“Gloria keeps raving about your houseId love to see what youve wasted so much money on,” said Margaret with a smug smirk.
For four long years, Oliver and Victoria had poured their time and effort 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, Oliver and Victoria settled into their new house, looking forward to a happy family life. Everything would have been perfect if not for Olivers mother, Margaret, who had always dismissed the construction as a foolish waste of money.
As soon as the family moved in, relatives began dropping by to see the place. Within two months, everyone had visitedexcept Margaret. Friends and family couldnt stop admiring the house, and of course, word eventually reached her.
“Ollie and Vickys place is like something out of a fairy tale!” gushed Margarets own sister. “Have you seen it?”
“Not yet, been too busy,” Margaret replied, feigning indifference.
That same evening, unable to resist, she texted her son, demanding photos.
“Gloria keeps praising your houseI want to see what youve splurged on,” she said with that same haughty smile.
Oliver, unsuspecting, sent her a few pictures. The moment she saw them, her disapproval was instant.
“Funny how no ones invited me over. Everyone else has been, but not me”
“Maybe because you called it a waste of time and money?” Oliver reminded her.
“Oh, must you bring that up now? Let bygones be bygones,” she snapped with a nervous laugh.
“And forgetting the past leaves you blind,” Oliver countered sternly.
To shift focus, Margaret turned the conversation back to the house.
“Send me the addressI want to come over,” she demanded.
Oliver obliged, and the very next day, Margaret arrived unannounced.
Victoria, who had no idea her mother-in-law had invited herself, was stunned.
“Oliver, why didnt you tell me?” she asked, shocked.
“Didnt think shed actually show up so soon,” he admitted, equally surprised.
Margaret had brought gifts for the grandchildrenthree bars of chocolate picked up on the way, which Victoria couldnt help but notice. But her behaviour didnt shock Victoria; Margaret had never been particularly fond of the children anyway.
She scrutinised the house inside and out, her displeasure plain on her face. Oliver couldnt pinpoint what exactly she dislikeduntil later, over dinner, after shed downed two glasses of champagne.
“Why should I live like a pauper in a flat while this lady gets to live like a queen in a mansion?” Margaret demanded, stunning Oliver.
“Whats wrong with your flat? We sold your old one-bedder, added money, and bought you a two-bedroom place. Plus, I send you five hundred quid every month. How exactly are you a pauper?” he shot back, furious at her ingratitude.
“You think Im not grateful? I am! But I want a house too!” Margaret ranted.
“Mum, we built this house as a familyour dream home. Whats it got to do with you?”
“How dare you? I birthed and raised youdont I deserve some luxury? Why wasnt I invited?”
Victoria, overhearing this, couldnt stay silent.
“Oliver, its pointless. Shes just jealous of our happiness. All she cares about is feeling superior.”
Oliver glanced at his wife, knowing she was right, yet still guilt-ridden.
“This house is for us, Mum. Youve got a nice flatyoure comfortable there.”
“Comfortable? Then let your wife live thereIll rule here!” Margaret sneered.
Her behaviour was beyond unreasonable. Victoria clenched her fists, resentment boiling over.
“See how she thanks us for our help? Always demanding, criticising, belittling my role in this family”
Instead of replying, Margaret scoffed, rolled her eyes, and reached for more champagne.
Oliver led her outside to the terrace.
“Mum, honestly? Your constant pressure is exhausting. Youre not a warm grandmother, and your attitude makes you unbearable. The kids avoid you. Theres no way youre moving inor taking this house.”
“So Im the villain? Maybe you just cant stand up to your wife!”
“Listen carefully. This house is our familys happinessI wont let you ruin it.”
“Ruin it? Thats your wifes idea, isnt it? No one cares about my feelings here! Everyones innocent except me!” Margaret glared, biting her lip. “Fine, Ive heard enough!” she snapped, calling a taxi in tears.
Half an hour later, she stormed out without a goodbye.
From then on, their relationship grew strained. Margaret refused to forgive him for prioritising his family over her.
A month later, she called Oliver in a rage.
Shed decided to sell her flat and buy a housebut when the sale fell through, she discovered Oliver was the legal owner.
“You tricked me! Sold the old one and put this in your name! Left me with nothing!” she screamed.
“Maybe because I paid most of it? Did I have that right or not?” he shot back.
“Greedy, the lot of you!” she spat, slamming the phone down.
After that, she cut contact entirely, ignoring every attempt Oliver made to reconcile.
