My Alleged Husband

Chapter 309 - 289 Zhang Yichen Turns Hostile_1

Zhang Zhentian and Xia Jing both returned to their own homes. Xia Jing cried all the way back to her house, she was truly suffering inside. Why had the marriage she worked so hard for been destroyed like this? Why, after doing so much, had she still not received her husband’s forgiveness? Why, with every step she took so cautiously, had she reached this day without anyone understanding her good intentions? Why, despite her willingness to pay any price for their sake, had the end result been their coldest treatment?

Zhang Zhentian was also in pain. At first, for the sake of this marriage, he had defied his own good fortune, all with the hope of living a lifetime with the woman he loved most. Yet, the outcome he now faced filled him with such sorrow.

Now, each of them had their own thoughts and considerations, and their paths ahead were also different. Since they had divorced, even if they once had the best of feelings, what was the use?

As Xia Jing walked, she thought about herself. For so many years, she was willing to give up anything for him. But when he said divorce, he divorced her, not taking his wife seriously in the slightest. To be honest, Xia Jing’s heart was truly unwilling. Why should the marriage she worked so hard to maintain be destructed by a single lie, and her husband mercilessly cast her aside? Everyone knew how much Xia Jing had done to be with Zhang Zhentian, even risking her life. But in Zhang Zhentian’s eyes, no matter what Xia Jing did, she never gained his approval. Perhaps, those deeply in love are always hurt by the one less emotionally invested?

Watching Xia Jing leaving him behind, Zhang Zhentian’s heart ached deeply, yet he was powerless. He knew that no matter what he said now, his wife would not continue their life together. All of this was the result of his own actions; he couldn’t blame his wife. If he had listened to Old Master Zhang and calmed down, thought it through, perhaps there wouldn’t be so many troubles, and he wouldn’t have to hold this divorce certificate with his wife. But what good was regret now that things had happened? Watching the retreating figure of his wife, his heart was in excruciating pain. The original Zhang Zhentian didn’t hate his son’s fiancée, but due to the divorce with Xia Jing, he had come to hate her. He wondered how Xia Jing would see him knowing this. Was a man who pushed all the blame onto others truly worth her love?

"Hello, Mom, where are you now?" Zhang Yichen called Xia Jing. He wanted to ask if Xia Jing had really made up her mind. He hoped that his parents wouldn’t actually divorce because of this issue.

Seeing that her son had called her, Xia Jing felt even more distressed. How was she supposed to answer her son? With things having evolved into this state, how was she to face her son, her father-in-law, her daughter-in-law?

"Don’t worry about me, I’m fine. I just came out of the Civil Affairs Bureau with your father. He and I are now completely separated. From now on, he is no longer my husband, and we both can go live the lives we want. How about you? Are you doing well over there?" Xia Jing didn’t want to burden her son with the news of her divorce; she knew it was a painful matter for him, and it wasn’t something that could be easily shaken off from her heart.

Zhang Yichen was stunned to hear his mother say this. Had his parents really come to this point? Why did this have to happen to him? Could it be that there was truly no love left between them?

"Mom, have you thought this through? Do you realize how much pain this causes us? We all know how much you loved Dad, and now, because of a moment of anger, you choose to divorce him. Can there really be no regrets between you two? I’m more aware of the affection between you two over the past decade than you both are. Such emotions cannot be severed so easily. Why can’t you see things clearly after living together for so many years? Do you really want to sacrifice your happiness because of a moment of anger? Grandpa always says to think three times before acting and not to make decisions in haste that we’ll regret for the rest of our lives. Why do I understand this principle, and you two elders don’t? You would gamble your momentary anger and your so-called face, pride, and arrogance, and give up on a lifetime of happiness—is it worth it? Not everything goes as you want; you should also consider things from others’ perspectives and from the standpoint of your own family. Does your action not bring harm to them? I always said you were selfish and never considered my feelings, and it hurt so much. But now, I truly realize that things are not as I imagined. It was all a misunderstanding on my part, and I was wrong to criticize you without understanding the truth, causing you heartache. Now that so much time has passed, shouldn’t you consider our feelings more? Don’t you realize how sad Grandpa and I are because of your actions?"

Zhang Yichen honestly didn’t want to see his parents in turmoil over this matter; he still couldn’t bear it. No matter how much his parents had hurt him, he didn’t want his family to suffer any harm. He felt that as a son, that was his duty—when his parents hurt him, he had to endure silently. And when his parents considered divorce because of him, he had to mediate and not let them fall out over him.

Xia Jing felt even more distressed upon hearing her son’s pleas. After doing so much harm to her son, why did he still try to persuade her? Was it really because he had his mother in his heart, or was there another reason? Otherwise, why would he try to convince her?

"Child, Dad and Mom never wanted this to happen, but at this point, we have no other choice. The deed is done—what can we choose now, other than to accept it? This was a decision your father made personally, and he told me himself. If this is the outcome he wants, why should I object? Why not let him have his freedom as he wishes, and let him happily free himself to live the life he desires—is that not greater happiness for him?"

"Enough already, can’t you consider things from my perspective for once?"