Take off your wedding ring, my daughter needs it more, demanded Margaret at the family dinner.
James slammed his fingers on the table, his nerves visible. We cant keep putting this off, Emily! Either you see a doctor or Ill book an appointment for you myself, he said, his irritation barely concealed.
Emily ran her hand through her hair, sighing. Dont start again. Its only been three months. The doctor said we should wait six months before getting worried.
Three months? James scoffed. Weve been married two years. Two! And still nothing. My mother asks every day when shell have grandchildren.
Emily turned toward the cupboard, pretending to look for something. Talk of children always ended in a fight. She wanted a baby too, but nothing was happening, and her motherinlaws pressure only made it worse.
Speaking of your mother, she changed the subject, dont forget theyre arriving for dinner tomorrow. We need to shop for groceries.
Ive already bought everything, James grumbled. Mother asked for roast duck with apples, like at Christmas. She said your cooking is what she misses most.
Emily managed a faint smile. At least James appreciated her culinary skills, unlike Margaret, who could find fault in everything Emily did.
Will Lucy be coming as well? Emily asked, referring to Jamess younger sister.
Of course. And shes not coming alone, James brightened. Mum says shes got a new boyfriend a serious one, a doctor.
Emily felt a flicker of envy. Lucy was twentytwo and already on her third serious relationship this year. Margaret constantly compared her to Lucy beautiful, brilliant, with a soaring career while Emily, at thirty, still had no children and no remarkable work achievements.
Lena, Im sorry, James said, slipping his arms around her shoulders from behind. I didnt mean to pressure you. Im just worried.
I know, she placed her hand over his. Itll be fine. Ill make your favourite duck tomorrow and everyone will be happy.
He kissed her cheek and drifted to the living room to watch the match, leaving Emily in the kitchen, mentally listing everything that needed to be done for the next day: washing the festive china, ironing the tablecloth, polishing the silverware Margaret would spot any slipup. She also had to decide what to wear: elegant but not over the top. No matter how hard Emily tried, Margaret always found something to nitpick.
The next morning Emily rose before James. He was still asleep, so she slipped out of bed quietly, determined not to wake him. The day ahead promised endless preparations.
By three oclock the flat gleamed, the duck was roasting, filling the house with a mouthwatering aroma, and the table was set as if for distinguished guests rather than just relatives. Emily examined herself in the mirror: a navy dress with a high collar slimmed her figure, light makeup freshened her complexion. On her finger glimmered a platinum wedding band with a modest diamond a modest but elegant family heirloom.
You look stunning, James said, wrapping his arms around her from behind. As always.
Thank you, she replied, trying to steady her nerves. I hope your mother likes the dinner.
She will, he winked. No one can resist your duck.
The doorbell rang precisely at five. Margaret was never late.
My dears! she exclaimed, entering and planting a kiss on Jamess cheek. She offered Emily only a perfunctory handshake. Ive missed you both!
Following her was Robert, Jamess father a tall, silverhaired gentleman with a kindly smile. He hugged Emily and whispered, It smells amazing, love. My mouth is watering.
Emily returned his smile gratefully; she always got along with him.
Wheres Lucy? James asked, helping his parents with their coats.
Shell be here a bit later, Margaret said, scanning the hallway. Shes with Arthur. Theyre delayed at the clinic.
Arthur? Emily asked.
Her fiancé, Margaret announced proudly. A neurosurgeon. Very promising!
James looked surprised. Mum, you never mentioned they were engaged
Its not official yet, Margaret waved it off. But its only a matter of time. Hes hinted at proposing.
Emily caught her fatherinlaws eye, which rolled just slightly, as if signaling that his wife was stretching the truth.
Come into the sitting room, Emily offered. Ill set the table. James, could you help me, please?
In the kitchen she exhaled and began arranging the appetizers. James uncorked a bottle of wine.
Dont mind Mum, he said. She always exaggerates when she talks about Lucy.
I know, Emily forced a smile. Its fine. Just help with the salads.
