Chapter 5

Wife?

Can a person who has been married for many years but lacks even the most basic legal documentation be called a wife? I pulled the corners of my lips, unable to resist a laugh, but the pain was too profound. This marriage, lasting until now, has left me feeling most sorry for myself. And for this unborn child. If he had behaved this way from the beginning, I wouldn't have persevered.

The voices of the argument outside the operating room intensified. We've been together six years, and as far as I remember, this is only the second time Josiah has argued with someone on my behalf. But now, it's also our last time together.

“Get away from me! Where is my wife? She just fell in your hospital! Where did you take my wife?”

“Sir, please calm down. Is there a misunderstanding? Did you mistake someone? The pregnant woman who underwent surgery said her husband ran away with another woman!”

“What’s the joke? I am her husband! Is her name Hazel? Then she’s my wife!”

“Please show us your marriage certificate.”

I don't know how long it lasted, but in my dream, I seemed to have returned to six years ago. In my memory, Josiah was still the same quiet man. But he revealed sincere emotions in every detail when he was with me. Two hearts gradually drew closer, and I chose to stay in this city for him.

Mom looked disappointed and concerned. “Hazel, have you thought this through? Once your dad and I go abroad, you'll be alone here.”

Young Josiah pounded his chest, making a solemn vow before my parents. “Mr. and Mrs. Torres, rest assured, I will give Hazel happiness, even if it means risking my life! I will take good care of her!”

“She became the most important person to me afterwards!”

The scene shifted. After graduation, I didn't work, but instead revolved around the stove, becoming Josiah's virtuous helper. During the day, he worked on his business, while I stayed home, managing household chores and logistics. He had social engagements in the evening, so I waited for him at the entrance of our residential area. During our most difficult time, I ate bread for six months to gather startup capital for him. But every day, I searched for photos on the takeout platform and sent them to my parents overseas, to reassure them.

These days passed three years ago. Back then, Josiah still felt sorry for me, understanding my efforts and grievances. Every festival brought a thoughtful, if inexpensive, surprise. He said that when his company improved, he would make me the happiest person. By then, we would have a wedding, a marriage certificate, a large villa, and a lovely child.

He wanted to prove my choice wasn't wrong. That period, though difficult, was the happiest time of my life.

Now Josiah has succeeded, but I've been left behind. He became busier, and I waited later and later at home. Sometimes, after waiting all night, the only message at dawn was from him. Sometimes, there was no news at all. He said everyone was like this; no successful man revolved around his wife. The past promises, in the end, only I remember. Relying on pancake after pancake, I spent six years.

Until this pregnancy, he probably realized I couldn't leave him. It got worse, becoming increasingly excessive. Then I realized how lowly I was in the eyes of the partner I started a business with. After getting drunk, he boasted about marrying me without spending a penny. I washed his clothes, cooked for him, and now I bear his children. I gritted my teeth, enduring the mocking gazes of the crowd, deceiving myself that as long as he was by my side, nothing else mattered.

But when he brought Aurora home, my heart shattered. He said Aurora was just his secretary, young, and he treated her like a sister. But I didn't believe a word of that lame excuse. Watching him be gentle and considerate, cautious and careful like a young boy experiencing his first crush, I knew I was to be discarded. But I wasn't willing to accept it. How could I let go? My most beautiful youth, and even my unborn child. I worked hard for six years for that wedding dress. How could I willingly let another woman wear it?

So I became the person I used to dislike the most. I argued with him like a shrew. I questioned his relationship with that woman. Our remaining feelings quickly eroded. That night, Aurora's mockery and his boundless tolerance became the final straw.

Mom, I finally understood what you said. It's too late.