«You’re no longer the mistress of this house,» announced the mother-in-law in front of the guests.
«What do you mean, ‘not in the mood’? This is my home, and I’ll cook what I see fit!» Natalie defiantly pulled a dish of marinated meat from the fridge. «Im tired of catering to her whims. If Evelyn Margaret doesnt like Peking duck, she can have bread!»
«Natalie,» sighed Simon, rubbing the bridge of his nose, «you know Mum has stomach issues. The doctor said no spicy food. Is it really so hard to make something mild?»
«Its always the same thing!» Natalie slammed the dish onto the table. «Last New Years’not too salty.’ At Liams birthday’nothing fried.’ Now’nothing spicy!’ Does anyone ever think about what *I* want? I spent a week finding this recipe, two days preparing the marinade!»
Seven-year-old Liam peeked into the kitchen.
«Mum, Grandmas here. And Uncle James and Aunt Sophie are with her.»
Natalie exhaled, forcing herself to stay composed. The guests had arrived earlier than expected, and she hadnt even changed yet. The argument with her husband wasnt helping the festive mood.
«Go and greet them,» she nodded at Simon. «Ill freshen up and join you.»
Simon hesitated at the door.
«Nat, pleaseno drama tonight. Mum wants to introduce us to her new husband. Its important to her.»
«I understand,» Natalie forced a smile. «Go, dont keep them waiting.»
Alone, she closed her eyes and counted to ten. Her mother-in-law, Evelyn Margaret, had been a constant source of stress since the beginning of her relationship with Simon. For all six years of their marriage, shed interferedhow to raise Liam, how to decorate the flat, what to cook for dinner. And Simon, raised to believe «Mum knows best,» rarely took his wifes side.
*Fine, tonights special,* Natalie told herself. *Ill be polite. Maybe if Evelyn has a husband now, shell meddle less in our lives.*
She quickly changed into her pre-planned dress, touched up her lipstick, smoothed her unruly curls, and walked into the living room with the warmest smile she could muster.
«Hello, Evelyn!» Natalie moved to hug her mother-in-law, but the woman only gave a stiff nod. «Lovely to see you. James, Sophie, welcome!»
Simons brother and his wife smiled warmly. Beside Evelyn stood an unfamiliar mantall, trim, with a neatly trimmed beard. *Not bad for sixty-five,* Natalie thought. *Now I see why Evelyns been so attentive to her appearance lately.*
«Meet everyone,» Evelyn placed a hand on the mans shoulder, «this is Geoffrey William, my… friend.»
«Lets be precise, darling,» the man corrected gently, «husband, as of two weeks ago. Pleasure to meet you all. Evelyns told me so much about you.»
Natalie noticed Simon and James exchanging startled glances. Clearly, the news of their mothers sudden marriage had caught them off guard.
«Congratulations!» Natalie recovered first. «Thats wonderful! Please, come to the table. I was just about to serve the starters.»
«Ill help,» offered Sophie, Jamess wife.
In the kitchen, Sophie immediately whispered,
«Blimey! Did you know shed already married him?»
«Had no idea,» Natalie grabbed plates from the cupboard. «Simon looks shell-shocked.»
«Course he is!» Sophie smirked. «Evelyn always said after Harold passed, shed never remarry. ‘A husband like your father only comes once,’ remember?»
«I remember,» Natalie nodded. «But Im happy for her. Maybe now shell… stop» she trailed off, searching for words.
«Stop riding you?» Sophie finished. «Dont count on it. This is Evelyn were talking about. She lives to lecture young people on how to live.»
They returned with trays of starters. Natalie noticed Liam already chatting eagerly with Geoffrey, who was examining his rock collection.
«This ones from the river when Dad and I went fishing,» Liam explained proudly. «This ones from a school trip. And *this* ones the coolestlook, its shaped like a heart!»
«Indeed,» Geoffrey smiled. «Youve got a keen eye, Liam. You know, I used to be a geologist. If your parents say yes, Id love to show you my mineral collection sometime.»
Natalie watched, surprised. In six years, shed never seen Evelyn let anyone bond so easily with Liam. Usually, she guarded her «special place» in his life fiercely, criticising anyone she deemed unfit to interact with him.
«Everyone, dig in!» Natalie announced. «Starters are served, and the main course will be ready in half an hour.»
«Whats for the main?» Evelyn asked, seating herself at the head of the tableher usual spot in her sons home.
«Peking duck,» Natalie replied neutrally. «And potato dauphinoise.»
«Duck?» Evelyn pursed her lips. «You know I cant have spice. And serving hot duck in this weather… You couldve made something light. A chicken salad, perhaps.»
