Take off your wedding band; my daughter needs it more, demanded the motherinlaw at the family dinner.
We cant keep postponing, Emily! Either you see a doctor, or Ill book you in myself, James drummed his fingers on the table, his irritation barely hidden as he stared at his wife.
Dont start that again, Emily sighed, running a hand through her hair. Its only been three months. The doctor said we should wait six before getting alarmed.
Three months? James snorted. Weve been married two years. Two! And still nothing. My mum asks every day when shell be getting grandchildren.
Emily turned away, pretending to search the cupboards. Talk of children always ended in a spat. She wanted a baby too, but it just wasnt happening, and the constant pressure from Jamess mother only made things worse.
Speaking of your mum, she changed the subject, dont forget theyre arriving for dinner tomorrow. We need groceries.
Ive already bought them, James muttered, cooling down. Mum asked for a roast duck with apples, like at Christmas. She says dad misses your cooking.
Emily managed a weak smile. At least the fatherinlaw appreciated her culinary skills, unlike his wife, who could find a flaw in anything Emily did.
Will Lucy be coming too? Emily asked, meaning Jamess younger sister.
Of course. And shes not alone, James brightened. Mum says shes got a new boyfriend. A serious onehes a doctor.
Emily nodded, feeling a pinch of envy. Lucy was only twentytwo and already on her third serious boyfriend this year. Her mother constantly held Lucy up as the gold standard: pretty, clever, careerclimbing. Meanwhile, Emily, at thirty, had neither children nor any remarkable promotions.
Sorry, love, James slipped around behind her and squeezed her shoulders. I didnt mean to pressure you. Im just worried.
I know, she placed her hand over his. Everythings fine. Ill make your favourite duck tomorrow, and everyone will be happy.
He kissed her cheek and drifted to the living room to watch the football match, leaving Emily in the kitchen to run through tomorrows todo list: wash the celebratory china, iron the tablecloth, polish the silverwareanything less than perfect would be pounced on by Mrs. Harper. She also had to pick an outfitelegant but not gaudy. No matter how hard she tried, Mrs. Harper always found something to nitpick.
The next morning Emily rose earlier than usual. James was still asleep, so she slipped out of bed quietly, determined not to wake him. A long day of preparations lay ahead.
By three oclock the flat gleamed, the duck was roasting and filling the house with a mouthwatering scent, and the table was set as if they were hosting dignitaries rather than just family. Emily gave herself a critical onceover in the mirror. The navyblue sheath dress with a high collar made her look slimmer, and a light touch of makeup freshened her face. On her finger sparkled a modest platinum band with a tiny diamondher parents wedding gift, not ostentatious but elegant.
You look stunning, James said, wrapping his arms around her from behind. As always.
Thanks, she smiled, trying to calm her nerves. Every meeting with the motherinlaw felt like a test. I hope your mum enjoys the dinner.
Of course! he winked. No one can resist your duck.
The doorbell rang precisely at five. Mrs. Harper was never late.
Dearest! she exclaimed, stepping in and planting a kiss on Jamess cheek. Emily received a perfunctory handshake. Ive missed you so!
Following her was Peter Harper, Jamess fathera tall, silverhaired gentleman with a kindly smile. He hugged Emily and whispered, Smells amazing, love. My mouths watering already.
Emily returned his smile gratefully; she always got along with him.
Wheres Lucy? James asked, helping his parents with their coats.
Shell be here later, Mrs. Harper said, eyeing the hallway. Shes with Arthur. Theyre stuck at the clinic.
Arthur? Emily prompted.
Her fiancé, Mrs. Harper announced proudly. A neurosurgeon. Very promising!
James looked surprised. Mum, you never said they were engaged
Not officially yet, she waved it off. But its only a matter of time. Hes hinted at proposing.
Emily caught a glance from Peter, who rolled his eyes, signalling that his wife was stretching a rumor into fact.
Come into the sitting room, Emily suggested. Ill set the table. James, could you give me a hand?
In the kitchen she exhaled and began arranging the starters. James uncorked a bottle of red.
