Take off the wedding band, my dear, my daughter needs it more, Margaret demanded at the family dinner.
We cant keep putting this off, Emma! Either you see a doctor or Ill book an appointment for you myself, Michael drummed his fingers on the table, his eyes fixed on his wife with barely concealed irritation.
Dont start again, Emma sighed, running a hand through her hair. Its only been three months. The doctor said we should wait six before getting worried.
Three months? Michael scoffed. Weve been married two yearstwo!and still nothing. My mum asks every day when were going to have grandchildren.
Emma turned away, pretending to look for something in the pantry. Conversations about children always ended in a spat. She wanted a baby too, but nothing was happening, and her motherinlaws constant pressure only made things worse.
Speaking of your mum, Emma changed the subject, dont forget theyre arriving for dinner tomorrow. We need to get groceries.
Ive already bought them, Michael muttered, calming down. Mum asked for roast duck with apples, like we do at Christmas. She said dad misses your cooking.
Emma gave a faint smile. At least Michael appreciated her culinary skills, unlike Margaret, who seemed to find fault in everything Emma did.
Is Lucy coming too? Emma asked, meaning Michaels younger sister.
Of course. And she wont be alone, Michael perked up. Mum says shes got a new boyfriendserious type, a doctor.
Emma nodded, feeling a sting of envy. Lucy was twentytwo and already on her third serious relationship this year. Margaret constantly compared her to Lucy, praising her beauty, intelligence and soaring career, while Emma, at thirty, had no children and no remarkable work achievements.
Sorry, Emma, Michael said, slipping behind her to hug her shoulders. I didnt mean to pressure you. Im just worried.
I know, she placed her hand over his. Itll be fine. Ill make your favourite duck tomorrow and everyone will be happy.
He kissed her cheek and drifted to the living room to watch the football match, leaving Emma in the kitchen to organise the next days tasks: washing the festive china, ironing the tablecloth, polishing the silverwareany slip would be noted by Margaret. She also had to decide what to wear, something elegant but not gaudy. No matter how hard Emma tried, Margaret always found something to nitpick.
The next morning Emma rose earlier than usual. Michael was still asleep, so she slipped out of bed quietly to avoid waking him. A long day of preparation lay ahead.
By three oclock the flat sparkled, the duck was roasting in the oven, filling the house with a mouthwatering aroma, and the table was set as if awaiting distinguished guests. Emma examined herself in the mirror: a navy sheath dress with a high collar trimmed her figure, light makeup freshened her face. On her finger glinted a platinum wedding band with a small diamondsimple yet graceful, a family heirloom.
You look stunning, Michael said, wrapping his arms around her from behind.
Thanks, she replied, trying to calm her nerves. I hope your mum will like the dinner.
Shell love it, he winked. No one can resist your duck.
The doorbell rang at five on the dot. Margaret was always punctual.
My dears! she exclaimed, entering and planting a kiss on Michaels cheek. She offered Emma only a dry handshake. Ive missed you!
Behind her came Edward, Michaels fathera tall, silverhaired gentleman with a kind smile. He embraced Emma and whispered, It smells amazing, love. My mouth is watering.
Emma returned his smile gratefully; she and Edward always got along.
Wheres Lucy? Michael asked, helping his parents with their coats.
Shell be here a bit later, Margaret said, scanning the hallway. Shes with Andrew. Theyre stuck at the clinic.
Andrew? Emma asked.
Her fiancé, Margaret announced proudly. A neurosurgeon. Very promising!
Fiancé? Michael repeated, surprised. Mum, you never mentioned they were engaged.
Its not official yet, Margaret waved it off. But its only a matter of time. Hes hinted at proposing.
Emma caught a glance from Edward, who rolled his eyes slightly, indicating that Margaret was stretching the truth.
Come into the sitting room, Emma suggested. Ill finish setting the table. Michael, could you help me?
In the kitchen she began arranging the starters while Michael uncorked a bottle of red wine.
Dont mind Mum, he whispered. She always blows things out of proportion, especially about Lucy.
I know, Emma forced a smile. Just help with the salads.
