After nearly a year of dating, my ex-wife and I got married amidst the complete joy of both families. My parents are open-minded and didn’t insist on their daughter-in-law living with us or fulfilling traditional daughter-in-law duties. They spoke frankly:

Young couples need their own space.

And so we were given a fully furnished apartment, everything was ready, all we had to do was move in and start our new life.

In the early days after our wedding, I was truly happy. I went to work in the morning and returned to our own home in the evening, without the pressure of mother-in-law/daughter-in-law conflicts or clashes with relatives. I thought that as long as my husband and I loved each other, that was enough. But after living together, I realized there were things I couldn’t see when we were still in love.

My wife is quite carefree, even somewhat sloppy. At first, I thought it was just a minor habit. But gradually, things became unbearable. The house was always messy. Trash piled up, but no one bothered to take it out. Clothes weren’t put in the washing machine but hung everywhere, sometimes not washed for a whole month. When I came home from work and saw the once tidy house now in disarray, I felt inexplicably tired.

We both work and earn an income, but my wife’s salary is almost entirely spent on shopping, cosmetics, and clothes. I cover almost all of the household expenses, from electricity and water to food. I don’t complain, I just hope she understands and shares the burden. Once I jokingly said:

– Let’s cut back on shopping a little so we can both focus on providing for the family.

She just mumbled something in response, and then went back to her old ways.

In the early days after our wedding, I was truly happy. (Illustrative image)

When my wife became pregnant, I told myself I had to be more patient. Pregnant women are already tired, and I didn’t want to add more pressure. From then on, I juggled work, grocery shopping, cooking, and cleaning.

There were days when I finished work late, but I still rushed to the market to buy fresh ingredients to cook for my wife because I was worried she wasn’t getting enough nutrients. Sometimes, standing in the kitchen, I would laugh at myself. But then I would comfort myself, thinking, “Well, I’m just trying my best for my family.”

I had hoped that my wife would change after the baby was born, but things became even more difficult after the birth. She was clumsy with childcare, from changing diapers to bathing. I had to call both my mother and my mother-in-law to help. They took turns looking after the baby, while I was the father, the husband, and the housekeeper all at once. My mother didn’t say much, only once gently advised me:

– My child, now that you have a child, you two have to live differently; things can’t be the same as before.

I understood my mother’s point, so I tried to have a serious conversation with my wife, but my words seemed to have no effect on her. She continued living her life the same way, regardless of my exhaustion. Gradually, I felt like I was no longer a real husband, but rather a silent shadow in my own family.

Five years passed, our daughter grew older, and the distance between my wife and I widened. We argued more often, but couldn’t find common ground. In the end, we both chose to part ways.

The divorce happened quietly, without fuss or reproach. My wife has custody of the children, and I left the apartment to them. I returned to live with my parents, occasionally visiting my children, taking them out to play, and making up for some of my absence.

My ex-wife and I divorced without any fuss or resentment. (Illustrative image)

On my daughter’s 8th birthday, my ex-wife called and invited me over to her house. I agreed without hesitation because it was my daughter’s birthday.

Stepping into the familiar apartment, I was surprised. The house was tidy, the dining table laden with food, the aroma reminiscent of the early days of our relationship. A small gathering passed in a rare, warm atmosphere. When the little girl ran into the room, my ex-wife looked at me, her voice slow and deliberate:

– I know I made many mistakes in the past. I’ve changed since the divorce. For the sake of our child, could you give me another chance?

I didn’t answer. My mind was flooded with old memories, both good and bad. To be honest, I was a little conflicted at the time, but I didn’t answer my ex-wife immediately; instead, I said I needed time to think.

But when my daughter and I were playing together, without my ex-wife around, she whispered nine words in my ear, which made me decide immediately. Then, she suddenly tugged at my sleeve and whispered very softly:

Dad, please don’t go back to live with Mom.

That statement sent chills down my spine. Why would she say that? Later, my daughter explained that my ex-wife hadn’t actually changed; she usually did all the housework, and my ex-wife would either order takeout or cook hastily. The reason my ex-wife wanted to remarry was because her salary had been reduced, and her income wasn’t enough to cover expenses like before.

After that, I left in silence. On the way home, I no longer thought about going back or remarrying, only about my daughter. I began to seriously consider fighting for custody of my child, because I believed I could give her a stable and better life. Some marriages are beyond saving, but with my child, I wouldn’t allow myself to let go.