My Alleged Husband

Chapter 2342: Chapter 2175: Torment

”Dad, do you still miss mom in your heart now?” Zhang Ni asked.

”Sigh, how could I not miss her?”

Zhang Yichen looked at his wife, who understood his feelings so clearly. He couldn’t believe it. At this moment, he suddenly felt that being able to marry such a good girl as his wife was a blessing he earned in his past life. He must treat his wife well and absolutely would not let her suffer any harm or grievance. He would never let his wife shed a tear because of him. If that were to happen, he would willingly repay her with half his blood for a single tear.

Old Master Zhang listened to his granddaughter-in-law speaking these unbelievable words to his son and daughter-in-law. He almost couldn’t believe his ears. He always knew how sensible and empathetic this girl was, but he never knew she could go to such lengths. He never imagined this girl could have such a generous heart, nor did he expect her insight to be so broad. He truly underestimated this girl before.

Old Master Zhang smiled and walked over to Xia Jing and Zhang Zhentian. He said to them, ”Look, your daughter-in-law is more sensible than you, the elders. She knows you made mistakes and understands the damage it has done to your son. Why can’t the two of you understand? Your actions can bring great harm to those you care about or who care about you. In your eyes, are you really so selfish, only seeing yourselves? Do you really ignore everyone else’s concern for you? You didn’t consider the feelings of those who care about you; you didn’t think about the impact on your son when you acted out of anger. You didn’t realize marriage isn’t a game. Since you decided to be with each other against all odds, you shouldn’t give up easily. If you’re willing to forsake a marriage of over ten years over a lie, it only shows that your feelings weren’t genuine, and your relationship was shaky long before. Why didn’t you give up on each other earlier? The truth is, you still hold each other in your hearts, as your daughter-in-law said. It’s not that you don’t have each other inside; it’s just that you’re both too proud to reconcile. But what’s the point of holding up this façade? The harm isn’t to you but those who care about you. Look at today’s wedding ceremony, your daughter-in-law can say such insightful words. It means she truly understands why you did this. She’s not even twenty, yet she understands so much. Why can’t you? You should know more than her. When the family is at peace, everything prospers. Since reconciliation has been proposed, why not take this chance? Do you want to regret later? Have you never regretted your decision? When you decided, you didn’t ask us, the elders, nor did you consider your son’s feelings. But now things have reached this point, your daughter-in-law has proposed reconciliation. Why not descend the ladder? Why insist on holding that peculiar pride on a pedestal? Sometimes, you should try to put down your masks, tear them off, and be true again. When facing your family, don’t wear a mask. Your family is your closest and most genuine connection. Putting them in the highest position only shows their importance in your heart. But when you abandon your feelings over small matters, it only shows you don’t take your marriage seriously, nor do you respect the elders or your son. This harms those who care for you because of your decisions. You’ve hurt too many people with your words and actions. Do you want to continue making mistakes and hurt more people?”

”Actually, you know I never wanted to divorce your son, but he did something wrong that I couldn’t accept. He casually brought up divorce, not just once or twice, but I never told you because I knew, if I told you, you would interfere and persuade him. I don’t want our relationship to continue because of your persuasion. If that happened, it would feel insulting to me. You know how important my pride is; I can lose everything but not my pride and dignity. For your son, I’ve set aside all my pride and dignity, but in return, he wants to divorce me. If that happened to you at work, how would you feel? If you experienced it, how would your heart react? At that time, I was indeed unwilling. I worked hard to maintain over a decade-long marriage, only for it to be destroyed by one thoughtless mistake. I can’t accept it. I care so much about your son; I’m afraid he’ll leave me. But sometimes I ask myself, why am I afraid? Though I made the mistake, isn’t he at fault too? He blamed everything on me, wanting me to take responsibility for everything. I accepted the consequences because I loved him and was willing to bear them. But what am I to him, a tool for gains? He never considered my choices...”

Old Master Zhang heard his daughter-in-law speaking this way, realizing Xia Jing was facing a choice now. He knew how difficult it was for Xia Jing to decide. On one hand, there was the couple’s decades-old relationship; on the other, her pride and dignity. He had to admit, Xia Jing truly sacrificed so much for his son, but his son easily proposed divorce to her. Anyone would struggle to accept this reality. The situation was too clear; he couldn’t continue to interfere. All he could do was let them slowly savor the results of their decisions. Perhaps only when they’ve felt it themselves will they understand this kind of pain.

”Maybe she’s living well now.”