When my husband, Eric, suggested having a third child, I knew something had to change. I wasn’t about to take on more responsibility while he lounged around like a king. After I told him exactly what I thought, he kicked me out — but not before I turned the tables on him.
Have you ever had one of those moments where you finally hit your breaking point? That was me when my husband demanded another baby as if I didn’t already have my hands full raising two kids practically alone.
What followed was a showdown I never saw coming.
A woman sitting on a couch | Source: Midjourney
My husband, Eric, and I have been married for 12 years. I’m 32, and he’s 43. We have two kids: our daughter, Lily, who’s ten, and our son, Brandon, who’s five.
Raising them has been my full-time job while I keep this house running.
I work part-time from home to help with the bills, but still handle everything. By everything, I mean cooking, cleaning, school drop-offs, laundry, bedtime routines, and more.
A woman working in the kitchen | Source: Pexels
Eric, on the other hand, believes his only job is to “provide.” And that’s where his involvement ends. He’s never changed a diaper, stayed up with a sick kid, or even packed a lunchbox.
It’s exhausting, but I love my kids.
I’ve accepted that I’m basically a single parent while Eric sits on the couch, watching sports or playing video games. But that doesn’t mean I don’t get frustrated.
A person holding a game controller | Source: Pexels
Last month, my best friend invited me out for coffee. It was the first time in weeks I had a chance to get out of the house for something fun.
“Eric, can you watch the kids for an hour?” I asked as I slipped on my shoes.
His eyes stayed glued to the TV. “I’m tired. I worked all week. Why don’t you just take them with you?”
I sighed. “Because I want a break. It’s just an hour. They’ll be fine.”
A close-up shot of a woman’s face | Source: Midjourney
Eric rolled his eyes, reaching for the remote. “Katie, you’re the mom. Moms don’t get breaks. My mom never needed breaks. Neither did my sister.”
My jaw clenched. “Oh, so Brianna and Amber never felt overwhelmed? They never needed a minute to themselves?”
“Exactly,” he said smugly. “They managed just fine. You should, too.”
That’s when I lost it.
A man looking at his wife | Source: Midjourney
“Eric, your mom and sister probably felt exactly like I do! They just never said it out loud because they knew no one would listen.”
Eric waved his hand dismissively. “Whatever. It’s your job, Katie. You wanted kids. Now take care of them.”
I wanted to scream.
“They’re your kids, too!” I said. “When do you ever take care of them? When was the last time you helped Lily with her homework? Or played with Brandon? Or asked them how their day was?”
A woman arguing with her husband | Source: Midjourney
“I go to work to keep a roof over your head. That’s enough.”
“No, it’s not!” I shot back. “Providing money isn’t the same as being a parent. You’re their father, Eric. They need you.”
“Well, tough. I’m not changing how things are.”
I stared at him, speechless. How did I end up married to someone so selfish?
A woman sitting in her house | Source: Midjourney
A few days later, Eric started mentioning having another baby. At first, I thought he was joking. I mean, we could barely handle the two kids we already had.
But the more he brought it up, the more I realized he was serious.
The next time Eric brought up having a third child, it wasn’t just a passing comment. He was serious.
It started over dinner one night. I was cutting up Brandon’s chicken nuggets when Eric, casually scrolling on his phone, said, “You know, I’ve been thinking… we should have another baby.”
A man talking to his wife | Source: Midjourney
“Excuse me?” I said as I turned toward him.
He looked up. “A third kid. I think it’s time.”
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. “Eric, I barely manage with the two we already have. And you want to add another?”
His brow furrowed like I was the one being unreasonable. “What’s the big deal? We’ve already done it twice. You know how it works.”
A man looking at a woman | Source: Midjourney
“That’s exactly the point,” I said, trying to keep my voice calm. “I know how it works. I’m the one who does all the work. I’m the one up at night. I’m the one running around like a lunatic, trying to keep everything together. You don’t help.”
Eric’s face darkened. “I provide for this family, Katie. That’s helping.”
