“Gail keeps praising your house. I want to see where youve wasted so much money,” sneered Margaret with a haughty smile.
For four long years, Emily and James had poured their efforts into building a two-storey countryside home. Every spare moment went into renovations, and at last, the family finally moved in.
With their three children, Emily and James settled into their new home, dreaming of a happy family life. Everything would have been perfect, if not for Jamess mother, Margaret, who had always dismissed the construction as foolish and a waste of money.
As soon as the family relocated, relatives flocked to visit and admire the house. Within two months, everyone had seen itexcept Margaret. Relatives and friends couldnt stop admiring it, and word inevitably reached her.
“James and Emilys house is like something out of a fairy tale!” praised Margarets own sister. “Have you seen it?”
“Not yet. Ive been busy,” Margaret replied with feigned indifference.
Unable to resist any longer, she texted her son that evening, demanding photos.
“Gail keeps praising your house. I want to see where youve wasted so much money,” she said, that same smug smile in her voice.
James sent a few pictures without hesitation. The moment she saw them, Margarets displeasure flared.
“Interesting how no ones invited me. Everyone else has been, but not me…”
“Maybe because you dismissed the whole project as nonsense?” James reminded her.
“Oh, must you bring that up? Let sleeping dogs lie,” she snapped with a forced smile.
“And those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it,” James retorted sternly.
To steer clear of the argument, Margaret shifted the conversation back to the house.
“Send me the address. I want to visit,” she demanded.
James complied, and the very next day, Margaret arrived unannounced.
Emily, who hadnt been told of her mother-in-laws impending visit, was stunned.
“James, why didnt you warn me?” she whispered sharply.
“I didnt think shed come this quickly,” James admitted, equally surprised by his mothers sudden appearance.
Margaret had brought gifts for the grandchildrenthree bars of chocolate picked up hastily on the way. Emily noted the gesture, though it hardly surprised herMargaret had never shown much interest in the children.
Her mother-in-law inspected the house inside and out, her face betraying dissatisfaction. James couldnt immediately pinpoint what displeased her.
It became clear later, over dinner, after Margaret had downed two glasses of champagne.
“Why should I live like a pauper in a flat while this woman lives like a queen in this mansion?” she demanded, shocking James.
“Whats wrong with your flat? We sold your one-bedroom, added money, and bought you a two-bedroom. Not to mention the £200 I send you every month. How exactly are you a pauper?”
“You think Im ungrateful? Im not! But I want a house too!”
“Mum, we built this house as a family. Its our dream. Whats that got to do with you?”
“What do you mean? I raised you! Dont I deserve luxury too? Why wasnt I invited?”
Emily, overhearing, whispered to James, “She envies our happiness. She only cares about feeling superior.”
James knew she was right, yet guilt prickled him.
“Mum, this house is for us. You have a lovely flat”
“Lovely? Then let your wife live there! Ill reign here!” Margaret snapped.
Her behaviour was beyond unreasonable. Emilys patience wore thin.
“See how she thanks us? Always demanding, criticising, belittling me…”
Margaret scoffed, rolled her eyes, and reached for more champagne.
James led her to the terrace for a private talk.
“Mum, honestly, your constant pressure is exhausting. Youre not a doting grandmother, and the kids avoid you. Living together is out of the question.”
“So Im the villain? Or is your wife whispering in your ear?”
“Listen. This house is our familys joy. I wont let you ruin it.”
“Ruin it? Is that what shes told you? No one cares how I feelits always my fault!” With a final glare, she called a taxi and left without a word.
Their relationship soured. Margaret refused to forgive James for prioritising his family over her.
A month later, she called in a rageshed decided to sell her flat and buy a house. But when buyers came forward, she discovered the flat was in Jamess name.
“You cheated me! Left me with nothing!”
“Maybe because I paid most of it? Was I wrong to protect my investment?”
“Greedy, the lot of you!” She hung up and cut all contact.
Jamess attempts to reconcile were ignored.
Some grudges run too deep to mendbut a happy home is built on love, not entitlement.
