I discovered I was expecting and hurried to surprise my husband with the news. As I stepped into my office, I found

A no-nonsense husband has put his family through quite the wringer, but its his wife whos really felt the squeeze. When someone spends ages under the thumb of a family member, eventually they start thinking its just par for the course. But everything spins topsy-turvy once the lady realises her husband himself isnt the perfect specimen hes cracked up to be.

Our protagonist today has weathered her fair share of storms in family life. But, without a doubt, shell land on her feet. Your wisecracks and sage advice will help her muddle through the pickle shes landed in.

The Iron-Fisted Husband

My husband, John, is a very rigorous and demanding bloke. He sits firmly at the helm of our family ship and makes all the major calls. Hes so used to steering the rudder that he never budges an inch. Everything must be just as he decrees and thats final. I knew he was a stickler even before we walked down the aisle, but the decision was made for us by our families. That was tradition in our circles.

Im quite open-hearted and trusting, so I followed John blindly. But little by little, he turned from husband into lord and master. He takes care of all our expenses and insists I stay home, forbidding me to work or chase any ambitions. In return, he expects the house to be spotless, the meals piping hot, and his slippers waiting by the door.

The ultimate show of love, apparently, was to produce an heir. Despite our best efforts, the stork never showed up. There wasnt anything wrong with me we saw more specialists than you could shake a stick at, but nobody found a thing.

I was close to throwing in the towel, but one morning I woke up feeling rotten. John had gone off to work in one of his famous sulks. I groggily started cleaning up.

Out of habit, I took a pregnancy test, more out of routine than hope. But miracle of miracles! two rare, precious lines appeared. Ecstatic, I wasnt sure if I should laugh or cry. My babys going to be the Yorkshire pudding that tops every Sunday roast! I thought. I got dressed in a flash, determined to be the first to tell John.

I didnt phone Mum; I just knew the news had to go to John first! Five minutes later, I was in a black cab heading towards his office. He shouldve been at work ages ago. I planned to ask the receptionist to keep quiet and surprise him. But, curiously, she wasnt at her desk.

With nobody about, I crept into Johns office and flung open the door. Absolute horror the secretary was draped across the desk, half-clothed, with John enthusiastically assisting her.

I do hope Im not interrupting! I squeaked, and bolted out the door. Into a taxi, straight to Mum and Dads house. Though a part of me worried even they might not understand.

Mum wept for joy finally, Id fallen pregnant! But heartbreak quickly followed, since the child seemed unwanted now. Dad was so furious he nearly popped a gasket.

If John tried to pretend I was making it all up, Id have no way to prove anything. Divorce didnt seem an option without evidence. This was one trap I couldnt wiggle out of. Im doing my best to keep calm for the babys sake, but whats around the corner for us?

Editors Advice

A strict husband doesnt always spell disaster for the family, but handing out advice isnt easy in these thorny situations. When family traditions are tied up in beliefs, it can be incredibly hard for couples to carve out the lives they actually want. In this tale, our protagonist ended up more of a pawn than anything else. No one knows which way the chips will fall now, but shes absolutely blameless. Thats crucial, and she needs to remember it. The main thing is to keep her chin up and not let go of hope!

Ever found yourself in something similar? Maybe youve got a pearl of wisdom for our heroine? Share your thoughts in the comments below.