I’m sorry, Victor, for the harsh words I let slip out, the wouldbe motherinlaw rushed, her tone trembling. I didn’t mean them out of spite. Maybe you could drop by sometime? Victors still on his own, ever since you left, and he hasn’t found his way. He’s lost in video games
***
Emily and Victor had been together for almost two years. To Emily, their relationship felt serious: she was a frequent guest in the Hargreaves household, where she was received politely, though without any genuine warmth. She believed they had a solid future. Victor, though a bit carefree, possessed charm and could project determination when he wanted to.
Their idyll shattered when Victor failed his crucial Alevel English exam. His negligence had cost him the grade: during lockdown he spent endless nights glued to the console, neglecting his studies. The threat of being expelled loomed.
In the heat of the crisis Emily could no longer hold back and snapped at Victors mother:
I dont need a man who achieves nothing. I need a selfsufficient partner. I wont be anyones housemaid; I want us to share everything the chores, the bills, the life!
The words hung in the air, instantly casting doubt over their future.
Mrs. Margaret Hargreaves took it as a personal affront. Shed spent her whole life providing for her husband and son, believing her role was to care, not to demand results. Now she expected Emily to behave the same way.
Oh, isnt that something! She doesnt want to be a housemaid. A ladys first duty is to keep the hearth warm! And a manhes the head of the family!
Emily stayed silent, not wanting to fan the flames. From then on the door no longer opened for her. Communication with Victor dwindled to secret messages, rare phone calls, and fleeting meetings in neutral cafés. He suffered from the distance, but instead of honesty he fell back on manipulation.
Emily, we need to talk to my mother, Victor pleaded over the phone. You have to tell her you dont feel that way. Im tired of hiding! Make peace with them, will you?
Why should I prove anything to your mother? She didnt raise me. These are your problems, not mine. Why should I bend?
Because you love me, and I love you. Its the only way to fix this. If you dont, well lose each other forever
With a heavy heart, Emily agreed for love she was ready to take the humiliating step of confronting a strangers mother.
But nothing went as she imagined
When Emily arrived, Victor let her into the hallway. At that moment his father descended the stairs:
Victor, whats that girl doing here? he asked sharply.
Victor faltered. Emily felt the blood drain from her face. The question sounded as if the girl were an unknown visitor, not his beloved.
Dad, Emily, we were Victor began, but his father cut him off:
I see who she is. Shes out!
From the living room, Mrs. Margaret emerged:
Whos making that racket? Victor, whos with you?
Ignoring Emily, the father tossed out:
The very one who taught you how to live.
Emily realised she was unwelcome. Hurt and humiliation surged, driving her to act on instinct.
Im leaving, and you stay, you pathetic, goodfornothing son of a mother! she hissed, storming out, slamming the door behind her.
Victor, stunned, didnt even try to stop her.
As she stepped onto the pavement, her phone rang. Victors voice was not remorseful, only furious:
Why did you say that?! Youve ruined everything!
What have I ruined? Your father just turned me into a callgirl!
It doesnt matter who he turned me into! You started a scene! Now Mum is furious, and Dad wants me to stay away from you!
He paused, then delivered the final blow:
And you know the worst part? I wont even be allowed to sit at the computer any more.
Emily felt the pain turn to cold resolve.
You blame me because you cant play your games? Your familys problems are yours to sort out, not mine. You should have dealt with them yourself instead of making me the scapegoat.
Everything became clear: he hadnt changed. He remained an immature lad, hunting for someone to blame. He never defended her.
I cant put up with this any longer, Victor. Its over! she declared, blocking him on every platform. The break was sharp, but necessary. His familys burden was his, not hers.
A year later Emily had recovered from the split and started a new life. She met a new boyfriend; after three months they were speaking of marriage.
One afternoon she ran into Mrs. Margaret Hargreaves in a shop.
Emily! My dear, hello! the former motherinlaw exclaimed, rushing toward her.
Emily flinched:
Good afternoon
Mrs. Margaret threw her arms around Emily, bombarding her with questions:
Its been ages! How are you? Hows life? I heard you and Victor broke up. Hes gone mad with his games! He wont work, always glued to the screen. When you were together, he was so responsible Come over for tea!
Im sorry, Mrs. Hargreaves, Im busy. Work, home
Mrs. Margaret noticed a ring on Emilys finger:
Whats that? Married already?
No, were only engaged. The wedding will be this summer.
The smile that had once brightened the wouldbe motherinlaws face faded instantly:
Ah, I see! So Victor was right to leave you! We dont need someone like you!
Emily shrugged and turned toward the aisle. Mrs. Margaret was right in one respect: it was good Victor had let her go. Yet she regretted the time shed wasted on him.
