**The Mystery of the Promised Gift**
In the grand dining room of a restaurant in the heart of London, the wedding of Emily and James was a lively affair, filled with laughter and music. The guests celebrated as the newlyweds shone at the centre of attention. When it came time for gifts, Emilys parents went first, handing over an envelope stuffed with pounds. Then came Jamess mother, Margaret, with a bouquet of roses. Leaning in, she whispered, My real gift will come after the wedding. What do you mean? asked Emily, confused, glancing at her husband. No idea, James chuckled, just as baffled. Little did Emily know the little game her mother-in-law was playing.
Long before the ceremony, Margaret had dropped cryptic hints. I dont want to give you just *anything*, shed say. On the day, expect nothingbut afterwards, brace yourselves for something grand! No rush, Emily replied, uneasy. Mum, were just happy youre here, James soothed. I wont show up empty-handed to my sons wedding, Margaret declared firmly. But dont breathe a word to the rest of the family. Deal, James agreed, though Emily doubted her mother-in-law would follow through. She knew Margaret wasnt exactly rolling in moneythe wedding had been paid for by the couple themselves, no help asked. Emilys parents, despite their modest means, had scraped together fifteen thousand pounds for the newlyweds. On the big day, Margaret brought only the roses, overshadowed by toasts and dancing. Yet she stole the show during speeches, waxing poetic about happiness like a star demanding an encore.
Youve no idea what Ive planned, Margaret murmured at the end of the night, eyes twinkling with mystery. Itll leave you speechless but not just yet. Its fine, really, James said, squeezing Emilys hand. Im actually curious now, Emily admitted, masking her discomfort. Do *you* know something I dont? Swear I dont, James shrugged. But the gift doesnt matter. What counts is us being together. Emily nodded, though curiosity gnawed at her. She tried prying clues from Margaret, who only replied with cryptic smiles: If I tell you, itll ruin the surprise. Patience!
Months passed, and the gift never arrived. What had been a joke became a thorn in Emilys side. Eight months after the wedding, she finally broached the subject. Oh, so its all about money, is it? Margaret snapped, voice quivering with faux outrage. You never ask how *I* am, if *I* need help! If you need anything, just say, Emily replied, taken aback. But Margaret clammed up, playing the victim and later complaining to James about his wifes disrespect. Leave Mum alone, James sighed. Shes made a scenelet it go. I only asked out of curiosity! *Shes* the one who built it up! Emily protested.
From then on, Emily avoided Margaret, speaking only when necessarywhich only made things worse. When she thought Id spoil her with expensive gifts, she was all smiles, Margaret lamented to James. Now shes realised shes getting nothing, she wont even look at me! Thats not true, James defended. Then explain her behaviour! Margaret insisted. Since that chat, she acts like Ive got the plague. Wont even visit! When Emily heard, she rolled her eyes. Your mothers never happy. First, my interest annoyed hernow my distance does. Next, shell complain I breathed wrong! She thinks we only want things from her, James muttered, embarrassed. Right, Emily said. Meanwhile, my parents bring little thingshomegrown veg, cakeswhile she turns up empty-handed *and* takes our leftovers! Are you calling my mum a freeloader? James bristled. Respect, please. Shes the only mother Ive got. Fine, Emily cut in. But if she wants respect, she could start by setting an example.
The topic became taboo, but the clashes didnt stop. Margaret, as if fanning flames, nitpicked Emily endlessly. To others, though, she spun a different tale: I do *so much* for themlavish gifts, even considered giving her my great-grandmothers heirloom ring! And *this* is the thanks I get! Listeners, moved, swallowed her spotless narrative whole.
On their anniversary, Margaret revived the promise. Prepare for a surprise youll *never* forget! she announced when invited to a quiet dinner. No need, Emily said cautiously. I appreciate your input, but *Ill* decide, Margaret replied with a razor-sharp smile. James, hearing of it, scowled: Why must you always challenge Mum? If she wants to give something, let her! Exactly, Emily shot back. Her wedding gift still hasnt arrivedwe dont need another.
They agreed, finally, to avoid more rows. At the party, Emilys parents brought hand-embroidered towels and linen sheets. Friends gifted crystal glasses. Margaret arrived with a giant card, delivering a rambling twenty-minute speech. Naturally, she considered this contribution enough. Mention gifts again, and were rowing, James warned on the way home. Wasnt planning to, Emily lied.
But the peace didnt last. The next month, Margaret demanded a pricey smartphone for her birthday. Are we really indulging this? Emily asked. She needs one, and we can afford it, James reasoned. Sure, Emily said flatly. Just remember*my* mums birthdays next month. Gifts should be equal. James did the maths, resigned. In the end, Margaret got a basic modeland flew into a rage. She blamed Emily for manipulating James, vowing revenge for her daughter-in-laws petty spite.
