Wendy's husband died young. He was crushed to death in a mine collapse.

At the time, she was heavily pregnant. The moment she heard the news, she went into premature labor.

Jacob was there for her, running around the hospital, doing everything he could. The neighbors pitched in to help too.

It all seemed reasonable at first. But no one expected that barely after her husband's body went cold, Wendy had already had her sights set on Jacob.

From the moment Oliver was born, everything became Jacob's responsibility — formula, clothes, and even doctor visits. Eighty percent of his salary went straight to Wendy and Oliver every month.

Meanwhile, our own home didn't have a single decent appliance. The rusted old bicycle in the corner was part of my wedding gifts.

When I mentioned it to him, he looked at me like I was heartless. "You're a woman, too. So why can't you be a little bit more understanding?

"Wendy's husband died while she was pregnant, and she nearly died giving birth. How can I not help? If I don't step in, what chance does that baby have?"

But everyone in town knew Wendy had received a massive payout after the accident. And yet our household scraped by on my salary alone.

There was a time I'd cry and fight with Jacob over this, but not anymore.

I packed my bags, neatly placed the divorce papers on the coffee table, and waited for Jacob to return.

He came home late. I didn't ask where he'd been—not this time.

The moment he entered, he saw me sitting on the couch, then noticed the papers on the table. His face tightened.

"Alicia, come on. Let's not do this. I know I've been difficult, but you can't seriously want a divorce over something so minor, right?”

I gave him a weary smile. "Minor? Her son's about to start calling you 'Dad,' and you think this is still something minor? This divorce is happening, Jacob. There's nothing to talk about."

Realizing I wouldn't back down, he snapped, "Don't be ridiculous! Oliver likes me. What's wrong with that? It just means I'm a good person. So what if I'm like a godfather to him?"

"A good person? Or just a fool? And is it really Oliver who likes you, or is it Wendy who's trying to reel you in?"

Jacob's face darkened. "You're impossible. You never listen. I can't even reason with a woman like you anymore."

I smiled. "Then consider this your chance. Go be with a woman like her.

"I married you against my parents' wishes because I thought you'd treat me well. Instead, I get to watch you play husband to someone else.

"Look around this house, Jacob. The apartment belongs to the company. And the furniture is all mine. Every bite of food, every drop of oil—I paid for it. Even the clothes on your back came from my wallet.

"And your money? It went to Oliver for toys and snacks. It went to Wendy for her hair appointments, new outfits, and makeup.

"Even when we visited my mother for New Year's, you couldn't bother to buy a cheap gift. But you had no problem buying new clothes for Oliver and stuffing money into his hands!"

I took a deep breath, finally letting out what I'd been holding in for years.

I sighed. "Jacob, if your heart's no longer with me, then there's no point dragging this out. Divorce me. Then go marry her—openly, proudly.

"Let her son call you 'Dad.' At least then, all that money you spent won't go to waste."

I stood and walked toward the bedroom. "It's over, Jacob. I'm done."

He stood frozen for a long time, then stumbled after me. "Alicia, let's not get divorced, okay?”

I couldn't understand him. His heart clearly was with Wendy, so why would he refuse to divorce me?

But it didn't matter. In a week, I'd be leaving the country. Sooner or later, Jacob and Wendy would have been married.

The next morning, I was still half-asleep when I heard the sound of clattering pots and pans.

In five years of marriage, Jacob had never stepped foot in the kitchen—unless it was to cook soup for Wendy during her recovery.

I ignored him, grabbed a basin of water, and went to wash up. Afterward, I snatched two eggs off the table, stuffed them into my bag, and headed for the door.

"At least have some breakfast before you go." Jacob's tone was unusually gentle.

But it was far too late for tenderness. "No thanks. We're practically divorced—no need to sit down and play happy family.

"Oh, and make sure you chip in for groceries. I bought every spoon, every grain of rice, and every drop of oil here. If you want to eat, you pay."

