After his crush moved in pregnant, my husband Liam turned into a stay-at-home good man, rushing back the moment he got off work. Colleagues and neighbors envied me for marrying such a great guy. But I could only force a bitter smile in silence. Because he wasn’t rushing home for me—he was taking care of his pregnant crush. I cried and argued, but he just said, “Why can’t you understand my dilemma? I just want to make up for past regrets.” I couldn’t win the argument, so I left home, heartbroken. Then, a figure blocked my path. “Zoe, long time no see.” I looked up in disbelief—James, the guy I’d had a crush on for years, was leaning awkwardly on crutches, but his eyes were still gentle and soft. Tears instantly welled up in my eyes. In that moment, I finally understood my husband. I couldn’t help but grab his hand and say, “Come home with me. I’ll take care of you.” “Why are you back so late? Hurry inside—don’t let the cold air in. Isabella can’t handle the chill.” “Also, Isabella has bad morning sickness, so her diet needs extra care. I’m making special meals for her, and you should stop eating those…” Liam, wearing an apron, froze in place. I didn’t have time to notice him, carefully supporting James. “Be careful with this step. I’ll get the door replaced tomorrow—the threshold is too high.” James didn’t move. He let out a deep sigh and said, “Zoe, I appreciate your kindness, but it’s not right for me to move into your home.” “I can manage on my own…” Before he could finish, his left leg trembled weakly. I quickly let him lean on me, my heart aching. “How can you manage alone?” “Your leg is in such bad shape—how could I not worry?” James stubbornly stayed at the doorway, refusing to enter. He was too cautious to move freely, a far cry from the confident guy he used to be. Seeing him like this broke my heart. I followed his gaze and saw Liam scowling as he said, “You want to let another man live in our house?” “Did you even ask for my opinion?” James’s leg gave way slightly, and he leaned on me again. My heart clenched, and I snapped, “What’s wrong with him staying?” “He’s disabled—what could he possibly do?” “He’s already in this state—don’t you have any sympathy?” Liam sneered coldly. “What does his disability have to do with me?” “If people find out my wife brought a man home, openly cuckolding me, I’d be the laughingstock.” “No way! I won’t allow it!” I was about to retort when a frail voice called from inside. “Liam, where did you go? I feel awful—come here now!” I felt a wave of relief and said sarcastically, “If people find out my husband brought a pregnant woman home, I wonder if they’d tear him apart behind his back?” Liam glared at me. “How dare you? How dare you slander Isabella?” I shot back without hesitation, “Why wouldn’t I dare?” The woman inside began to sob softly. Liam panicked, gritting his teeth. “Don’t disturb Isabella.” With that, he hurried toward the inner room. I knew he was backing down for Isabella’s sake—he’d agreed. I helped James inside; his feet could barely hold him up. Once we were in, I quickly had him sit on the couch. He still whispered, “Zoe, I really shouldn’t be intruding on your life…” “Zoe, I just wanted to see you from afar, but I… it’s all my fault…” “I think it’s better if I don’t burden you.” A scoff came from the kitchen. “If you know you’re disrupting someone’s marriage, why the fake sympathy act?” I ignored Liam, helped James with his crutches, and said gently, “Don’t mind him—he’s always like that.” “Just settle in and rest easy.”
I carried James’s things straight into the guest room. Liam barked, “Stop!” “You want another man living with you?” “Letting him into the house is my limit—are you pushing your luck?” “Absolutely not!” I didn’t stop, dragging the luggage inside. Liam rushed over, soap suds still on his hands, and grabbed my wrist, demanding, “Are you insane?” I shook him off and asked, “Isabella isn’t feeling well, and she needs the big bed to sleep comfortably.” “I’ve already given up the master bedroom. Didn’t you say I could do whatever I wanted with the guest room?” When we first married, we weren’t too picky about the house. But we wanted our own space after tying the knot, so we bought a small place. There are only two rooms, and Isabella had whined and pleaded her way into taking the master bedroom. My stuff was in there, and she complained it was too cluttered and suffocating. So, I was forced to move into the guest room, me and all my things. Liam paused for a moment, seeming to remember that, and his tone softened, though he still frowned. “It’s not about what you do with the room.” I asked, confused, “Then what is it?” “James can’t get around easily—his legs are still healing. Where else is he supposed to sleep?” Liam’s temper flared again: “But he’s a man!” Seeing Liam’s flushed face, it hit me—wasn’t that my old line? I sighed; we needed to talk this out. “Liam, I was wrong.” Liam toned it down: “Glad you see that.” I looked him in the eye and said sincerely, “I mean, I finally get how you feel.” “Isabella is your crush, and seeing her suffer hurts you.” “Today, I felt the same way about James. I can’t just abandon him.” “How about this: you take care of Isabella, and I’ll take care of James. We’ll coexist peacefully.” “You fix your past regrets, and I fulfill my old self—it’s a win-win.” But Liam blurted out, “Ridiculous!” “This is utterly ridiculous!” I was baffled. “Isn’t it perfect? Besides, you were the one who let Isabella move in first. If anyone’s being ridiculous, it’s you!” Liam stood there, speechless for a long moment, his face still red—clearly not convinced. Isabella made noise from the master bathroom. “Liam, come quick!” Surprisingly, Liam didn’t rush in immediately like he usually did. He stayed put, studying me quietly. “Zoe, are you doing this to get back at me?” Isabella’s voice grew louder, and I didn’t have time to argue, so I pushed him away. “What revenge? Just go. Isabella’s pregnant—if something happens, it’ll be bad.” Liam finally left, half-reluctantly. I breathed a sigh of relief and hurried to finish tidying up. James is sensitive—I needed to get back to him fast.
