I Chose to Divorce After Three Years of Serving My Husband’s Family Totally, But They Never Appreciated Me

For four years since I married into this family, Ive cooked the New Years Eve dinner three times in a row.

Each time, Id head to my in-laws house early to prepare the dishes. Working from dawn till dusk, exhausted to the point of collapse and no one helped me.

This year, being pregnant, my mother-in-law arranged for the whole family to dine out. After finishing the housework and rushing to the restaurant, I found they had already started eating.

Twelve people from four households, but only eleven seats in the private room. I stood awkwardly at the door.

I didnt know whether to leave or stay. I wanted to ask the waiter to add another seat, but my mother-in-law looked displeased.

Cant you see the private room is already crowded enough? What are you doing here? Once were done eating, Yohan can bring you some leftovers, right?

I never imagined that just because I skipped cooking one New Years Eve dinner, I wouldnt even have a seat to eat.

Standing there, I was stunned by my mother-in-laws questioning. No one told me I couldnt come?

I looked at her, but she just reminded me that pregnant women shouldnt be running around. I shouldve stayed home resting and there was no need to come out.

I was speechless. Who had left all those chores for me to do earlier? I worked from four to six and took only a quick sip of water.

Then I changed clothes and rushed over for the New Years Eve dinner. But when I arrived, they told me there was no seat for me at all.

My second sister-in-law sneered beside me, Hey, sis, havent you ever eaten at a restaurant before? Now youre trying to freeload? Youre over four months pregnant, dont you think about the baby?

I swallowed my anger and replied calmly, No need for your concern. Ill take responsibility for my own child.

Unexpectedly, my mother-in-laws face darkened. She set down her cutlery and asked slowly, The child isnt just yours, its our Fortescues too.

If something really happens, what responsibility can you possibly take besides crying a few times?

I glanced at my eldest sister-in-law and second sister-in-law, who were waiting to see me humiliated. Then at my indifferent husband and the others who remained silent.

Sighing, I decided to stand my ground. Mom, if you truly care about me, why did you make me handle all the housework?

You go out for morning exercises, play chess in the afternoon. Cant you spare a single moment?

My mother-in-law was shocked by my words. She probably hadnt expected me to contradict her in public.

She immediately roared angrily, I do the housework, then what do you do? Lie in bed? Even pregnant, you need exercise! Otherwise, youll become useless!

I countered, Mom, dont your words contradict yourself? First you tell me to stay home and not wander off, yet now you want me to exercise more?

Ever since marrying Yohan Fortescue, these past four years have been nothing but turmoil.

At first, we planned to move out and live independently. But because my eldest and second children didnt want to live with us, my in-laws started pestering us.

Being shy and sensitive, I ultimately had no choice but to agree. Little did I know it would be the start of my nightmare.

From my wake-up time to the frequency of my water intake, I controlled every aspect of my life. I worked all day and still have to do housework when I get home.

My father-in-law played cards and my mother-in-law played chess. During holidays, whenever the whole family gathered for meals, I was always the one responsible for cooking.

I complained to my husband countless times, but he always brushed me off. Over time, I grew numb to it all. But this time, I didnt want to tolerate it anymore.

Seeing me stand up to his parents, especially with the other two families present, Yohan kept signaling me to leave.

If I refuse to go, he accuses me of being unreasonable. We can discuss this at home. Why make a scene here?

I stared at him silently, then suddenly laughed. My laughter was tinged with utter helplessness.

Yohan, is this what you think? You think Im a disgrace? All these years of humiliation Ive endured, when did you ever stand up for me?

Before we married, you promised wed live separately. Did you keep that promise? Of all the things you promised me, which one did you actually fulfill?

Every time I ask, you come up with one excuse after another. Is this fun?

Faced with this barrage of questions, Yohans expression darkened. He glanced around at the others first, still worried about saving face.

He hadnt considered these issues at all. My mother-in-law stared at me in disbelief.

Well, well! After just a few years, you want to kick us out? Who agreed to let us live with you in the first place? Now you want to go back on your word?

I scoffed coldly, If you hadnt cried, screamed and threatened suicide, would I have agreed? I couldnt help it. I couldnt be as heartless as the other two sisters-in-law.

At these words, both the eldest and the second sisters-in-laws expressions changed. They glared at me with furrowed brows, but couldnt say anything. Who told them to be so guilty to begin with?

Back when my mother-in-law fell ill and needed a daughter-in-law to care for her, they never uttered a word about it, not even a glance.