Dont mind mum, he said. She always blows things out of proportion, especially about Lucy.
I know, Emily forced a smile. All right, help with the salads.
Half an hour later Lucy burst ina brightblonde with a trendy bob and flawless manicureaccompanied by a darkhaired man in his midthirties, dressed in a crisp suit.
Hello, everyone! Lucy chirped, hugging her brother. This is Arthur. Arthur, this is my brother James, and his wife Emily.
Pleasure, Arthur shook Jamess hand and nodded at Emily. Thanks for having us.
Its a tradition, Emily said, smiling. Family dinner once a month.
A wonderful tradition, Arthur agreed. Family is what matters most.
Mrs. Harper beamed at Lucy and her beau. See, James? Even the younger one has found a proper match. Arthur runs the neurosurgery department, mind you.
Lucy rolled her eyes. Were just dating, Mum. No need to put him on a pedestal.
Nothing to worry about, Mrs. Harper patted Lucys hand. I can see the chemistry. Meanwhile, you two have been married two years with no nest or kids.
Enough, Mum! James snapped. Weve already discussed this.
What did I say? Mrs. Harper feigned innocence. Just stating facts.
Conversation drifted to the news, politics, and recent family happenings. The duck with apples was a hit; even the picky motherinlaw praised it. Emily relaxed a little, hoping the evening would pass without further drama. But the calm was shortlived.
When the homemade tiramisu was served, Lucy suddenly clutched her finger.
Whats wrong? Arthur asked, concerned.
My ring is rubbing, she complained, pulling off a thin gold band with a tiny stone. I think my fingers swollen from the heat.
Mrs. Harper snatched the ring, turning it over. Thats cheap jewellery! Lucy, you deserve something better.
Its a gift, Lucy tried to retrieve it, but her mother held firm.
From whom? Mrs. Harper demanded.
From a colleague, Lucy replied reluctantly. For my birthday.
From Kyle? the mother guessed, narrowing her eyes. I knew it! Still seeing that scoundrel?
Mum! Lucy protested. Hes a good friend, not a scoundrel.
Mrs. Harper huffed and turned to Arthur. Dont mind, dear. Lucy had a bad fling, but shes learned it wasnt right for her.
Arthurs face tightened; he hadnt heard about any good friend. Mrs. Harper noticed and moved to fix the situation.
Emilys not wearing costume jewellery, thank you very much, she said, gesturing at Emilys modest band. A married woman should have a proper ring.
Emily instinctively crossed her arms over her left hand, as if protecting the ring. She didnt like where this was heading.
James chose that ring, Mrs. Harper continued nostalgically. I remember him showing us catalogues
Actually, its a gift from my parents, Emily corrected quietly. A family heirloom.
An awkward silence fell. Mrs. Harpers lips pressed into a thin line.
So? she finally asked. I thought James bought it.
Emilys right, Mum, James interjected. Its from her parents. They really wanted her to wear it.
Mrs. Harpers displeasure was evident. How sweet of them. In our family we also have traditions. I, for instance, wore my motherinlaws ring and hoped one day to pass it on to you, dear Jamess wife.
First time Ive heard that, Peter muttered, ignored by his wife.
And Lucy could use a nice ring, Mrs. Harper added, glancing between her daughter and Emily. Especially now that shes got a serious boyfriend.
Emily froze, understanding the implication. It was too much.
Do you want me to give my wedding band to Lucy? she asked, halfshocked.
Why not just lend it? Mrs. Harper feigned innocence. She might need it for an upcoming engagement. You already wear it every day; a little sharing wont hurt.
The tension at the table thickened. Emily felt heat rise to her cheeks, Lucys embarrassment, Arthurs discomfort. Only Mrs. Harper remained unnervingly calm, as if nothing were amiss.
Emily stood slowly. Excuse me, I need to check the dessert, she said, voice trembling, and slipped into the kitchen.
She leaned against the fridge, trying to steady her shaking hands. Six years with James had taught her to expect his mothers theatrics, but tonight crossed a line. Demanding a family heirloom for a daughterinlaw who might never even marry? It was beyond reasonable.