Five years of marriage, and not a single cent of Jacob's money had been spent on me.

I supported him—and in doing so, supported another woman too.

My hand had just touched the doorknob when I heard a knock from outside. I opened the door to find Elizabeth Larson standing there with a bright smile.

"Alicia, these eggs are from the hens back home. Thought you could use a little nourishment."

But I knew she hadn't come all this way just to bring me eggs. There was something else on her mind. "Come on in, Elizabeth. Have a seat."

As soon as she stepped inside, her eyes landed on Jacob.

"You're here too, huh? Now, don't take this the wrong way, but a married man shouldn't be keeping other women in his thoughts. Taking care of your own wife is what matters most."

Jacob didn't say a word. He kept his head down, eating, but the guilty look he shot me told plenty.

I brought over some juice and set a cup in front of Elizabeth, who waved her hand politely. "I won't stay long. I just wanted to say a few words before I run off to take my grandson to school."

I smiled and thanked her. After she left, I noticed someone else standing just outside the door—Wendy, hovering like she wasn't sure whether to come in or run.

"Jacob," I called out into the house, loud and clear, "Wendy's waiting for you outside."

Jacob flinched like he'd been shocked. His spoon slipped from his hand and clattered to the floor.

Wendy rushed forward and whispered, "Alicia, there's nothing going on between me and Jacob. Don't make this into something it's not—"

Her words nearly made me laugh.

I gave her a cold look. "Wendy, don't come at me with that innocent little act. You might be able to fool Jacob with that face, but not me.

"You and your son have been living off our money for years. I'm giving you three days to pay it all back. If you don't, I'll let the whole neighborhood know—radio station and all."

Her face went pale. "Jacob only helped us out because I was alone and struggling. It was just some groceries and a few things for Oliver—"

"He never told you how much he's spent, did he? Before the marriage, whatever he did with his money was none of my business. But after we tied the knot, it became our shared income.

"He's been spending at least eighty percent of his salary on you every month. That's over 25 thousand dollars in five years—and that's a conservative estimate. If you refuse to pay it back, I will go to the police."

The number hit Wendy like a slap in the face.

With eyes full of tears, she turned and looked at Jacob. "Jacob, say something. Please."

Jacob barely breathed. "Wendy… you should return the money. It's not a small sum. Do it for me, okay?"

Wendy's face crumbled. She dropped to her knees in front of me and sobbed. "Alicia, please… have a little mercy. I'm raising a child on my own. Where am I supposed to come up with that kind of money?"

I was done listening to her. I went straight to the factory where Jacob and Wendy worked and asked to see their supervisor, Paul Johnson.

"Mr. Johnson, I'm not asking for sympathy or a mediator. I just want my money back. That's all."

Paul handed me a cup of water, trying to ease the tension. "Mrs. Carter, I've seen how much effort you've put into your marriage.

"You've been nothing but devoted—Jacob's in the wrong here. I'll help you get your money. But divorce… that's not a small matter."

"Mr. Johnson, I've already filed my application to go abroad. I will be leaving next week to continue my studies.

"Who knows when or if I'll be back. A divorce and letting him marry Wendy would be better for all of us."

Paul looked stunned. I couldn't blame him. People had long since written the label of "perfect wife" onto me.

No one expected me, the devoted homemaker, to suddenly pack my bags and study overseas.

But Paul wasn't the type to get in the way of ambition. "Mrs. Carter, this is a great opportunity for you. You've got my support. Just take care of yourself out there.

"As for Jacob… he had high hopes of becoming the employee of the year. I'd never thought he'd be this clueless."

Before he even finished speaking, Jacob barged into the office. "Mr. Johnson, don't listen to her. She's lying! We're not getting divorced!

"You're going abroad and didn't even talk to me first? How could you make such a big decision without saying anything?"

