**The Mystery of the Promised Gift**
In the grand dining room of a bustling restaurant in the heart of London, the wedding of Emily and James was in full swing, filled with laughter and music. Guests toasted the happy couple, who beamed 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 to the newlyweds, My *real* gift will come after the wedding.
What do you mean? Emily asked, baffled, glancing at her husband.
No idea, James chuckled, equally clueless. But Emily had no idea the game her mother-in-law was playing.
Even before the ceremony, Margaret had dropped cryptic hints. I dont want to give you just *any* little thing, shed say. On the day, expect nothingbut afterwards, prepare for something grand!
No rush, Emily replied, uneasy.
Mum, were just happy youre here, James soothed.
I wouldnt show up empty-handed to my sons wedding, Margaret declared firmly. But dont mention this 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 itthe 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 day, Margaret brought only the roses, overshadowed by toasts and dancing. But she shone during the speeches, delivering lengthy blessings 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 yet.
Its fine, really, James said, squeezing his wifes hand.
I *am* curious, Emily admitted, masking her discomfort. Do you know something I dont?
Swear I dont, James shrugged. But the gift doesnt matter. Whats important is were together. Emily nodded, but curiosity gnawed at her. She tried fishing for clues, only to be met with enigmatic smiles. If I tell you, itll spoil the surprise. Patience!
Months passed, and the gift never materialised. What had once 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* now? Margaret exploded, voice trembling with faux outrage. You never ask how *I* am, if *I* need help!
If you need anything, just say, Emily replied, startled. But Margaret clammed up, playing the victim and later complaining to James about his wifes disrespect.
Leave Mum alone, James pleaded. Shes made a sceneenough already.
I only asked out of curiosity! *Shes* the one who built it up! Emily retorted.
From then on, Emily avoided Margaret, speaking only when necessarywhich only made things worse.
When she thought Id give her expensive things, 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, its like Ive got the plague. She wont even visit!
When Emily heard, she sighed. Your mums never happy. First, my interest annoyed hernow its my distance. Next, shell complain Im breathing wrong!
She thinks we only want things from her, James muttered, embarrassed.
Right, Emily shot back. Meanwhile, *my* parents always bring somethinghomegrown veg, cakeswhile she turns up empty-handed and *takes* leftovers!
Are you calling my mum stingy? James snapped. Respect, please. Shes the only mother Ive got.
Fine, Emily said coolly. But if she wants respect, she should lead by example.
The topic became taboo, but the clashes didnt stop. Margaret, as if fanning flames, nitpicked Emily relentlessly. To others, though, she spun a different tale: I do *so much* for themexpensive gifts, even considered giving her my great-grandmothers heirloom ring! And *this* is the thanks I get? Listeners, sympathetic, bought her spotless narrative.
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 tried to deflect.
Ill decide whats needed, Margaret replied with a razor-sharp smile. James, hearing of it, scowled. Why must you contradict Mum? If she wants to give something, let her!
Exactly, Emily countered. Her wedding gift still hasnt arrived. We dont need another.
They agreed, finally, to avoid more rows. At the party, Emilys parents brought hand-embroidered tea towels and linen sheets. Friends gifted crystal glasses. Margaret arrived with a giant card, delivering a speech so long it couldve been a TED Talk. Naturally, she deemed this contribution sufficient.
Mention gifts again, and well row, James warned on the way home.
Wasnt planning to, Emily lied.
But the truce was short-lived. The next month, Margaret demanded a pricey smartphone for her birthday.
Are we really giving in? Emily asked.
She needs it, and we can afford it, James reasoned.
Sure, Emily said flatly. Just remember*my* mums birthdays next month. Gifts should match. James crunched the numbers grudgingly. In the end, Margaret got a basic model and flew into a rage, blaming Emily for manipulating her son and vowing revenge for her petty daughter-in-law.
