Sophie, you have no right to speak to us like that! Emily shot up from her chair, cheeks burning with indignation. Daniel and I are adults, and well decide how to live our lives!
Adults? The older woman curled her lip in disdain. More like children playing house! Renting a flat, no car between you, salaries barely enough to scrape by. And now youre talking about children?
Daniel sat with his head bowed, as if hoping to vanish from the crossfire between his wife and mother. What had begun as a peaceful family dinner had, once again, become a battlefield.
Mum, we were just sharing our plans, he finally interjected. Were not asking for money or help.
As if you could! Sophie threw up her hands. Barely a penny to your names, and already dreaming of a baby! Wholl feed it? Clothe it? Raise it?
Emily felt a lump rise in her throat. Three years of marriage, and every visit to her mother-in-law felt like an ordeal. Every decision was criticised, every step judged. But today, Sophie had outdone herself.
Well manage, Emily said quietly, steadying her voice. Were hardly the first couple to raise a child in a rented flat.
Oh, of course youll manage! Sophies tone turned venomous. Especially since youve always got your favourite solutionselling something valuable. Why not your parents house? Its just sitting empty, isnt it?
The blow landed hard. Emilys parents had died in a car crash three years ago, leaving her a modest two-bedroom house in the suburbs. Shed refused to sell it, despite their strugglesit was her last tangible connection to them.
Mum! Daniel stood abruptly. Thats too far.
Too far? Sophie feigned innocence. Im just saying your Emily here is no stranger to parting with heirlooms. Or have you forgotten how she sold her grandmothers gold earrings to pay for your honeymoon? Such extravagance!
Emily bit her lip. Yes, shed sold those earringsher choice, her sacrifice. But that holiday had been worth every penny: a week by the sea, just the two of them, free from prying eyes and unsolicited advice.
We should go, Emily said, rising to gather her things. Thank you for dinner, Sophie.
Running off already? Sophie sighed dramatically. But I made Daniels favourite treacle tart.
Another time, Emily said firmly, fighting back tears.
In the hallway, as Daniel helped her into her coat, Sophie called out: Emily, let me see your wedding ring. I havent had a proper look in ages.
Emily frowned but handed over the slender gold band.
No, take it off, Sophie insisted. I want to check the hallmark.
Reluctantly, Emily removed the ring. Sophie examined it, held it to the lightthen clenched it in her fist.
This was my mothers, she said coldly. A family heirloom. I gave it to Daniel for the proposal, but clearly, that was a mistake.
What? Emilys stomach dropped. Daniel, tell her
But Daniel stood frozen, staring between them.
Mum, give it back, he finally choked out. It belongs to Emily now.
No, darling. Sophie slipped the ring into her dressing gown pocket. Family treasures stay in the family. Ill give it to the daughter-in-law who truly belongsnot one who puts herself first.
Tears spilled down Emilys cheeks. Three years of trying to win this womans approval, three years of enduring her barbsand now, this.
Daniel, she whispered, voice shaking. Say something.
He stood pale and helpless, utterly unprepared.
Mum, give it back, he repeated weakly. This isnt right.
Not right? Sophie sneered. Whats not right is a wife turning her husband against his mother. Dragging him into poverty instead of living here, where he belongs. Planting ideas of a child you cant afford!
Enough! Emilys fear dissolved into pure, white-hot rage. Daniel, Im leaving. Now. Choose: come with me or stay.
She flung open the door without looking back. Her heart pounded. Was this the end? Would their marriage shatter against Sophies unyielding will?
Daniel caught her on the landing, grabbing her wrist.
Emily, wait! Lets not be hasty.
Hasty? She whirled on him. Your mother just stole my wedding ring! The symbol of our marriage! And all you could muster was this isnt right?
I was caught off guard, he said, running a hand through his hair. You know how she is. Shell calm down and return it.
Its not about the ring, Daniel. Emily shook her head. Its about her disrespectfor me, for our marriage, even for you. And you let her.
Outside, the October drizzle chilled her face. They boarded the bus in silence. Their rented flata cramped one-bed on the top floor of a pebbledash blockwas a sanctuary, however humble.
At home, Daniel put the kettle on while Emily sank onto the sofa, hugging her knees.
Ill fix this, he promised, touching her shoulder. Ill get the ring back tomorrow.
And if she refuses?
She wont. He forced confidence. If she does, well buy a new one. Better.
Its not about the ring, Emily repeated. Its about every visit, every snide remark. Im tired of proving Im good enough.
Daniel sighed. Shes just set in her ways. Shell come round.
Three years, Daniel. How much longer?
He knelt before her, eyes pleading. Give me one chance to make this right.
Emily studied his face. Maybe, just maybe, this was the wake-up call he needed.
One chance, she agreed. But Im staying with Hannah tonight. I need space.
He nodded, tears in his eyes. Ill prove our family comes first. I promise.
As she packed an overnight bag, Emily paused in the doorway.
The worst part? She thinks Im unworthy of your familys heirloom. Like Im just some… temporary fling.
Thats not true, Daniel said fiercely. Ill prove it. To both of you.
On the bus, Emily stared at her bare finger, feeling oddly weightless. Her phone buzzeda text from Daniel: *Ill fix this. I love you.*
She didnt reply. Words meant nothing now. Only actions could mend what Sophie had broken. And this was his last chance to show where his loyalty truly lay.
