I could have followed my parents' wishes and returned home to take the civil service exam, but I didn't. Instead, I chose to stay by his side, determined to build a future together. It felt like the right thing to do.
The early days were rough. We lived in a cramped basement, eating expired instant noodles that cost less than one dollar. Money was tight, and every day felt like a new challenge.
Yohann would push himself beyond his limits, attending endless business meetings and drinking so much that he ended up with stomach bleeding. Seeing him suffer like that broke my heart.
I couldn't stand by and watch him struggle any longer, so I used the savings I had built up over the years to help with our living expenses. I didn't want to see him wear himself out.
When Yohann found out, he was overwhelmed. His hands trembled as he embraced me tightly, whispering, "One day, I'll give you a good life, I promise."
But while I was focused on supporting Yohann, my mom couldn't stand the thought of me living this way. She called often, urging me to come back home. "If you marry and live far away, what will happen if you're mistreated?" she asked. "How can your father and I come to your side in time?"
At that time, I believed in the future Yohann and I were building, no matter how tough the present felt.
Not long after, Zandria returned from her time abroad, and everything changed.
Yohann's attention shifted away from me. He started signing up for all sorts of extreme activities, spending more and more time with her. They would go on adventures I could never even dream of trying.
Looking back now, I see how naive I was.
I closed Facebook, feeling drained, and decided to discharge myself from the hospital. When I finally got home, tired from it all, I slipped off my shoes just as Yohann walked out of the room. His eyes widened in surprise, but his expression quickly returned to indifference.
"You're back," he said, his tone flat.
I nodded, keeping my response short. "Mm."
Silence settled between us, heavy and uncomfortable. After a moment, his frown deepened as he broke the quiet. "Ysha, don't you have anything to say to me?"
I was exhausted. I hadn't slept well in the hospital, and now, standing in the comfort of my own home, all I wanted was to rest. I frowned, my patience wearing thin. "I'm exhausted right now. I want to lie down. Can we talk later?"