“No, it’s not,” I snapped. “Being a parent is more than just bringing home a paycheck.”
A woman talking to a man | Source: Midjourney
Before Eric could respond, his mother, Brianna, who had stopped by earlier to “visit the kids” with her daughter, walked into the kitchen.
“Everything okay in here?” Brianna asked, her eyes darting between us.
Eric sighed dramatically. “Mom, she’s at it again.”
I rolled my eyes. “At what again?”
“She keeps telling me I don’t help with the kids.”
Brianna’s lips pursed as she took a seat. “Katie, sweetheart, you need to be careful. A man doesn’t like to feel criticized by his wife.”
An older woman sitting on a couch | Source: Midjourney
Criticized? I was fuming. “I’m not criticizing him. I’m asking him to be a parent. There’s a difference.”
But Brianna wasn’t hearing it. “Eric works hard to provide for this family. You should be grateful.”
Grateful. Right. For a man who thought fatherhood ended with conception.
“And you’re already blessed with two beautiful children,” Brianna continued. “Why wouldn’t you want another?”
She heard our conversation. Nice.
“Because I’m exhausted,” I said flatly. “I’m already doing everything by myself. Why would I want to make my life even harder?”
An upset woman | Source: Midjourney
That’s when Amber, Eric’s sister, chimed in, stepping into the kitchen like she owned the place. “Honestly, Katie, you sound a little spoiled. Mom raised both of us without complaining.”
“Right,” I said with a bitter laugh. “And I’m sure she never felt overwhelmed. She just kept quiet because no one would’ve cared if she did.”
Amber’s eyes narrowed. “Well, maybe you need to toughen up. Women have been doing this for centuries. It’s just what we do.”
A woman looking straight ahead | Source: Midjourney
I turned to Eric. “This is exactly what I’m talking about. You’re so stuck in this outdated mindset where women are expected to handle everything. It’s not fair.”
“Life’s not fair, Katie,” Eric shrugged. “Deal with it.”
I stared at him, feeling like I’d hit a wall. He wasn’t going to change. Neither was his mother or sister.
Later that night, after Brianna and Amber had left, Eric brought up the third child again. This time, his tone was more insistent.
“You’re making a big deal out of nothing,” he said as we got ready for bed. “We’ve got a good life. I take care of you and the kids. We should have another.”
A man standing in his bedroom | Source: Midjourney
I turned to him, finally at my breaking point. “Eric, you don’t take care of me. Or the kids. You barely even know them.”
He just stared at me, his expression blank.
“You’re not the great dad you think you are,” I continued. “And I have zero interest in being a single mom to three kids. Two is hard enough.”
Eric’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t say anything. Instead, he stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him.
A doorknob | Source: Pexels
I heard his car start, and moments later, he was gone. Off to his mother’s house, no doubt.
The next morning, I was up early, sipping my coffee in silence. The kids were at my sister’s place. I’d called her the night before, knowing I needed someone to lean on.
I didn’t expect Eric to come back right away, but I wasn’t surprised when Brianna and Amber showed up instead.
They didn’t even knock.
A woman standing in her son’s house | Source: Midjourney
“Katie,” Brianna began, stepping into the kitchen. Amber followed, arms crossed and lips pursed. “We need to talk.”
I leaned against the counter, keeping my face calm. “I’m not sure what there is to talk about. Eric and I need to work things out ourselves.”
Amber scoffed. “That’s exactly what we’re here to help with.”
“I don’t need your help,” I said, my voice steady.
But Brianna wasn’t backing down. “Katie, dear, you’ve changed. You’re not the sweet girl my son married.”
An angry older woman | Source: Midjourney
That comment hit me harder than I expected.
For years, I’d been trying to live up to some version of myself they had in their heads. I wasn’t that girl anymore. I was a grown woman with responsibilities they couldn’t even begin to comprehend.
“You’re right,” I said, locking eyes with her. “I’m not that girl anymore. Eric married a teenager. Now, I’m a woman who knows her worth.”
Brianna’s face turned red. “Excuse me?”