Half an hour later Lucy arrived a brightblonde with a fashionable cut and flawless nails. At her side stood a tall darkhaired man in his midthirties, dressed in a crisp suit.
Hello everyone! Lucy chirped, hugging her brother. This is Arthur. Arthur, this is my brother James, his wife Emily, and you know the rest.
Its a pleasure, Arthur shook Jamess hand and nodded at Emily. Thanks for having us.
This is a tradition, Emily said. Family dinner once a month.
A wonderful tradition, Arthur agreed. Family is what matters most.
Margaret beamed at her daughter and her guest. See, James? Even younger Lucy has found a worthy match. Arthur heads the neurosurgery department, by the way.
Lucy rolled her eyes. Were just dating, Mum. Stop fawning over him.
Nothing at all, Margaret patted Lucys hand. I can see the way you look at each other. Meanwhile, Emily and James have been married two years with no nest or children.
Mum! James interjected. Weve talked about this already.
What did I say? Margaret feigned innocence. Just stating facts.
Conversation drifted to news, politics, and recent family happenings. The duck with apples was a hit; even Margaret praised it. Emily relaxed a little, hoping the evening would pass without drama. But her hopes were soon shattered.
When dessert homemade tiramisu was served, Lucy suddenly clutched her finger.
Whats wrong? Arthur asked.
My ring is digging in, she complained, sliding a thin gold band with a tiny stone off her finger. I think my finger swelled from the heat.
Margaret seized the ring, turning it over. Thats cheap jewellery! Lucy, you deserve better.
Its a gift, Lucy tried to take it back, but Margaret held on.
From whom? Margaret demanded.
From a colleague, Lucy replied reluctantly. For my birthday.
From Kyle? Margaret narrowed. I thought youd moved on from that scoundrel.
Mum, hes not a scoundrel, hes a good friend, Lucy protested.
Margaret sniffed and turned to Arthur. Ignore him, dear. Lucy had a bad fling, but she realised he wasnt right for her.
Arthurs expression tightened; he clearly didnt know about the good friend. Margaret noticed and tried to smooth things over.
Emily does the right thing by not wearing cheap baubles, she said, pointing at Emilys hand. She has a proper ring, as a married woman should.
Emily instinctively crossed her left hand over her right, as if guarding the ring. She disliked Margarets meddling.
James put a lot of thought into choosing it, Margaret continued nostalgically. I remember how he consulted us, showing catalogues
Its actually a gift from my parents, Emily corrected quietly. A family heirloom.
A tense silence fell. Margarets lips pressed into a thin line.
So thats why? she finally said. I thought James bought it.
Emilys right, Mum, James interjected. Its from her parents. They really wanted her to wear it. It means a lot to them.
Very sweet of them, Margaret said, though displeased. In our family we have traditions too. I, for example, wore my motherinlaws ring and hoped one day to pass it to Jamess wife.
Never heard of that, Robert muttered, ignored by his wife.
And Lucy could use a good ring now, Margaret added, shifting her gaze between her daughter and Emily. Especially with such a serious boyfriend.
Emily froze, realizing where this was heading. It was too much even for her.
Do you want me to give my wedding ring to Lucy? she asked directly.
Why not hand it over now? Margaret feigned offense. Just lend it temporarily. She might soon be engaged and needs to look proper. Youre married, you dont need to wear something so expensive every day.
A heavy silence settled over the table. Emily felt heat rise to her cheeks, Lucy blushed, Arthur looked uncomfortable. Only Margaret remained composed, as if unaware she was crossing a line.
Emily stood slowly. Excuse me, I need to check the dessert, she said, her voice shaking, and slipped into the kitchen.
She leaned against the fridge, trying to steady her trembling hands. Six years with James had taught her to expect his mothers antics, but tonights demand was beyond anything shed endured. Asking her to part with a family heirloom for a sisterinlaw who might not even be serious? It was absurd.
The kitchen door opened and Jamess father entered.
Sorry for her, love, he whispered to Emily. Margarets always a bit eccentric, especially when Lucys involved.
