Since you have given yourself permission to presume what's in MS's mind, I will presume about you...that's you're just nuts.
I suppose that's fair enough, but I call 'em like I see 'em. Ask any number of abused people if their abuser felt guilty about their abusive behavior, and unless they are total sociopaths, I think they will tell you that feeling guilty about what they've done is very common.
Of course, I don't think guilt is the only motivation Michael had. At some point, the love of money played a hand in it. Once the $$ was in, his vindictive nature towards Terri's family kicked in. The control and abuse began anew. He could still *love* Terri all he wanted, and abuse her at the same time.
It happens every day to someone, somewhere. I've seen it over and over. Call that nuts if you want.