My Alleged Husband

Chapter 676 - 646 Pretending for the Occasion_1

Zhang Yichen couldn’t understand. Perhaps, in the eyes of his parents, his actions were nothing but a show put on for the occasion. But if it was really just an act for the moment, why did he care so much? He cared a great deal about these things, yet there was no benefit to him. He naively gave them everything, always feeling that it was all his own fault. If only his parents could stay by his side, then what did it matter if he suffered a little? But why did his parents never understand his true intentions, my good intentions? They were happy with their lives and never considered what kind of blow their son might suffer from these things, what kind of psychological shadow it might cast. In the depths of their hearts, they never had their own son; they only had their freedom. In their eyes, freedom was more important than any kinship. They could do without family, but not without their so-called freedom. Could this so-called freedom really matter that much to them? So much that they could disregard their own flesh and blood, abandon those they loved the most? When would they stop being so obstinate and take a look back at those who were hurt by their actions?

In his heart, Zhang Zhentian also knew that some things, once done, could not be easily changed. Despite knowing the toll it would take on his son and himself, he chose to say nothing because there was no benefit to speaking. This failure to communicate time and again ultimately led to such consequences—a simple matter made complicated. He knew some things should not be so easily relinquished, but he forgot what he ought to have done as a father. He had wholly lost the sense of responsibility that a father should bear. His conscience was gone.

Old Master Zhang watched his grandson and son standing face to face in awkward silence, his heart was equally in a hurry. He wished for their father-son relationship to improve. But why? Instead of improving, did their relationship grow tenser? He didn’t desire much, just to enjoy his twilight years in peace and happiness. Why make everything so complicated? Was it so wrong to seek a stable life to enjoy one’s later years? Time and again, they caused him such sorrow, such blows that pierced deep within him. In their eyes, did he, an old fool, really count for nothing? Always living so selfishly, did they never feel a twinge of guilt in their hearts?

"Son, Dad is really sorry. If you can forgive me, I’m willing to stay by your side for the rest of my life, never to leave you again. Every decision your mother and I made was a grave mistake. To give up on such a wonderful son like you was wrong. You’re so outstanding; how could we bear to let you suffer so much harm and hurt all on your own? Our selfishness and callousness have led to what you endure today. You suffered in silence while we continued to harm you repeatedly, and it’s just not fair to our conscience. We really don’t want to hurt you anymore. If you’re willing to let us stay by your side, please forgive me. I’m begging you!"

"After so many years of you being away, did you really not feel a hint of guilt? Didn’t you have any remorse at all? Did you think the hurt you caused us was justified? Did you believe that whatever choices you made, we, as your family, had to clean up after you, over and over again? Didn’t you know everyone gets tired? When you did those things, did you ever think we would stand face to face like this today, not knowing what to say?"

"Child, Mom and Dad did feel guilty and held deep regrets, but we didn’t know how to express them. If you want us to show it, then tell us. We can prove to you with our actions that we truly know we were wrong. We may never be able to make amends for the harm we caused you, but please believe that Mom and Dad are willing to spend the rest of their lives trying to make up for the pain you’ve suffered.

It might not make a difference to you, but do you know? It would make Mom and Dad feel a little bit better. You’re right; how could we not feel guilty? The guilt tormented us, kept us awake at night. Do you understand how painful that is? No one can feel it for us."

"Guilt can be used up too, but when you repeatedly did those things, you had already cast aside all remorse. There was no more apology in your heart for us, you always felt that all those things were justified—that you made no mistakes. But you didn’t realize how much hurt your actions caused those who loved you the most. Grandfather loved you so much, yet you abandoned him. You never treated him as your father. You could abandon me, your own son, because you never took care of me from a young age—I can let it all go. But Grandfather was the one who gave you life, who built this family’s wealth, who allowed you to live a life without worry. Why can’t you consider the pain this old man feels in his heart?

As an old man, to be abandoned by his own son and powerless to stop it, watching his son leave home and travel afar while standing still, shedding silent tears—do you know how bitterly heartbreaking that feels?"

No one is born with a heart of stone; it’s the repeated hurt from some people that leads to an outcome that one can never forgive in a lifetime!"