A close-up shot of an older woman’s face | Source: Pexels
I crossed my arms. “You heard me. And honestly, if Eric has a problem with how I run my household, he should be here talking to me. Not sending you two to do it for him.”
Amber’s voice was sharp. “That’s not how family works. We support each other.”
“Really? Funny how that support only ever seems to go one way.”
At that, my sister walked in. She took one look at the scene and immediately sensed the tension. “Everything okay here?”
A woman in her sister’s house | Source: Midjourney
Brianna turned on her. “Who are you?”
“Her sister,” she replied with a sweet smile. “And you guys need to calm down. Otherwise, I can call the authorities.
Brianna’s face twisted with rage, and I braced myself for the onslaught of insults. Sure enough, she launched into a tirade about how I was “ruining” her son’s life, how I was a bad wife, and how my kids would grow up hating me.
But I didn’t flinch.
A woman standing in her kitchen, looking straight ahead | Source: Midjourney
They finally left a few minutes later, slamming the door behind them.
Later that day, Eric came home. I heard his footsteps before I saw him, and I could feel the tension as he stepped into the kitchen.
“So,” he began, his voice cold, “you insulted my mother and sister?”
I folded my arms. “I didn’t insult anyone. I told them they had no right to interfere in our marriage.”
Eric’s expression darkened. “You don’t love me. You don’t love the kids. You’ve changed.”
An upset man in his house | Source: Midjourney
“I haven’t changed, Eric. I’ve grown up. There’s a difference.”
Our argument spiraled, going in circles until he finally exploded.
“Pack your things and leave,” he demanded, pointing to the door. “I can’t live with you anymore.”
I was stunned, but I didn’t argue. I packed my bags and stood at the door, ready to leave. But before I stepped out, I turned to him one last time.
A woman standing in the doorway | Source: Midjourney
“The kids are staying here,” I said. “Whichever parent stays in this house will be responsible for them. They’re not going anywhere.”
“Wait… what?” he asked. “That’s not happening.”
“You heard me,” I said calmly. “You wanted me gone, fine. But the kids stay.”
Then, I walked out with my sister without listening to anything else Eric had to say.
He tried calling me later, but it was too late.
Ultimately, Eric refused to take custody of the kids, and I filed for divorce.
A person signing a paper | Source: Pexels
In the end, I kept the house, got full custody, and received substantial child support payments. I’m glad I stood up for myself before it was too late. Do you think I did the right thing? Or did I go too far?
This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.
The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.
Music Teacher Offers Free Lessons to ‘Poor’ Boy, Then Discovers His Father’s True Identity — Story of the Day
A former pianist turned school teacher, Lily begins teaching piano to Jay, a talented boy she believes comes from a poor family. Her efforts to nurture his gift take an unexpected turn when she learns the truth about his father’s identity—a revelation that threatens to unravel everything.
Lily sat by the piano, her fingers lightly pressing random keys, filling the room with soft, disconnected notes. She sighed, her mind spinning with worry.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
The orchestra had been her life, her dream since she was a child. Now, that dream was gone, and with it, her sense of security. The director had dismissed her without a second thought, choosing his daughter over her.
She had a small job teaching music to a few adults, but it barely covered her rent, let alone food and other expenses. Frustrated, she planted her hands firmly on the keys and began to play one of her favorite melodies, pouring her emotions into every note.
The tune started softly, but as thoughts of her situation flooded her mind, she played harder, her fingers striking the keys with increasing force.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
When the song ended, the room fell into a thick, profound silence, as if absorbing her pain. Her hands dropped limply to her lap, and she gently closed the piano lid, resting her forehead against it. The stillness was comforting, but it didn’t solve her problem.
Over the next few weeks, she scoured job listings, applying to anything remotely related to music. Finally, she found a position as a school music teacher. She didn’t mind teaching—she respected teachers deeply.
Yet, part of her longed to create her own music, to pour her soul into her art, not just guide others in theirs.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
But with no other options, she accepted the job. The school was eager to have her; they’d been searching for someone for months.
