Forgive me, darling, for my harsh words, the wouldbe motherinlaw said in a rush, trying to smooth things over. I didnt mean them with any malice. Perhaps you could drop by sometime? Victors still on his own, ever since you two split. Hes lost in video games
Emily and Victor had been a couple for nearly two years. To Emily, their relationship felt serious; she was often invited to the Hughes household, where she was received politely, if not warmly. She believed they had a solid future. Victor, though a little carefree, was charming and seemed determined when it mattered.
The idyll crumbled when Victor flunked a crucial English exam. His failure stemmed from sheer negligence: during the lockdown he spent every spare moment glued to his computer, abandoning his studies. The threat of being expelled loomed.
In the heat of the crisis Emily snapped at Victors mother, Mrs. Hughes, saying:
I wont stay with a man who achieves nothing. I need a selfsufficient partner. Im not going to be anyones housemaid; I want us to share the chores and the earnings alike!
Her words hung in the air, instantly casting doubt over their plans.
Mrs. Hughes took the remark as a personal affront. Shed 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.
Honestly, love! she retorted, A womans first duty is to keep the hearth warm, and a man is the head of the house!
Emily kept quiet, not wanting to worsen the argument. From then on the front door was no longer opened for her. Their communication reduced to secret messages, occasional calls, and brief meetups in neutral spots. Victor suffered from the distance, but instead of being open he resorted to manipulation.
Emily, we need to talk to my mother, Victor urged over the phone. You have to tell her you dont really feel that way. Im tired of hiding. Make peace with my parents, will you?
Why should I prove anything to your mother? Emily snapped. She didnt raise me. This is your problem, not mine. Why should I bend over backwards?
Because you love me, and I love you, he pleaded. Its the only way to fix things. If you dont do it, well lose each other forever.
With a heavy heart, Emily agreed love compelled her to take the humiliating step of confronting a strangers mother.
When she arrived, Victor let her into the hallway. At that moment his father, Mr. Hughes, descended the stairs.
Victor, what is this girl doing here? he demanded sharply.
Victor stammered. Emily felt her cheeks go cold. The question sounded as if she were a random acquaintance, not the mans girlfriend.
Dad, Emily we were just Victor began, but his father cut him off:
I see who she is. Shes out!
From the sitting room his mother emerged, voice sharp:
Whos making that racket? Victor, whos with you?
Ignoring Emily, her father tossed a bitter comment:
The very one who taught you how life works.
Emily realised she was not welcome. Anger and shame surged, and she reacted on instinct.
Im leaving, and you stay here, you pathetic, goodfornothing son of your mother! she hissed, storming out and slamming the door.
Victor stood frozen, too stunned to even try to stop her.
The moment she stepped onto the pavement, her phone rang. Victors voice crackled through, not remorseful but furious.
What did you say? Youve ruined everything!
What have I ruined? Your father just turned me into a callgirl!
Whatever you think youve done, youve caused a scene! Mums fuming, and Dad says I must never see you again!
He then dropped the final blow:
And you know whats the worst part? I wont even get to sit at my computer any more.
Emily felt the sting turn into cold resolve.
Youre blaming me for not being able to game? Your familys problems are yours to sort out, not mine. You should have dealt with them yourself instead of making me the scapegoat.
Everything became clear: he hadnt changed. He remained an immature lad looking for someone to blame, offering no protection.
I cant put up with this any longer, Victor. This is over, Emily said firmly. She blocked him on every platform. The split was abrupt but necessary. His familys burden was his to bear, not hers.
A year later Emily had recovered from the breakup and begun a new chapter. She met a man named Thomas; after three months they were planning a wedding.
One afternoon, while browsing a shop, she ran into Mrs. Hughes, now called Mrs. Irina Hughes.
Emily, love! Hello, dear! the former motherinlaw exclaimed, throwing her arms around Emily.
Emily steadied herself.
Good afternoon
Irina hugged her and bombarded her with questions:
Long time no see! How are you? Hows life? Its such a shame you and Victor split. Hes gone mad with his games! He wont work, just sits in front of the screen. When you two were together, he seemed more responsible Come over for tea sometime!
Sorry, Mrs. Hughes, Im busy. Work, home
Irina glanced at the ring on Emilys finger.
And this? Are you married?
No, were only engaged. The weddings set for this summer.
The former motherinlaws friendly façade vanished in an instant.
So thats why! All clear now! Its a good thing Victor left you! We dont need someone like you!
Emily shrugged and turned toward the shelves. In a way, Irina was right: it was fortunate Victor had walked away from her life. Yet it was a pity shed wasted time on him.
