Why do you think you have the right to decide what happens to my home and put me in a corner without even a word? Olivias voice rang with outrage.
Andrew stared at his wife, guilt heavy on his shoulders. He had just hung up after a call with his mother, and now Olivia stood in the doorway, her face set as if she were about to go to war.
He raised his hands in a peaceoffering and tried to calm her.
Olivia, listen Mums just stopping over in town for a few errands. She doesnt want to stay in a hotel, you know? Its uncomfortable for her. Shell be with us for a couple of days, at most a week. Just just think about it.
Olivia leaned against the frame, arms crossed, her dark eyes flashing with displeasure.
You could have warned me earlier. You could have asked me instead of springing the news on me a few hours before your mother arrives. Thats not right, understand?
Andrew rubbed the back of his neck. The kitchen felt too cramped for such a conversation, the air thickening with tension.
I know its wrong. I know its inconvenient for you, but Ive already promised Mum. I cant leave her out on the street, can I? Please, try to see my side
Andrew, Olivia exhaled slowly, massaging her temples. You know how I feel about unexpected guests. I dont like strangers in my flat! Ive told you that a dozen times, yet it seems my feelings mean nothing to you.
Im sorry, truly, Andrew said, stepping toward her. It wont happen again, I promise. This time only
Olivia looked into his pleading eyes and realized she had no real choice. The decision was already made; his mother was on her way.
Fine, she waved a hand. Just this once, and thats the last. Guests should visit, not move in for a week! Got it?
Two hours later the doorbell rang. Margaret Whitfield stood on the threshold with a small suitcase and a travel bag, her face lit by a smile that seemed to glow. Olivia winced involuntarily.
Oh, thank you, love, her motherinlaw said, reaching for a hug. I need to get some blood tests at the clinic. You know how it is when youre getting on in years The village health centre cant cope, so Im here with you.
Olivia gave a mechanical embrace, the cheap perfume and laundry detergent scent hitting her nose.
Come in, make yourself at home, she said, taking the bag and leading her to the spare bedroom. Your room is ready, and dinner will be on the table in half an hour.
At the table Margaret launched into conversation.
Its dreadful living in a village, love. No proper GP, no decent pharmacy. An ambulance can take an hour, sometimes longer. Weve only got one doctor for the whole area, and hes not exactly brilliant.
City life is certainly more convenient, Olivia replied, spooning mashed potatoes onto her plate.
Where do your parents live? Margaret asked, eyes fixed on her daughterinlaw.
In our twobedroom flat, Olivia answered.
And why are you on your own? You lived separately even before you got married, didnt you?
Olivia set down her fork, feeling the conversation turn sour.
I moved out at nineteen when I started work. I wanted independence, you see? To have my own place and not rely on anyone. I saved up gradually for this flat.
Oh, how wonderful! Margaret exclaimed, her tone exaggerated. Youre so independent, such a clever girl! Not like those other girls who cling to their husbands.
There was a hint of sarcasm in Margarets voice that made Olivia uneasy, but she brushed it off.
The week dragged on agonisingly. Each evening Olivia came home to find Margaret helping by washing dishes and leaving greasy spots, rearranging food in the fridge, opening sealed packets, and attempting to wash delicate sweaters in boiling water. Olivia had to redo everything, reminding herself it was only temporary.
When will Mum leave? she whispered to Andrew as they got into bed.
Tomorrow, I think. The results should be ready by then.
On the seventh day, over breakfast, Margaret announced triumphantly, The doctor wants me to stay for a few more tests. Ill need to be here for a couple of weeks, maybe longer. I still have treatment to finish.
Olivia almost choked on her tea.
Margaret, she said calmly, we could rent a flat for you. Well pay for it, no problem. That would be easier for everyone.
Margarets face shifted instantly.
What? I dont want to live apart! I came here to see you and my son, not to be driven out! Am I being pushed away?
Im not pushing you out, Andrew interjected. You can visit whenever you like. But living Olivia inhaled deeply. Im sorry, Im not used to having other people stay in my flat. Its difficult for me.
I’m not a stranger! Margaret snapped. How can you say that?
Olivia, Andrew pleaded, can you tolerate this? Its my mother were talking about. Why should she have to find another place when we have a spare room?
Olivia stayed silent, watching her husband. Andrew continued, Olivia, please. Shes my mum. We cant treat her like this.
Rising from the table, Olivia said, This is my flat. I never agreed to a longterm stay for your mother. A week is one thing, a month is another.
Youre so selfish! Margaret shouted, flinging her arms. Son, look who you marriedan egoist and a shrew!
Andrews face turned crimson as he was torn between his wife and his mother.
Olivia, please he murmured.
No, Olivia cut him off. I wont argue any longer. If you dont like it, you know the way out. Clear?
Andrew and Margaret exchanged a look before drifting to separate rooms in silence.
The sting of betrayal burned inside Oliviahow could Andrew ignore her feelings and side with his mother? What kind of family was this?
The next day Olivia returned home early from work. Margaret sat in the lounge, looking triumphant.
Have you thought about your behaviour? Changed your mind? she asked, without a greeting.
Olivia hung her coat in the hallway, counting to ten in her head.
A good daughterinlaw would have apologised already and said her husbands mother could stay as long as needed, Margaret continued. She rose, paced the room, and said, Ive been thinking of selling the house in the village and moving here permanently, maybe buying a place closer to you. At my age its hard to live alone; I need care.
Olivia froze, the pieces clicking togetherdoctors appointments, extra tests, the accidental delay. It was a rehearsal, a test of the ground.
So you want to move in for good? Olivia said quietly.
Nothing wrong with that, Margaret replied, shrugging. Family should live together.
Then Ill make my position crystal clear, Olivia said, shoulders back. I will not share this flat with anyone except my husband. If Andrew cant accept that, he can leave, with you.
Andrews face turned ashen. Olivia, shes my mother!
This is my flat, my life. Choose.
Margaret clutched her chest. Andrew, see? Shes throwing me out!
I didnt suggest you move out, Olivia replied. But nobody else will be living here permanently except me and Andrew.
Andrew fidgeted, his anger and confusion spilling over.
Fine! he finally shouted. If youre so principled, well go! Pack your things, Mum.
Chaos erupted as Andrew and Margaret hurriedly gathered their belongings. Margaret kept hurling accusations, but Olivia stood firm.
Ill file for divorce! Andrew shouted from the hallway. You hear that? Divorce! Thats the end!
Ill be waiting, Olivia answered calmly.
A month later the divorce was final. There was nothing to splitno joint property, no children, minimal savings. Friends took sides. Some shook their heads, Olivia, why? The motherinlaw was just
But those whod known her since childhood understood, You did the right thing, Olivia. You didnt let anyone chain you down.
Yes, Olivia agreed, sipping her coffee. Better to be on my own than live under constant tension.
She opened a dating app and swiped, feeling lighter. From now on she knew the importance of setting clear boundaries from the start. And, as she reflected, a solid prenuptial agreement could save a lot of heartache later.
Sometimes loving someone means knowing when to let them go, and respecting yourself is the first step toward a healthier future.