The next morning, as I brought breakfast out of the kitchen, I ran into Liam coming from the master bedroom. He stammered an explanation. “Isabella was restless at night—I stayed up with her later.” I gave him a puzzled look. Wasn’t that his routine lately? Why was he explaining to me? I nodded flatly and moved to walk past him. But as I stepped away, I heard Liam’s cheerful voice. “Zoe, I knew it—you still care about me most.” “These dumplings are my favorite.” I swatted his hand away. “What are you doing?” “Doesn’t Isabella get sick from the smell of meat?” “I made these specially for James.” With that, I brushed past him and headed to the living room. I love meat, but since Isabella moved in, I’d been banned from eating it at home. At one point, I ate lamb outside, and she threw a fit over the slight smell. Isabella seemed to have a radar for meat on me. She never yelled—just covered her nose and made a scene in the bathroom with the water running loud. But later, I kept seeing her order meat snacks online. Liam just said, “She’s pregnant—why bother arguing?” I shook my head, clearing those unhappy memories. In the living room, James, who’d been smiling at me, suddenly turned cautious again. I turned and saw Liam had followed me. “Zoe, you’ve worked so hard!” “I’m so useless—if only my legs weren’t injured!” “You stayed up all night with me, and now you’re making breakfast… I just…” Seeing his guilty look, I rushed to comfort him. “Of course not! I’m happy to do it.” “And your legs—you saved that kid from traffic because of you.” I was about to say more when Liam exploded. “I thought we agreed I’d sleep on the couch and give you the study?” “Zoe, you stayed in the guest room with him all night?” At his words, James lowered his head. I felt a surge of anger. “Liam, his legs were hurting—of course I had to stay.” “Isn’t that the same as you staying with Isabella?” Liam froze, reflexively rebuting, “It’s not the same…” “What’s different?” I cut him off. “I don’t care about Isabella, so don’t bother with James.” That shut Liam up. He stood there, lost in thought. I ignored him and handed the plate to James. “James, this is from your favorite spot. I got the ginger and vinegar—it’ll be delicious.” James finally grinned and said, “Thank you, Zoe.” But Liam snatched it away. “Zoe? What Zoe?” “Why are you eating what my wife bought?” “Why are you calling her Zoe? She has a name—it’s Zoe, not your pet name!” James murmured, “But she’s always been my Zoe…” I glared at Liam. “What’s your problem?” Isabella called out from inside again. For once, Liam didn’t jump to attention—he just stared at me, refusing to back down. As tension mounted, Isabella walked out, eyes red.
“Liam, didn’t you hear me?” “Or do you think I’m a burden too?” “Maybe I should just leave. I’m only holding you back here.” If I’d seen Isabella’s tearful act before, I’d have rolled my eyes. But now, I felt a pang of pity too. Liam quickly denied it. “Isabella, how could you be a burden?” “I just didn’t hear you. Wait, I’ll get your breakfast ready.” Liam scurried off to the kitchen. Watching him rush off for Isabella, I relaxed, grateful she’d shown up at the right time. After breakfast, a new problem arose. I had to go to work, but I worried about leaving James alone with them. James seemed to sense my concern and said understandingly, “Zoe, focus on your job.” “I’ve been on my own before—you know I can handle basic things.” I glanced toward the kitchen. Liam came out and sneered, “What do you take me for?” “Some monster who’d attack a disabled person?” I smiled awkwardly. Was I doubting my own husband’s character? Though Liam had been moody lately, he was undeniably a good person. I married him because he was kind. In life, he respected his parents, was loyal to friends, and before Isabella, we had a happy marriage. At work, he was always voted favorite teacher by his students. He often donated to charity and volunteered. I shouldn’t have doubted him. Once I cleared my head, I felt okay leaving for work. At the office, I was still anxious. Colleagues noticed my distraction and asked what was wrong. Finally, counting down the minutes till getting off work, I rushed home. As I walked in, I saw James collapsed on the floor, a complete mess. I ran over to check on him. James insisted, “Zoe, I’m fine.” Liam sneered, “Of course he’s fine—he’s faking it.” “Zoe, don’t fall for his act.” James hung his head, lips tight, eyes reddening. “Zoe, I’m just a burden. I cause trouble here—please let me go.” That word sounded familiar, but I didn’t have time to think where I’d heard it. Liam immediately agreed, “He’s right—he’s too much trouble. Zoe, let him leave.” Anger flared, but as I was about to argue, I caught the red rim of James’s eyes. Almost instantly, I calmed down. Honestly, thinking it over, my marriage with Liam was already dead. Maybe it was time to end it. James’s legs were injured—if he stayed, I dreaded what might happen to him when I wasn’t around. Leaving was the best choice. I nodded. “Okay.” Liam brightened. “Zoe, glad you see sense.” I looked at him seriously. “We’re not in a good place now—we should separate.” “Liam, let’s get a divorce.” Liam was stunned. “Zoe, what are you saying? You’d divorce me for a cripple?”
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