**An Evening That Changed Everything**
Last night began like any ordinary family dinner, yet it ended in a way thats left me utterly shaken. My husband, Edward, brought his mother, Dorothy, over, and as usual, I did my best to make things pleasantlaid the table, prepared her favourite roast chicken, even used the good china. I imagined wed have a quiet chat, perhaps discuss weekend plans. Instead, I found myself trapped in the strangest, most dreadful conversation. Dorothy fixed me with a stare and said, Emily, if you refuse to do as we ask, Edward will file for divorce. I froze, fork halfway to my lips, unable to believe what Id just heard.
Edward and I have been married five years. Our marriage isnt flawlessno ones isweve had our disagreements and misunderstandings, but I always believed we were in this together. Hes thoughtful, affectionate, and even in the hardest moments, weve muddled through. Dorothys always been part of our lives. She drops by often, rings to check in, and though her advice sometimes feels more like commands, Ive tried to be polite. But last night, she crossed a line, and worse, Edward didnt stop herhe sided with her.
It began once wed settled at the table. At first, it was light-heartedDorothy mentioned her friend whod just retired, Edward made a joke about his colleagues. Then the tone shifted. She turned to me and said, Emily, Edward and I need to speak with you seriously. I braced myself, expecting something minorperhaps about the garden or helping her with errands. Instead, she announced she wanted us to move into her home.
Turns out, Dorothys decided her three-bedroom house in the Cotswolds is too large for her alone, and she expects us to live there with her. Theres plenty of space, she insisted. Youd sell your flat, invest the money in improvements. Its sensibleId care for you, and youd care for me. I was speechless. Edward and I only just finished renovating our snug little flat in Kensington. Its our sanctuary, where weve built our life. Moving in with her would mean surrendering that freedom, not to mention living under her roof would be well, lets just say Im not eager for that challenge.
I tried to explain gently that we valued her offer but had no plans to move. I said we adored our flat and were happy to support her in other ways. But Dorothy wouldnt hear it. She interrupted, accusing me of disregarding family, claiming young people only think of themselves, and declaring Edward deserved a wife who respected his mother. Then came the divorce threat. Edward, whod been silent, finally spoke: Emily, you know how much Mum means to me. We ought to help her. I felt the ground vanish beneath me.
I didnt know how to respond. I stared at Edward, willing him to laugh it off, but he looked away. Dorothy pressed on, insisting it was for our own good, that living together was what families do, and I should be grateful. I stayed quiet, afraid if I spoke, Id either weep or say something unforgivable. Dinner ended in silence, and soon after, Dorothy left, with Edward escorting her to the taxi.
When he returned, I asked, Ed, are you truly suggesting we live with her? And what was that about divorce? He sighed and said he didnt want a row, but his mum needs us, and I should be more accommodating. I was stunned. Was he really willing to jeopardise our marriage over this? I reminded him how wed chosen our flat together, how wed dreamed of our own space. But he only shrugged and said, Think it over, Emily. Its not as dreadful as youre imagining.
I barely slept, replaying every word. I love Edward, and the idea of him prioritising his mother over our future shatters me. But I also know I cant surrender my independence just to please her. Dorothy isnt cruel, but her demands and ultimatums are too much. I wont live in a house where every choice is scrutinised. And I wont let our marriage hinge on whether I yield to her wishes.
Today, Ive resolved to speak with Edward again, calmly. I need to know how serious he is and whether hes open to compromise. Perhaps we could visit Dorothy more or assist her without moving in? But if he wont bend, I dont know what to do. I dont want to lose our family, but I wont lose myself either. Last night revealed cracks in our marriage Id never seen before. Now I must find a way to safeguard our happiness without destroying the love I hold for him.