The first few days were tough. She wasn’t used to working with kids, and they seemed indifferent to her quiet, gentle way of teaching. She tried everything—she played soundtracks from popular movies, catchy pop songs—anything to spark their interest. But nothing seemed to stick.
Then, one afternoon after class, as she wandered down the hallway, a soft melody caught her attention. She followed the sound to her classroom, peeking inside. There, at the piano, was Jay, one of her students. He was playing the exact piece she’d practiced earlier in the day.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Do you play piano?” Lily asked, walking into the room.
Jay flinched, startled. “No… not really. I haven’t played much,” he mumbled, looking down at the keys.
“But you were just playing,” Lily replied, a warm smile spreading across her face. “And very well, especially for someone your age.”
Jay shrugged. “I just remembered how you played it.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Lily blinked, surprised. She knew that even many trained musicians couldn’t play by memory like that. “Would you like to learn?” she asked.
Jay’s eyes brightened, and a small smile appeared on his face. “Really? You’d teach me?”
Lily nodded. But she noticed his face fall as quickly as his excitement had come. “What’s wrong?”
“I… I can’t. I mean, thank you, but… we can’t afford it,” he said quietly.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Lily looked at him thoughtfully. She recalled noticing that he rarely ate lunch with the other kids. He seemed to keep to himself. “You don’t have to worry about paying,” she said gently. “I’ll teach you for free.”
Jay’s face lit up with a huge grin, and without warning, he threw his arms around her. “Thank you!” he said.
Over the next few weeks, Lily and Jay met in the empty classroom after school, their shared enthusiasm filling the room. Lily watched in amazement as Jay played each new piece she showed him, his fingers moving across the keys with surprising ease.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Every note, every chord, every melody seemed to come naturally to him. She taught him music notation, guiding him through each symbol and rhythm.
Yet each time, she marveled—did he even need these lessons? His talent was raw, instinctive, as if he was born to play.
As Jay worked through a new melody one day, Lily smiled and leaned forward. “Have you ever thought about performing?” she asked.
Jay looked up, surprised. “Performing? Like, in front of people?”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Yes!” Lily replied. “The school festival is coming up. You could play a piece there. You’re talented enough.”
Jay hesitated, glancing at the piano keys. “I don’t know… What if I mess up?”
“You won’t,” Lily said warmly. “You’re ready, and I’ll help you. We’ll pick a song together, something you feel good about. You could even choose the piece.”
Jay bit his lip, still unsure, but nodded slowly. “All right, I guess I could try.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Lily’s heart soared. She hadn’t felt this excited in a long time. Teaching him, watching his confidence grow—it filled her with a sense of purpose she hadn’t known she needed.
On the day of the performance, Lily moved through the crowded school hallways, searching everywhere for Jay. Her eyes scanned each room, her heart beating a little faster with worry each time she didn’t find him.
He was supposed to close the show, and time was running out. Other teachers stopped her, asking, “Have you seen Jay? Is he ready?”
She shook her head, feeling more anxious with each question. Suddenly, just as she turned toward the stage, Jay rushed in backstage, looking flustered and out of breath.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Quick, I need to go on now, before he sees me,” Jay whispered urgently, glancing toward the stage.
Lily placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, sensing his distress. “Hold on, Jay. Another act is on. Who are you hiding from? Why are you so scared?”
Jay’s face crumpled, his eyes filling with tears. “He won’t let me perform. And if he finds out, he’ll get you fired. I don’t want that to happen,” he said, his voice breaking.
Lily knelt down to his level, speaking calmly. “Jay, slow down. No one is going to fire me. Who doesn’t want you to perform?”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Jay wiped his eyes and looked down. “My dad,” he murmured.
“Your dad?” Lily echoed, surprised. “Is he… does he hurt you?”
Jay shook his head quickly. “No, he just… he doesn’t want me to play the piano.”
“Why not?” Lily asked softly, puzzled. “I’m not charging you for lessons.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“It’s not about the money. It’s just that—” Jay started to explain but froze as a stern voice called out.
