My Alleged Husband

Chapter 1974 - 1768: Winds Unfurling Clouds

Hearts connected yet unable to stay together, I hope in the next life we can meet again.

Zhang Zhentian never imagined that this time he would say nothing, and his father saw everything so clearly, as if he could see right through him. It was truly terrifying; he dared not even entertain a single inappropriate thought. But he had to think this matter through; if he really gave up his whole family because he took the wrong path this time, then it would truly be as his father said: he would never have another chance to return to this home in his lifetime.

But if he really made a mistake this time, deciding to give up his wife and choose his family, his wife would leave him and never forgive him. Why did he have to face such a dilemma, caught in a bind? All he wanted was a way to have it both ways, for everyone to accept him and treat him as family, to stay by his side kindly.

Why was it so difficult to achieve this? Why was it that what he desired seemed always out of reach? Was it really that hard? If it were someone else, how would they choose between a woman they deeply loved and a family they owed for many years?

"Dad, I have to admit that I once had such thoughts, but hearing you say this now, I feel really conflicted deep inside. I don’t know what I should do. I’m afraid you and my wife won’t get along, that you’ll keep giving her trouble. I don’t want her to be wronged; I just want to see her happy and bright smile. For many years, she has also wanted to return to this home, back to your side.

In this home, everyone misses her just as much as I do. On the contrary, I’ve done too many things that have made you sad and tearful, but she is innocent. No matter how stubborn she was in the past, no matter how obsessive her actions were, she has always been my wife, a part of this family. No matter what, we should choose to embrace her, forgive her, and understand her, shouldn’t we?

From the very beginning, I knew that peace at home would bring prosperity, but we ended up hurting you again and again, leading to opinions and prejudices that persist to this day. We understand that all of this is our own doing, our fault, and we can’t blame anyone else. But we also want to return to this home and live peacefully. None of us want to continue wandering outside; no one would want to return home only to keep wandering out there. That’s not the outcome anyone wishes for!"

"We weren’t thinking of giving her trouble; we just wanted to know if you sincerely wanted to return to this home. Can’t it be her? If you come back insincerely and hurt us again, how do you expect us to handle it then? Are we really doomed to be hurt by you again and again without being able to protect ourselves?

You’re my son; can’t you think a bit more before you speak or act? How could I have such a senseless son? How am I supposed to respond to what you’ve said? She’s my daughter-in-law; no matter what, I will always prioritize her interests, consider her in my decisions. But you, the way you spoke today, made it clear that you don’t regard me as your father. If she finds out, how do you think she’d feel?

If these words were your own thoughts, then I can understand, but if she instructed you to tell me this, then no matter what, I would not hesitate to drive you out of the house again. I’m not a philanthropist; I can’t cater to your every whim. In the end, you must bear the consequences of your actions, even if these years have been unsatisfactory for you; so what? You brought this upon yourselves. Did I personally force you to live such a miserable life?

Don’t blame others for the mistakes you made; look for the reasons within yourself. Did you really do something wrong? If not, then perhaps the problem lies with others. Whenever there’s a problem, first look for the cause in yourself rather than blaming others. That’s not what a true man should do."

"Dad, I’m sorry. What happened today was my mistake. I was too anxious. I don’t want to be driven out of the house again, nor do I want my wife to leave me. That’s why I said these things to you. In fact, these words are what I wanted to say myself; they have nothing to do with my wife. She knows nothing about this; I never intended to tell her, nor did she ask me to say this.

I’ve seen too much joy and sorrow; I just want everyone to live harmoniously together. Over the years, the life we’ve each pursued has been the same; we just hope our families can be by our side, to reunite and sit together joyfully during every festive season, rather than being in different places.

I am not a heartless person in what I do; I have feelings and conscience. I am a living person; I understand emotions and know how important my emotions are. I just don’t want my family to repeatedly place me in a position that leaves me in a dilemma. I really can’t choose between my wife and my family.

You are the family I’ve owed for many years, but she is the wife who has accompanied me for many years. How could I abandon my wife who’s been with me through thick and thin just to make it up to you? Yet, how can I heartlessly abandon you for my wife of many years? That would only leave me caught in the middle, facing attacks from both sides. In the end, it would render me a nobody both inside and out. No matter what I do, it’s wrong because no matter which side I choose, I would hurt the other. The only way I can think of to satisfy both sides is if you can peacefully coexist. Please don’t put me in the middle; I just want everyone to live in harmony. Stop making unnecessary sacrifices. Sacrificing one side to satisfy the happiness of the other is not a long-term solution. Wouldn’t such a family always struggle to endure?

The ties and entanglements in this life have struck a chord in my heart time and again, and in my brow is my yearning for you. Yet, I know this is a form of greed.