This isnt eccentric, Robert, Emily replied, shaking her head. Its disrespectful to me, my parents, and our marriage.
I know, Robert said, guilt in his eyes. Ill talk to her. Dont take it to heart, alright?
Emily gave a weak nod, though she knew no conversation would change Margaret. She retrieved the tiramisu and began plating it.
James entered the kitchen then.
Emily, how are you? he asked without meeting her eyes.
Exactly how you think, she replied quietly. Your mother just demanded I give my wedding ring to your sister, and you said nothing.
I understand, he sighed, rubbing his neck. You know how she is. Its easier to let it pass.
Let it pass? Emily stared at him, disbelief evident. This isnt a passing comment. Its a direct demand to surrender something precious. And you pretend its nothing?
No, of course not, he stepped closer, trying to embrace her, but she pulled away. I just dont want a scene. Lets finish the evening and Ill speak to her seriously later.
Remember the last time? And the time before that? Emily sneered. You promise to talk, yet nothing changes.
Lena he began.
Know what, she said, setting the dessert trays on a trolley, take the dessert yourself. I think Ill lie down. My head hurts.
She left the kitchen, keeping her posture straight. Passing the living room she nodded to the guests, Sorry, Im not feeling well. James will bring the dessert. Enjoy.
She closed her bedroom door firmly.
An hour later the guests were departing, their muffled farewells hinting at the tension that had built. When the door clicked shut, silence settled over the flat.
James knocked softly on the bedroom door. Lena, may I come in?
She didnt answer. He peeked inside to find her seated on the edge of the bed, staring out the window.
Did they leave? she asked without turning.
Yes, James sat beside her. Lucy apologized for her mother. Arthur did too. They were both mortified.
And you? Emily asked, finally turning to face him. Did you feel mortified?
Absolutely, he admitted, lowering his head. I should have stopped her. Said something.
But you didnt, Emily said, as she always did. Just as usual.
I didnt know what to do, James confessed. You know how she is. If I argue, it only gets worse.
Worse? Emily laughed bitterly. Your mother publicly humiliated me, demanded I hand over a family heirloom, and you stayed silent. As always.
She rose and walked to the window.
You know, she said, watching the evening lights of the city, I keep wondering what comes next. One day we might have a child and your mother will decide how to raise it. Will you stay quiet then too?
Lena, dont dramatise, James said, putting his arms around her from behind. She just loves Lucy a little too much, wants the best for her.
At our expense? Emily snapped. That isnt love, James. Its selfishness. And you enable it by staying mute.
They faced each other, and Emily finally saw that James would never stand up to his mother. He would always excuse her, always avoid conflict, always put her comfort above her feelings.
Im tired, James, she whispered. Im tired of fighting windmills. Six years Ive tried to belong to your family, but your mother will never let me in. Never.
What are you saying? fear flickered in his eyes.
Emily looked at her wedding band. The tiny diamond caught a streetlamps glow, sparkling like a tear.
Im saying we need to think seriously about our future, she replied. About whether there is a future for us together.
Jamess face went pale. Lena, you dont
I dont know, she admitted honestly. But today I realised one thing you will never defend me against your mother. I cant live like that.
She slipped the ring off and placed it on the nightstand.
Im going to my parents for a few days. I need to think.
Lena, please, James grabbed her hand. Lets talk. I promise Ill change. Ill speak to Mum, explain
Youve promised that many times, Emily said sadly. Nothing ever changes. It wont now.
She freed her hand and began gathering her things. James sat by the window, unsure what to say, watching her leave. Deep down he knew she was right. His mother had crossed every boundary, and he had let her.
When Emily closed the door behind her, James lowered himself onto the bed. The wedding band glimmered on the nightstand a silent rebuke of his weakness, a reminder of the promise he could not keep.
He picked it up, feeling the cold metal in his palm. It wasnt too late to make things right, to convince Emily to stay, but it would require a real decision to finally say no even to his own mother.
The lesson was clear: love that asks you to abandon yourself is not love at all; true strength lies in protecting the ones you cherish, even when it means standing alone against family.
