Marcia the card isn't working I won't be able to get back home like this fix this right now yelled my husband over the phone unable to check out of the hotel when I was in college I lost my parents in an accident and had to work multiple part-time jobs to cover my tuition struggling through my student life to turn things around I took a friend's advice and started a business despite facing many hardships I focused entirely on work as a result the company steadily grew and I now participate in management as vice president while many
of my friends were getting married and starting families I also began to seriously consider my happiness I instantly hit it off with my husband when we first met we got married within 2 months however after getting married my husband started relying on my income and declared he would become a stay-at-home husband I've been urging him to at least work part-time but he refuses to listen one day I noticed my credit card was missing my husband had taken it and gone on an over trip with his parents I tried calling him several times but couldn't reach
him when I finally got through he sneered and said don't interrupt me while I spend time with my family something you're incapable of doing got it I replied with a smile little did my husband know his Misfortune was about to catch up with him my name is Marcia gray I'm 33 years old and currently serve as the vice president of Adventure company I am now financially stable but I once experienced a time so difficult that I struggled to even afford food the reason behind this was the unexpected loss of my parents during my time as
a student my parents were struck and killed by a car that ran a red light as they were crossing the intersection back then I thought I would continue leading a normal life spending time with friends at cafes and studying together but the death of my parents turned my life upside down after their passing financial difficulties became a major source of concern the biggest challenge was figuring out how to pay for for my tuition I tried to cover it with scholarships and part-time jobs but that wasn't enough so I found myself constantly working multiple jobs while
attending classes on barely any sleep one day Morris Ward a classmate made an unexpected proposal Marcia how about we start a new company together if we combine your talent with my business skills we have a good chance of succeeding Morris was highly regarded at the University and respected by many starting a company involved great responsibilities but I decided to take that challenge face forward I was constantly worried about what would happen if we failed and how I would find the time given my busy part-time job schedule but how will we handle it if we fail
besides I'm too busy with part-time work and don't have the time I said Morris smiled warmly as if he fully understood my concerns I then saw a determined spark in his eyes don't worry we'll succeed he assured me his confident words had a strange way of bringing comfort and his Charisma made even the impossible seem Within Reach at that moment I felt a strong need to break free from my current situation so I agreed and we founded a venture company while still in University during the initial stages of funding we frequently faced rejection from Banks
making it extremely difficult hiring was also a major challenge as it wasn't easy for a small startup to attract talented people even after placing job ads few applicants came forward and finding the right candidates was very tough however thanks to Morris's calm decision making and precise advice we gradually strengthened our team as a result the company steadily began to grow Morris and I developed a deep trust in each other overcoming many challenges together and solidified our bond as key business partners As Time passed and I reached the age of 33 I suddenly realized that I
had devoted almost all my time to work I didn't regret the effort I put into paying for my education and supporting myself alone I take pride in the company I built from the ground up the business is thriving and as a venture it has achieved notable success over 10 years have passed and both the number of employees and revenue have significantly increased however as close friends around me began getting married and starting families I realized that my life revolved entirely around work in a moment of self-reflection I started questioning my current lifestyle one day after
a lunch meeting I was talking with Morris and suddenly voed those feelings Morris lately I've been seeing friends my age getting married and it made me think Morris was a bit surprised by the unexpected topic what's this all of a sudden he asked I've been focused solely on work since graduating from University but I'm starting to wonder if that's really okay are you saying you want to get married Morris asked in return after hearing my thoughts Morris pondered for a moment before responding if you're not satisfied with how things are now seeking change is one
