**Diary Entry**
It all came to a head today. My mother-in-law, Eleanor, made her grand announcement in front of everyone: *»Youre no longer the mistress of this house.»*
Id had enough. «Not in the mood?» I shot back, pulling the marinated duck from the fridge. «This is *my* home, and Ill cook what I please! If Eleanor doesnt like Peking duck, she can have toast!»
James rubbed his temples. *»Charlotte, you know Mum has stomach issues. The doctor said no spices. Was it really so hard to make something plain?»*
«Every single time!» I slammed the dish onto the counter. «Last Christmasnot too salty, Kierans birthdaynothing fried, nownothing spicy! Does anyone ever ask what *I* want? I spent two days prepping this!»
Then seven-year-old Kieran peeked in. *»Mum, Grans here. Uncle Liam and Aunt Sophie too.»*
I took a deep breath. They were early, and I hadnt even changed. The argument with James had already soured the evening. «Go greet them,» I told him. «Ill freshen up and join you.»
James hesitated. *»Charlotte, pleaseno drama tonight. Mum wants to introduce us to her new husband. Its important to her.»*
«I understand,» I said tightly. «Go on, dont keep them waiting.»
Alone, I counted to ten. Eleanor had been a thorn in my side since the day James and I got together. Six years of marriage, and shed never stopped interferinghow to raise Kieran, how to decorate, what to cook. And James, raised on the mantra *»Mum knows best,»* rarely defended me.
*Fine. Todays different,* I told myself. *Be polite. Maybe if Eleanors remarried, shell finally back off.*
I slipped into my dress, touched up my lipstick, and forced a smile as I entered the lounge.
*»Eleanor! Lovely to see you!»* I moved to hug her, but she gave a stiff nod. *»Liam, Sophie, welcome!»*
They smiled warmly. Beside Eleanor stood an unfamiliar mantall, trim, with a neatly groomed silver beard. *Not bad for sixty-five,* I noted. *No wonder shes been dolling herself up.*
*»Meet Charles,»* Eleanor said, resting a hand on his arm. *»My friend.»*
*»Lets be precise, darling,»* he corrected gently. *»Husband, as of two weeks ago. Delighted to meet you all. Eleanors told me so much.»*
James and Liam exchanged startled glances. Clearly, their mothers remarriage was news to them.
*»Congratulations!»* I recovered first. *»Thats wonderful! Please, come to the tableIll bring the starters.»*
Sophie followed me to the kitchen, whispering, *»Blimey! Did you know theyd already tied the knot?»*
*»No idea,»* I said, grabbing plates. *»I think James is shell-shocked.»*
*»Cant blame him,»* Sophie snorted. *»After Dad died, she swore shed never remarry. No man could compare, remember?»*
*»Vividly,»* I said. *»But Im happy for her. Maybe shell finally»* I trailed off.
*»Stop nitpicking you?»* Sophie finished. *»Dont hold your breath. This is Eleanor were talking about.»*
We returned with the starters just as Kieran proudly showed Charles his rock collection. *»This ones from the river when Dad and I went fishing! And thisit looks like a heart!»*
*»It does,»* Charles grinned. *»Youve got a sharp eye, Kieran. I used to be a geologistif your parents say yes, Id love to show you my specimens.»*
I blinked. In six years, Eleanor had *never* let anyone bond with Kieran so easilyshe guarded her role as doting grandmother fiercely.
*»Dinners served!»* I announced. *»The duck will be ready shortly.»*
Eleanors lips thinned. *»Duck? I cant have spice. And in this heat? You couldve made a chicken salad.»*
*»Its not spicy, Mum,»* James lied smoothly. *»Charlotte left out the pepper.»*
I shot him a grateful look. For once, hed taken my sideeven if it was a white lie.
*»And I steamed a plain chicken breast for you,»* I added. *»Extra bland.»*
*»How thoughtful,»* Eleanor said flatly. *»Though chicken breast is hardly festive.»*
*»Eleanor,»* Charles chided gently, *»Charlottes gone to great effort. Lets enjoy the evening, shall we?»*
She glared but stayed quiet. Liam raised his glass. *»A toast! To the newlyweds!»*
The mood lightened. Charles was a brilliant storyteller, and even Eleanor seemed to thawuntil the main course.
*»This is *rubber!*»* she declared, pushing her chicken away. *»No seasoning at all!»*
*»The doctor said»* James began.
*»Health doesnt mean *flavourless!*»* she snapped.
I clenched my fists. Years of biting my tongue boiled over. *»Eleanor, I followed the doctors orders. If youd rather go hungry, thats your choice.»*
The table fell silent. Then Eleanor turned to Kieran. *»Youll visit us often in our new flat, darling. Charles will teach you chess!»*
*»But I live *here,*»* Kieran said, confused.
*»Of course you do,»* I cut in. *»Youll just visit Gran when you want.»*
Eleanors eyes flashed. *»Charlotte, Im speaking to my grandson.»*
*»*My *son,»* I said evenly. *»I have every right to be part of this conversation.»*
*»Your son?»* She drew herself up. *»Hes a *Harrington* first. As matriarch, *I* decide whats best for him!»*
James finally stepped in. *»Mum, thats enough. This is *our* home. Charlotte is his mother, and *we* make the decisions.»*
Eleanor gaped. *»Youre choosing *her* over your own mother?»*
*»Im choosing my family,»* James said firmly. *»If you want to be part of it, youll respect my wife.»*
The room held its breath. Even Charles looked disapproving.
*»Fine,»* Eleanor hissed, snatching her purse. *»Charles, were leaving.»*
*»Eleanor, perhaps an apology»* he started.
*»Traitor,»* she spat. *»Liam? Are you coming?»*
*»Erwell stay for pudding,»* Liam mumbled. *»Charlotte made cheesecake»*
With that, she stormed out.
Later, after Kieran was asleep, James and I sat at the kitchen table, tea in hand.
*»Thank you,»* I whispered. *»For finally standing up to her.»*
*»Shouldve done it years ago,»* he admitted. *»Old habits die hard.»*
*»Think shell forgive us?»*
*»In time,»* I said. *»But we set a boundary tonight. And that changes everything.»*
The next morning, Charles called. Eleanor wanted to apologise. But thats another story.
