«You’re not the lady of this house anymore,» declared the mother-in-law in front of the guests.
«What do you mean ‘not in the mood’? This is *my* home, and Ill cook what I see fit!» Emily firmly pulled the marinated meat from the fridge. «Im done bending over backwards for her whims. If Margaret doesnt like Peking duck, she can have bread!»
«Em,» Daniel sighed, rubbing his temples, «you know Mums got stomach issues. The doctor told her no spices. Is it really so hard to make something plain?»
«Every single time!» Emily slammed the dish onto the table. «Last Christmas’not too salty.’ Henrys birthday’nothing fried.’ Now’nothing spicy!’ Does anyone ever think about what *I* want? I spent a week hunting down this recipe, two days prepping the marinade!»
Seven-year-old Henry peeked into the kitchen.
«Mum, Grans here. And Uncle Tom and Aunt Lucy are with her.»
Emily exhaled, forcing herself to stay calm. The guests had arrived earlier than expected, and she wasnt even dressed yet. The argument with Daniel hadnt exactly put her in a festive mood.
«Go on, greet them,» she nodded at Daniel. «Ill freshen up and join you in a minute.»
Daniel hesitated in the doorway.
«Em, pleaseno drama tonight. Mum wants us to meet her new husband. Its important to her.»
«I get it,» Emily forced a smile. «Go on, dont keep them waiting.»
Alone, she closed her eyes and counted to ten. Daniels mother, Margaret, had been a constant source of stress since theyd started dating. All six years of their marriage, shed meddled in *everything*how they raised Henry, how they decorated the flat, what they cooked for dinner. And Daniel, raised to believe «Mum knows best,» hardly ever took Emilys side.
*Fine. Tonights special,* she told herself. *Ill be polite. Maybe if Margarets got a husband now, shell finally back off.*
She quickly changed into the dress shed laid out earlier, touched up her lipstick, smoothed her unruly curls, and walked into the living room with her brightest smile.
«Hello, Margaret!» Emily moved to hug her, but the older woman gave only a stiff nod. «Lovely to see you. Tom, Lucy, welcome!»
Daniels brother and his wife smiled warmly. Beside Margaret stood a strangertall, trim, with a neat salt-and-pepper beard. *Not bad for sixty-five,* Emily noted. *No wonder Margarets been dressing up lately.*
«Meet everyone,» Margaret rested a hand on the mans shoulder, «this is William, my… friend.»
«Lets be accurate, dear,» he corrected gently, «husband, as of two weeks ago. Pleasure to meet you all. Margarets told me so much.»
Emily noticed Daniel and Tom exchange startled looks. Clearly, their mothers sudden marriage was news to them.
«Congratulations!» Emily recovered first. «Thats wonderful! Please, come to the tableI was just about to serve starters.»
«Ill help,» offered Lucy, Toms wife.
In the kitchen, Lucy immediately whispered,
«Blimey! Did you *know* theyd already tied the knot?»
«Had no idea,» Emily grabbed plates from the cupboard. «Daniel looks shell-shocked.»
«Course he is!» Lucy snorted. «Margaret always said shed never remarry after your dad passed. ‘A man like him comes once in a lifetime,’ remember?»
«I remember,» Emily nodded. «But Im happy for her. Maybe now shell… stop» she trailed off, searching for words.
«Stop making your life hell?» Lucy finished. «Dont hold your breath. This is *Margaret* were talking about. Shed rather die than stop lecturing people.»
They returned with trays of appetisers. Emily noticed Henry already chatting animatedly with William, who was examining his rock collection.
«Found this one by the river when Dad took me fishing,» Henry explained proudly. «This ones from a school trip. And *this* ones the coolestlook, its shaped like a heart!»
«Indeed,» William smiled. «Youve got a keen eye, Henry. You know, I used to be a geologistgot a whole mineral collection at home. If your parents say yes, Id love to show you sometime.»
Emily watched, surprised. In six years, shed *never* seen Margaret let anyone bond so easily with Henry. Usually, she guarded her «special place» in his life fiercely, criticising anyone who dared interfere.
«Everyone, dig in!» Emily announced. «Starters are served, main course in half an hour.»
«Whats for the main?» Margaret asked, taking her usual seat at the head of the table.
«Peking duck,» Emily kept her tone neutral. «And potato gratin.»
«Duck?» Margaret pursed her lips. «You *know* I cant have spices. And serving heavy duck in this heat? A light chicken salad wouldve been better.»
«Its not spicy, Mum,» Daniel cut in. «Emily made the sauce without pepper.»