option I see life isn't just about work that applies to marriage too but if you want to enrich your life moving forward I recommend taking that first step hearing those words gave me a chance to reflect on my life and reconsider my direction I had never really thought deeply about anything outside of work before encouraged by Morris I decided to start looking for a partner a friend introduced me to a safe matchmaking app and I started using it right away I scheduled dates after work spending time at restaurants bars and movie theaters after several dates
on the fourth one I met Ryan Torres I was swamped with work and not good at household chores but Ryan was efficient and excelled at cooking and cleaning he understood my busy schedule and never got upset even if I had to cancel a date our relationship progressed smoothly with both of us thinking about marriage from the beginning just 2 months after we started dating we decided to get married however right after the wedding Ryan suddenly announced that he was quitting his job and becoming a stay-at-home husband husband I was surprised by this unexpected turn of
events and couldn't hide my shock what just happened I asked bewildered Ryan replied calmly from now on I'll handle the household chores so you can focus on your work but why would you make such a decision without even discussing it with me as I struggled to process this Ryan nonchalantly explained you're earning an income so there's no issue if I take care of everything at home it'll make things easier for you I was stunned by his response was he planning to completely rely on my income even though I'm earning we're not that well off you
should at least find some kind of job even if it's just part-time but no matter how much I pleaded he refused to listen no I'm done working for a company if you're making money that's enough I was simply dumbfounded by his selfishness but as a newlywed I couldn't bring myself to argue back at that moment to make matters worse he also started asking me to send money to his parents family is about helping each other I'm a stay-at-home husband now so Marcia I'm counting on you but if he was earning an income I wouldn't mind
supporting his parents but forcing it on to me didn't feel right another reason I hesitated was because his parents frequently made snide remarks falsely believing that I was forcing Ryan into doing the housework recently while having a meal with his parents they started their usual criticisms his mother put down her Chopsticks and said Marcia you're making Ryan do all the housework poor him do you really think this is right he mentioned she's not good at housework but as his wife shouldn't you work on improving that his father added criticizing me I didn't know how Ryan
had explained things to them but it was clear they saw me as the villain that's not true Ryan was the one who wanted to be a stayathome husband I protested but Ryan quietly whispered calm down just support me here and apologize I'll clear up the misunderstanding later even though he whispered those words I was frustrated that he didn't stand up for me at that moment I kept asking him if he had cleared up the misunderstanding afterward but he always brushed it off saying I haven't had the chance to talk to them I felt rejected by
my in-laws and unsupported by my husband leading me to despair over this marriage and start considering divorce however when I went to the hospital because of persistent stomach pain I unexpectedly found out that I was pregnant I felt a mix of surprise and joy and rushed home to share the news with my husband Ryan I'm pregnant I told him really that's great I'm looking forward to it he replied surprisingly calm which left me a bit confused after that there was no shared happiness between us he just sank into the couch and watched TV as if
my words meant nothing the joy I felt quickly evaporated replaced by disappointment and sadness that seeped into my heart his lack of Interest deeply hurt me unable to hold back my tears I retreated to my room disillusioned by his indifference has the love we once shared faded away even with a new family member on the way he didn't seem happy I realized there was no longer a future for us together the thought of divorce loomed heavily in my mind but considering the child growing inside me I couldn't make that decision so easily could I really
raise a child without a father maybe things would change once the baby was born perhaps my husband and in-laws would show a different attitude clinging onto this faint hope I resolved to continue with this life for the time being time passed and one day I noticed an usually large charge on my credit card statement then I realized the card wasn't in my wallet had I lost it or had it been stolen or was it used fraudulently feeling anxious I brought it up with my husband hey I found a large unfamiliar charge on my credit card
it might be a fraud should I contact the card company I asked to my disbelief he responded I was the one who used it it's not fraud so don't cancel the card Apparently after quitting his job and running out of savings he had secretly taken my credit card from my wallet and started using it without telling me even though I had been giving him money for groceries and house hold expenses why did you use it without my permission and what did you spend such a large amount on I pressed him it's my right to spend
