Im sorry, Victor dear, for the harsh words, the wouldbe motherinlaw rushed, her voice trembling. I didnt mean them out of spite. Perhaps you could swing by sometime? Victors still alone after you left, having never found his own path. Hes lost in video games
Emily and Victor had been a couple for almost two years. To Emily their relationship felt serious: she spent many evenings in the Harper household, where she was received politely, if not warmly. She believed they had a solid future. Victor, though a little frivolous, possessed a charm and a drive that seemed to promise ambition.
The idyll shattered the day Victor failed his crucial English exam. His negligence during the lockdownspending endless hours on games and neglecting his studieshad put him on the brink of expulsion.
In the midst of the crisis Emily could no longer hold back. She turned to Victors mother and said sharply:
I dont need a man who accomplishes nothing. I need a selfsufficient partner. Im not going to be anyones housemaid; we should share the chores and the earnings!
The words hung in the air, instantly throwing their future into doubt.
Margaret took the remark as a personal affront. She had spent her whole life supporting her husband and son, believing her role was to care, not to demand results. Now she expected Emily to behave exactly as she had.
Oh, really? She wont be a maid, will she? A womans first duty is to keep the hearth warm, and the man is the head of the house! Margaret snapped.
Emily stayed silent, unwilling to add fuel to the fire. From then on the door was closed to her. Their communication dwindled to secret messages, occasional phone calls, and brief meetings in neutral cafés. Victor suffered from the distance, but instead of honesty he fell back on manipulation.
Emily, we have to talk to my mother, Victor pressed over the phone. You need to tell her you dont 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. These are your problems, not mine. Why should I bend?
Because you love me and I love you. Its the only way to fix everything. If you dont, well lose each other forever
With a heavy heart, Emily agreed. For love she was ready to take the humiliating step of confronting a strangers mother.
When Emily arrived, Victor let her into the hallway. At that moment his father descended the stairs:
Victor, whats this girl doing here? he barked.
Victor froze. Emily felt the blood drain from her face. The question sounded as if he were asking about a random acquaintance, not his beloved.
Dad, Emily, we were Victor began, but his father cut him off:
I see who she is. Get her out!
From the living room his mother emerged:
Whos making a racket? Victor, whos with you?
Ignoring Emily, his father spat:
The one who taught you how to live.
Emily realised she was unwelcome. Anger and shame surged, pushing her into instinct.
Im leaving, and you can stay, you pathetic, motherloving whelp! she hissed, slamming the door shut with a deafening clang.
Victor stood frozen, unable to intervene.
The moment she stepped out of the building, her phone rang. Victors voice was not remorseful, only fury:
Why did you say that?! Youve ruined everything!
What have I ruined? Your father just turned me into a callgirl!
It doesnt matter who he placed me with! You caused a scene! Now Mums furious, and Dad wants me to stay away from you!
He then delivered the final blow:
And you know whats the worst part? I wont be allowed to sit at the computer any more.
Emily felt hurt melt into cold resolve.
You blame me for not being able to play games? Your familys problems are yours to sort out, not mine. You should have dealt with them yourself instead of making me the scapegoat.
It was clear he hadnt changed. He remained the same immature lad, always hunting for someone to blame. He never defended her.
I cant put up with this any longer, Victor. Were done. This is the end! Emily declared, blocking him on every platform. The breakup was abrupt but necessary. His familys curse was his burden, not hers.
A year later Emily had healed and started a new chapter. She met a man named Daniel; after three months they were planning a wedding.
One afternoon she ran into Margaret Harper in a shop.
Emily! My dear, hello! Margaret rushed to her, arms outstretched.
Emily startled.
Good afternoon
Margaret embraced her, bombarding her with questions:
Its been ages! How are you? Hows life treating you? Its a shame you and Victor split. Hes gone mad with his games! He wont work, just sits in front of the screen. When you were together he seemed more responsible Do come over sometime!
Im sorry, Margaret, Im busy. Work, home
Margaret glanced at the ring on Emilys finger.
Whats that? Are you married?
No, were only engaged. The wedding will be this summer.
Instantly, the feigned warmth drained from Margarets face.
Ah, thats why! So youre off the market. Good thing Victor left you! We dont need someone like you!
Emily shrugged and turned toward the shelves. In a way Margaret was rightshe was glad to have escaped Victors hold. It was just a pity shed wasted so much time on him.
