Khang was a simple and content man. He was satisfied with an 8-hour work day, coming home to his family, and an annual vacation. He didn’t enjoy competition or the pursuit of wealth.
– Everyone has their limits, my dear. Beyond that threshold lies exhaustion and loneliness. We should be content with what we have.
Those were his words to me.
However, I am a woman who cannot sit still. I aspire to rise and make a name for myself. I refuse to settle for a mediocre life.
I threw myself into my work, taking on extended business trips, sleepless nights to finalize projects, and midnight phone calls from clients. In the process, I neglected family dinners, my daughter’s requests to spend time with her, and a husband who longed for my company on a rainy, traffic-filled day.
Our conflicts escalated from gentle advice to fierce arguments. One night, after a heated fight over my absence at my daughter’s school performance, I packed my bags and left. Our marriage ended with a single signature.
My daughter chose to live with her father. Perhaps he offered her the closeness and gentleness that I lacked. I don’t blame her, and I only blame myself.
I left after a heated argument. (Illustrative image)
Single life granted me more time for my career. I quickly climbed the corporate ladder, becoming a branch director for a large corporation, buying a new home, and upgrading my car. On the surface, I appeared successful, strong, and admirable. But only I knew how cold my heart felt each night as I returned to my empty, luxurious apartment.
I continued to provide monthly support for my daughter and tried to stay in touch through texts and calls. However, as she grew older, our conversations became more distant and brief. I understood that I had missed out on the most important years of her life.
Then one day, I received a call from my daughter, her voice shaking:
– Mom, Dad is in the hospital. He’s very ill.
I was stunned. I learned that Khang had late-stage liver cancer, discovered too late for effective treatment.
I rushed to the hospital. He was emaciated, his eyes sunken, and his skin jaundiced. Yet, upon seeing me, he managed a smile as if the years of resentment had never existed.
We didn’t speak much, mostly remaining silent. Then, he pulled out a file from under his pillow and placed it in my hands.
– I’m entrusting this to you now.
Inside was a thick envelope containing all the money I had sent for my daughter over the past three years. He hadn’t spent a dime.
– I’ve been saving this money for our child’s future. But now, I won’t make it to the day she needs it, so I’m passing it on to you.
He spoke lightly.
I visited my ex-husband in the hospital. (Illustrative image)
The file also contained a photo album, capturing every moment of my daughter’s life since I left: her first day of first grade, learning to swim, dance competitions… She smiled brightly in each photo, even though I wasn’t there.
There was also a journal, in which he meticulously recorded her growth: “Today, she said she likes egg noodles. She’s started to favor the color green. She asked why Mom never comes to pick her up…” Reading his words, I couldn’t hold back my tears.
He then gave me a small box containing our wedding rings. His voice choked as he said:
– I never took it off. I still… love you. It’s just that you needed something greater than what I could offer. I don’t blame you, but I hope you will take good care of our daughter from now on.
I wept, holding his hand and nodding, filled with regret for our divorce and the loss of his love.
On the day of his passing, I stood by my daughter, gazing at his portrait. She didn’t sob uncontrollably but silently observed her father. That day, I put my wedding ring back on as a belated promise to him that I wouldn’t let go of anything precious anymore.
Now, every evening, I come home to a warm dinner and the sound of my daughter chatting about her day. I’m learning to be a mother again, listening and being present.
I’m no longer the woman who chased career ambitions at the expense of her family. I am the mother of an amazing daughter and the guardian of the most beautiful memories of a man who once loved me with his whole heart.
From May 26 to June 25: 3 Years of Divine Fortune for Luscious Fruits of Labor, with Outstanding Wealth and Prosperity, Especially for Number 2.
The stars align for three lucky zodiac signs this season, bringing an abundance of good fortune and prosperity their way.
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The upcoming 20 days are set to be auspicious for these lucky zodiac signs. Expect career advancements and financial prosperity as these signs enter a prosperous phase, with all endeavors bringing success and good fortune.
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The following four zodiac signs are in for a treat over the next fortnight, with auspicious stars aligning to bring good fortune and prosperity. These signs can expect a boost in their careers, with the Monkey sign, in particular, presented with a rare collaborative opportunity that will attract wealth and abundance.
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Growing up in these 4 family styles can make it hard for children to bond with their parents later in life.