it on whatever I want I just need some money I can use freely he shot back then get a job and buy things with your own money I retorted but this was a convers ation we had repeated countless times no matter how much I pleaded or got angry my husband had no intention of working the man I once thought would support our household was now hardly cooking meals relying mostly on takeout and delivery and barely keeping the house clean when I complained about this he lashed out in anger you're the one making the money so
what's the problem I'm your husband and I'm doing the housework as a stay-at-home husband I have the right to at least that he shouted and eventually stormed out saying he was going back to his parents house anger and sadness filled me over his actions aren't families supposed to support each other I'm pregnant now but I'm starting to seriously doubt how much he really cares about our future as a family my hard work has built the career and income we have now just because we're family doesn't mean I can accept him making large purchases without consulting
me I took deep breaths repeatedly to hold back the tears and anger that night he suddenly returned home with his parents the door burst open startling me as I stood up the moment his parents came in they immediately began their harsh criticism it's because you've been forcing housework on Ryan that he's been neglecting his duties they accused me as a woman you should be doing the cooking laundry and cleaning don't use work as an excuse to slack off they continued my anger reached its peak being pregnant and already feeling unwell I couldn't bear being blamed
like this I had already decided to get a divorce so I lashed out with anger in my voice that's impossible don't act high and mighty when you don't even know what's really going on you'll regret it if you keep acting like this they looked shocked by my cold tone I realized it was pointless to argue with my in-laws who had been misled by my husband and even after explaining that he wasn't working they refused to believe me so I decided to say nothing more I couldn't shake the feeling that they would regret this later but
at that moment I felt the painful sting of betrayal from the husband I once believed would protect me then my mother-in-law pulled out some documents from her bag and slammed them onto the dining table if you don't reflect on your actions were demanding a divorce sign this and get it done she said and my eyes were glued to the papers I never imagined they'd present it to me like this in fact I had had been planning to propose divorce myself thinking this might lead to a court battle I signed the papers my hand trembled so
much that even gripping the pen was difficult fighting back my anger I forced myself to sign the documents and said there it's done with that my husband and in-laws left I realized I had forgotten to ask for my credit card back and a deep sense of Despair washed over me immediately after a sharp pain suddenly shot through my abdomen unlike anything I'd ever experienced before and I collapsed onto the floor my breathing grew rapid and sweat began to pour from every part of my body my vision blurred and the unbearable pain numbed my senses I
tried to say what's happening but the words barely escaped my lips with each breath the pain intensified and my body spiraled out of control I struggled to drag myself across the floor desperately reaching for my phone my fingers trembled as I clawed at the floor inching forward with every ounce of strength I had left the Searing pain threatened to steal my Consciousness I finally connected the call and in a trembling voice managed to explain the situation help I'm in severe pain I'm pregnant I gave them my address and ended the call the pain wouldn't let
up and my vision grew even hazier I collapsed on the floor waiting for the ambulance to arrive please protect my baby I prayed desperately even as I endured the agony I kept telling myself I had to hold on for the sake of my child I was rushed to the hospital facing the sudden threat of premature labor the doctor diagnosed my condition as caused by stress and overwork and I was immediately admitted to the hospital overwhelmed by fear for my baby's safety I must have passed out after arriving at the hospital as a wave of relief
hit me after being in a coma for 2 days I finally opened my eyes in the hospital room the pain had subsided and my body felt felt somewhat more relaxed I suddenly became aware and checked my belly I could still feel the presence of New Life there I took a deep breath feeling comforted by the quiet surroundings and the soft light coming through the window gradually my memories came back I recall the intense abdominal pain the emergency ambulance ride and the ter terrifying feeling of losing Consciousness grateful that I was safe and still here my
thoughts turned to my husband I need to contact him I grabbed my phone and dialed his number but he didn't answer I remembered giving the paramedics his contact information when I was transported but I hadn't received any word from him I tried calling several times but still no response anxiety began to weigh heavily on Me on the fifth attempt he finally answered but his voice sounded strange and the connection was poor what do you want at this hour he asked I was rushed to the hospital due to signs of premature labor it happened after you
