“No, Mum, You Really Shouldn’t Come Right Now — It’s a Long Journey and You’re Not Young Anymore”: My Grown Son Married and Moved to London, Promising to Visit Over Easter, But Didn’t Even Invite Me to the Wedding – Now I Don’t Know If I Should Give Him the £1,500 I Saved for His Big Day

Author Emily TaylorReading 9 minViews 1

No, theres really no need for you to come now. Just think about it, Mum. Its a long journey, an entire night on the train, and youre not as young as you used to be. Why bother putting yourself through the hassle? Besides, its springyou probably have your hands full in the garden, my son told me over the phone.

But son, surely theres a good reason to visit? We havent seen each other in so long. And, to be honest, Id like very much to meet your wife properly. Its about time I got to know my daughter-in-law face to face, I replied honestly.

He sighed and said, Alright, well do it this way then. Wait until the end of the month, and well all come down to see you. Itll be the Easter holidays, so there will be plenty of time.

To be truthful, Id already made up my mind to travel up to London, but I trusted what he said and agreed to stay put, waiting at home.

But in the end, no one came. I rang my son a few times, but he declined my calls. He called back later, sounding rushed, saying he was very busy and that I shouldnt expect them.

I was deeply upset. Id been getting ready for my son and his wifes visit. Hed married six months ago, and yet I hadnt met my daughter-in-law even once.

Id had my son, William, as people like to say, for myself. I was already thirty by the time he was born and had never married. So, I decided to have a child of my own.

Perhaps it was selfish of me, but I have never once regretted my decision, even if it meant that life was difficult. Money was always tight; it felt more like surviving than living. I worked two, sometimes three jobs, doing everything I could so that William wanted for nothing.

William grew up and went off to university in London. To help him settle in, I even started taking temporary work in France and Germany, sending him the money he needed for tuition and rent in the city. My heart swelled with pride knowing I could help my boy.

By his third year, William started working part-time, supporting himself. After graduating from university, he found a good job and took care of himself entirely.

He came back home, but only rarelyabout once a year. I was shamed to admit, but Id never once been to London in my life.

I always thought, when he got married, Id finally visit. I even started putting aside money for the occasion. I managed to save up £2,000.

Six months ago, William phoned with the news Id been waiting forhe was getting married.

Mum, don’t come up just yetwere only signing the register for now. The wedding itself will be later, he warned me.

I was disappointed, but what could I do? William introduced me to his wife, Charlotte, over video call. She seemed nice enoughvery pretty, and, by the sounds of it, from quite a wealthy family. Her father is a well-off businessman. I was just glad my son had found happiness.

Time passed, but William still neither visited nor invited me up. I was itching to meet my daughter-in-law and to hug my boy, so I decided to make the journey myself. I bought train tickets, packed up homemade food, even baked a loaf of my own bread, filled a few jars of preserves, and set off. I called my son as I was boarding.

Mum, honestly! Why? Im at work and cant meet you. Just take a taxi from the station, heres the address, William said.

I arrived in London early morning, called for a taxi, and was shocked by the fare, but was distracted by the lovely city views out of the car window.

Charlotte opened the door. She didnt smile or hug mesimply asked me to come through to the kitchen. William had already left for work.

I unpacked my bagspotatoes, carrots, eggs, dried apples, home-pickled mushrooms, gherkins, tomatoes, and several jars of jam. Charlotte watched in silence, then declared that it was pointless to bring all of thatthey dont eat that sort of thing, and, in fact, she never cooks at home.

So what do you eat? I asked, genuinely curious.

We get delivery every day. I dont enjoy cookingthe smell lingers too long in the kitchen, Charlotte replied.

Before I could process her words, a small boy of about three ran into the kitchen.

This is my son, Oliver, Charlotte said.

Oliver? I checked, surprised.

Yes, Oliver. Please dont get his name wrong, she shot back sharply.

Alright, as you wish, Charlotte.

And please dont call me Charlie. Its Charlotte. People in town dont mangle names. But how would you know

I felt tears sting my eyes. It wasnt even the fact my son had married a woman with a childwhat hurt was that William hadnt told me a thing.

