**Diary Entry**
My husband has grown so full of himself that he believes he can dictate terms to me.
Richardthats his namehas started acting like the sun revolves around him, convinced he can lay down the law. And not just any law: conditions that turn my blood cold. Hes threatened to divorce me if I dont stop seeing my daughter, Emily, from my first marriage. Seriously? Shes my flesh and blood, my life. Does he really think he can bully her out of my heart? I cant believe the man Ive spent years with could sink this low.
It all started a few months back. Richards always had a strong personality, but I saw it as strength rather than a flawconfident, decisive, used to things going his way. When we married, I thought Id found a solid partner, someone whod stand by me and accept my family. Emily was just five then, and she took to him straight away, calling him “Dad Richard.” I was over the moon seeing them so close. But over time, things changed.
He withdrew from her. At first, it was small thingsno longer asking about her day at school, no more games like before. I chalked it up to exhaustionhis job was demanding, and he often came home late. Then, he grew irritated whenever I mentioned Emily. “You spend too much time on her,” he snapped one evening at dinner. I was gobsmacked. Shes my daughterhow could I *not* care for her? She lives with my mum, Margaret, in the next town, and I only see her on weekends. Those visits are my lifeline, my way of staying her mum despite the distance.
Then came the ultimatums. A month ago, Richard sat across from me at the kitchen table, arms folded, and said coldly, “I dont want you visiting Emily every weekend. Its disrupting our family.” I thought Id misheard. *What* family? We have no children together, and Emily *is* part of my life. I tried explaining I couldnt abandon hershed already suffered through one divorce; she needed me. He just shrugged. “Shes old enough to manage. Keep this up, and Ill call a solicitor.”
I was stunned. Divorce? Because I want to be a mother to my child? It was so absurd I couldnt even respond. In that moment, I realised the man Id leaned on didnt see me as his wifejust someone to control. He didnt just want to limit my bond with Emily; he wanted to rule my life.
Other memories surfaced. His snide remarks about my mum, Margaret, accusing her of “spoiling” Emily. His scowls when I bought her gifts or paid for her activities. That time he said, “The past should stay in the past,” as if my first marriageand my daughterwere some shameful secret. Id brushed it off then, but now it made sense. He didnt tolerate Emilyhe wanted her erased.
I dont know what to do. Part of me wants to walk out now. I cant live with a man who makes such demands. But another part is afraid. Weve been together seven yearsweve a home, plans. Ive invested so much. And how do I explain to Emily that her mums alone again? She already asks why “Dad Richard” doesnt visit. How do I tell her he wants me to forget her?
Mums advice was clear: “Protect your daughter, even if it costs your marriage. Youll never forgive yourself if you choose him over her.” Shes right. Emily isnt just my pastshes my heart, my duty. I remember holding her at birth, her first smile, her first steps. I wont betray her for a man who sees her as a problem.
Yet Richard wont back down. The other day, he doubled down: “Its me or your daughter. I wont live with a woman stuck in the past.” I stayed silent, knowing any word would fuel him. But deep down, my choice was made. Ill never stop seeing Emily. *Never.* Even if it means losing my marriage.
Now, Im planning next steps. Maybe consulting a solicitor, finding a better job to stand on my own feet. Ive even looked at flats nearer to Emily. Its terrifyingbut theres hope, too. I want her to know Ill always be there, no matter what.
Richard thinks his threats will break me. Hes wrong. I wont bow to rules that force me to give up what matters most. I choose Emily. And if I must start over, I will. For her. For us.
**Lesson learned:** No love that demands you abandon your own is worth keeping. Some lines, once crossed, cant be uncrossed.
