My Alleged Husband

"Grandpa, isn’t the relationship between people mutual? Why is there such a distinction?"

Zhang Yichen has been very busy lately, he hasn’t had time to pay attention to the state his wife is in. Because of this, no one noticed his calls, and he gradually became withdrawn, burying everything deep inside without communicating with anyone, staying alone in his room every day, not leaving at all.

Today, Zhang Ni noticed his mother was absolutely not herself, no matter what he said, his mother didn’t react at all, which at least made him feel strange. His mother had never behaved like this before; even if he made a mistake, she would smile and tell him what he did wrong. But today’s behavior was extraordinarily abnormal; what on earth caused his mother to become like this?

He decided to find Zhang Yichen, he wanted to ask his father what was going on and why his mother had become this way. If it really had to do with his methods, then he wouldn’t let his father ignore it. His mother meant so much to him, but she had become like this; as a son, how could he not care? He couldn’t act like nothing happened—he just wanted his mother to live happily. Why has she become like this, becoming withdrawn as if suffering from depression?

Zhang Ni was frightened by his bold thought—if his mother was suffering from depression, what could have possibly caused it? Her personality was so bright, lively, and radiant; if she truly had depression now, unless she experienced some severe trauma or repeated cold neglect from his father.

Zhang Yichen saw Zhang Ni coming and thought his son came to discuss something with his father, not expecting him to come with accusations.

"Nai’er, why are you here?"

"Dad, I won’t say much, I just want to ask if you know what’s wrong with Mom? Did you say something to her to make her like this? I came home today and saw her state completely different from before; now no matter what I say, she doesn’t respond, she’s like a puppet standing there without moving. I really suspect something severe must have happened to turn her into this. Haven’t you cared for her at all in this house? Or have you been so busy with your own things that you forget your wife needs attention too?"

"I’ve been very busy these days, I really haven’t had time to deal with your mom; she’s been fine on her own all along, so why suddenly these issues?"

Then why don’t you take her to the hospital? Do you think dragging it out will benefit her? We should quickly get her hospitalized and checked regardless of the outcome; we need an examination to know."

Zhang Ni was absolutely furious; he worked hard to get back to this house to see his mother, but as soon as he returned, something like this happened. Seeing his mother in that state, how could he be indifferent inside? Even if he didn’t want to come back to this cold-shouldered home, he was part of this family. Now his mother had become like this, yet not a single person knew or cared about her.

He always felt his dad this time hadn’t fulfilled the responsibility a husband should; despite his wife becoming like this, he didn’t know what happened.

"Dad, there are things I think we should discuss properly; no matter what, you shouldn’t neglect my mom so. Regardless of her reason, or whatever you’ve been up to, you should consider her feelings; she’s right there, how could she not feel bad? She’s not a saint; she needs family care and attention. What have you been busy with lately to result in this? You didn’t even notice these changes in her, you never cared about her. If you think it’s my fault for not taking her to the hospital in time, if I hadn’t come back, how much longer would this have gone on? Who knows?"

Zhang Yichen was speechless at his beloved son’s words; this matter was indeed his fault. Had he cared for his wife’s situation earlier, wouldn’t things not be like this now? Wouldn’t it have been less serious if he’d taken her to the hospital earlier? How could he blame his child now? He couldn’t help crying; if he hadn’t acted, nothing would be left to salvage.

"Child, now between us, let’s not argue over who’s right or wrong. We should quickly take your mom to the hospital for a thorough examination to find the cause. A disease should be treated early; dragging it out won’t help her. I believe no one understands this better than you. I know you feel a bit resentful toward me for neglecting my husbandly duties. I ignored her, causing this. I was oblivious to everything; your resentment is justified. But now all we can do is take her to the hospital. As family, it’s all we can do. Rest assured, no matter what happens in the future, I will prioritize her over my own matters."

"I’m not interested in whose needs you prioritize; I’m interested in what you did to mom to make her like this. I’m sure the doctor will say she’s depressed; I can tell she’s almost completely shut herself off now. She doesn’t want to share her feelings with anyone anymore, like a motionless marionette. Her inner world is fully closed off, maybe this is what you wanted. You’ve long disliked her, right? When you repeatedly acted, how could you not think about how much my mom would hurt inside?"

"You’re right, but many things are self-inflicted and not given by others."𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