and your parents left I asked him to bring some Necessities but his response shocked me that sounds tough but I'm overseas right now so I can't do anything overseas why I asked stunned I'm enjoying a vacation in Singapore don't bother me while I'm spending time with my parents to fulfill my filial duty something you can't handle he replied I was left speechless there's no way an unemployed man could afford an overseas trip but since he kept emphasizing filial Duty there must have been some source of funds with my voice trembling I ended the call with
a simple got it afterward I went straight to the hospital's gift shop purchased St and an envelope and then made a phone call to a certain number the next day my husband called in panic the card's not working I can't get back home like this fix this right now he demanded I cancelled the card I calmly replied though inside I was seething with anger what I I can't pay for anything what are you going to do about it he asked growing more desperate that's your problem I answered firmly this isn't just my problem I'm still
your husband he shot back I couldn't help but laugh what's so funny he asked clearly confused our marriage is almost over the divorce process is already underway I said and his voice shifted to a tearful tone please just let me use the card temporarily so I can get home I'm begging you he pleaded but my heart was unmoved figure it out on your own you're no longer my concern I coldly responded and ended the call 3 Days Later Morris my friend and the company president came to visit me don't worry about work just focus on
resting for now he said to which I replied with a smile it's the first time I've done absolutely nothing like this but just then the hospital room door burst open my ex-husband and his parents freshly returned from overseas stormed in the moment he saw me my husband shouted what have you done I had to borrow money from a friend just to get back home his mother screamed this is unbelievable how could you put us through this his father joined in yelling our son's carefully planned trip was completely ruined their Fury exploded as Morris and some
passers by watched despite the commotion I remained calm he paid for the trip with my credit card without my knowledge the moment I said that the atmosphere in the room shifted my in CLS exchanged stunned and bewildered looks their faces reflecting the shock as if they had been struck by lightning I continued speaking right after we got married he announced he would be a stay-at-home husband and quit his job but he's barely been helping with the housework as these words quietly echoed through the room I could see the visible distress on my in-laws faces what
Ryan isn't working that can't be true he told us he had a job my mother-in-law stammered her voice trembling with clear worry and confusion in her eyes my father-in-law also looked at me his face a mixture of shock and disappointment the truth is he's been unemployed the whole time and I've been the one supporting the household hearing this my in-laws turned to my ex-husband with expressions of disbelief their eyes were filled with betrayal and deep disappointment my mother-in-law pressed her lips together tightly while my father-in-law clenched his fists in Anger my ex-husband couldn't do anything
but avert his gaze under their piercing stairs at that moment Morris began to speak Mr and Mrs Torres I have something important to discuss with you I'm the CEO of the company where Marcia Works through our conversations I've been made aware of Ryan's unemployment and the fact that Marcia has been the one financially supporting the household as Morris said this my in-laws faces showed shock and disbelief Le he calmly presented his business card and showed them the company's website they took the card their hands trembling as they examined it they couldn't deny the truth any
longer and their expressions became a blend of astonishment and confusion as a matter of fact our company is currently a key client for a major project at Mr tor workplace however we do not wish to continue working with unreliable Partners this can't be happening what's going to happen to the project Ryan how are you going to explain this my father-in-law stammered his voice shaky barely able to get the words out he looked as though he'd been utterly crushed my mother-in-law to buried her head in her hands with an expression of disbelief how did it come
to this they were both pale their despair evident wait Marcia please help me I want to make things right Ryan pleaded my ex-husband grabbed my hand tightly desperately pleading with me his eyes were filled with Despair and fear and his hand trembled given how he had ignored me in the past and done as he pleased I wasn't surprised to see him begging like this it's too late I can't forgive your past actions and this is the end I said firmly pushing his hand away with determination please help me he begged dropping to his knees on