In the end, it was my own reluctance that made me agree. Now the Fortescue family reaps what they sowed. It was my bad luck.

But I never expected my mother-in-law would shower the other two daughters-in-law with even more affection. When it came to me, it was expected. All I wanted to ask was why?

Are you done making a scene? Its the New Year! What are you shouting about? Youve ruined the mood for the whole family!

Faced with Yohans accusations, I could only retort, Sorry, but Im going to make a scene tonight. With the whole family here, I wont feel right until I speak up.

Suddenly, my father-in-law smashed his bowl. When the room finally fell silent, he stood up, furious.

Look at yourselves! What kind of behavior is this? We finally got the whole family together for the holidays and you have to start fighting now? Whoever wants to eat this meal can have it. Im done!

My eldest and second brothers-in-law left with their wives and children. Everyones expressions were clearly uncomfortable.

My mother-in-law glared at me coldly. Are you satisfied now? Did you have to make such a scene to get your way?

Yohan looked at me with disappointment. As if Id committed some unforgivable crime, he turned and walked away.

Probably because I was so emotionally overwhelmed, my belly suddenly clenched in pain, forcing me to crouch down, gasping for breath.

I tried to grab the chair to steady myself. But I still ended up sprawled on the floor, drenched in cold sweat.

My husband and mother-in-law, the last to leave, witnessed my collapse. My mother-in-law was stunned at first, then began to mock me.

Starting to put on a show now? Think this will win you sympathy? It wont work. What you did today can never be forgiven.

Yohan looked down at me with disdain. I reached out for him to call 911, but he pushed my hand away.

His face twisted with disgust. Im ashamed to have a wife like you, just keep pretending. No matter how well you act, it wont change anything. Youve already disappointed me.

Watching their retreating backs. The only one truly disappointed was me. When I woke up again, I was already in the hospital.

My brother, Zeno Noury, sat beside me. Hed driven all the way from our hometown just to be here and take care of me.

Seeing my family, tears welled up in my eyes. Zeno spoke to me carefully, Abigail, theres something you need to be prepared for. The doctor said that due to emotional and other factors, the baby... the baby is gone.

He quickly reassured me, But as long as youre okay, thats all that matters!

Actually, my parents were there too, standing in the hallway. Zeno had decided to tell me this alone.

Hed thought of countless ways to comfort me, fearing I might break down. But unexpectedly, I remained strangely calm.

I didnt cry or make a scene, just stared blankly at my belly. I stayed in the hospital for three days.

During that time, Yohan and his family never once showed their faces. My parents couldnt bear it and wanted to confront them.

I stopped them, hoping theyd let me handle this matter myself. That evening, I packed my things to go home.

On the way, I got a call from Yohan. Have you calmed down? When are you coming home?

They thought I was angry, which was why Id been staying at my parents place. I forced a bitter smile.

Im in the car. Ill be home tonight.

Yohan just said, Oh, okay.

He then hung up the call, completely indifferent.

When I got home, my mother-in-law opened the door. She looked me up and down, unable to hold back her complaints.

Had enough fun out there? Ive never seen anyone like you, who goes back to parents house after a fight.

She added, Ive been doing all the housework these past few days. Are you satisfied now?

I glanced around the house and was stunned by the sight before me. The living room was filthy beyond belief, littered with sunflower seed shells and fruit peels everywhere.

The dining table was a mess, needless to say and the coffee table was splattered with grease and soup stains. Fruit flies were buzzing around it.

I asked, This is what you call cleaning?

I couldnt comprehend how they could live in such conditions. If I were in this environment, every second would feel like torture.

My mother-in-law snapped back impatiently, What else could I do? It is already the best I can do.

Yohan chimed in from the side, Shes so old, Abigail. How do you expect her to handle this house? The rest is up to you. Is two hours enough?

Surveying the utter chaos, I could only sneer inwardly, then replied firmly, If you cant handle it, do it yourselves. If you cant manage, pay for a cleaner. Im not your servant.

With that, I grabbed my bag and went straight inside.

My mother-in-law yelled, Is that how a daughter-in-law should speak? Looks like your trip back to your hometown has made you forget your place!

Yohan blocked the bedroom door, preventing me from locking it.

He warned me, Do you even know how much it costs to hire a cleaner? How much money do we have for you to throw around like this?

I really admire them. They didnt lift a finger when I was not around.

Fine, if they wont work, at least stop eating nonstop. They made the house messy and dirty, just waiting for me to come back and clean it all up alone?