But that wasnt the end of the shocks. I glanced up and saw a large wedding portrait on the wall.

At least you took some lovely photos if there wasnt a big wedding, I ventured, trying to steer the conversation elsewhere.

What do you mean, no wedding? Of course there wasa proper one with two hundred guests. The only person who wasnt there was you. William told everyone you were unwell. Maybe it worked out for the best, Charlotte said coolly, looking me up and down.

Will you have some breakfast? she asked.

Yes, please.

Charlotte set down a cup of tea and a couple of slices of expensive cheese before me. That was her idea of breakfast.

Im not used to such light fare, especially after a long trip. I decided Id fry up some eggs and slice some homemade bread Id brought, but Charlotte forbade it, saying she didnt want the kitchen to smell.

She wouldnt touch my bread, eithershe and William are eating clean, she said.

Suddenly, I didnt feel hungry anymore. I was too upset that my own son had been too embarrassed to invite me to his wedding. I had looked forward to this day for years and saved all that money for nothing.

I sipped my tea. Charlotte said nothing. The silence was heavy and awkward. Then little Oliver came running up to me, reaching out for a cuddle. I tried to give him one, but Charlotte waved her hands at me frantically, saying that she didnt know what I might be carrying and I shouldnt touch the child.

I didnt have any treats for him, so I offered him a jar of homemade raspberry jam, telling him it would be delicious on pancakes.

Charlotte snatched the jar from my hands: How many times do I have to say it? We eat healthy foodno sugar!

I felt the tears pricking again. I didnt finish my tea. I went into the hallway and started putting on my shoes. Charlotte didnt react. She didnt even ask where I was going.

I left and sat on a bench outside the block, letting myself cry. I dont think Ive ever felt so hurt in my whole life.

A while later, I saw Charlotte leave with Olivershed thrown all my preserves into the bin as she went.

I couldnt believe it. After shed gone, I gathered what I could back into my bags and made my way to the station. I got luckysomeone had just returned a ticket, and I was able to buy it for the evening train home.

Near the station, I found a little café. I ordered a bowl of soup, a piece of roast meat, and potatoes with salad. I was starving. I paid more than Id usually spend, butwellI told myself, I deserve a good meal.

I left my bags in left-luggage and had a couple of hours to wander around London. The city was lovelyI almost managed to forget everything that had happened.

On the train, though, I didnt sleep. I just cried. I was hurt that William hadnt even called to check where I was.

Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought my own child would welcome me like this. William is my only sonthe one Id pinned all my hopes on. And yet, it turns out, he doesnt need me at all.

Now, I sit and think about what to do with the wedding savingsthe £2,000 Id set aside for him. Should I still give it to him, to let him know I always cared? Or keep it for myself, since he clearly doesnt deserve it?

