Coming back from a business trip, I caught my husband bringing a strange woman home. Instead of causing a scene, I calmly went to the kitchen to prepare a meal for the “guest.” I had to go all the way up to the third floor to find them intimately talking in the bedroom. At that moment, I wanted to burst in and humiliate them both.

The first time I brought my boyfriend home, my father gave me a chilling warning: “He is handsome, but his eyes are flirtatious; he is not the loyal type. Leave him, daughter. If you marry him, you’ll end up sharing your husband and living a life of misery.” At that time, I was young and naive, blinded by love, so my father’s advice went in one ear and out the other. I defied him and insisted on marrying the man.

My husband’s income was only a third of mine, so his job was much less demanding. After work, he would handle the cooking and cleaning. I usually didn’t get home until 8 PM, so I just had to sit down and eat. For the first year, he pampered me and took great care of me. It was the happiest time of my life. Touched by his devotion, when we bought a house, I paid the entire $200,000 (5 billion VND) but put both our names on the title.

After getting the house, I decided to have a baby. As the breadwinner, I had to return to work as soon as my maternity leave ended. Our parents were still working, so they couldn’t help with the baby. I suggested hiring a maid, but unexpectedly, he said: “My company is downsizing. Everyone is under a lot of pressure. I want to take some time off to relax. Go to work with peace of mind; I’ll handle the baby.”

I didn’t want him to quit at all. I feared he would lose his professional edge or grow lazy. A man staying home as a homemaker puts the entire financial burden on the wife. But seeing how persistent he was, I eventually gave in to avoid conflict.

When our daughter turned three, I encouraged him to find a job, but he claimed it was difficult. When I found jobs for him, he made excuses—saying they didn’t suit him, paid too little, or were too hard. With our child in school, he became even more idle, only having to pick her up and cook dinner. Staying home, he spent more money than someone with a job. Every month, he asked for 9 to 10 million VND for breakfast, coffee, and to send back to his father. Not wanting him to feel inferior, I gave him the money regularly for years without a single complaint.

Two weeks ago, I returned from a business trip early without telling him. Seeing a pair of women’s high heels at the door, I used my spare key to let myself in. I found them on the third floor. Just as I was about to confront them, I heard her ask: “We’ve been together for two years. My family is pushing for marriage; why won’t you sign the divorce papers?”

My husband replied: “Wait until I find a good job. Right now, I’m using my wife’s money to provide for you. If we marry now, we’ll starve.”

It turned out he had been using my money to support a mistress. Realizing how rotten he was, I felt that a jealous rage wasn’t worth the loss of my dignity. I locked the balcony and house doors so the “guest” couldn’t escape, then went to the kitchen to cook as if nothing had happened.

A while later, hearing noise, my husband appeared, acting thrilled by my surprise return. He tried to hug me, but I said flatly: “I don’t want your filthy touch. Invite your mistress down for dinner, then sign the divorce papers. Our marriage ends today.”

Terrified, he knelt and begged for forgiveness, swearing he would never cheat again. When he saw I was unmoved, he threatened to take his own life, claiming he had no reason to live without me. What should I do?

His threat of self-harm is nothing more than the final card of a desperate manipulator. A man who could systematically deceive his wife for two years while living off her hard-earned money does not lack the will to live; he lacks the will to lose his lifestyle. You must realize that your home, which you built with sweat and tears, has been turned into a sanctuary for his betrayal. Do not let guilt anchor you to a sinking ship. Call his family to inform them of his “intentions” if you fear for his safety, but do not let his drama stall your legal proceedings. You have already paid for this marriage with your youth, your trust, and 5 billion VND—don’t pay for it with the rest of your life. It is time to reclaim your house, your dignity, and your peace.