My Alleged Husband

Chapter 2157: Chapter 1990: The Gentleness You Gave

I wish everything could return to the beginning, that time was the happiest for you and me.

”Child, these years have truly been hard on you. You’ve stayed by my grandson’s side, never leaving him, while he suffered from his parents’ abandonment. Without you, he might not be standing alive in front of me now. When I think back on those past events, my heart is full of pain. If I had taken more time to accompany him instead of solely focusing on training him to be successful, would he have suffered so much? Would he be happier now? Often, I don’t even know what I’ve really done. I watched him nearly become consumed, always strict with himself, pressuring himself, never allowing himself to show weakness to anyone. He did this just to prove to his parents that he was not useless. He wanted to make them understand that abandoning him was a great loss. He went through so much hardship just to prove it to his parents, leaving footprints of blood and tears behind. Looking back, I now realize every decision I made was wrong. As long as he can live happily, why did I demand so much? Had it not been for my demands, he might not be where he is today, and his parents might not have left home for over ten years without ever returning. If not for me, how could he have been abandoned by his parents during these years? He hasn’t received any parental love, leaving a void in his heart, a void only you can fill. Even though he says he’s forgiven his parents, he still hates them inside. What child wouldn’t resent their parents for disappearing for more than ten years for no reason? Don’t be fooled by his cheerful appearance every day; inside, he’s in pain, enduring the abandonment brought by his parents while keeping a smiling face to everyone, so no one can see his vulnerability. Once his enemies see his weakness, they’ll exploit it as a fatal flaw. To preserve the company I care about, keep his reputation, and protect his parents’ so-called dignity and pride, every step he’s taken has been incredibly tough. But now, his parents still refuse to return; how can his heart find peace? Doesn’t this make him feel that all his hard work over the years has been for nothing?”

Ran Zhihan felt deeply affected hearing Old Master Zhang’s words. Yes, every word he said was true. She knew how hard her husband had lived all these years, but he never voiced it, because he trusts that his wife wouldn’t want to see his vulnerability. Whenever her husband feels lonely and lost, she stays by his side, even though she can’t, because she can only give him the belief that he is the strongest.

”To be honest, Grandpa, over the years, watching my beloved husband suffer, my heart has been filled with pain, too. But I have no solution, because I understand how much he values his pride. Even though he doesn’t say it, what man doesn’t love his dignity? Since I’ve become his wife, I should take into account the bigger picture for him, prioritizing him in every matter. I can’t be selfishly concerned only with my own happiness. I’ve seen through everything now: I hope that when I’m happy, my husband can be happy, too. When he’s happiest, that is my happiest moment. I am forever united with him and will never separate. We’ll stand together hand in hand for a lifetime. Now his world is built, and we have the crystal of love between us. As far as I’m concerned, I have no regrets in this life!”

”You really are a foolish child, how can you be so naïve? Can’t you think differently about some things? Do you truly feel no regret for every decision you’ve made? You’ve given so much for your husband, and I know he’s given you a lot, too, but compared to each other, it’s minor to major. This lifelong torment you both suffered is no less than each other’s. I know the pain inflicted by his parents is a hurt you’ll never forget. It’s a harm from elders to juniors that can’t be effortlessly forgotten. I understand the pain in your hearts, but I hope you know that if your parents ever return, it means they truly regret what they did. No matter what, you must forgive them then, and let them return home honorably. Only together can the family flourish, as families bring prosperity and success...”

...

As the two discussed these matters, Old Master Zhang’s phone rang, and the caller was Xia Jing.

”Why are you calling me? Do you want to tell me once again that you don’t want to come back?”

”Dad, it’s not like that. This time I’m calling to tell you I’ve finally understood, and I should return home, to be with my son, daughter-in-law, and grandson. I’ve already missed my son’s growth; I shouldn’t miss my grandson’s growth as well. For my grandson and my son, it’s a wound. I’m not sure if saying I want to return now is too late. Dad, I’ve really thought it through, give me one more chance. I won’t act like before, unpredictably abandoning my family. I’ve really realized how important family is. Without family, happiness alone in the world means nothing!”

Old Master Zhang was delighted with his daughter-in-law’s quick understanding, though he felt a bit unhappy inside, questioning why his own son couldn’t understand.

Ultimately, only you can pierce my heart.

My love has chosen to pause, chosen amnesia.