It’s your motherso it’s your responsibility! I shouted, but Emily had had enough. She buttoned her son Jamies coat, clenching her teeth to hold back the fury. Yet again today she had to face the one thing she dreaded most: a visit to her motherinlaw. From the start their relationship had been a constant battle.
Margaret Clarke had never accepted Emily as her sons wife. No matter what Emily did, Margaret always found a flaw, always a criticism to hurl at her.
Again, Emily? Mark sighed, watching her stiffen. You dont want to go, do you?
Emily let out a bitter laugh.
Are you really asking me that? Honestly, Mark? You know exactly why I dont want to go!
Her eyes flared.
Shell once more lecture me, put me down, say Im not raising our boy properly! And she doesnt care that I work, run the house, cook, clean and pay every bill! Im the one keeping this family afloat!
But youre at home all day, Mark replied, shrugging.
Emilys gaze darkened.
Oh, really? You think I just sit around doing nothing? As if money falls from the sky?
I work too, he growled. Its not my fault they dont pay me more.
The truth was that Emilys earnings as a freelance designer were three times Marks salary. She was the familys breadwinner.
Cant you go alone? she asked, hoping for an out.
Its Mothers Day, Emily. You cant ignore my mother! Mark replied.
She exhaled sharply and finished dressing Jamie. Two hours later they were at Margarets house.
In the sittingroom, Marks niece Lucy was already perched on the sofa. Emily had long noticed that Margaret favoured Lucy, treating her like royalty while barely acknowledging her own grandson. It wasnt a surprise; Lucy had lost her parents five years ago, and Margaret had raised her as her own.
Around them, Margarets sisters were laughing loudly, clinking glasses of wine.
Then, out of the blue, Margaret dropped a bomb.
Ive made a decision, she announced solemnly. Ill bequeath my flat to Lucy. You, Mark, already have a home.
Mark didnt flinch. He merely nodded.
A few days later the paperwork was done. The flat now belonged to Lucy, on the condition she could move in only after Margarets death.
But fate had other plans.
A massive stroke left Margaret paralysed, unable to look after herself.
Well have to move into Mums house, Mark said decisively. She cant be left alone.
A cold wave washed over Emily. She knew what that meant.
She would have to feed, clothe, bathe her, all while working and caring for Jamie.
She said nothing.
Weeks passed and Emily reached her limit.
One night she finally snapped.
Mark, the flat belongs to Lucy. Shouldnt she be the one looking after Mum?
Lucys at university, Mark, and she has a boyfriend. You want her bringing him here?
Emily let out a dry, chilling laugh.
Mark, I cant take this any longer!
He crossed his arms.
Oh? Youre already exhausted?
Her hands trembled with anger.
Im suffocating! Everything rests on meYOU, your mother, our child, my jobI CANT ANYMORE!
But you work from home, he muttered smugly.
Emilys stare cut sharper than broken glass.
And so what? You think I dont work at all?
Her heart hammered.
You know what? From now on its YOUR turn to look after your mother!
Its my mother, but shes also your motherinlaw! Thats your role! You expect me to wash her, perhaps?
A deathly silence fell.
Then Emily spoke, voice calm and icy:
I owe you nothing.
Mark chuckled.
In that case, hire a care worker!
Oh? Youll pay for it?
Why should I foot the bill?
No caretaker then.
She crossed her arms again.
You could use Mums pension. Or your salary?
Marks features hardened.
And why on earth do I have a wife?
That was the trigger.
Something inside Emily finally snapped. Everything became blindingly clear.
Mark had been using her for years.
And Lucy? She hadnt even bothered to visit her grandmother.
That night Emily didnt sleep.
In the morning she knew what she had to do.
As soon as Mark left the house, she packed her bags, grabbed Jamie, and walked out.
She sent him a single text and blocked his number:
I wont carry this burden alone any more.
That very evening Mark stormed back.
Either you come back, or Ill file for divorce!
Emily smiled softly.
Go ahead. I was just about to.
For the first time Mark looked lost.
She wasnt waiting for apologies. Her decision was set.
A month later their divorce was finalised. Mark never apologised.
And Emily?
She never regretted leaving.
Six months on, she heard the news.
Margaret had died.
And Lucy?
She kicked Mark out without a flicker of remorse.
Only then did he realise.
Hed lost everything.
