“Gail keeps raving about your house. Id love to see what youve wasted all that money on,” said Margaret with a haughty smirk.
For four long years, Olivia and Victor had poured their efforts into building a two-story country home. Every spare moment went into renovations, and at last, the family finally moved in.
Along with their three children, Olivia and Victor settled into their new home, anticipating years of happiness. Everything would have been perfectif not for Victors mother, Margaret, who had always dismissed the project as a foolish waste of money.
The moment the family moved, relatives eagerly arranged visits to see the house. Within two months, everyone had dropped byexcept Margaret. Friends and family couldnt stop admiring the place, and of course, the news eventually reached her.
“Victor and Olivias house is like something out of a fairy tale!” gushed Margarets own sister. “Have you seen it?”
“Not yet, too busy,” Margaret replied, feigning indifference.
That same evening, unable to resist, she texted her son, demanding photos.
“Gail wont stop praising your house. I want to see what youve blown all that cash on,” she said smugly.
Victor, unsuspecting, sent her a few pictures. The moment she saw them, her disapproval was instant.
“How interesting that no ones invited me yet. The whole familys been, and Im left out.”
“Maybe because you called it a stupid waste of time?” Victor reminded her.
“Oh, must you bring that up? Let bygones be bygones,” she snapped, forcing a laugh.
“And those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it,” Victor countered firmly.
To shift focus, Margaret steered the conversation back to the house.
“Send me the address. Ill drop by,” she ordered.
Victor obliged, and the very next day, she arrived unannounced.
Olivia, who hadnt been told about the call, was stunned by her sudden appearance.
“Victor, why didnt you warn me?” she asked, shooting him a look.
“Didnt think shed come so soon,” he admitted, equally surprised by his mothers haste.
Margaret had brought gifts for the grandchildrenthree chocolate bars picked up on the way. Olivia noticed, though it didnt surprise her. Margaret had never shown much interest in the children.
She inspected the house with a critical eye, her face betraying dissatisfaction. Victor couldnt pinpoint what bothered heruntil dinner, after two glasses of champagne.
“Why should I live like a pauper in a flat while this madam queens it up in a mansion?” Margaret demanded.
“Whats wrong with your flat? We sold your old one-bedder, added funds, and bought you a two-bedroom. Plus, I send you £200 every month. How exactly are you a pauper?” Victor retorted.
“Think Im not grateful? I am! But I deserve a house too!” she shot back.
“Mum, we built this for our family. Whats it got to do with you?”
“Whats it got to do with me? I gave birth to you! Raised you! Dont I deserve luxury? Why wasnt I invited?”
Olivia, overhearing, sighed. “Victor, shes just envious. She only cares about feeling superior.”
Victor glanced at his wife, acknowledging her point, but guilt nagged at him.
“Mum, this house is for us. Youve got a lovely flatyoure comfortable there.”
“Comfortable? Then let your wife live there! Ill take the house!” Margaret sneered.
Her behavior crossed every line. Olivias irritation flared.
“See how she repays our kindness? Constant demands, insults, undermining me”
Margaret snorted, rolling her eyes as she reached for more champagne.
Victor took her aside to the terrace.
“Mum, honestlyyour pressure is exhausting. Youre not a doting grandmother, and the kids avoid you. Living together isnt an option.”
“So Im the villain? Maybe you cant control your wife!”
“Listen carefully. This house is our happiness. I wont let you destroy it.”
“Destroy it? Thats her talking, isnt it? No one cares how I feel! Everyones blameless except me!” Margaret glared, lip trembling. “Message received!” she spat, calling a taxi.
Thirty minutes later, she stormed out without a word.
Their relationship soured. Margaret refused to forgive Victor for prioritizing his family.
A month later, she called, raging. Shed decided to sell her flat and buy a house.
Shed even found buyersuntil she discovered Victor owned the property.
“Cheated me! Sold the old place and put this one in your name!” she shrieked. “Left me with nothing!”
“Maybe because I paid most of it? Dont I have that right?”
“Youve taken everything!” she yelled, slamming the phone down.
She cut contact, ignoring all his attempts to reconcile.
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