Little did I know that being someone's better half would be the start of a lifetime nightmare for I, Emily, a girl who is loved by everyone.

I was in the midst of my studies, with no plans of marriage on the horizon. The thought of tying the knot was far from my mind. However, I couldn't fathom how or when my future husband's father first took notice of me, harboring the desire for his son to wed me.

As the day of my wedding dawned, I found myself eagerly immersed in preparations. This was the kind of wedding every 21-year-old girl dreams of a celebration of love and joy.

Walking into my new home on that first day, I basked in the warmth and affection that enveloped me. Being the center of attention, surrounded by love, was an exhilarating experience.

Thankfully, I was blessed with supportive in-laws, particularly my mother-in-law, who proved invaluable during those initial days of navigating the unfamiliar territory of being a new bride. She understood my longing to continue my education and provided much-needed guidance.

The ensuing months flowed smoothly, like a gentle stream. Life seemed to be unfolding seamlessly.

Soon, the news of my impending motherhood filled me with a mix of anxiety and happiness. It was a time when my husband and family showered me with immense love and respect, acknowledging the significant role I would soon undertake in caring for our growing family.

As the days passed and I entered my seventh month, a decision weighed upon me. My mother suggested that I give birth in my maternal home, but I chose to stay by my husband's side. The moment arrived, and as my son took his first breath, my father-in-law's joy knew no bounds. He distributed sweets along the entire road, a testament to his overwhelming excitement.

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

The birth of my long-awaited baby boy brought ecstasy to everyone's hearts. My husband, overcome with emotion, kissed me on the forehead, expressing gratitude for everything.

However, the pinnacle of joy was followed by a sudden descent into darkness. When my child was just seven days old, tragedy struck – my father-in-law suffered a heart attack. The vibrant colors of happiness quickly faded, replaced by the gloom of despair. Entrusting my baby to my mother-in-law's embrace, I saw her elation in becoming a grandparent.

Life took an unexpected turn when my husband ventured abroad for a promising job opportunity. Unfortunately, the path ahead was marred by an unforeseen mishap caused by a close friend. Despite being surrounded by people, I felt an overwhelming sense of loneliness without my husband by my side. I would call him multiple times a day, yearning for his presence and support. It was during this period that problems began to emerge. My once nurturing mother-in-law inexplicably shifted her stance, blaming me for every misfortune, despite my unwavering goodness and respect towards her.

Nevertheless, I remained steadfast in pursuing my education, determined to complete my degree amidst the chaos that surrounded me.

Tragedy struck again when my father-in-law passed away, leaving a void in our lives. The family business crumbled, and my husband lost considerable assets. With financial struggles on the horizon, my husband expressed a desire to pursue an expensive course. Determined to support his dreams, I made the difficult decision to sell my precious jewelry, ensuring he could complete the course. Despite his education, job opportunities proved elusive, and we faced numerous challenges. Yet, my husband never wavered in his determination.

As my son grew, we weathered many ups and downs, confronting each hurdle with unwavering resilience. Though my husband earned a substantial salary, it was not enough to alleviate our financial burdens. Eventually, I made the difficult choice to sell all of my jewelry, leaving me with nothing but a resolve to persevere.

Little did I know that the path I had chosen as someone's better half would become a harrowing journey, testing my resilience at every turn. But deep within, I held onto hope, believing that our love would guide us through the darkest of times.