Stay Away from Me! I Never Promised to Marry You—And Honestly, Who Knows if That Child Is Even Mine? Or Maybe She’s Not Mine at All? That’s what Victor—a man on assignment in their small English village—coldly declared to a stunned Valentina. She stood there, unable to believe her eyes or ears. Was this the same Victor who’d once carried her in his arms, confessed his endless love, and called her “Val”? Now he looked confused, angry, and a perfect stranger… Valentina wept for a week, waving goodbye to Victor forever, but at thirty-five—feeling plain and with little hope of finding happiness—she decided to become a mum on her own. In due time, Val gave birth to a wailing baby girl she named Mary. Mary grew up calm and well-behaved, giving her mum no trouble—almost as if she knew there was no use in crying for what she’d never get. Val provided for her daughter, fed her, dressed her, and bought her toys, but rarely offered a cuddle, a walk, or any true maternal affection. “Busy, tired, headaches, so much to do…” The maternal instinct in Val simply never woke up. When Mary turned seven, something unimaginable happened—Val met a man. Not only that, she brought him home! The entire village gossiped: “What sort of woman drags a stranger into her house? What about the child?” they whispered, pointing at the silent, mysterious newcomer, doubting his motives. Val, working at the local store, ignored the scandal and offered the handyman—named Ian—a place to stay. At first the village judged, but soon saw their error: Ian fixed the porch, patched up the roof, and repaired the collapsing fence. Every day, Ian was hard at work, and Val’s house began to shine. People even went to him for help. “If you’re elderly or short on cash,” Ian would say, “I’ll help for free. Otherwise, pay me with money or groceries!” Soon, Val’s kitchen saw homemade cream and fresh milk, things she and Mary never had before. With Ian around, Val transformed—she softened, smiled more, even showed a hint of dimples! She grew kinder to Mary as well, and Mary adored watching “Uncle Ian” work, especially when he surprised her with a garden swing built with his own hands. Ian took over mornings, cooked breakfast and lunch, made pies and casseroles, and taught Mary to cook and set the table as well. He walked her to school in winter, shared stories from his own hard life, taught her to fish at dawn, and even gave her her first bike and skates—bandaging her knees and encouraging her to get back up after every fall. At Christmas, Ian made sure Mary found shiny new white skates under the tree—her tears of joy proof she’d never been so happy. And while Val grumbled, “She’ll hurt herself!” Ian said firmly, “She must learn to fall and rise again.” Years later, when Mary headed off to university and faced life’s challenges, Ian was always by her side—bringing her groceries, celebrating her milestones, walking her down the aisle, welcoming grandchildren as his own. And when his time came, Mary whispered at his grave, “Goodbye, Dad… you were the best father I could ever imagine.” For fatherhood isn’t always about biology—it’s about choosing to love, nurture, and stand by a child no matter what. A moving tale of real parental love—thank you for reading, and don’t forget to follow for more heartwarming stories!

