Why do you think you have the right to decide what happens to my things? And to put me in a corner without even discussing it? Im asking you! Olivias voice rang with outrage.
Andrew stared at his wife, guilt written across his face. He had just finished a call with his mother. Now Olivia stood in the doorway, her expression as if she were gearing up for a battle.
Andrew raised his hands in a placating gesture, trying to calm her.
Love, listen Mums only passing through town on business. 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. Come on, Ol
Olivia leaned against the doorframe, 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 just hours before your mother arrives. Thats not right, understand?
Andrew ran a hand over the back of his neck. The kitchen felt too cramped for the argument. Tension thickened the air.
He muttered nervously:
I know its wrong. I know its inconvenient for you, but Ive already promised Mum. We cant leave her out on the street, can we? Put yourself in my shoes
Andrew, Olivia exhaled slowly, massaging her temples. You know how I feel about unexpected guests. I hate strangers in my flat! Ive told you that so many times, yet you act as if my feelings dont matter.
Im sorry, truly, Andrew stood and moved toward her. It wont happen again, I promise. This time only
Olivia looked into his pleading eyes and realised she had no choice. The battle was lost before it even began the promise was made and the mother was already on her way.
Fine, she waved a hand. One time, and thats the last. Guests are for a visit, not a weeklong stay! Got it?
Two hours later the doorbell rang. Evelyn Hughes stood on the threshold with a small suitcase and a travel bag, her face lit with a smile that bordered on the theatrical. Olivia couldnt help but grimace.
Oh, thank you, dear, the motherinlaw stretched out her arms for a hug. I need to get some tests done at the clinic. Old age isnt a picnic, you know And in our little village, the medical services are limited, so Ive come to stay with you.
Olivia gave a mechanical embrace, the scent of cheap perfume and laundry detergent hitting her nose.
Come in, make yourself comfortable, she said, taking the suitcase and leading Evelyn to the spare bedroom. Heres your room, and dinner will be ready in half an hour.
At the table Evelyn launched into conversation:
Life in the village is tough, love. No proper health centre, no decent pharmacy. An ambulance takes an hour, sometimes longer. We have one doctor for the whole area, and hes not exactly bright.
City life is certainly more convenient, Olivia agreed, spooning mashed potatoes onto her plate.
And where do your parents live? Evelyn asked, eyes fixed on her daughterinlaw.
In our twobedroom flat.
Why are you living alone? I recall you were already on your own before you got married.
Olivia set down her fork, sensing the conversation turning sour.
I moved out at nineteen when I started working. I wanted independence, you know? To have my own space, not rely on anyone. I saved gradually for my own place.
Oh, well done! Evelyn exclaimed with exaggerated pride. Youre so independent, such a clever girl! Not like those other girls who cling to their husbands.
The tone behind Evelyns words made Olivia uneasy. The compliments were genuine, but the delivery felt like a trap. She decided to ignore it.
The week dragged on agonisingly. Every evening Olivia returned from work to find Evelyn helping around: dishes washed with spots left behind, groceries rearranged in the fridge, sealed packets opened, delicate clothes tossed into hot water. Olivia had to redo everything, but she told herself it was only temporary. It would end soon.
When will your mum be leaving? she whispered to Andrew as they got into bed.
Tomorrow, I think. The test results should be ready by then.
But on the seventh day, Evelyn announced over breakfast:
Oh dear, the doctor has ordered a couple more tests. Ill have to stay a bit longer. Maybe a couple of weeks. Treatment still needs to be completed, and I have to see a specialist.
Olivia almost choked on her coffee.
Evelyn, she said as calmly as she could. We could rent you a flat and pay for it. That would be easier for everyone.
Evelyns face changed instantly.
What? I dont want to live apart. How could you? I came here to see you and my son, and now youre pushing me out! Pushing me out, really?
Im not pushing you out, Andrew interjected. Youre welcome to visit whenever you like. But living Olivia took a deep breath. Im sorry Im not used to having strangers in my flat. Its difficult for me.
Im not a stranger! Evelyn snapped. How can you say that?
Olivia, Andrew pleaded, can you just endure this? Its my mother, remember! Why should she have to live in a rented place when we have a spare room?
Olivia fell silent, watching her husband. He continued:
Olivia, please shes my mum. We cant treat her like this.
Olivia rose from the table.
This is my flat. I never agreed to a longterm stay for your mother. A week is one thing, a month is another.
How selfish can you be! Evelyn flared, gesturing wildly. Son, do you see who you married? An egoist and a shrew!
Andrew flushed, torn between his wife and his mother.
Olivia, please
No, Olivia cut him off. Im not going to argue any more. If you dont like it, the exit is the other side. Clear?
Andrew and Evelyn exchanged glances, then retreated to their rooms without another word.
Olivia felt a burning sting inside how could Andrew ignore her feelings about sharing a home with strangers? How could he side with his mother over his wife? What a broken family they had become!
The next day Olivia returned home early from work. Evelyn sat in the living room, looking triumphant.
So, have you thought about your behaviour? Changed your mind? she asked, not even greeting her.
Olivia hung her coat in the hall, counting silently to ten.
A decent daughterinlaw would have apologized and said her husbands mother could stay as long as she liked, Evelyn continued. In fact, she rose and paced, Ive been thinking of moving out of the village entirely, selling the house and coming to live with you two for a while, maybe buying a flat closer to you later. At my age, I need care. Living alone is getting hard.
Olivia froze, the pieces snapping together the doctors appointments, the extra tests, the deliberate delay. It was a rehearsal, a test of the ground.
I see, Olivia said quietly. So you want to move in permanently.
Whats wrong with that? Evelyn shrugged. Family should stay together.
Then let me state my position once and for all, Olivia said, straightening her shoulders. I will not share my home with anyone else but my husband. If Andrew cant accept that, he can leave, with you.
What are you saying? Andrews face turned pale. Olivia, thats my mother!
This is my flat and my life. Choose.
You cant be serious! Evelyn clutched her chest. Andrew, can you hear? Shes throwing me out!
Nothing of the sort. I suggested a flat, but no one will live here permanently except me and Andrew.
Andrew swayed, caught between the two women, his face flushing with anger and confusion.
Fine! he finally shouted. If youre so principled, well go! Pack your things, Mum.
The flat descended into chaos. Andrew and Evelyn hurriedly gathered belongings while Evelyn continued to berate Olivia. Olivia stood firm.
Ill file for divorce! Andrew shouted from the hallway. Hear that? Im filing! Thats it!
Ill be waiting, Olivia replied calmly.
A month later the divorce was finalised. There was nothing to split the flat was owned before marriage, savings were modest, no children, no joint assets. Friends took sides. Some shook their heads:
Olivia, how could you? The motherinlaw deserved sympathy.
But those who knew her from childhood understood:
Olivia, you did the right thing, her friend Claire said over coffee. It was just the beginning. First she moved in, then tried to control everything. You cut the rope before it strangled you.
Yes, Olivia agreed. Better to be alone than live under constant tension.
She opened a dating app, ready for a fresh start, and resolved to sort out any future arrangements well in advance. Perhaps a prenuptial agreement would be wise, just in case. In the end, she learned that a home is a sanctuary, and preserving ones peace sometimes means drawing firm boundaries, even when love tries to blur them.