«Its not spicy, Mum,» Simon interjected. «Natalie made the sauce without pepper.»
It was a lie, and Natalie shot him a grateful look. For the first time in ages, hed taken her sideeven if with a harmless fib.
«Also,» Natalie added, «I made steamed chicken breast just for you. Completely plain.»
«Thank you, I suppose,» Evelyn feigned gratitude. «But steamed chicken is so dull. You couldve put more effort in for guests.»
«Evelyn,» Geoffrey said gently, «Natalies gone to great lengths. Lets just enjoy the evening, shall we?»
Evelyn shot him a glare but stayed silent. James raised his glass to lighten the mood.
«A toast to the newlyweds! To Mum and Geoffrey! Health and happiness!»
Everyone raised their glasses with relief. Conversation picked up, and the mood lightened. Geoffrey was an engaging storyteller, full of travel tales. Even Evelyn seemed to thaw, critiquing Natalie less.
«Time for the main course,» Natalie announced once starters were cleared. «Just a moment.»
In the kitchen, she arranged the duck beautifully on a platter, garnished with herbs and orange slices. It looked stunning, and she felt a flicker of pride. She *had* put love into this, even knowing Evelyn wouldnt appreciate it.
Returning to the dining room, she overheard Evelyn discussing her and Geoffreys new flat.
«…spacious, with a park view,» Evelyn was saying. «Geoffrey insisted on renovations, and its turned out lovely. Far nicer than here.» She cast a critical eye over Natalies living room.
«Our place isnt bad,» Simon remarked. «Natalie chose the decor, and I like it.»
«Of course, dear,» Evelyn said patronisingly. «Itll do for a young family. But one day youll want something more… substantial.»
Natalie clenched her teeth but stayed silent. She set the duck on the table to murmurs of admiration.
«Looks fantastic!» Geoffrey said sincerely.
«Smells divine,» Sophie added.
Even Evelyn conceded, «It *looks* decent. Well see about the taste.»
Natalie served everyone, giving Evelyn her plain chicken with equal care.
«Mmm, brilliant!» James took the first bite. «Natalie, youve outdone yourself!»
«Absolutely delicious,» Geoffrey agreed. «Evelyn, you should ask Natalie for the recipe.»
«Im allergic to duck,» Evelyn said curtly, pushing her chicken around. «And this is utterly tasteless. Needs more salt.»
«Mum,» Simon said patiently, «the doctor said no salt.»
«But not no *flavour*!» Evelyn huffed. «Herbs, spices… This is like rubber!»
Natalie felt her face heat. No matter how hard she tried, it was never enough.
«Evelyn,» she said evenly, «I followed the doctors orders. No spices, minimal salt. But if youd prefer something else»
«Dont bother,» Evelyn waved her off. «Id rather not eat. Health comes first.»
An awkward silence fell. Sensing the tension, Liam asked,
«Grandma, are you really moving? What about us?»
«Well see each other often, sweetheart,» Evelyn assured him. «Youll visit Geoffrey and me. Weve even got a room ready for you.»
«Why do I need a room?» Liam frowned. «Ive got one here.»
«For when you stay over,» Evelyn said patiently. «Maybe even for longer visits. Geoffrey could teach you chess, show you his rocks…»
«But I dont *want* long visits,» Liam said stubbornly. «I want to live with Mum and Dad.»
«Of course, love,» Natalie cut in. «Youll live with us. Youll visit Grandma when you like.»
«Natalie,» Evelyn gave her a icy look, «dont interrupt. Im speaking to my grandson.»
«Sorry,» Natalie kept her tone calm, «but hes *my* son. I have a right to be part of this conversation.»
«*Your* son?» Evelyn straightened, eyes flashing. «Let me remind you, Liam is a *Harrington* first. He carries our family name, and as the matriarch, I have every right to guide his upbringing.»
«Mum,» Simon warned, «lets not»
«Oh, we *are*,» Evelyns voice rose. «Ive stayed silent for six years, watching her spoil my grandson with her modern parenting! No routine, no discipline! A seven-year-old who can barely read!»
«Liam reads *fine*!» Natalie snapped. «Hes top of his class!»
«Thanks to whom?» Evelyn shot back. «*Who* helps with his homework? *Who* takes him to piano lessons?»
«Actually, *me*,» Natalie said quietly. «Every day.»
«Only because I made you!» Evelyn slammed a hand on the table. «Left to you, youd be glued to your phone! We all know how modern mothers are!»
«Evelyn!» Natalie stood, hands shaking. «Youve gone too far!»
«Darling, calm down,» Geoffrey tried. «Youre being unfair.»
