“Galia keeps raving about your house. Id like to see what youve wasted so much money on,” sneered Margaret with a haughty smile.
For four long years, Olivia and Victor had poured their sweat into building a two-storey countryside home. Every spare moment went into renovations, and at last, after years of hard work, the family finally moved in.
With their three children, Olivia and Victor settled into their new home, looking forward to a happy family life. Everything would have been perfectwere it not for Victors mother, Margaret, who had always dismissed the construction as a foolish waste of money.
The moment they moved, relatives lined up to visit and admire the house. Within two months, everyone had dropped byexcept Margaret. Relatives and friends couldnt stop gushing over the place, and of course, word eventually reached her.
“Victor and Olivias home is like something out of a fairytale!” praised Margarets own sister. “Have you seen it?”
“Not yet. Been busy,” Margaret replied, feigning indifference.
That evening, unable to resist, she texted her son demanding photos.
“Galia keeps raving about your house. I want to see what youve splashed so much cash on,” she repeated, that smug smile in her voice.
Without a second thought, Victor sent her a few snapshots. The moment she saw them, Margarets disapproval was instant.
“Funny how no ones invited me yet. The whole familys been, but not me…”
“Maybe because you called the whole project nonsense?” Victor reminded her.
“Oh, must you bring that up now? Let bygones be bygones,” she snapped, forcing a laugh.
“And a fool never learns,” Victor shot back.
To shift focus, Margaret steered the conversation back to the house.
“Text me the address. Im coming over,” she demanded.
Victor obliged, and the very next day, Margaret arrived unannounced.
Olivia, unaware of her mother-in-laws sudden visit, was stunned.
“Victor, why didnt you warn me?” she asked, shooting him a look.
“Didnt think shed turn up this fast,” he admitted, equally surprised.
Margaret had brought gifts for the grandchildrenthree chocolate bars picked up on the way. Olivia noticed but wasnt shocked. Margaret had never been one for bonding with the kids.
She scrutinised the house inside and out, her face betraying clear dissatisfaction. Victor couldnt pinpoint the issueuntil later, over champagne at the dinner table.
“Why should I live like a pauper in a flat while this madam queens it up in a mansion?” Margaret blurted out.
“Whats wrong with your flat? We sold your old one-bedder, chipped in, and got you a two-bedroom. Plus, I send you £200 every month. Hardly a paupers life,” Victor retorted, stung by her ingratitude.
“You think Im not grateful? I am! But I want a house too!”
“Mum, this was our familys dream. Whats it got to do with you?”
“What do you mean? I gave birth to you, raised you! Dont I deserve luxury? Why wasnt I invited?”
Olivia, overhearing, sighed. “Victor, shes just jealous. All she cares about is feeling superior.”
Victor glanced at his wife, knowing she was right, yet guilt gnawed at him.
“Mum, this house is ours. Youve got a good flat. Be reasonable.”
“A good flat? Let your wife live there then! Ill take this place!”
Olivias patience snapped.
“See how she repays us? Constant demands, insults, belittling my role…”
Margaret scoffed, rolled her eyes, and reached for more champagne.
Victor led her outside for a frank talk.
“Mum, your pressure and bitterness are exhausting. Youre not a warm grandmother, and the kids avoid you. Living together? Out of the question.”
“Bad grandmother, am I? Or maybe you cant control your wife?”
“Listen. This house is our happiness. I wont let you ruin it.”
“Me, ruin it? Thats your wifes doing, isnt it? No one cares about my feelings here! Everyones blameless except me!” Margaret glared, biting her lip. “Message received!” she spat before calling a cab.
Half an hour later, she stormed out without a goodbye.
Their relationship never recovered. Margaret refused to forgive him for prioritising his family over her.
A month later, she called Victor in a rage. Shed decided to sell her flat and buy a houseonly to discover the property was in his name.
“Cheated me! Sold the old place, put this one in your name! Left me with nothing!”
“Maybe because I paid most of it? Think I had the right?”
“Greedy, the lot of you!” she shrieked before slamming the phone down.
After that, silence. All Victors attempts to reach her were ignored.
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