Im sorry, James, for the harsh words, the wouldbe motherinlaw blurted, hurrying to make amends. I didnt mean them with malice. Perhaps youll drop by sometime? Victors still on his own, still hasnt found his own path since you left. Hes lost in video games
***
Evelyn Harper and James Clarke had been together for nearly two years. To Evelyn, the relationship seemed serious: she was often welcomed politely, if not warmly, into the Clarke household. She believed they had a solid future. James, though a bit carefree, possessed charm and could appear determined when he wanted to.
Their idyll shattered when James failed a crucial English exam. It was the result of his negligence: during the lockdown he spent countless hours gaming, abandoning his studies. He now faced the threat of expulsion.
In the heat of the crisis Evelyn could no longer hold back and told Jamess mother sharply:
I dont need a man who achieves nothing. I want a selfsufficient partner. Im not going to be anyones housemaid; I want us to share both the chores and the earnings!
Her words hung in the air, instantly casting doubt over their future.
Mrs. Clarke took the remark 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 Evelyn to behave the same way.
Oh, really! She doesnt want to be a housemaid? A womans first duty is to keep the hearth warm, and a man is the head of the household!
Evelyn remained silent, not wanting to fuel the argument. After that, the door was no longer opened for her. Communication with James dwindled to secret texts, occasional calls, and brief meetings in neutral spots. He suffered from the distance, but instead of honesty he resorted to manipulation.
Evelyn, we need to talk to my mother, James insisted on the phone. You have to explain that you dont actually feel that way. Im tired of hiding! Make peace with your parents, 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 things. If you dont, well lose each other forever
With a heavy heart, Evelyn agreed for love she was ready to take the humiliating step of confronting a strangers mother.
But things did not go as she imagined
When Evelyn arrived, James let her into the hallway. At that moment his father descended the stairs:
James, what is that girl doing here? he demanded brusquely.
James froze. Evelyn felt the colour drain from her face. The question sounded as if a random acquaintance, not his sons beloved, stood before him.
Dad, Evelyn, we James began, but his father cut him off:
I see who she is. Shes out!
From the living room, his mother emerged:
Whos making that noise? Victor, whos with you?
Ignoring Evelyn, the father shouted:
The very one who taught you how to live.
Evelyn realised she was not welcome. Humiliation and outrage drove her to act on instinct.
Im leaving, and you stay here, you useless, pampered son! she hissed, storming out and slamming the door loudly.
James, stunned, made no attempt to stop her.
Just as she stepped onto the pavement, her phone rang. Jamess voice was not apologetic it was angry.
Why did you say that?! You ruined everything!
What did I ruin? Your father just put me in the same category as a callgirl!
Whatever you think, it doesnt matter who he put me with! You caused a scene! Now Mum is furious, and Dad wants me never to see you again!
He then delivered the final blow:
And you know the worst part? I wont be allowed to sit at the computer any longer.
Evelyn felt the sting of betrayal turn into cold resolve.
You blame me for not being able to play games? Your familys problems are your problems. You should have dealt with them yourself instead of using me as a scapegoat.
It became clear: he hadnt changed. He remained an immature youth, always hunting for someone to blame. He had offered her no protection.
I cant put up with this any longer, James. Were done. This is the end. she declared firmly.
She blocked him on every platform. The break was sharp but necessary. His familys burden was his to bear, not hers.
A year later Evelyn had recovered from the breakup and started a new chapter. She met a new boyfriend; after three months they were talking about marriage.
One afternoon she ran into Mrs. Margaret Clarke at a shop.
Evelyn! My dear, hello! the former motherinlaw rushed over.
Evelyn tensed:
Hello
Mrs. Clarke embraced her and bombarded her with questions:
Its been ages! How are you? Hows life? Its such a shame you and James split. Hes gone mad with his games! He wont work, always on the computer. When you were together he seemed much more responsible Come over sometime!
Im sorry, Mrs. Clarke, Im busy. Work, home
Mrs. Clarke noticed a ring on Evelyns finger:
Whats that? Are you married?
No, were only engaged. The wedding will be this summer.
The former motherinlaws smile faded instantly:
Ah, I see! So its clear why James left you. We dont need someone like you anyway!
Evelson shrugged and turned back to the shelves. In a way Mrs. Clarke was right: it was fortunate James had let her go. Yet it was a pity she had wasted time on him.
The experience taught Evelyn that love should never demand surrender of ones dignity, and that true partnership is built on mutual respect, not on the approval of strangers. The lesson lingered: ones worth is defined by ones own standards, not by the fickle opinions of others.