A lieEmily shot him a grateful look. For once, he was on her side, even if it meant fibbing.
«Also,» Emily added, «I made you plain steamed chicken breast. Completely diet-friendly.»
«Thank you,» Margaret feigned gratitude. «But steamed chickens so *dull*. You couldve put in more effort for guests.»
«Margaret,» William said gently, «Emilys gone to a lot of trouble. Lets just enjoy the evening, shall we?»
Margaret shot him a glare but stayed quiet. Tom raised his glass to lighten the mood.
«A toast to the newlyweds! To Mum and Williamhappiness and many years together!»
Glasses clinked. Conversation flowed, and the mood lifted. William was a brilliant storyteller, full of travel tales. Even Margaret seemed to thaw, criticising less.
«Time for the main course,» Emily announced later.
In the kitchen, she plated the duck with care, garnishing it with herbs and orange slices. It looked stunningshe *had* put love into this, even if Margaret wouldnt appreciate it.
Back in the dining room, Margaret was boasting about her and Williams new flat.
«…spacious, park views. William insisted on renovationsturned out *lovely*. Much nicer than here,» she added, eyeing Emilys living room critically.
«Our place suits us fine,» Daniel said. «Emily picked the decorI like it.»
«Of course,» Margaret patted his arm. «Itll do for a young family. But youll want something more… *substantial* someday.»
Emily clenched her jaw but stayed silent. She set the duck on the table to murmurs of praise.
«Looks amazing!» William said sincerely.
«Smells divine,» Lucy agreed.
Even Margaret conceded, «It *looks* alright. Well see about the taste.»
Emily served everyone, giving Margaret her plain chickenplated just as beautifully.
«Mmm, brilliant!» Tom was the first to try the duck. «Em, youve outdone yourself!»
«Absolutely delicious,» William agreed. «Margaret, you should ask Emily for the recipe.»
«Im allergic to duck,» Margaret sniffed, poking her chicken. «And this is *bland*. Needs more salt.»
«Mum,» Daniel said evenly, «the doctor said no salt.»
«But its *flavourless*!» Margaret huffed. «Herbs, spices*something*. This tastes like rubber!»
Emilys face burned. Shed tried so hardstill, it wasnt enough.
«Margaret,» she said calmly, «I followed the doctors orders. No spices, minimal salt. If youd like something else»
«Dont bother,» Margaret waved her off. «Id rather not eat. Health comes first.»
An awkward silence fell. Henry, sensing tension, asked,
«Gran, are you *really* moving? What about us?»
«Well see each other often, love,» Margaret assured him. «Youll visit me and William. Weve got a room just for you.»
«Why do I need a room?» Henry frowned. «Ive got one here.»
«For when you *stay*, darling,» Margaret said patiently. «Maybe for long visits. William could teach you chess, show you his minerals…»
«But I dont *want* long visits,» Henry said stubbornly. «I want to live with Mum and Dad.»
«Of course you do, sweetheart,» Emily cut in. «Youll always live with us. Visiting Gran will be *your* choice.»
«Emily,» Margarets voice turned icy, «dont interrupt. Im speaking to my grandson.»
«Sorry,» Emily kept her tone steady, «but this is *my* son. I have a right to be part of the conversation.»
«*Your* son?» Margaret straightened, eyes flashing. «Let me remind you, Henry is a *Harris*. He carries *our* family name, and as the matriarch, I have every right to decide how hes raised.»
«Mum,» Daniel warned, «lets not»
«Oh, we *will*!» Margaret raised her voice. «Six years Ive watched you ruin my grandson with your modern parenting! No routine, no discipline! Seven years old and he can barely read!»
«Henry reads *perfectly*!» Emily snapped. «Hes top of his class!»
«Thanks to *whom*?» Margaret shot back. «Who helps with homework? Takes him to piano lessons?»
«Actually, *me*,» Emily said quietly. «Every day.»
«Only because I *make* you!» Margaret slammed the table. «Otherwise, youd be glued to your phone! Typical modern mother!»
«Margaret!» Emily stood, hands shaking. «Youve crossed a line!»
«Love, calm down,» William tried. «Youre being unfair.»
«Quiet, William!» Margaret snapped. «You dont know what goes on when Im not here. But things are changing. Our new flat has three bedroomsplenty of space. Henry will live with us. Most of the time, at least.»
«*What?*» Emily gasped. «Youre taking my *son*?»
«Im giving him *proper* upbringing!» Margaret stood too. «And you… youre *not* the lady of this house anymore, understand? From today, *Im* in charge!»
Silence. Even Daniel, always on his mothers side, looked stunned.
