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448words2026-01-26 09:07

On our wedding day,my husband proposed that we split all expenses 50/50 after marriage.
I agreed.
Because of this,he refused to cover the cost during my pregnancy and for my childbrith.

Later,unable to cope,he begged me to support him.
I sneered,"In your dreams!"
...
During pregnancy,the doctor instructed monthly checkups.
As I was on maternity leave,I assumed that my husband,James Carter,would cover these costs.
After all,I was bearing the child—him paying seemed fair.

But he refused outright."This kid isn't just yours,is it?We agreed to split everything.I'm not the one getting checkups—why should I pay?"
Swallowing my anger,I said patiently,"Fine,can I borrow money from you then?I'll pay you back after the baby's born and I'm back at work."
Even this humble plea didn't move him.
He snapped,"Think before you act.Do you have the money?Cuz I don't.I'm not lending any.Skip the checkups if you have to!"

He hung up without hesitation.
I gripped my phone tight,trembling with rage.
My best friend,who had come with me to the hospital,looked worried."What's wrong,Lily?Your husband still didn't pay?I can cover it for you."
I wiped my face with the back of my hand,forcing a smile."No,I've got money.Don't worry!"
I scrolled through my contacts and called my boss.
After explaining,I requested an advance on this year's bonus.
Without hesitation,he approved the transfer and sent comforting messages:"Lily,I don't mean to meddle,but it seems to me that your husband's approach is wrong."
"Here's the deal:after you gove birth the baby,I'll give you a promotion.Work will be busier for you,but the pay's much higher—enough to raise your kid."
Reading his words,tears welled up in my eyes.
A stranger cared more for me than my own husband of years,who wouldn't even chip in for our child.
If that's how it was,I didn't need this man.
I could raise my child alone.
After paying,my friend tried to console me as she went on cursing James.
I didn't argue—she spoke the truth.
At the early stage of pregnancy, nausea hit me hard.Though still working,I wasn't as efficient.
James made chicken soup,and I looked at him,touched.
I thought that,despite our 50/50 split,there was love between us after all.
But after I drank it,he held out his hand."Soup's $50.Transfer it.Finish up and get back to work—don't be so delicate."
He wasn't worried about me.
He feared I'd stop earning.
This time,his actions broke my heart completely.
After the checkup,my friend drove me home.
Opening the door,I saw James,usually holed up in his study until mealtime,sitting on the couch.
Like he'd been waiting for me.
I relaxed,thinking he began to see some sense and wanted to discuss today's issue,ready to give in.
But he complained,"It's your turn to cook.Why're you back so late?I'm starving."