the floor at that moment Morris presented some important documents can you still say the same thing after seeing this the documents revealed an investigation Morris had quietly conducted into my ex-husband's actions they detailed how he had falsely claimed to be sending money to his parents while keeping it for himself and how he had been recklessly spending my income I can't tolerate anyone hurting a valuable business partner Morris said revealing his intentions with a hint of shinness but his eyes showed a strong resolve I've already been in touch with our lawyer you should prepare to compensate
Morris calmly informed form Med the three of them with a polite yet business-like smile I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude and relief for all that Morris had done for me as I lay in my hospital bed I gazed out at the scenery through the window since that day the stress had lifted and I recovered from the thread of premature labor eventually giving birth to a healthy baby my heart is filled with a mix of emotions Joy at the birth of new life and the exhaustion from childbirth Morris and my colleagues even visited to celebrate
and I've been enjoying fulfilling days after being discharged I moved into a new apartment that Morris had arranged thanks to his thoughtful care we chose a new address where my ex-husband and in-laws would never find us us this has ensured our privacy and safety free from any unnecessary interference from them the new place was in a quiet area slightly removed from the hustle and bustle of the city surrounded by Lush Greenery and peaceful silence it's an ideal environment free from the noise of the city where one can spend peaceful moments and enjoy the TR Tranquility
of nature whether for a walk or a deep breath this place offers a sense of calm and comfort created by Nature here my newborn baby and I are beginning a new chapter in our livs with this Fresh Start there is as much anticipation as there is anxiety but the presence of supportive people around me has greatly eased that anxiety a few weeks have passed since I gave birth and I'm currently on maternity leave spending some slow and peaceful time with my baby during this precious time Morris visits us regularly bringing Essentials and other necessary items
while always offering words of encouragement one day he arrived again with new supplies in hand seeing us he asked with concern Marcia how are you feeling the baby looks healthy and that's what matters most thank you Morris we've been able to get through this because of your unwavering support I replied expressing my gratitude after inviting him inside I gently laid the baby down in the crib and prepared a warm cup of coffee for him looking slightly tense Morris brought up an important topic I need to talk to you about your ex-husband and his parents he
said is something wrong I asked Morris then revealed that he had been keeping an eye on their situation to ensure our safety they sold their house to pay the compensation and are now living in an old rundown apartment your former father-in-law lost his job and all three of them are working around the clock he reported he placed some documents on the living room table it turns out my ex-husband has been struggling with daily labor at an unfamiliar construction site his laziness from his days of helping with housework persists leading to frequent scolding during work as
a result he's finding it very difficult to adapt to his current job Meanwhile my former mother-in-law Works two jobs during the day as a cashier at a supermarket and at night on a sandwich production line tirelessly working without rest She's suffering from back pain but doesn't have the time or money to seek treatment due to her busy schedule as for my my former father-in-law he's been searching for a new job but his age and lack of relevant experience have been major obstacles unable to find his desired position he's been forced to work as a cashier
at a supermarket during the day and as a janitor at night listening to all this a swirl of complicated emotions filled my heart but more than anything I felt that their current struggles were the consequences of their own choices I briefly felt a Pang of sympathy but it quickly faded staying calm I said well that's the result of them betraying us Morris nodded in agreement and said you're right now you're finally free let's focus on your happiness and the baby's well-being from here on I wholeheartedly agreed with Morris's words and felt more than ever that
my life from now on would be dedicated to my child and me the difficulties and pain of the past are now behind me and I'm ready to embark on a new beginning afterward through my lawyer I demanded that my ex-husband and in-law laws pay the alimony and return the savings that were used without permission though they claimed they were unable to pay I had no doubts anymore for the sake of my and my child's future I stood tall and faced them headon I won't be thinking about marriage anymore from now on I'll live a happy
life with my child I de clared with a smile Morris responded that's the right decision you're incredibly strong and you deserve all the happiness that's coming your way offering me words of encouragement our future is now focused on finding happiness together with my child this confident New Beginning marks a significant step forward for us
