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713words2026-01-26 09:16

I'd just found out I was pregnant when I discovered my husband cheating on me with his childhood friend.
They were plotting to steal my dowry.
When I confronted him,he had the audacity to say,

"It's your fault!You’ve never respected me or saw me as a equal person to you,so I sought comfort elsewhere."
"Besides,after marriage,your dowry and house are part of our shared property.It's only fair we split everything 50-50!"
I trembled with rage.Suddenly,a voice boomed from the sky.
"For marital harmony,you're invited to experience Going-Dutch System.All expenses and efforts split 50-50,absolutely fair and just.Do you agree?"
To seize my hefty dowry,Eric Dawson didn't hesitate,forcing me to comply.
"Agree!Totally agree!"

From then on,we split wages and chores ang everything 50-50.But I never expected even pregnancy would be split.
Later,Eric knelt before me,pleading,filled with remorse
"Please,end the system."
I smiled faintly."Isn't this the ‘fairness’ you wanted?"

...
Feeling unwell,I returned home early and heard voices from the bedroom.
Through the door crack,I saw Eric,who should've been at work,sitting close to a woman.
It was Lily Harper,the neighbor's sister he'd introduced me to.
They sat so close to each other and looked like they were gonna hug the next second.
"Lily,if only I'd married you.I regret it so much."
Lily's voice was syrupy."Too bad I wasn't born into money like her.I heard her alone dowry's $80,0000."
Eric scoffed."If my colleague hadn't said her family was loaded and she was an only child,I wouldn't have married her in the first place."
"But don't worry.Once she gives birth to that kid,I'll divorce her.Half her family's money will be mine!"
Lily giggled,leaning closer,began to unbutton his shirt.
"You're so clever,Eric,knowing how to get the cash!"
"She's got money,so she should split it 50-50 with you.If my family was rich,I wouldn't be so stingy."
Eric was almost moved to tears."You really care about me..."
As their lips was about to meet,I couldn't take it anymore.I slammed the door open.
Lily paled.Eric shot up.
"Honey,w-why are you back?"
He stammered,"Lily heard you're pregnant and came to visit.Don't misunderstand."
His hypocrisy made me wanna throw up.
"I heard everything.You married me to mooch off my family?"
Eric and I worked at the same company,though in different departments.Everyone called us a perfect match.I never imagined he’d have such a vile thought.
Eric frowned,glancing at Lily,who cowered behind him.
"Lily,go home now.I'll explain to my wife."
Lily fled at his word.
Eric approached,trying to hug me.
"Honey,you've got it wrong.I only love you.I was just talking along what she said."
I shoved him away,spitting in his face.
"You think I'm a fool?"
Unable to persuade me to believe in his lies,Eric's face daekened.
"Sarah,enough!Even if I did something with her,you forced me to!"
I laughed in disbelief."Forced you?I’ve never seen anyone so shameless!"
"Yes!You've got some cash,so what?You never respect me,never treat me as your husband."
"That$80,0000 dowry belongs to both of us,but it's all in your account.Is that fair?We live in this house together,but only your name's on the deed.Is that fair too??"
My chest was heaving wildly with anger,wanting to slap him,but Eric grew bolder.
"Modern couples split things 50-50.As husband and wife,we should share property.You looked down on me first,so I sought validation elsewhere.It's all your fault!"
I couldn't stand it anymore.I didn’t want to waste my word on him.
"Let's divorce!Get out today.I never want to see you again."
But Eric's face twisted menacingly.
"You really want a divorce?"
His expression made me took a step back.
Then,a strange mechanical voice rang in my ears.
"Detecting marital resentment.You're invited to experience the Gping Dutcj System,absolutely fair and just.Do both parties agree?"
"Once agreed,neither can end the marriage or violate the rules,or they’ll face electric shock as punishment."
What was this?Before I could process,Eric shouted,
"Agree!"
I immediately objected.
"I don't agree!"
But the next second Eric lunged at me and tightened his hands around my throat.
"Say agree!"
I struggled,but his grip tightened,his eyes were bloodshot,which made him look demonic.
"Agree!"
Near suffocation,I gave in.
"A-agree."
He released me.I collapsed,coughing,clutching my stomach unconsciously.
My phone buzzed.
"Your account ending in 1101 has transferred$50,4123 to Eric Dawson."
I was shocked.The amount was exactly half my savings.
Eric laughed maniacally."It's real!"
But his phone buzzed next.His face went pale,nearly collapsing.