We were discussing marriage when I found out I was pregnant. I quickly informed my boyfriend and asked what the way forward would be. At that time, he had lost his job and was home, waiting for another opportunity. When I told him, he suggested we quickly arrange something simple for the meantime so that after the baby was born, we could complete the marriage rites properly.

We did the knocking ceremony, and he promised my family that the marriage would follow right after the baby was born. He made this promise, hoping his situation would improve before the delivery.

Nine months later, the baby arrived, but he still didn’t have a job. I manage a shop—not entirely mine, but I’m currently in charge of it. It’s something I’m doing temporarily while waiting to secure a proper job.

When life got harder for my fiancé, he contacted his younger brother for help. His brother, who is abroad and doing well, occasionally sent money when needed. This continued until I delivered. After delivery, when my fiancé needed funds for the naming ceremony and marriage rites, his brother sent money to assist.

My husband is a hardworking man, but life is against him right now. To show appreciation for his brother’s help, he volunteered to oversee work at his brother’s building site. His brother is constructing a large hotel, and my husband is currently managing the project. However, he doesn’t receive a consistent salary—his brother decides how much to give him at the end of each month.

He never complains, taking whatever is offered with hope that things will improve. I’m also doing my best with the shop, but since we rely heavily on its income, it’s not growing the way I want.

A week ago, I found out I was pregnant again. It should have been joyful news, but it isn’t. Before discovering the pregnancy, I asked my husband to request money from his brother to start a business. His brother agreed but asked for more time. While we were waiting, I learned about the pregnancy.

I don’t know what they were talking about but somehow my pregnancy came up. His brother became angry and told my husband to ask me to terminate the pregnancy, or else he wouldn’t send the money.

He said, “I can’t support you while all you do is sleep with your wife and get her pregnant. Do you know how hard it is to make money here? You don’t even have a job, yet you’re making babies.”

His brother, who had never called me before, called recently to repeat the same message. “My brother can’t have another child in his situation,” he said. “Let it go, or I’ll wash my hands of you both.”

Out of respect, I told him I would think about it.

Yesterday, my husband came home and said we should do what his brother asked so we could get the money.

I’ve faced many hardships, but nothing has hurt me more than what my husband said. Perhaps it’s not just the words but the fact that he’s so helpless that his younger brother now dictates his life. That’s what breaks me.

I Accepted His Proposal When I Hadn’t Met Him Physically

I told him I wouldn’t do that for any amount of money, and all he said was, “Alright, no problem.”

I know my husband well enough to understand there is a problem whenever he says “no problem.”

Nothing will make me let this baby go, but I wonder if I’m being selfish for taking a stand against my helpless husband and his brother, who has been helping us all this time.

— Duke

This story you just read was sent to us by someone just like you. We know you have a story too. Email it to us at submissions@silentbeads.com. You can also drop your number and we will call you so you tell us your story.

******