The Downfall of My Professor Husband
Years ago, I poured nearly all my strength into marrying Lucas Shane.
Lucas Shane was a psychology professor at a prestigious university. His gentle and refined demeanor once made me believe I had found a lifelong support.
But after marriage, life gradually veered away from the path I had imagined.
Lucas Shane wouldn't allow me to work, claiming his income was enough to support the family and wanting me to be a full-time wife without worries.
At first, I thought it was out of concern for me, but later I realized he was controlling my contact with the outside world.
He insisted on having constant access to my phone, and whenever friends invited me out, he always found some excuse for me to decline.
Over time, my social circle shrank until it felt like he was the only person left by my side.
In a few days, the school was to hold an important academic banquet. As a distinguished guest, Lucas Shane had to attend—and wanted me to accompany him.
I began preparing several days in advance for this banquet, hoping to make myself worthy of being Professor Shane's wife.
The day before the banquet, Lucas said he needed to go to the school to discuss some matters with his colleagues and asked me to wait for him at home.
Thinking he might need a document, I gathered the files and drove to his office.
As I neared the office door, I heard the voices of Lucas and other professors inside.
For some inexplicable reason, I didn't immediately open the door.
I heard an unfamiliar male voice ask Lucas, "Professor Shane, is that method of control you use on Yvonne really that effective?"
Lucas Shane's voice carried a faint, barely noticeable pride: "That's the allure of psychology—if you seize her weaknesses, you can make her comply."
"She cares about me so deeply that whenever I show the slightest dissatisfaction, she immediately reflects on herself and never suspects me."
My heart sank instantly, and my hands and feet turned cold.
Then, another voice asked, "Aren't you afraid that Yvonne Sinclair will find out about you and that student named Claire Sharpe?"
Claire Sharpe?
A name flashed through my mind—she was Lucas Shane's prized student, reputed to be intelligent and diligent.
Lucas Shane chuckled softly, "What's there to fear? I'm watching Yvonne Sinclair so closely that she doesn't stand a chance of finding out."
"Besides, Claire Sharpe is sensible; she knows what should be done and what shouldn't be said."
I couldn't bear to listen to the rest.
I realized that the deep affection and care I believed in were nothing but a web of deceit he wove using psychological tactics.
He didn't love me; he was only controlling me.
He and his female student had long been involved in an improper relationship.
Suppressing my tears, I quietly slipped away and drove home.
Back in the empty house, I sat on the sofa, my mind a whirlwind of confusion.
Anger, grievance, and defiance—a tangle of emotions that nearly overwhelmed me.
I remembered that, at the start, to support Lucas Shane's academic work, I had planned to donate a laboratory building to the school in my name, hoping to strengthen his position there.
But now, looking at the donation letter I had long prepared, I've made a decision.
This building—I will no longer donate it to Lucas Shane.
I thought of Edward Porter, my father's business partner and the director of a research institution—a man of integrity who had always admired my talents.
When I got married, Mr. Porter even advised me not to sacrifice my career for the sake of the marriage, but I didn't listen at the time.
Now, I dialed Mr. Porter's number.
After the call connected, I took a deep breath and said, "Mr. Porter, regarding the building donation plan I mentioned earlier, I want to make a change."
"I won't donate to the school where Lucas works. I want to donate this building to your research institution to support your work."
Mr. Porter on the other end of the line was momentarily stunned, then said, "Yvonne Sinclair, have you really thought this through? This is no small amount."
"I've made up my mind," I said firmly, "I believe your Research Institution can make better use of this building, and that's certainly better than donating it to some people."
After hanging up, I looked out at the darkening sky, feeling the confusion in my heart recede, replaced by a growing resolve.
Lucas Shane, since you can treat me this way, don't blame me for being ruthless.
The facade of this marriage must be torn apart.
And I must begin to fight back for myself.
The Academic Banquet was held as scheduled.
The venue was decorated with luxury and solemnity; people moved about in exquisite formal wear, speaking with refined manners.
Lucas Shane held my hand, his face adorned with a gentle smile as he introduced me to everyone he knew: "This is my wife, Yvonne Sinclair."
But I could feel that although his hand was holding mine, it was completely cold.
At that moment, a young woman in a white dress came over, smiling sweetly as she said to Lucas, "Professor Shane, you're here."
I recognized her immediately—it was Claire Sharpe.
Claire's eyes landed on me with a faint, almost imperceptible hint of provocation.
Lucas pulled Claire closer and introduced her to me: "Yvonne, this is my student Claire Sharpe, a very outstanding young woman with great academic talent."