«Quiet, Geoffrey!» Evelyn snapped. «You dont know what goes on when Im not here. But things are changing. Weve a three-bedroom flat nowplenty of space. Liam will live with us. Most of the time.»
«*What?*» Natalie stared. «You want to take my son?»
«I want him raised properly!» Evelyn stood too. «You… youre no longer in charge here, understand? From today, *Im* taking control!»
A stunned silence followed. Even Simon, always his mothers defender, looked shocked.
«Mum,» he finally said, «you cant just take Liam. Hes *our* son. Mine and Natalies.»
«Simon,» Evelyn softened her tone, «you know I only want whats best. For you, for Liam. But your wife… shes failing. Admit it!»
«*Failing?*» Natalies throat tightened. «I work full-time, keep this home running, raise our son, cook these bloody meals you still criticise! What more do you want?»
«Natalie, relax,» Simon reached for her hand, but she pulled away.
«No, Simon. Enough.» Her fury gave way to icy resolve. «Choose. Right now. Your mother and her control, or me and our family. Theres no middle ground.»
«Natalie, dont do this,» Simon faltered. «Lets all calm down»
«I *am* calm,» she saidand it was true. «Im waiting for your answer.»
James and Sophie exchanged uncomfortable glances. Geoffrey watched his wife with something like disappointment. Liam, frightened, sniffled in the corner.
«Simon,» Evelyn touched his shoulder, «dont let her manipulate you. Were family. Blood is thicker than water.»
«Yes, Mum,» Simon replied firmly, shaking her off. «*Were* family. Me, Natalie, and Liam. And Im asking you to apologise to my wife.»
Evelyn recoiled as if struck.
«*Apologise?* For what?»
«For what you said.» Simon stood beside Natalie, taking her hand. «This is *our* home, and Natalie is its mistress. No onenot you, not anyonegets to dictate how we live or raise our son.»
Natalie stared at him. In six years, shed never seen him stand up to his mother like this.
«Simon!» Evelyn gasped. «Youre choosing *her* over your own mother?»
«Im choosing my family,» he said quietly. «If you want to be part of it, youll respect my wife. Otherwise, well have to limit contact.»
Evelyn looked around for support but found only uneasy or disapproving stares. Even Geoffrey seemed disappointed.
«Fine,» she finally said stiffly. «I see Im unwanted. Geoffrey, were leaving.»
«Evelyn, perhaps you *should* apologise?» Geoffrey suggested. «You *were* unfair.»
«You too?» Evelyn grabbed her purse. «Traitors, all of you! James, are you coming or staying with… *them*?»
James coughed awkwardly.
«Actually, Mum, Sophie and I were staying for dessert. Natalie mentioned a special cheesecake…»
That was the final blow. Evelyn swept out, tossing over her shoulder,
«Ill call you tomorrow, Simon. When everyones *sensible*.»
The door shut. Silence lingered until Natalie broke it.
«Liam, come here, sweetheart.»
The boy ran to her, and she held him tight.
«Its alright, love. Grandmas just upset, but she loves you. And no ones taking you anywhere, I promise.»
Liam sniffed.
«Really? I stay with you?»
«Always,» Simon knelt beside him. «Youre with us. Well visit Grandma when we want. Deal?»
Liam nodded, calming.
«Right then,» Natalie turned to the guests, «whos for cheesecake?»
James and Sophie smiled in relief as the tension lifted.
Later, after the guests left and Liam was asleep, Natalie and Simon sat in the kitchen, sipping tea.
«Thank you,» Natalie said softly. «For standing with me.»
«I shouldve done it sooner,» Simon admitted. «Its just… hard to break a lifetime of giving in. Especially with Mum.»
«I know,» Natalie squeezed his hand. «But today, you were the head of *our* family.»
«Dyou think Mum will forgive us?» Simon asked uncertainly.
«Eventually,» Natalie said. «Maybe not soon, but she will. Especially once she sees her tactics dont work anymore.»
«So what now?» Simon asked. «Do we keep our distance?»
«No,» Natalie shook her head. «We set boundaries. Clear ones. Your mum will always be part of our lives, but she must respect our choices. And in return, Ill respect hers.»
Simon smiled, holding her hand tighter.
«Honestly? Im glad this happened. Feels like a weights been lifted.»
«Me too,» Natalie admitted. «Six years I dreaded this confrontation, but we needed it. Sometimes you have to hit rock bottom before things get better.»
They talked late into the night, rediscovering each other. Something fundamental had shifted in their familysomething broken, but also something stronger taking its place.
The next morning, Geoffrey called. Evelyn wanted to apologise and talk when everyone was ready. But thats another story.
