My Alleged Husband

After a while, Xia Jing returned from abroad once again. This time, her return was not just to continue living here, but she also wanted to see how her son and her family were doing. In the blink of an eye, five years had passed. During these five years, she had been absent for a full five years, not fulfilling even a trace of her responsibility as an elder. Her heart was filled with immense guilt, yet she had no solution. She always felt that having made so many mistakes, someone had to bear these wrongs. Over the five years, she took on all the responsibilities she ought to have shouldered, repaying all that she owed in that time. Sometimes she didn’t even understand why she did what she did. But in the end, she realized there was indeed a reason for her actions, not just for the people she loved but also for her own happiness and joyous life. She didn’t want to carry any more guilt in her heart, as living with guilt was truly exhausting. She wanted to live a peaceful life, and for her, simply having a tranquil second half of life was enough. She had already suffered too much in her lifetime. At times, she looked back and thought about the sacrifices she had made to be with the husband she loved, only to be rewarded with heart-wrenching pain. She never expected her husband to abandon her so ruthlessly, a pain that was indelible. Why couldn’t her husband consider how she had never fallen short in their relationship? She had been genuine, letting her husband live a carefree and happy life, yet she could not fathom ending up with such an outcome. Now, as she reflected on those past events, she still couldn’t bring herself to happiness. Yet, she felt she should still walk towards the distant future with joy. People shouldn’t remain stuck in the same place; everyone must learn to grow, and only then can one live a life filled with joy.

After returning to the country the next time, she was constantly torn about whether to look for her son and daughter-in-law. She didn’t know how to face the young couple, knowing that she had heartlessly abandoned them once again. For someone like He Jie, her departure was a deep wound. Having chosen this path, there was no turning back now. The deed was done, so how could she shamelessly seek forgiveness from her son? After making so many mistakes, it was good enough that heaven hadn’t punished her. Why should she greedily hope for more benefits?

”Yichen, your mother has returned to the country once again; did you know? I know I shouldn’t be intervening in these matters anymore, but grandpa hopes you can understand that your mother’s return is not without reason. I don’t know what she’s up to, but I want you to understand what it means to do or not do certain things. You shouldn’t struggle pointlessly like before. You know, your mother abandoned you, proving she didn’t care about you. So, don’t feel guilty over your mother’s abandonment anymore!”

”Hadn’t she left and was never to return? Why has she chosen to come back now? Is it because she regrets it? She’s already made decisions time and again, why regret now? Could she really be such a fickle person? I really don’t understand what I, as her son, mean in her heart. I don’t know what they want from me to feel satisfied. I don’t know what I have to do as her son for her to consider me a good son. I, too, longed for my mother to be by my side, but each time the result was only pain. She has never been there for me, always trying to abandon me. She never thought of keeping me by her side, never once considered that I’m her son, that I feel pain, that I have feelings, and that I care about and suffer through these pains. Grandpa, five whole years have already passed, so why has she suddenly decided to return to the country again? What is she truly after with these actions? Can’t she think of me a bit more each time she does something? I wish my mother would consider me more and not be so selfish. It’s exhausting me; I never thought my mother could be so selfish, but now she’s back again. Is she going to selfishly abandon me once more?”

Old Master Zhang had long known that this issue wouldn’t easily be resolved. He understood the huge impact it had on his grandson, but he never dared speak of it because he believed that if he did, his grandson would only suffer more. He didn’t want to see his grandson living in such pain; he just wanted those he cared about to live a happy and peaceful life, which was enough for him.

”You don’t need to worry about the children’s schooling. You shouldn’t overcomplicate things. You should know that when your mother abandoned you, she did it out of necessity. In her heart, you are the most important person. You shouldn’t speak of your mother that way, no matter what she has done. She is still the one who gave you life and made today possible. Regardless of the role she played in your upbringing, you should remain grateful. As long as you’re grateful, society will surely return your smile!”

”Alright, Grandpa, since my mother has chosen to return to the country this time, I should still meet her. After all, she is my mother, and whatever she’s done, she remains my mother. I can’t be heartless like others; I need to regard my mother as the most important person in my life, even though she has never been there for me. But after all, she gave me life, allowing me to grow and achieve what I have today...”

”That’s my good grandson. I knew that if I spoke to you, you would understand the principle behind it. Grandpa hasn’t misjudged you. Keep it up, my child, Grandpa believes in you!”