Half an hour later Lucy arriveda brightblonde with a chic haircut and flawless manicureaccompanied by a tall darkhaired man in a crisp suit.
Hey everyone! Lucy chirped, hugging her brother. This is Andrew. Andrew, meet Michael and Emma, and of course, the parents.
Its a pleasure, Andrew said, shaking Michaels hand and nodding at Emma. Thanks for having us.
Its a tradition, Emma replied, to have a family dinner once a month.
A wonderful tradition, Andrew agreed. Family is what matters most.
Margaret beamed at Lucy and her companion.
See, Michael? Even Lucy, though younger, has found a worthy match. Andrew runs the neurosurgery department, by the way.
Mom, Lucy rolled her eyes, were just dating. No need to put him on a pedestal.
Dont worry, Margaret patted her hand. I can see how you look at each other. Meanwhile, you twoEmma and Michaelhave been married two years with no nest or children.
Enough, Margaret, Michael interjected. Weve already talked about this.
What I said is just the facts, Margaret said sweetly, feigning innocence.
The conversation drifted to current affairs, politics, and family news. The duck with apples was a hit; even Margaret praised it. Emma relaxed a little, hoping the evening would pass without incident.
When desserta homemade tiramisuwas about to be served, Lucy suddenly clutched her finger.
Whats wrong? Andrew asked.
My ring is rubbing, she complained, removing a thin gold band with a tiny stone. I think my fingers swollen from the heat.
Margaret snatched the ring, turning it over. Thats cheap costume jewellery! You deserve something better, Lucy.
Its a gift, Lucy tried to take it back.
From whom? Margaret demanded.
From a colleague, Lucy replied reluctantly. For my birthday.
From Kyle? Margaret narrowed her eyes. I knew it! Youre still seeing that scoundrel?
Mum, hes a good friend, Lucy protested.
Margaret scoffed and turned to Andrew. Ignore him, dear. Lucy had a bad fling, but she quickly realised he wasnt right for her.
Seeing Andrews discomfort, Margaret seized the moment to criticize Emmas jewellery.
Emmas doing the right thing by not wearing cheap trinkets, she said, pointing at Emmas hand. She has a proper ring, as a married woman should.
Emma instinctively crossed her left hand over her right, as if protecting the band. She didnt like where Margarets comments were heading.
Michael picked that one out, Margaret continued nostalgically. He used to show us catalogues
It was a gift from my parents, Emma corrected quietly. A family heirloom.
An awkward silence fell over the table. Margarets lips pressed into a thin line.
So you see? she finally said. I thought Michael bought it.
Emmas right, Mum, Michael intervened. Its from her parents. They wanted her to wear it.
Very sweet of them, Margaret replied, though her tone hinted dissatisfaction. In our family we have traditions too. I, for instance, wore my motherinlaws ring and hoped one day to pass it on to Emmas husbands wife.
First time Ive heard that, Edward muttered, ignored by his wife.
And Lucy could use a decent ring, especially now that shes in a serious relationship, Margaret added, glancing between Lucy and Emma.
Emma froze, recognising the direction Margaret was steering.
You want me to give my wedding band to Lucy? she asked bluntly.
Why not lend it for a while? Margaret feigned offense. She might soon be engaged and will need to look presentable. Youre married; you dont have to wear such an expensive piece every day.
The room fell into a tense hush. Emma felt heat rise to her cheeks, Lucys embarrassment, Andrews unease, while Margaret remained unnervingly calm.
Im sorry, Lucy finally said. I dont need anyone elses ring.
Its not anyone elses, Margaret snapped. Its a family ring. Take it off, Emma, my daughter needs it more. Look at her fiancé! Hes not a scoundrel, is he?
All eyes turned redEmma from anger, Lucy from shame, Andrew from awkwardnesswhile Margaret kept her composure, oblivious to the boundary shed crossed.
Emma rose slowly.
Im sorry, I need to check the dessert, she whispered, leaving the room.
She leaned against the fridge, trying to steady her shaking hands. Six years with Michael had taught her to expect Margarets outbursts, but tonights demand went beyond anything shed endured.
