My husband has become so full of himself that he believes he can dictate terms to me.
Thierry, my spouse, has lately started acting as if he were the center of the universe, convinced that he can set the rules for my life. And not just any rulesones that make my blood run cold. He threatened to file for divorce if I continue seeing my daughter, Élodie, from my first marriage. Seriously? She is my child, my flesh, my entire life. Does he really think he can erase her from my heart with threats? I still cant fathom that the man I have spent so many years with could sink to such depths.
It all began a few months ago. Thierry has always had a strong temperament, but I used to see it as strength rather than a flaw. He is confident, determined, accustomed to having things his way. When we wed, I thought I had found a solid partner who would support me and accept my family. Élodie was only five then. He immediately took to her, calling himself Papa Thierry. I was delighted to see them so close. Yet, over time, something shifted.
He started pulling away from her. At first it was minor things: he no longer asked about her school day, he stopped playing with her as he once did. I blamed his exhaustionhis job is demanding, and he often came home late. Then he grew irritable whenever I mentioned Élodie. You spend too much time with her, he snapped one evening at the dinner table. I was left speechless. Élodie is my daughterhow could I not look after her? She lives with my mother, Jacqueline, in a neighboring town, and I see her only on weekends. Those visits are my breath of fresh air, my way of staying a mother despite the distance.
Then came the ultimatums. A month ago, Thierry sat across from me in the kitchen, arms crossed, and said coldly, I dont want you to see Élodie on weekends anymore. It disrupts our family. I thought I misheard. What family? We have no child together, and Élodie is part of my life. I tried to explain that I could not abandon my daughter, that she had already suffered from the divorce and still needed me. He shrugged and replied, Shes old enough to manage on her own. If you persist, Ill hire a lawyer.
I was stunned. Divorce? Because I want to be a mother to my child? The absurdity left me at a loss for words. In that moment I realized the partner I thought was my support now saw me not as his wife but as someone who must obey his rules. He wasnt merely trying to limit my contact with Élodiehe wanted to control my entire life.
Other memories resurfaced: his criticisms of my mother, Jacqueline, accusing her of spoiling Élodie; his scowls whenever I bought gifts or paid for her activities; and the time he declared the past should stay in the past, clearly referring to my first marriage and my daughter. I had ignored those signs, but now everything clicked. He could not tolerate Élodies presencehe wanted her erased.
I dont know what to do. A part of me wants to leave immediately. I cant live with a man who imposes such conditions. Yet another part is terrified. We have been together seven years, we own a house, we have plans. I have invested so much in this relationship. How could I explain to Élodie that her mother is alone again? She already asks why Papa Thierry no longer comes. How do I tell her he wants me to forget her?
My mother, Jacqueline, urges me to protect my daughter, even if it means sacrificing my marriage. Youll never forgive yourself if you choose him over her, she told me on the phone. She is right. Élodie is not just my pastshe is my heart, my responsibility. I remember holding her at birth, her first smile, her first steps. I cannot betray her for a man who treats her as a problem.
Nevertheless, Thierry does not relent. The other day he brought up the issue again, harsher than before: Its me or your daughter. I wont live with a woman who keeps returning to her past. I said nothing, knowing any reply would only inflame him further. Deep down, though, I had already made my choice. I will never stop seeing Élodie. Never. Even if it costs me my marriage.
Now I am thinking about the next steps. Perhaps I will consult a lawyer to understand the consequences of divorce. I might look for a better job to become financially independent. Ive even started searching for an apartment near Élodies place. It is frightening, but also hopeful. I want her to know I will always be there, no matter what.
Thierry may think his threats will make me bend. He is wrong. I will not submit to rules that force me to abandon what matters most. I will choose Élodie. And if that means starting over, I will do itfor her, for us.