— You Never Truly Loved Me. You Married Me Without Love, and Now You’ll Leave When I Fall Ill… — I Won’t Leave You! – said Marina, embracing Igor. – You’re the best husband! I’d never, ever leave you… He couldn’t believe it was true. Igor was feeling blue… Marina had been married for twenty-five years, and all that time men continued to find her attractive. Even in her youth, she was the most sought-after girl. And not just in her youth! At school, nearly every boy chased after Marina. Yet, she’d never been considered a beauty. She didn’t divorce her husband, complex character though he was. No, Marina stayed with Vadim right to the end. They raised their daughter, married her off. Her son-in-law whisked Daria off to Italy, now they sent back lovely photos and invites to visit. But Marina and Vadim had never made the trip… Maybe Marina would go someday. Vadim was gone for good. Marina’s husband died in a car accident. Such a senseless loss… Later, Marina was told he likely took ill behind the wheel. His heart faltered, he panicked, lost control. — Maybe he blacked out? – she wondered. — We’ll never know now. – sighed her friend, a doctor. – Cause of death: multiple injuries incompatible with life. Marina was in shock. Her friend Elena helped arrange everything. Elena got all the details through her professional contacts. Vadim was buried and Marina was left alone in the large house she and her husband had built their whole lives. Not too big for two, especially if guests dropped by; but for one person, for a woman – it seemed vast, almost a burden. A house needs a man’s touch… Daria came home to say goodbye to her father. She broached the idea of selling the house, buying a flat, maybe Marina moving to Italy with them. — Not a chance! – declared Marina. – I didn’t spend my life building this house just to sell it. And I’m not off to your Italy either. I’ve seen Italy… — Mum! — Naive girl, Daria! – Marina smiled through her tears. – Only joking. — Well, if you’re joking, maybe things aren’t so bad. It was all ambiguous, just as the late Vadim had been. On one hand, he was a caring, loving husband. On the other – a man of moods. When he was in a bad one, he could drive Marina up the wall. Then he’d repent, apologise, and Marina, an easy-going soul, wouldn’t dwell on it. And so they lived. Twenty-five years! Enough to drive you mad… Daria visited, then returned to her own busy life and marriage. Marina was alone. But, knowing herself, Marina realised this wouldn’t last. She mourned for half a year, then, when her tears dried, found a small crowd of suitors had already gathered about her. Even Marina’s own mother had once been surprised by her daughter’s ongoing popularity. — What do they see in you? They’re falling at your feet! You’re not even a beauty, unless I’m missing something. — You’re so kind, Mum. – Marina would smile, applying her lipstick. – Looks mean nothing, just empty noise. A woman should be charming, charismatic. Unique. — Off you go, enjoy yourself, – her mother would laugh. – Or your suitor will tire of waiting. — Another will come along, – Marina would shrug indifferently. Almost thirty years since that conversation, and nothing had changed. Women still complained that there were no eligible men left after forty, nobody worth marrying. Marina never understood that problem. At forty-six, she found herself with not just one, but two decent suitors. Her heart leaned toward Dmitri. He was her ideal man, handsome and intelligent, a wonderful conversationalist, great company – perfect for social occasions. But if truth be told, Dmitri excelled mostly at talking. Marina felt herself falling for him with her ears, but, given her age and experience, she knew he wasn’t the man for real life. Not for her big house. Her other suitor, Igor, was a solid, practical bloke. One who could drink his fill at a party, but always had hands that got things done and a spirit that endured. A real hands-on man with a gentle soul, but a strong backbone. To his wife, this sort of man would be quiet and gentle as a puppy – but move mountains for her, if needed. Somehow, Marina fancied Igor less – silly woman’s logic. He never gave her flowery speeches; sober, Igor was a man of few words. After a drink, he could tell a funny story, a joke, join any conversation. Igor could drink, true, but he was up and about the next day anyway, doused himself with cold water, active and focused – if quiet. Marina chose Igor. Dmitri, disgruntled that his eloquence failed, left. Marina married Igor, and he was over the moon. He drank a bit too much at the wedding, sang and danced until dawn. — You’ve done it again, – Elena smiled. – Barely a year since Vadim passed and you’re already re-married! Women can search high and low for a decent bloke, yet all you need is to step outside your door. — You’ll be telling me next, ‘What do they see in you? You’re not even a beauty!’ — Oh, I won’t go there. But you are unusually popular, that’s for sure. — I don’t know what they see in me, Elena. Ask my mum. Marina winked at her friend and waltzed onto the dance floor with her new husband. As they danced, she chased away her last doubts. So what if Igor was a bit simple? He was strong, capable, even good-looking – and if he was quiet, maybe that wasn’t so bad. If she’d chosen Dmitri, what then? You can’t live on honeyed words. Within a few months, Igor had transformed Marina’s garden into a fairy tale. He cleared away old trees, levelled the ground, built flowerbeds, erected a gazebo. His masculine touch was everywhere in the house. No doubt, Marina had picked the right husband. Igor even provided for the household and showered Marina with gifts. Comparing just this short stretch of marriage with her twenty-five years before, she honestly regretted not meeting Igor sooner. He was golden. In the warm months they’d barbecue and dine in the new gazebo, at the table and benches Igor had made by