Wendy rushed in right behind him, sobbing, then collapsed dramatically onto the floor. "Mr. Johnson, please help me! I can't possibly pay back that kind of money."

The ruckus had already drawn a crowd of curious workers.

I stayed perfectly calm. "If you two don't mind making a scene, be my guest. But this divorce? It's happening. And I will get my money back."

Wendy screamed through her tears. "25 thousand dollars? How am I supposed to live with my son after that? I might as well be dead!"

Then, without warning, she grabbed the windowsill and tried to climb out like she was going to jump.

The moment Jacob saw what was happening, he rushed over and wrapped his arms around Wendy tightly. She sobbed uncontrollably while Jacob murmured soft reassurances, trying to calm her down.

Paul was completely fed up. "Have you two no shame? This is in public—people are watching!

"Mrs. Carter, please go home and get some rest. I promise I'll give you a proper explanation for all of this."

I gave a small nod, turned, and walked away.

Jacob started after me, but Wendy clung to him with all her might, refusing to let go.

I had no desire to deal with either of them anymore. I left without a word, booked a flight, and went home.

When I came back, Jacob was storming down the street. He was red-faced with frustration, while Wendy trailed behind like a scolded child.

I didn't know what had happened after I left, and frankly, I didn't care. I slipped the plane ticket into my pocket, ignored the sight of them entirely, and walked into the house.

Not long after, they appeared at my door, dragging a chaotic pile of bags and boxes into the hallway.

Wendy's face was pale and twisted with anger.

Jacob was the first to speak. "Alicia, I brought back all your things. Let's not get divorced, alright?"

Before I could answer, Wendy snapped, "Alicia, everything's been returned! I don't want a single thing now! Is that enough for you now?"

Then she turned on Jacob. "You don't need to care if Oliver and I starve to death. Let us freeze in the wind for all I care!"

I glanced at the mess they'd brought back—cheap household junk, and even the eggs Jacob had bought her just two days ago.

I clapped my hands and laughed. "Wendy, for the past five years, Jacob's been supporting your son. He paid for everything you eat and use.

"Your husband's parents died young, and all the compensation money went straight into your hands. I'd bet you've got a decent savings tucked away. Starve to death? Please, don't be so dramatic."

News of my confrontation at their workplace had already spread through the neighborhood. The hallway was packed with people eager to watch the spectacle—it was more lively than festivals.

Jacob's face turned scarlet. "Wendy! I've done so much for you all these years. Can't you just stop? For the sake of what we used to have? Even if you're not ashamed, I am!"

Elizabeth stepped in, trying to ease the tension. "Alicia, this kind of scene doesn't help anyone. No matter what, life has to go on."

I knew she meant well. People of her generation believed that family matters should never be aired in public.

But I had nothing to be ashamed of. I'd done everything right. As for Jacob and Wendy, they were about to become irrelevant.

I took Elizabeth's hand. "Elizabeth, I've already made up my mind. I'm getting a divorce. In five days, I'll be flying overseas for further studies. I've bought the ticket."

I gestured toward the pile in the hallway. "If there's anything here your grandson could use, please take it. I'll sell the rest to the scrap collector."

Elizabeth glanced between Jacob and Wendy, clearly uneasy.

I gently pulled her toward a few items. "This little car should be perfect for your grandson. And these are brand new clothes—they should be just about his size.

"Oh, and take the eggs too—no point letting them go to waste."

She thanked me over and over, then leaned in and whispered, "But Alicia, was what you said real? Are you really going abroad? Doesn't that just hand them the win?"

I nodded. "I am, Elizabeth. I’m still young, and I won't let petty love affairs hold me back.

"Jacob didn't know how to treasure what he had. But building a brighter future for our country—that's worth everything."

Elizabeth gave a silent nod of support. As she passed Jacob, she shook her head and muttered under her breath, "You had such a good wife. How could you throw that away?"

Under the weight of a dozen watching eyes, Jacob didn't even dare to say a word.