**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 stood at the centre of attention, glowing with happiness. When the time came for gifts, Emilys parents went first, handing over an envelope stuffed with pounds. Then came Jamess mother, Margaret, carrying a bouquet of roses. Leaning in, she whispered to the couple, My real gift will come after the wedding. What do you mean? Emily asked, confused, glancing at her husband. No idea, James laughed, just as puzzled. But Emily couldnt have guessed the game her mother-in-law was playing.
Even before the ceremony, Margaret had dropped mysterious hints. I dont want to give you some little trinket, shed say. On the wedding day, expect nothingbut later, prepare for something grand! Theres no rush, Emily replied, uneasy. Mum, were just happy youre here, James tried to reassure her. I wouldnt show up empty-handed to my sons wedding, Margaret declared firmly. But dont mention this to the rest of the family. Fine, James agreed, though Emily doubted her mother-in-law would keep her word. She knew Margaret wasnt well-off, yet theyd paid for the wedding themselves, asking for no help. Emilys parents, despite their modest means, had saved up fifteen thousand pounds for the couple. On the day, Margaret brought only the roses, overshadowed by the toasts and dancing. But she shone in her speech, lingering over long-winded blessings like a star demanding applause.
Youve no idea what Ive prepared, Margaret murmured at the end of the night, eyes alight with mystery. Itll leave you speechless but not just yet. Its fine, dont worry, James said, squeezing his wifes hand. Im actually curious now, Emily admitted, masking her discomfort. Do you know something I dont? I swear I dont, James shrugged. But the gift doesnt matter. What counts is being together. Emily agreed, but curiosity gnawed at her. She tried prying clues from Margaret, who only replied with cryptic smiles: If I tell you, itll ruin the surprise. Just wait!
Months passed, and the gift never came. What had once been a joke became a thorn in Emilys side. Eight months after the wedding, she broached the subject. Oh, all you care about is money! Margaret snapped, voice trembling with false offence. You never ask how I am, if I need help! If you need anything, just say, Emily replied, startled. But Margaret fell silent, playing the victim before later complaining to James about his wifes disrespect. Leave my mum alone, he pleaded. She made a sceneenough already. I only asked out of curiosity! She built this whole thing up! Emily argued.
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 she realises shes getting nothing, she wont even look at me! Thats not true, James defended. Then explain her behaviour! Margaret insisted. Since that talk, she acts like Ive got the plague. Wont even visit! When Emily heard, she sighed. Your mothers never happy. First, my interest annoyed hernow my distance does. Tomorrow shell complain about how I breathe! She thinks we only want things from her, James said, ashamed. Right, Emily shot back. Meanwhile, my parents always bring somethingjam from their garden, cakeswhile she turns up empty-handed and takes leftovers! Are you calling my mum stingy? James snapped. Show some respect. Shes the only mother Ive got. Fine, Emily cut in. But if she wants respect, she should lead by example.
The topic became taboo, but the clashes didnt stop. Margaret, as if stoking the fire, criticised Emily relentlessly. To others, though, she spun a different tale: I do everything for them, give lavish giftsI even considered giving her my great-grandmothers ring! And this is the thanks I get! Listeners, moved, believed her flawless performance.
On their anniversary, Margaret revived her promise. Prepare for an unforgettable surprise! she announced when invited to a quiet dinner. Dont trouble yourself, Emily tried to demur. Ill decide whats trouble, Margaret replied with a sharp smile. James, hearing of it, scowled. Why must you contradict my mum? If she wants to give something, let her! Exactly, Emily retorted. Her wedding gift still hasnt arrived. We dont need another.
They agreed, finally, to avoid more fights. At the celebration, Emilys parents brought hand-embroidered table linen. Friends gifted crystal glasses. Margaret arrived with an oversized card, delivering a speech that dragged on for twenty minutes. Naturally, she deemed this contribution enough. Mention gifts again, and well row, James warned on the way home. Wasnt planning to, Emily lied.
But the peace didnt last. The next month, Margaret demanded an expensive mobile for her birthday. Are we really giving in? Emily asked. She needs it, and we can afford it, James reasoned. Right, Emily said flatly. But remember, my mums birthday is next month. Gifts should be fair. James calculated the cost, resigned. In the end, Margaret got a basic modeland flew into a rage. She blamed Emily for manipulating James, vowing revenge on her petty daughter-in-law.
**Lesson learned:** Some promises are just smoke, and chasing them only fans the flames. Better to focus on those who show their love without fanfare.
