I couldn’t bear the thought of being stuck with a pregnant woman, making me raise the child alone. His eyes showed disgust, but a big smile spread across his face, knowing this day would come. Even though I had seen it coming, I quickly went to my room, returned with some papers, and handed them to Adam.
His face twisted in shock.
“What the hell? What’s this all of a sudden?” he yelled.
“Well, it was your idea. Now sign it quickly. I’ll submit it tomorrow,” I said firmly.
His face turned red with anger as my words hit him hard.
“Watch closely,” I declared. “I’ll make you regret how you’ve treated and looked down on me all this time.”
My name is Rachel. I’m a 31-year-old housewife. Until 5 years ago, I worked for a big mobile company.
I met Adam Johnson, my boss, when I was 26. We quickly fell in love and got married. Adam, who was 5 years older than me, was very reliable, especially when teaching me the job as a newcomer who didn’t know much.
I was very grateful for Adam’s clear instructions. We became friends and often went out to dinner. When he asked me out, I was thrilled, especially since I had never dated anyone before.
It’s embarrassing to admit, but as a cartoon enthusiast, I was always more interested in 2D characters than real men. However, seeing my high school and college classmates getting married, I started to feel the pressure.
When I fell in love with Adam, I secretly promised myself that he would be my first and last love. So when we started dating and got married a year later, I was overjoyed. I was extremely happy.
Adam was good-looking and popular among our female co-workers. I was proud to be his wife, and many congratulated us, saying things like, “Congratulations,” or “I’m jealous, but I wish you happiness.”
I was filled with joy and couldn’t imagine what was coming next.
“You’re quitting your job,” Adam said.
“You’re married to me now, so you quit your job, right?” he informed me the day after we registered our marriage.
Adam surprised me with this news.
“I’ve always wanted my wife to focus only on the house,” Adam said. “Don’t worry. I can support both of us with my income,” he added.
But this was so sudden, and he had never mentioned it before. I was shocked.
Adam had never talked about me quitting my job before our marriage. I had taken my current job because my father recommended it, and leaving without notice didn’t feel right.
I wanted to explain this, but the look in Adam’s eyes warned me not to argue, so I stayed quiet.
“I should have told you, but it’s done. Starting tomorrow, you don’t need to go to work. I’ll handle the transition,” Adam declared.
The news about starting tomorrow was so abrupt it made me feel dizzy, but Adam’s words were firm. Since he had been my boss, I felt I couldn’t oppose him.
Even though I had to leave my job without saying a proper goodbye, I was determined to make our marriage work. Adam had entrusted me with taking care of the house, and I wanted to meet his expectations.
I worked hard at household chores, preparing meals and focusing on Adam’s favorites. Although Adam ate without saying anything about them, I longed for a word of appreciation.
After quitting my job, I felt like no one recognized me anymore.
One day, Adam asked, “Is my jacket clean? I have an important meeting tomorrow.”
“Yes, of course,” I replied.
Seeing his domineering side with old-fashioned views, I reminded myself how lucky I was to have married him and tried to meet his expectations.
With no personal income, I had to rely on Adam for everything. Our relationship often felt more like that of an employer and housemaid than a husband and wife.
Our married life was generally smooth until one day, when I fell ill and couldn’t get out of bed. I felt very tired and weak, thinking I would catch up on housework the next day.
Adam entered the bedroom and angrily asked, “What are you doing? Get up and make some food,” as he kicked the blanket off me.
“I’m sorry. I’m feeling unwell. Can you manage something for yourself today?” I explained, hoping for understanding.
Instead of nodding or comforting me, Adam frowned and said, “You don’t work, yet you’re lying down just because you feel a bit sick. Pathetic. Get up,” and kicked me again.