Arent your parents quite generous?

They'd rather talk business at the New Year's Eve dinner table than spend $300 on a cleaning service?

My mother-in-law explained, Whats wrong with spending a little money for the whole family to eat together once a year? Isnt that how it should be? Are we supposed to split the cost between three families?

I replied, Yeah, thats how it should be.

Instead of getting angry, I laughed and challenged her. Then why dont you pay the monthly mortgage, car loan and utilities?

All of these, I paid for them all! Thats what you should pay for, why should I? The house and car arent mine and the utilities arent that much.

Seeing my mother-in-law resorting to unreasonable arguments, I didnt bother saying much more. I was used to it and it has been like this for years.

The mortgage was $4,000, the car loan was 0-0,000 and utilities totaled over $5,000. Plus, every day groceries and dining out were all on me.

Even with my salary of over 0-00,000, its not enough to keep this up. Not to mention how many times my in-laws took my money to subsidize their other two sons.

I pushed Yohan aside and warned them before closing the door. You can handle the cleaning yourselves. Im only here to pack my things.

I added, Tomorrow morning, Im driving to the 55 to finalize the paperwork.

Yohan thought hed misheard and demanded why I needed to go to the City Hall.

I smiled and countered, What else would you need to go there for besides divorce?

You actually want to divorce me? Have you lost your mind?

My husband seemed flustered, his voice not as loud as before. His mother, however, appeared utterly unconcerned. I suspected shed be delighted if I divorced her son.

Still, Yohan warned me, Fine, you can divorce me. But first, youll give birth to the child.

My mother-in-law said, Thats my precious grandson. You wont be able to disappear without giving birth to my son.

Grandson?

All I wanted now was to sever this relationship. And never have anything to do with their family again.

Of course, I calmly replied, I didnt give you a choice. See you at the City Hall tomorrow morning.

I only grabbed a few clothes and my tablet. As I was leaving, Yohan rushed after me. He grabbed my wrist, forcing me to stop.

Havent you gone too far lately? Must you do this during the New Year? Fine, Ill hire a cleaner. You just stay home and keep an eye on things.

As soon as Yohan finished, his mother started complaining, That wont do! Hiring a cleaner is so expensive. What better things could we buy with that money?

Besides, youve backed down this time. Who knows what kind of trouble this brat will cause in the future?

I nearly laughed out loud. So marrying into your family means Im free labor, huh? All the food, drinks and expenses, its all on me. Cant you show some decency?

At that, my mother-in-law trembled with rage. Pointing at me in disbelief, she yelled, You... dare insult me?

I replied, Why not? Dont I deserve it? When I married into this family, you gave me a TV and its secondhand, right? No house, no money for renovations and you wouldnt even pay for the wedding.

Before I could finish, my mother-in-law started arguing back. We had no money back then. What could I do?

I countered, Was it truly no money, or just unwillingness to spend on me? When the eldest and second son got married, I never saw you being this stingy.

And every time you were sick and hospitalized, who was there taking care of you? People should have basic decency. No one is anyone elses slave!

You... you... you...

My mother-in-law trembled all over, unable to utter a word.

I knew she had no counterargument.

It was also for her sons benefit. Sure enough, Yohan approached his mother and pointed an accusing finger at me.

Get out! This family doesnt need you anymore!

I smiled calmly. I was waiting for you to say that.

Without another glance back, I walked away. I checked into a hotel and unlinked the bank card tied to the household account. Making sure they couldnt touch a single penny, I then called my lawyer friend.

I wanted to get all our assets back and kick that family out of here.

The next day, Yohan did show up at the City Hall on time. His parents were with him.

When they saw me get out of the car, my mother-in-law started her sarcastic remarks, You still have the nerve to drive here? Once both of you divorced, that car wont be yours anymore.

I was too lazy to argue with her. I knew thats how people who didnt understand the law were. They would say anything, but unfortunately, I didnt care what they said.

Yohan looked at me with a complicated expression. Are you really sure about the divorce? I can give you another chance.

I answered, No need. Just sign the divorce papers.

Before going inside, my mother-in-law laid down three conditions. The divorce was acceptable, but the house, the car and the grandson must all go to their family.

Yohan nodded in agreement. Exactly. Thats what I think too.

I looked at them with a cold smile. You must have discussed all this last night, right? Its a pity you cant take anything with you. The property deed is in my name. I paid for the car. As for the child...

I touched my belly, reminding them expressionlessly. No need to mention the child. Hes already gone.