Forgive me, love, she rushed, her voice trembling, I didnt mean those harsh words. It wasnt spite, I swear.
She was the wouldbe motherinlaw, clutching at the frayed edges of a broken marriage. Maybe youll drop by sometime? James is still alone, still hasnt found his path after you left. Hes lost in video games
***
Emily and James had been together for almost two years. To Emily, the relationship felt serious; she spent many evenings in the Whitmore household, where she was received politely but without warmth. She believed they had a solid future. James, though a bit carefree, possessed charm and a veneer of determination.
Their idyll shattered when James flunked a crucial English exam. His failure was a direct result of his negligence: during the lockdown he buried himself in computer games, abandoning his studies. The threat of expulsion loomed.
In the heat of the crisis, Emily could no longer hold back and told Jamess mother, Margaret, sharply:
I cant stay with a man who achieves nothing. I need a selfsufficient partner. Im not going to be anyones housemaid; we should share the chores and earn the pounds together!
The words hung in the air, instantly casting doubt on their future.
Margaret took the outburst as a personal insult. She had 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, my! She wont be a servant, does she? A womans first duty is to keep the hearth warm! And a manhes the head of the house!
Emily fell silent, unwilling to fuel the argument. After that, the door to the Whitmore home seemed forever closed. Communication with James dwindled to secret messages, occasional calls, and brief meetings in neutral cafés. He suffered from the distance, yet instead of honesty he resorted to manipulation.
Emily, we have to talk to my mother, James urged over the phone. You need to tell her you dont really feel that way. Im tired of hiding. Make peace with my parents, will you?
Why should I prove anything to your mother? She didnt raise me. This is your problem, 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 loves sake she was ready to take the humiliating step of confronting a strangers mother.
But nothing went as she imagined.
When Emily arrived, James let her into the entrance hall. At that moment, a stern voice echoed from the stairs:
James, whats this girl doing here?
James froze. Emily felt the color drain from her cheeks. The question sounded as if the woman standing before him were a random acquaintance, not his beloved.
Dad, Emily, we were James began, but his father cut him off:
I see who she is. Shes out!
From the living room, Margaret stepped forward:
Whos making that racket? Victor, whos with you?
Jamess father, ignoring Emily, spat:
The very one who taught you about life.
Emily realized she was unwelcome. Humiliation and anger surged, driving her instinctive response.
Im leaving, and you stay, you pitiful, motherspooned son! she hissed, storming out and slamming the door behind her.
James, stunned, didnt even try to stop her.
Just as Emily stepped onto the pavement, her phone rang. Jamess voice came through, stripped of remorseonly fury.
Why did you say that? Youve ruined everything!
What have I ruined? Your father just put me in the slot of a callgirl!
It doesnt matter who he put me where! You caused a scene! Now Mum is furious, and Dad wants me to never see you again!
Then came the final blow.
And you know the worst part? I wont be allowed to sit at my computer any longer.
Emily felt the sting of betrayal melt into cold resolve.
You blame me for not being able to game? Your familys problems are yours to sort out, not mine. You should have dealt with them yourself, not dragged me into it.
Everything became clear: he hadnt changed. He remained an infantile lad looking for scapegoats, offering no protection.
I cant put up with this any longer, James. Were done. This is the end, Emily declared firmly. She blocked him on every platform. The breakup was abrupt, but necessary. His familys baggage was his cross, not hers.
***
A year later, Emily had healed and begun a new chapter. She met a new boyfriend; after three months they were already talking about marriage.
One afternoon, while browsing a shop in Manchester, she was surprised by a familiar faceMargaret Whitmore, now calling her Emily dear! with a motherly embrace.
Emily! My dear, how are you? Margaret gushed, arms winding around her.
Emily stiffened.
Hello
Margaret flooded her with questions.
Its been ages! How are you? Hows life? I heard you and James split. Hes gone completely mad with his games! He wont work, just sits at his computer. When you were together, he seemed far more responsible Come over sometime!
Im sorry, Margaret, Im busy. Work, home
Noticing a ring on Emilys finger, Margarets tone turned sly.
Oh? Married already?
No, were only engaged. The weddings this summer.
A cold smile spread across Margarets face.
Well, that explains everything! Good thing James left you! We dont need someone like you around!
Emily shrugged, turning back to the shelves. In that moment, Margarets words rang true: it was perhaps best that James had been cast aside, but a pang of regret lingered for the time wasted on him.