Then, he said to Claire Sharpe, "Claire, this is my wife, Yvonne Sinclair."
Claire politely smiled at me and said, "Mrs. Shane, I've heard so much about you. Professor Shane often speaks of how virtuous you are."
The deliberate tone in her voice made me feel very uncomfortable.
Lucas Shane looked at me and suddenly said, "Yvonne, don't you play the violin? On such a wonderful occasion, why not perform a piece for everyone?"
I was momentarily stunned, then immediately understood his intention.
I did learn the violin for a few years, but my skill is only average, and I haven't practiced in a long time.
He clearly knew all this, yet made me perform at such an occasion just to embarrass me.
Those around me also echoed these sentiments, their gazes fixed on me—some curious, others simply entertained.
Claire Sharpe smiled and said, "If Mrs. Shane could perform a piece, it would surely enhance tonight's banquet."
I caught a fleeting look of triumph in Lucas Shane's eyes, and a surge of anger flared inside me.
But I didn't lose my composure immediately; instead, I took a deep breath and fought to remain calm.
I knew this was no time to act on impulse.
I looked at Lucas Shane and said softly, "Sorry, I haven't played the violin in a long time. I'm afraid I won't do well and might spoil the mood for everyone."
"Besides, tonight's guests are all esteemed seniors in the academic community. How could I possibly steal their spotlight?"
My words made those around me pause briefly, and Lucas's expression shifted slightly.
He probably never expected me to refuse him.
Then I smiled and said, "But since Claire Sharpe is so talented, why not have her perform a piece for everyone?"
"Professor Shane often praises Claire's excellence; we'd all love to see her perform."
The topic suddenly shifted to Claire Sharpe; the smile on her face froze for a moment, and she looked at Lucas Shane with some confusion.
Lucas Shane frowned, then smoothed things over by saying, "Claire still has to prepare for tomorrow's academic presentation, so let's not trouble her tonight."
I softly uttered an "oh" and said no more, but deep down, I knew this was only the beginning of my counterattack.
Midway through the banquet, I excused myself to go to the restroom, leaving Lucas Shane's side.
In front of the restroom mirror, I looked at my reflection; my face was somewhat pale, but my eyes grew increasingly resolute.
Just now, Lucas Shane asked me to play the violin, and combined with his earlier attempts to control me, I suddenly realized he had been psychologically manipulating me all along.
He used his knowledge of psychology to exploit my care for him and my desire to preserve our marriage, constantly suppressing and belittling me until I gradually lost myself and became utterly dependent on him.
Before, I didn't notice because I trusted him too much and was too entangled in the illusion of happiness I had woven.
Now that I see his true nature clearly, I will no longer let him control me.
Coming out of the restroom, I didn't immediately return to Lucas Shane's side but instead walked over to the table where Edward Porter was sitting.
Edward saw me and stood up with a smile. "Yvonne Sinclair, what brings you here? Where's Professor Shane?"
"He's over there chatting with someone else. I came over to say hello to you." I sat down and took a sip from the glass of water on the table.
"About the donation of the building we discussed earlier, please arrange the related procedures as soon as possible. I want to finalize it sooner rather than later."
Edward nodded. "No problem. I'll have someone prepare the contract tomorrow for you to sign."
"Thank you," I said sincerely. "There will probably be many times in the future when I'll need to ask for your help."
Edward Porter looked at me, a trace of concern in his eyes: "Yvonne Sinclair, if you ever face any difficulties, don't hesitate to reach out to me anytime."
A warmth spread through my heart, and I nodded.
After chatting with Edward for a while, I stood up and returned to Lucas Shane's side.
Lucas looked at me, his expression sour. "Where did you go just now? I was looking for you everywhere."
"I went to the restroom, then ran into Mr. Porter and chatted with him for a bit." I spoke in a flat tone, without explaining at length as before, fearing he might become upset.
Lucas Shane frowned, about to say something, but seeing others looking over, he swallowed his words.
After the banquet ended, we sat silently in the car on the way home.
Lucas Shane stared out the window, his face shadowed with gloom.
I leaned back against the seat, closed my eyes, and my mind raced with plans for what was next.
I will no longer endure this marriage.
I will reclaim what is rightfully mine, piece by piece, and make Lucas Shane pay for his deeds.
After returning from the banquet, my relationship with Lucas Shane became even more fragile.
On the surface, we still appeared to be the loving couple others perceived us to be.
Especially in front of family, we had to perform this role convincingly.
My grandmother's health was poor, but she always liked Lucas Shane, believing he was cultured, virtuous, and capable of bringing me happiness.
If Grandma were to learn of Lucas Shane's actions, she definitely wouldn't be able to endure it.