«Mum,» he finally said, «you cant just *take* Henry. Hes *our* son. Mine and Emilys.»
«Daniel,» Margaret softened her tone, «you know I only want whats best. But your wife… shes failing. Admit it!»
«*Failing?*» Emilys voice broke. «I work full-time, keep this house running, raise our son, cook these bloody meals you *still* criticise! What more do you want?!»
«Em, calm down,» Daniel reached for her, but she pulled away.
«No, Dan, *enough*! Six years Ive put up with this. Six years trying to please your mother. And for what? Insults in front of guests? Threats to take my child?»
«Nobodys taking Henry,» Daniel started, but Emily cut him off.
«Then what did she *mean*? ‘Youre not the lady of this house’? ‘Im in charge’? Explain that!»
Margaret folded her arms. «I just want my grandson raised properly. Youre clearly not up to it. Look at youshouting in front of him, making a scene…»
Something in Emily snapped. Years of resentment, criticism, being underminedit all boiled over. Slowly, she untied her apron and laid it on the table.
«Choose, Dan. Right now. Your mother and her ‘being in charge,’ or me and our family. Theres no middle ground.»
«Em, dont do this,» Daniel looked stricken. «Lets all calm down»
«I *am* calm,» Emily saidand she was. The anger had turned to icy clarity. «Im waiting.»
Tom and Lucy exchanged uncomfortable glances. William studied his wife with something like disappointment. Henry, frightened, sniffled in the corner.
«Dan,» Margaret touched his arm, «dont let her manipulate you. Were *family*. Bloods thicker than water.»
«Yes, Mum,» Daniel said firmly, shaking her off. «We *are* family. Me, Emily, and Henry. And I need you to apologise to my wife.»
Margaret recoiled. «*Apologise?* For what?»
«For what you said,» Daniel took Emilys hand. «This is *our* home. Emilys in charge here. And *no one*not you, not anyonegets to dictate how we live or raise our son.»
Emily stared at him. In six years, hed *never* stood up to Margaret like this.
«Daniel!» Margaret gasped. «Youre choosing *her* over your own mother?»
«Im choosing my *family*,» he said evenly. «And if you want to be part of it, youll respect my wife. Otherwise… well have to see less of you.»
Margaret looked around, but found no supportonly uneasy or disapproving stares. Even William seemed disappointed.
«Fine,» she finally hissed. «I see where Im not wanted. William, were leaving.»
«Margaret, maybe you *should* apologise?» William suggested gently. «You *were* unfair to Emily.»
«You too?» Margaret grabbed her purse. «Traitors, all of you! Tom, are you coming or staying with *them*?»
Tom coughed. «Actually, Mum, Lucy and I were staying for dessert. Emily made a special cheesecake…»
The final blow. Margaret stormed out, tossing over her shoulder, «Ill call you tomorrow, Daniel. When everyones *sensible*.»
The door shut. Silence. Then Emily knelt by Henry.
«Come here, sweetheart.»
He rushed into her arms. «Its okay, love. Grans just upset, but she loves you. And *no ones* taking you away, promise.»
Henry wiped his nose. «Really? I stay with you?»
«Always,» Daniel ruffled his hair. «Were a team. Visiting Grans just for fun, yeah?»
Henry nodded, calming down.
«Right then,» Emily turned to the guests. «Who wants cheesecake?»
Tom and Lucy grinned in relief. The tension dissolved.
Later, after everyone left and Henry was asleep, Emily and Daniel sat at the kitchen table, sipping tea.
«Thank you,» Emily said softly. «For having my back.»
«Shouldve done it years ago,» Daniel admitted. «Its just… hard to push back when youre raised to always give in. Especially to your mum.»
«I get it,» Emily squeezed his hand. «But today? You were the head of *our* family. Not hers.»
«Dyou think shell ever forgive us?» Daniel asked quietly.
«She will,» Emily said confidently. «Might take time, but she will. Especially once she sees her tricks dont work anymore.»
«So what now?» Daniel sighed. «We just… keep our distance?»
«No,» Emily shook her head. «We set *boundaries*. Clear ones. Your mums still family, but she respects our rules. And Ill respect herproperly.»
Daniel smiled, squeezing her hand. «Yknow… Im almost glad this happened. Feels like a weights lifted.»
«Me too,» Emily admitted. «Six years dreading this, and its what we *needed*. Sometimes youve got to hit rock bottom to clear the air.»
They talked for hours, relearning each other. Something had shifted tonightsomething broken, but also something stronger growing in its place.
The next morning, William called. Margaret wanted to apologise, he said, whenever they were ready.
But thats another story.