The kitchen door opened and Michaels father entered.
Sorry about her, Emma, he said quietly. Margaret can be a bit much, especially when Lucys involved.
This isnt a quirk, Edward, Emma replied, shaking her head. Its disrespect to me, to my parents, to our marriage.
I know, he said apologetically, spreading his arms. Ill talk to her. Dont take it to heart, okay?
Emma gave a weak nod, aware that words might not change Margaret. She fetched the tiramisu and began plating it.
Michael appeared in the kitchen.
Emma, how are you? he asked without meeting her eyes.
How do you think? she replied softly. Your mother just demanded I hand over my wedding ring to your sister, and you said nothing.
I know, he said, rubbing his scalp. You know how she is. Its easier to let it slide.
Slide? Emma stared at him, disbelief plain on her face. This isnt a minor remark. Its a direct demand for something I cherish. And you want to pretend it never happened?
No, of course not, he tried to hug her, but she stepped back. I just dont want a scene. Lets finish the evening, and Ill have a serious talk with her later.
Like you said last time? And the time before that? Emma scoffed. You always promise to talk, but nothing changes.
Emma
Carry the desserts yourself, she said, placing the plates on a tray. I think Ill go lie down. My head hurts.
She exited the kitchen, keeping her posture straight. Passing the living room she addressed the guests.
Sorry, Im not feeling well. Michael will bring the dessert. Enjoy.
She closed her bedroom door firmly.
An hour later the guests said their goodbyes, the atmosphere still tense. When the door finally shut, silence settled over the flat.
Michael knocked softly on the bedroom door.
Emma, may I come in?
She didnt answer, so he peeked inside. She sat on the edge of the bed, staring out the window.
Did they leave? she asked without turning.
Yes, Michael sat beside her. Lucy apologised for her mum, and Andrew did too. They were both very uncomfortable.
And you? Emma asked, turning to face him. Did you feel uncomfortable?
Absolutely, he admitted, lowering his head. I should have stopped her. Said something.
But you didnt, Emma said flatly. As usual.
I didnt know what to do, he confessed. You know how she is. If I argue, it only gets worse.
Worse? Emma laughed bitterly. How could it get any worse? Your mother publicly humiliated me, demanded a family heirloom, and you stayed silent. Thats the worst.
She stood and walked to the window.
I keep thinking about the future, she said, watching the city lights. What will happen when we finally have a child and your mother decides she knows best how to raise them? Will you stay quiet again?
Emma, dont dramatise, Michael said, moving behind her. She just loves Lucy a lot and wants the best for her.
At whose expense? Ours? Emma snapped. That isnt love, Michael. Its selfishness, and you enable it by staying mute.
They faced each other, and Emma finally saw that Michael would never stand up to his mother. He would always find excuses, avoid conflict, and put her comfort above his wifes feelings.
Im tired, Michael, she whispered. Tired of fighting windmills. Six years Ive tried to become part of your family, and your mother never lets me in.
What do you mean? his eyes flickered with fear.
She glanced at her wedding band; the tiny diamond caught a streetlamps glow and sparkled like a tear.
I think we need to think seriously about our future, she said. Whether there is a future for us together.
Michaels face went pale.
Emma, you cant
I dont know, she admitted honestly. But tonight I realised one thingyoull never stand up for me against your mother. I cant live like that.
She slipped the ring off and placed it on the nightstand.
Im going to my parents for a few days. I need to think.
Please, Emma, Michael grabbed her hand. Lets talk. I promise Ill change. Ill speak to my mother, explain everything
Youve promised that a dozen times, Emma said sadly. Nothing changed. Nothing will.
She released his hand and began packing. Michael stood by the window, helpless, as she left. The ring lay on the nightstand, a silent reminder of promises broken and love unprotected.
He picked it up, feeling its weight. It wasnt too late to mend things, but it would require him to finally say no to his own mother and to protect what mattered most.
Sometimes the hardest battles are fought not with strangers, but with those we love, and the courage to set boundaries can be the key to a life lived on ones own terms.
