m sorry you both ended up going through this.
Hay good job on doing the best thing for YOU it can be tough but you got this!