Chapter 1The 50/50 Divorce

After the government introduced the new "50/50 Split Divorce" protocol, my husband secretly filled out the application behind my back.

"I demand that my wife leave this marriage with absolutely nothing! A housewife's contribution is practically nonexistent. I refuse to let a gold-digger profit from our divorce!"

He looked incredibly smug, his eyes shining with calculating greed.

I didn't cry. I didn't make a scene. I just sat there quietly, playing my part.

However, when the final results of the 50/50 Split were announced...

I smiled. And he completely lost his mind.

* * *

In the seventh year of our marriage, my husband, Liam, asked for a divorce.

Holding our daughter's hand, I sat quietly on the sidelines, watching him.

The waiting room was packed. Everyone was buzzing with excitement over the newly launched "50/50 Split Divorce" protocol.

"Do you think this 50/50 split means we go back to exactly how we were when we started dating, and literally split everything down the middle?"

"Who knows? But honestly, this is great. The car and the house were both bought by my family anyway. No matter how they split it, she won't get a dime of it."

"Isn't a true 50/50 split the fairest way? You keep exactly what you earned. Nobody takes advantage of anyone."

...

Suddenly, the massive screen in the waiting hall lit up.

[The 50/50 Split Divorce Protocol Regulations:]

[First: Neither spouse has the right to terminate the proceedings once the judgment begins.]

[Second: Once the judgment is finalized, the results are irreversible.]

[Third: Any party attempting to back out or express regret during the proceedings will face double the penalties.]

My six-year-old daughter, huffing and puffing, ran over to the screen, pulled out a tiny notebook, and diligently copied down the rules. After double-checking her notes, she ran back and explained them to me like a little adult:

"Mommy, I read all the rules! They're very normal and there are no loopholes."

I patted her head gently, then turned to Liam and asked mildly:

"Did you get our number? When is it our turn?"

"We're number one. We're going in right now."

He marched triumphantly toward the intake counter and submitted all our paperwork.

[Please state your primary divorce demands.] The automated system prompted.

"I demand that my wife leave this marriage with absolutely nothing! A housewife's contribution is practically nonexistent. I refuse to let a gold-digger profit from our divorce!"

The moment those words left his mouth, the entire waiting room exploded.

Even the live stream broadcasting this inaugural trial paused for three full seconds.

[Is this guy even human?]

[I think he's right. Why should I break my back working outside while she sits at home enjoying life, only for her to take half my assets when we divorce?]

[Exactly. The bride price I paid was literally buying her. Why should I have to pay her even more?]

[I am speechless that a guy like this actually managed to get a wife.]

[Bro is really putting on a show, I swear.]

[Can we please not lower the bar for decent men any further? My wife just kicked me because of this guy. Crying emoji.]

[Everyone agreeing with him online is probably some pathetic, single loser. No money, no looks, no house, no car, no personality... literally nothing to offer.]

[The comment above is speaking facts. My buddy broke up with his girlfriend over the bride price, and I immediately swooped in and paid double to marry her.]

[Hahaha, what an incredible display of brotherhood.]

...

I frowned slightly and gently covered my daughter's ears.

When I made eye contact with the other mothers in the room, they offered me bitter, empathetic smiles.

It seems the role of a housewife truly is an impossible modern dilemma.

You can't have your cake and eat it too. Those who delusionally try to exploit both sides will inevitably pay a heavy price.