My Alleged Husband

Chapter 1524: Chapter 1318: The Voice of the Sea

Back to back, listening to the sound of the sea. In that instant, there was a silent understanding between us, but somehow, everything’s path was changed by unexpected turns, and now we are left to ponder how to cope with ourselves.

Zhang Zhentian decided he had to step out, to say thank you to his son, to say a heartfelt thank you to his grandson.

Although his presence had already turned the family’s life upside down, they still wanted to keep him in the family. Time and again, he questioned himself, not understanding why, yet this was the ending he desired most. No one willingly returns home only to leave again.

No matter what, the people in this family are his kin. Wherever he is, he should be by their side, providing warmth and genuine care. But what did he do all these years? He ruthlessly abandoned his family and chose to leave them once more.

She finally understood how difficult it must have been for her father when she uttered those words. Though it hurt him deeply, he had to feign indifference. Her sorrow must have been overwhelming. Yet she never considered that all she wanted was her so-called freedom and that her means to achieve it sometimes hurt her family. Was this really the right decision, the path she should take?

”Grandpa?”

Zhang Ni saw Zhang Zhentian walking toward him. He felt it was time to clarify things today.

He could not understand why his grandfather went to the hospital. Was it to upset his mother? He no longer wanted his mom to suffer any hurt.

His presence disrupted the family’s harmony time and again, and Ni could only grit his teeth and let him stay. Now, he worried that his words might further hurt his mother, a naturally strong-willed person.

He was in turmoil; he was unsure if allowing such things to continue would push his mother to do something she might regret forever.

If his actions caused his mother pain, how could he continue living in society? Someone unable to protect his mother had no right to protect his loved ones or promise a safe harbor of love for his family, which seemed impossible.

”Child, I overheard the conversation between you and your father. I’m sorry; this matter is my fault. I sincerely apologize to you. It’s because of me that this family became like this. Perhaps my presence has never stopped the turmoil in the family. I don’t know what to do. I wanted to bring happiness but ended up causing only harm.

Originally, I resolved to leave this family and not live here anymore. But upon every pleading and attempt to keep me, I realized how much I yearned to stay. Staying is a kind of happiness. I’ve abandoned my happiness for so long; I haven’t truly lived in my home, nor had a family meal together. Every time abroad, I miss those reunions. Though thousands of miles apart, my heart was with you. Yet outside, I felt sadness but had to smile to everyone else. I didn’t want to pressure your mom; I wanted my wife to be happy. Seeing her smile made any hardship or fatigue worthwhile.

Perhaps my selfish thoughts led to this awkward outcome. I turned everything into what I dreaded most, becoming the person I disliked repeatedly. But I had no way to pretend none of it happened. I just wanted everyone in the family to live easily, without messy struggles, hoping my abilities would earn respect. But finally, I realized how far I’ve fallen short, never being even a fraction of my son’s success. I’m a failure as a father, revealing all our failures.

This is the first time Zhang Yichen heard his father admit failure. It’s a rare progress in his eyes. His father, with such pride, hardly admitted to wrong decisions or thoughts. But to endure in this family, did he truly understand his errors? If he realized it sooner, his grandfather wouldn’t have suffered so much; he could have lived happily.

”Though I don’t know if you truly mean it or just say it for us to hear, we felt joy, happiness, and peace upon hearing it. At least you reached such an awakening, understanding not everything you did was right. At least you see us as family you can live with. Naturally, we couldn’t abandon you heartlessly. We can’t even if we wanted to. We only wish everyone could live happily, not letting past pains alter outcomes repeatedly. For what?

If Grandpa knows of your awakening, realizing your mistakes, he would be happy. For years, he feared you wouldn’t understand. Even if he wanted to reveal everything, speaking up too soon could backfire, making you resent us more, believing in the righteousness of your decisions. He couldn’t selfishly impose all the family’s burdens for his brief haste!

The family always comes first. An enduring family takes decades to establish and can’t be destroyed by minor setbacks.”

The diary of that day was full. Looking at myself through your tears, the reflections evoked many emotions deep within. I wondered why I became like this.