So, why have you decided to get a divorce? enquired her mother-in-law, as if it was absolutely her businessand, apparently, her god-given right. Victoria had zero intention of moving in with her husbands parents. Rob was the one who persuaded her. Hed insisted, Mum just cant bear to let her little boy go. The little boy in question was, by the way, thirty-four years old. But Victoria took pity on him, against her better judgement.
We just want different things out of life. Thats all. It happens, right? Were not the first, most certainly wont be the last, Victoria replied, biting back every truth she was dying to blurt out.
What was the real reason? Well, her mother-in-law rang Rob on video every single day to supervise Victorias domestic performance on days she couldnt pop round in person. And at their wedding, during her heartfelt speech, the woman had declared, Im terribly glad my beloved Rob has finally tied the knot. Of course, he could have done rather better, but there we are. No hard feelings, pet.
Perhaps Victoria should have legged it then and there. Her mother-in-law had been dreaming of turfing Victoria out since day one and put every effort into making it happen. Rob, as ever, did nothing to stand up for his wife. The day Rob and Victoria drove past his parents house, his mother refused to let Victoria in. Rob went all mute. His mum insisted she needed a private chinwag with her darling boy, so Victoria was left standing out in the cold for a whole hour.
So why didnt she just leave? Good questionno good answer. But now, finally, shed made up her mind.
Oh, dont start with your irreconcilable differences malarkey. Thats just for telly, dear. Go on then, tell me whats wrong with my Rob. Honestly, I never imagined Id end up with someone like you anywhere near him. But look, now its all come to this, I cant just let you sashay away. Out with it, whats your issue?
Victoria gave a sly grin. She didnt need anyones permission. Shed moved into that house for Rob, not for his mother. There was, in fact, a singular reason for the splither mother-in-law.
Im leaving, Victoria said with astonishing calm.
Thats not allowed! her mother-in-law snapped.
I dont care. Youre nothing to me, Victoria retorted.
Give me back half the money for the ring! screeched her mother-in-law.
Im sorry, what?
I want half the price of the ring backthe one Rob bought you.
Victoria let out a laugh. Oh, the ring! Is that the only thing your dear sons ever managed to buy anyone? Take ithave the bloody thing. I dont even want it.
And with that, it was over. Victoria still tried to fathom what on earth had possessed her to marry Rob in the first place. His mothers true colours had been on full display even before the wedding. What on earth had she been thinking? Only the Lord knows.
Im engaged, too, by the way, her colleague piped up one day.
Ooh, to whom? Victoria askedgrudgingly curious.
Dont be cross
You must be joking, said Victoria, catching on instantly.
Yes, its Rob. Your ex. Im sorry, but hes just so attentive, and his mum helps us with everything. Sometimes shes a bit much, but honestly, its fine.
Fine for you. Im just delighted to be done with them.
Oh, look at the ring Rob gave me! her colleague gushed, showing it off.
Victoria didnt have to look. Of course, it was the same ring Rob had given her. Naturally, they hadnt even splashed out on something new. No surprises there.
And it says Forever together inside. Though, honestly, Im tempted to have it scratched out.Victoria smileda true, unforced smileand placed her half-empty coffee cup down with enough finality to make her point.
Dont bother, she said. That scratch wont change a thing. The words always rub off eventually.
She collected her bag and, without looking back, strolled out into the cool afternoon. With every step, she felt lighteruntethered. The first flutter of freedom took root inside her, quietly exuberant. Behind her, the world of Rob and his mother ticked on with its recycled rings, handed-down judgements, and polished grievances.
Victoria breathed deep. For the first time in years, the air tasted sweet. She pressed her hand to her bare finger and thought, Yesfinally, Im exactly where I need to be.
It was her turn now.