The kitchen door opened and Jamess father, Peter, entered.
Give her a break, Emily, he whispered. Irenes always a bit eccentric, especially when Lucys involved.
Thats not eccentric, Peter, Emily replied, shaking her head. Its disrespectfulto me, my parents, our marriage.
I know, Peter said, sighing. Ill talk to her. And you, try not to take it to heart, alright?
Emily gave a faint nod, though she knew no conversation would change Irene.
She pulled the tiramisu from the fridge and began plating it when James appeared in the doorway.
Emily, you alright? he asked without meeting her eyes.
How do you think I am? she replied quietly. Your mother just demanded I hand over my wedding ring to your sister, and you stayed silent.
I get it, he rubbed his neck. You know how she is. Easier to let it slide than to start a war.
Slide? Emily stared at him, incredulous. This isnt a casual comment. Its a direct order to surrender something precious. And you suggest we just pretend nothing happened?
No, of course not, he moved closer, attempting an embrace, but Emily stepped back. I just dont want a scene. Lets finish the evening, then Ill have a serious talk with her.
Youve said that before, Emily said dryly. Last time, the time before Nothing ever changes.
Emily
Know what, she placed the dessert trays on a tray, you take the desserts yourself. Im going to lie down. My heads killing me.
She left the kitchen, trying to keep her posture straight, and passed the living room, nodding to the guests.
Sorry, Im not feeling well. James will bring the dessert. Enjoy your meal.
She shut the bedroom door firmly.
An hour later the guests were saying goodbyes. The parting was tense, judging by the muffled voices. When the door closed behind them, silence settled over the flat.
James knocked softly on the bedroom door. Emily, can I come in?
She didnt answer, so he peeked inside. Emily sat on the edge of the bed, staring out the window.
Theyve left? she asked without turning.
Yes, James sat down beside her. Lucy apologised for her mum, and Arthur did too. They were both mortified.
And you? she asked. Were you mortified?
Absolutely, he admitted, lowering his head. I should have stopped her. Said something.
But you didnt, Emily said, as usual. Exactly.
I didnt know what to do, he confessed. You know how she is. Arguing would just make things worse.
Worse? Emily laughed bitterly. How could it get any worse, James? Your mother publicly shamed me, demanded a family heirloom, and you kept quiet. As per usual.
She rose and walked to the window.
You know, I keep thinking about the future. If we have a child, will your mum decide how to raise them? Will you stay silent again?
Emily, dont dramatise, James said, moving behind her. She just loves Lucy a bit too much, wants the best for her.
At our expense? Emily retorted. Thats not love, James. Its selfishness. And you enable it by staying mute.
They faced each other, and Emily finally saw that James would never stand up to his mother. He would always find excuses, always avoid conflict, always put his mothers comfort above his wifes feelings.
Im tired, James, she whispered. Tired of fighting windmills. Six years Ive tried to fit into your family, and your mother never lets me in. Never.
What are you saying? he asked, fear flickering in his eyes.
Emily looked at her wedding band. The tiny diamond caught the streetlamps glow and sparkled like a tear.
I think we need to think seriously about our future, she said. Whether theres any future for us together.
James went pale. Emily, you dont
I dont know, she admitted. Honestly, I dont. But today I realised one thingyoull never defend me against your mother. I cant live like that.
She slipped the ring off and placed it on the nightstand.
Im going to my parents for a few days. I need to think.
Emily, please, James grabbed her hand. Lets talk. I promise Ill change. Ill speak to my mum, explain everything
Youve promised that a lot, Emily said sadly. And nothings changed. Nothing will.
She gently released his hand and began gathering her things. James sat by the window, unsure what to say, watching her leave. Deep down he knew she was right. His mother had crossed every line, and he had let her.
When Emily closed the door behind her, James sank onto the edge of the bed. The wedding ring lay on the nightstanda silent reminder of vows hed failed to keep. He picked it up, clenching it in his fist. It wasnt too late to make things right, to convince Emily to come back. But it would require him finally saying no to his own mother.
