Hey love, youve got to hear whats been going on with Emily. She was buttoning up her little boys coat, cheeks clenched, trying not to let the anger spill over. Today was that dreaded visit to her motherinlaws house the one she dreads more than any thing else. Their relationship has felt like a constant battle from the start.
Margaret Harper never really accepted Emily as her son Jamess wife. No matter what Emily did, Margaret could always find a fault, a fresh criticism to throw her way.
Again, Emily? James sighed, watching her tense up. You dont want to go, do you?
Emily let out a bitter laugh.
Are you actually asking me that, James? You know perfectly why I dont want to go!
Her eyes flared.
Shell just keep on nagging, putting me down, saying Im not raising our son properly! As if she doesnt see I work, run the whole house, cook, clean and pay every bill. Im the one holding this family together!
James shrugged.
But youre at home all day, arent you?
Emilys face darkened.
Oh really? You think I just sit around doing nothing? Or that money falls from the sky?
James growled back, I work too, you know. Its not my fault I dont get paid more.
The truth is, Emilys freelance design earnings are about three times what James makes, so shes the main breadwinner.
Cant you go alone? James asked, hoping for a way out.
Its Mothers Day, Emily. You cant just ignore my mum!
She sighed, finished dressing the boy, and two hours later they were standing at Margarets front door.
Inside, Jamess niece Charlotte was already lounging on the sofa. Emily had long noticed Margaret doting on Charlotte, treating her like royalty while barely acknowledging her own grandson. No surprise there Charlottes parents died five years ago and Margaret raised her as her own.
Around them, Margarets sisters were laughing loudly, clinking glasses of wine.
Then, out of the blue, Margaret dropped a bombshell.
Ive made a decision, she announced. Im leaving my flat to Charlotte. James, you already have a home.
James didnt even flinch; he just nodded.
A few days later everything was signed. The flat would belong to Charlotte, but only after Margaret passed away.
Life, however, had other plans. Margaret suffered a sudden stroke that left her paralysed and unable to look after herself.
We need to move in with Mum, James said firmly. She cant stay alone.
A cold dread ran through Emily. She knew what that meant shed have to feed, dress, bathe her, all while still working and caring for their son.
She kept quiet.
Weeks passed and Emilys patience snapped one evening.
James, the flat belongs to Charlotte. Shouldnt she be the one looking after Mum? she exploded.
Charlottes at university, Emily. Shes got a boyfriend. Do you want him moving in here? James retorted.
Emily let out a dry, chilling laugh. James, I cant take this anymore!
He crossed his arms. Oh? So youre already tired?
Her hands shook with fury. Im suffocating! Everything rests on me you, your mother, our child, my job I cant do this any longer!
You work from home, James muttered, halfsmug.
Emilys stare cut sharper than broken glass. And you think I dont work hard?
Her heart pounded. You know what? From now on its your turn to look after your mother.
Its my mum, but its also your motherinlaw! Thats your role! You want me to wash her, maybe? James snapped.
A heavy silence fell.
Emily said calmly, ice in her voice, I owe you nothing.
James chuckled. Then hire a care worker.
Oh? Youll pay for it?
Why should I foot the bill?
Then there wont be any help at all.
She crossed her arms again. Use your mums pension, or your salary.
Jamess face hardened. Then why do I even have a wife?
That was the breaking point. Something inside Emily finally snapped. Everything became blindingly clear James had been using her for years, and Charlotte never even visited her grandmother.
That night Emily lay awake. By morning she knew what she had to do. As soon as James left the house, she packed her sons things, slipped out, and sent a single text before blocking his number: I wont carry this burden alone any longer.
That same evening James stormed back in, furious. Either you come back, or Ill file for divorce!
Emily smiled softly. Go ahead. I was about to.
For the first time James looked genuinely lost. She didnt wait for apologies her decision was set.
A month later the divorce was final. James never said sorry. And Emily? She never regretted walking away.
Six months on, Emily got the news: Margaret had died. Charlotte? She kicked James out without a flicker of remorse. Only then did he realise hed lost everything.
Its amazing how things finally fell into place, isnt it? Just thought youd like to hear the whole saga. Talk soon.