“Jay!” a man shouted sharply. Lily turned, shocked to see Ryan standing there.
Lily recognized him instantly. Ryan—her old classmate from high school. Memories of those days rushed back. Back then, they had been friends, maybe even close friends.
Both had dreamed of a future in music, hoping for the same scholarship to attend the top music university. They’d spent hours practicing together, studying, pushing each other to improve.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Ryan’s family had never approved of his dreams. His parents thought music was pointless, unworthy of their son’s time. But Ryan had continued, driven by his love for it, keeping his ambitions a secret from them.
The day she won the grant was the day everything changed. Ryan had looked at her, hurt and angry, and said she had ruined his life. His words, “I hate you,” had haunted her ever since.
Now, standing before her, she saw that same resentment in his eyes, as if all those years hadn’t passed.
“Jay!” Ryan’s voice rang out sharply. “I told you not to play music. I forbade it!”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Jay looked down, his voice barely a whisper. “Dad, I can explain…”
Lily, sensing Jay’s fear, turned to him. “You’re not from a poor family?” she asked gently, though she knew the truth. Ryan had inherited his father’s company and was far from struggling.
Ryan scoffed. “Poor family? He probably made that story up so I wouldn’t find out about these lessons. He even stopped eating at school, hoping I’d never suspect it.”
Lily took a steady breath. “But why are you stopping him from playing music?” she asked, looking Ryan in the eye.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Because it’s not something a real man does,” Ryan replied firmly.
Lily felt her heart sink. “Ryan, that’s not your belief—that’s your father’s. The Ryan I knew loved music, loved playing the piano.”
Jay’s eyes widened, surprised. “Dad, you used to play?”
Ryan’s gaze hardened. “The Ryan you knew is gone. I was young and foolish. Now I understand. Music isn’t profitable, and it isn’t masculine.” He reached for Jay’s hand, pulling him away from the stage without another word.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Lily watched Ryan and Jay walk away, her heart pounding. She couldn’t let this end like that. Without hesitating, she hurried through the halls and out to the parking lot. She saw them approaching Ryan’s car, Jay looking down, defeated.
“Wait! Ryan, wait!” Lily called, her voice urgent. “You can’t do this!”
Ryan stopped but didn’t turn. “This is my son,” he said loudly. “I have every right to decide what’s best for him.”
Lily took a breath, stepping forward. “You don’t have the right to take this from him. Jay is talented, Ryan. You know it, and I know it. He deserves this chance.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Ryan turned to face her, his expression hard. “I was talented once, too. I had that chance, but you took it from me. Now, I see it was all nonsense.”
“That’s not true,” Lily said, her voice steady. “You don’t believe that, Ryan. And it wasn’t me who took it away. Your parents refused to support you. They never saw your dreams. I know that hurt, but don’t let it hurt Jay.”
Ryan’s eyes flickered, but he shook his head. “It’s my decision. Jay will not play music.”
Lily’s voice rose with emotion. “Stop this, Ryan! It isn’t fair! You’re denying him something he loves because of your own anger—anger at me, anger at your parents. Jay deserves a chance to be who he is. I could find him another teacher, but he needs this. You can’t crush this dream.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Jay’s voice was a whisper, but his words were clear. “Please, Dad. Just listen to me. Let me play.”
Ryan looked at Jay, something softening in his expression. After a long pause, he nodded slowly. “One time,” he said quietly. “You can play once.”
Lily let out a sigh of relief. She led Jay back into the school and guided him onto the stage. He took his place at the piano, his fingers finding the keys. As he played, the room grew silent, captivated by the beauty of his music. Lily glanced at Ryan, and for the first time, she saw tears in his eyes.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“That was my favorite sonata,” he said to Lily, his voice low. “I never had the skill to play it.”
Lily smiled softly. “So, does that mean…” she started, but he nodded, giving his quiet approval. Lily’s heart swelled with pride as she looked at Jay, feeling that he might be her greatest accomplishment.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Tell us what you think about this story and share it with your friends. It might inspire them and brighten their day.
Leave a Reply