So every time we visited Grandma, Lucas Shane and I would agree on three ground rules beforehand and pretend everything was as usual in her presence.
One day, Grandma called and asked us to come home for dinner.
On the way, Lucas Shane said to me, "Yvonne, when we get to our grandmother's, don't say too much, so as not to worry her."
I glanced at him coldly and said, "I know what to do; you don't need to remind me."
Lucas Shane was momentarily stunned, probably not expecting me to speak to him in that tone.
When we arrived at Grandmother's house, she had already prepared a table full of dishes.
Seeing us, Grandmother happily took my hand and said, "Yvonne, you've lost weight lately, haven't you? Has Lucas Shane not been taking good care of you?"
I smiled and shook my head. "No, Grandmother, I've just been a bit busy lately and haven't been eating properly. Lucas Shane has been very good to me."
Lucas Shane smiled in agreement and said, "Grandmother, please rest assured, I will definitely take good care of Yvonne."
During the meal, Grandmother kept serving us dishes and kept nagging:
"You two have been married for several years; it's time to consider having a child. A child would make the home livelier."
My heart tightened as I instinctively glanced at Lucas Shane.
Lucas Shane smiled and said, "Grandmother, we're considering it. Once Yvonne's health improves a bit, we will be ready to have a child."
I lowered my head and ate quietly, without saying a word.
I used to really want a child, believing that it would make our family more complete.
But now, I am utterly disappointed in this marriage—how could I still wish to have a child with him?
After dinner, I spent some time chatting with Grandmother before we prepared to head home.
As we were leaving, Grandmother took my hand with deep earnestness and said, "Yvonne, Lucas is a good man. You must live well with him and not throw childish tantrums."
"A husband and wife must understand and tolerate each other."
I fought back tears and nodded, "Grandmother, I understand. Please don't worry."
After leaving Grandmother's house and sitting in the car, I couldn't hold back my tears any longer.
Lucas Shane saw me crying but didn't comfort me like before; he just frowned and said, "Why are you crying? Weren't you fine just now in front of our grandmother?"
His coldness made the pain inside me even deeper.
I wiped my tears and looked at him: "Lucas, don't you feel any guilt? You lied in front of our grandmother—isn't that disgusting to you?"
Lucas's expression darkened: "Yvonne Sinclair, I'm warning you, don't make a scene here. If our grandmother finds out about us, you won't have an easy time."
"Am I being unreasonable?" I raised my voice.
"You betrayed me, you manipulated me, and now I'm the one being unreasonable? Lucas Shane, do you have any shame left?"
Lucas was left speechless by my words, his face shifting between pale and flushed.
After that day, Lucas grew even colder toward me.
He often came home very late, sometimes not returning at all.
I was certain he was with Claire Sharpe.
Moreover, I realized that Lucas's relationship with Claire was becoming increasingly public.
Once, in Lucas's car, I found a lipstick that wasn't mine and a restaurant receipt dated the same day he said he was working late at school.
What's worse, a friend secretly told me she saw Lucas Shane and Claire Sharpe shopping together at the mall, even holding hands like a couple.
These incidents felt like knives repeatedly stabbing my heart.
I endured the dual pressures of family and society—on one hand, pretending to be loving in front of my grandmother, and on the other, facing the open provocations of Lucas Shane and Claire Sharpe.
But I was not broken by these pressures; instead, they strengthened my resolve to divorce.
I can't go on like this anymore; I need to completely break free from this suffocating marriage.
So, I began secretly searching for a lawyer.
Through a friend's recommendation, I found a very experienced divorce lawyer, Lawyer Zimmerman.
I told Lawyer Zimmerman every detail about my situation with Lucas Shane, including his control over me and his improper relationship with Claire Sharpe.
After hearing my story, Lawyer Zimmerman was very sympathetic and said:
"Madam Sinclair, rest assured, as long as you can provide sufficient evidence, I will definitely help you secure a smooth divorce and fight for your rightful entitlements."
"Thank you, Lawyer Zimmerman," I said gratefully. "I will gather the evidence as soon as possible."
After leaving the law firm, I felt a great weight lifted from my heart.
Although the road ahead may be difficult, I am ready.
I want to live for myself, break free from Lucas Shane's control, and reclaim the life that is rightfully mine.
Following Lawyer Zimmerman's advice, I began collecting evidence of Lucas Shane's and Claire Sharpe's affair.
I knew it would be difficult because Lucas was very cautious, and with his expertise in psychology, he was adept at concealing his movements.
But I did not give up; I believed that if I persisted, I would uncover the evidence.
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