Being overwhelmed by my husband because I couldn’t cook rice at 40°C, I signed the application l/y ho/n. Mother-in-law qu//ace: “Who are you threatening? I can only go out of this house,” I replied with a sentence that made her squirm.

I got married when I was just 25 years old, with the belief that marriage would be a happy destination. However, after only 3 years, I realized what was the biggest mistake in my life.

That day, I had a fever higher than 40 degrees. His body was disintegrating, his mind was spinning, and his limbs were shaking. I just want to lie still and rest a little. But when it was time for dinner, my husband – Hung – came home from work, and as soon as he entered the house, he frowned:

“Where’s the rice? Why haven’t you cooked it yet?”

I tried to sit up, my voice was lost:
“I have a fever… I can’t stand it… I’ll give you a day off today, I’ll make up tomorrow.”

But Hung had no mercy. His eyes were burning with anger. “What is the value of a woman at home who eats clinging to the rice cooker and can’t worry about it?” – he shouted, then suddenly gave me a slap like heaven.

My cheeks were burning, tears rolling down my face, I didn’t know if it was because of pain or because of shame. I tried to cry out:
“Hung… I’m really sick…”

He didn’t bother to listen, just rushed into the room and slammed the door. In that moment, I suddenly realized: the person I called my husband turned out to have never loved me, never considered me a life partner.

That night, I lay alone, feverish to the point of coma, my heart hurt more than my body. And when it dawned, I decided: I couldn’t continue this marriage anymore.

I drafted the divorce papers, put down the pen to sign, my hands trembled, but my heart was incredibly relieved. Taking the form and walking down to the living room, I said directly:
“Hung, let’s get a divorce. I don’t want to live like this anymore.”

Before her husband could react, my mother-in-law – Mrs. Lanh – rushed out of the kitchen, screaming like thunder:
“What did you just say? Divorce? Who do you think you can threaten? This house is not easy for you to go anywhere!”

I squeezed the form in my hand, but she still didn’t let go. She shouted loudly, pointing directly at me:
“If you step out of this house, you will only have water to beggar! Don’t think anyone would take a bad wife like you!”

It was like a second slap, but this time it didn’t make me cry anymore. I stood up straight, looked her straight in the eyes, and calmly replied:

“It’s okay to beg, but at least you won’t have to live in disgrace in this house. And I believe, it’s easier to beg on the street than to be a mother’s bride.”

Mrs. Lanh was stunned, the whole house was silent. Hung came out of the room, about to shout, but was stopped by my fierce gaze. This is the first time, I am no longer afraid.

I carried a small suitcase, leaving it all behind. The neighbors around looked on, and many whispered, “Poor her, but she’s also strong.”

In the days that followed, my life was of course not easy. I rented a small motel room, went to work and healed my wounds. But what makes me smile is that at least, every morning when I wake up, I no longer hear the sound of lead extracting, no longer fear of a sudden slap.

A month later, I gradually recovered both my health and my spirit. Work is more convenient, colleagues help, friends comfort. I realized that happiness is not in a superficial home, but in having peace and being respected.

As for my ex-husband and mother-in-law, I heard that they started to get into trouble. Outsiders talked, saying that Hung was a brute and looked down on his wife. The family’s trading shop gradually lost customers, because people even avoided Mrs. Lanh’s bossy nature.

As time passed, I became more and more stable. Many times when I think back, I am grateful for the very day I had a 40-degree fever – it showed me the true face of my husband and his family. Then, I was brave enough to step out of the darkness and find myself again.

Someone asked me, “Do you regret getting divorced?” I just laughed,
“Regret? Not. My only regret is that I endured it for so long. If I hadn’t signed the form that day, I would probably still be a resigned shadow in that house. Now, I’m free, and freedom is the greatest gift.”