hand. Marina, full of grilled kebabs, would smile contentedly. Igor would look at her and smile too. — What is it, Igor? — Nothing. I’m just happy. His first wife had been a real bore; he’d never imagined he’d meet anyone as wonderful as Marina. Four years of wedded bliss, and then Igor began to feel… poorly. He grew tired easily, started losing weight for no clear reason. When he did have a drink – and Igor liked a tipple – he felt even worse. — Igor, you must see a doctor! – Marina insisted. – What are you waiting for? Something’s not right. — Nonsense, Marina. I’ll be fine! — What sort of caveman thinking is that? And if you’re not fine? Or are you, like so many men, scared of doctors? — No… Igor wouldn’t tell Marina what he was truly afraid of. He feared that if he was really ill, Marina would leave him. She didn’t marry him for love, after all – he knew that. But he loved her, for all that. He’d seen her in a shop one day, struggling to find her purse in her bag, and in that very moment he’d fallen for her. Something about her confusion just touched him deeply. He immediately wanted to step in and protect her forever, even though his own mother, upon first meeting Marina, had said, — Son, it’s your life, but what do you see in her? She’s not a beauty. She’s no spring chicken. You could have anyone, even a younger woman! But Igor needed no one other than Marina. Now, if he were truly ill, would Marina want Igor at all? She never succeeded in getting him to the doctor. It was a Saturday evening, and Elena and her husband Boris were visiting. Igor and Boris were out back, drinking beer and grilling. In the kitchen, where they were making salads, Elena said to Marina, — Has something happened to Igor? He doesn’t look well. — That’s just it! – Marina exclaimed. – I keep begging him to see a doctor, but he won’t! You’re a doctor. What do you think? Is something wrong? — Well… he looks worse nowadays. Lost weight. His skin looks a bit yellow, too. — Oh God! Elena, please make him see a doctor, I beg you. Maybe he’ll listen to you! Elena studied her friend’s face. — Marina… do you love him? I just remember you had doubts… Marina bit her lip and said nothing. Elena never got the chance. Igor collapsed during dinner. They called an ambulance. Marina rode with Igor to the hospital. He never regained consciousness. She held his hand and prayed. He went straight in for surgery. — Liver tumour. — Cancer?! – Marina panicked. — We’ll wait for the test results. The tumour was benign, but it had grown to significant size before Igor reached the operating table. Doctors forbade Igor nearly everything. They warned him recovery would be long, and he might not regain full health. He wasn’t exactly young, after all. Igor became despondent. His mother came to visit him in hospital, while Marina was at work. She brought him food that he was allowed – the list was short. — I hardly recognise you, son! – said Tatyana. – What’s this? You pulled through. No cancer. You should be glad, yet you look so down. Here, eat your steamed cutlets. — Don’t want to eat. — You must! What’s wrong? At least Marina visits, doesn’t she? — She does… for now. – Igor muttered. — What? You think she’ll leave you? Don’t be daft! — I’m finished! Useless! Not even allowed to work. I’m fifty in June and now an invalid. Who wants an invalid? — What’s all this, then? – Marina said, coming in. – You’re shouting down the whole ward. Good afternoon, Tatyana. — I’ll get going then. Hello, Marina. Take care. — What happened? Igor’s mother waved her off and left. Marina washed her hands and approached her miserable husband. — What’s all this grumpiness, ‘invalid’? Arms and legs all there. Not much wrong with you that won’t heal. Do you know what I read about the liver? — What? — Fun fact: the liver’s the only organ that regrows by itself. If you have fifty-one percent left, you’ll recover completely. And you have sixty percent remaining. Just give it time. Everything will mend! — And do I have that time? — What? – asked Marina, confused. — Time. — Igor, what’s going on? Haven’t they told me something? Did you ask the doctors to hide something? — That’s not it… Igor was sent home. Life’s hardest part began. Any physical work left Igor spent almost immediately. The thought of his upcoming milestone birthday only made him gloomier. Can’t eat, can’t drink. Some celebration! Marina seemed oblivious, cheerily sharing his bland health food. — Marina… – he finally spoke out. – What happens to us now? — What do you mean? – she asked. — This… My recovery is slow. Will you leave me? Best to say so now. — Why would I ever leave you? I love being with you. — But that was when I could work, fix things. What’s so good now? Even I don’t like myself like this. — Oh, nonsense. Get a grip! — I’m trying! But it’s tough. Hammer two nails and I’m dog-tired. Marina approached from behind, hugged him, pressed her cheek to his neck. — I love you. And I never, never will leave you. Take your time with your recovery. There’s no rush. — You love me? Truly? — With all my heart. Marina doesn’t leave Igor. He recovers, slowly but surely. For his birthday, Marina threw a party without any booze, so he wouldn’t feel left out. A few friends came; they played board games in the garden gazebo. — You struck gold, Igor, said his friends as they left. — You’ll probably go home and get drunk for me now, won’t you? – Igor quipped. Everyone laughed and went their way. In the evening, Marina and Igor sat on the porch, gazing at the stars. Happy. For the first time in many months, Igor felt better. He believed he would heal. And that his wife truly wouldn’t leave him. He held Marina tighter. — What is it, Igor? — Everything’s perfect! – he replied. — At last, – Marina chuckled, kissing him on the cheek. They were happy. 💬 Friends, if you’d like to read more of our stories – leave your comments and don’t forget to like. Your support inspires us to keep writing!