La vida

Mum, Please Understand – We Just Have to Stay Here for a While: The Story of Olly and Her Mother’s Courage, Love, and New Beginnings in Grandma’s Cottage

Ellie, sweetheart, Im asking you, her mother said, crouching beside her, we need to stay here for a while

La vida

Nine Red Roses… The Mother-in-Law’s Brief Visit Drove Him Out—He Claimed He Was Off to the Pub, but Found It Closed for Renovation. Left Wandering the Streets, He Sat on a Bench and Watched an Older Couple—Realising He and His Wife Had Long Since Lost That Tenderness. Memories Stirred, He Bought Her Nine Red Roses for the First Time in Fifteen Years and Returned Home Unsure if She’d Be Cross or Moved—But the Surprise Brought Warmth Back Into Their Home, If Only for a Moment.

Nine Red Roses My mother-in-law came to visit for a few hours today, and I realised rather quickly that

La vida

Hans, Was Your Little Lottie Visiting Again? The Fridge Is Always Empty After She Pops Round!

Your friend was over again, wasnt she? The fridge is always empty after she visits! Charles, was your

La vida

My Daughter-in-Law Threw Away My Gift, So I Changed My Will: How a Patchwork Quilt Led Me to Rethink My Inheritance and Stand Up for Myself

Where on earth are we supposed to put this, Philip? Weve only just finished the redecoration everything

La vida

010

A Sweet Taste of Revenge: When a Faithful Wife Exposes Her Husband’s Online Cheating with a Clever Catfish Plot and Leaves Him a Divorce Letter as a Final Farewell

A Message from the Wife Will you pick me up from work, darling? Emily calls her husband, hoping that

La vida

An Unexpected Reply Kate Couldn’t Stand Steve. Not Once in Seven Years of Marriage to His Best Mate, Mike—She Hated His Loud Laughter, That Ridiculous Leather Jacket, and the Way He’d Slap Mike’s Back and Shout, “Mate, Let Me Guess, the Missus Wound Up Again!” When Mike Died Suddenly, Kate Hoped She’d Seen the Last of Steve, but He Kept Turning Up—Fixing Things Around the House, Hauling Bags of Groceries, Taking Her Son Timmy to the Park—and She Found Herself Dreading the Silence More Than His Clumsy Kindness, Until, After a Painful Confession and a Promise Made to the Dying Mike, Kate Finally Saw Steve for Himself and Asked Him to Stay—for Now, at Least, as Mike’s Best Mate, Over a Cup of Tea.

An Unexpected Reply Emily never stood Henry. Not for a single one of the seven years shed been married

La vida

015

My Husband Humiliated Me in Front of Our Entire Family – I Suffered in Silence, Until the Day I Decided to Get My Revenge When I married John, I truly believed that love and respect would be the foundation of our marriage. But as the years passed, his attitude towards me changed. He no longer admired my cooking, stopped appreciating the warmth of our home, and began making sarcastic remarks at every opportunity. Family gatherings were the worst: he’d delight in making jokes at my expense, turning my little mistakes into loud, entertaining stories for everyone to laugh at – all at my cost. I endured it for years, smiling through the pain, convincing myself that this was just his way. But one day, on our 20th wedding anniversary, gathered around a festive table with our children, friends, and relatives, John outdid himself. He sarcastically remarked that I’d never be able to survive on my own without his “valuable” advice and support. Everyone laughed, and something inside me broke. Lying in bed that night, I made a decision: he would get exactly what he deserved. But my revenge wouldn’t be loud or messy. It had to be elegant and carefully planned. I invested more time in myself: signed up for painting classes, went back to the gym, and—most importantly—kept cooking John’s favourite meals, but now with a twist. The lasagna was suddenly far too salty, his morning coffee weak, his shirts never quite perfectly ironed. He complained, but I’d just smile and say, “Oh, sorry, darling. I must be too tired.” Then I showed him I could live just fine without him. I started going out more often—seeing friends, attending classes, taking walks in the park. John, who’d only ever seen me as a dutiful housewife, realised he was losing control. He grew furious as I grew more confident, radiant, and—most of all—distant. The highlight of my revenge was his birthday. I organised a lavish party, invited all his friends and colleagues, and booked a fancy restaurant. Everything was perfect. But instead of showering him with compliments in my speech, I shared playful, embarrassing tales of his own blunders, forgetfulness, and awkward moments. With a warm smile, I told the stories in good humour, but I saw his face flush red with anger and shame. His friends laughed, while John sat clenching his fists under the table. Afterwards, John was silent for days, reflecting on what had happened. I could see in his eyes he finally understood—he no longer had power over me. He tried to return things to the way they were, but I was changed. I was no longer afraid of his words or mockery; I had learned to respect and love myself. Soon, he stopped making jokes about me in front of our family, started helping around the house, and even admitted one day: “You’ve changed…I don’t even know how to react.” I just smiled and continued living my new, happy life. Sometimes, revenge isn’t about destruction—it’s about transformation. And in the end, it makes us stronger and teaches others to truly appreciate us. Vicky_December

When I married Jonathan, I believed our marriage would be built on love and respect. Yet as the years

La vida

This Is Not Up for Discussion “Nina is going to live with us, and that’s final,” Zak declared, setting his spoon aside. He hadn’t touched his dinner, clearly bracing himself for a serious conversation. “We’ve got a spare room, just finished redecorating, so in a couple of weeks my daughter will be moving in.” “Have you forgotten anything?” Ksusha asked, counting to ten under her breath. “Like, perhaps, that we prepared that room for our future child together? And have you overlooked the fact that Nina has a mother she should be living with?” “I remember we talked about having a baby,” Zak replied grimly, hoping his wife would quietly accept his words and there’d be no debate. “But plans can wait a few more years. You still need to finish university—now’s not the time for kids. And Nina doesn’t even want siblings. As for her mother…” Zak gave a crooked smile, “I’m applying to remove her parental rights. It’s unsafe for my girl to be under the same roof as that woman!” “Your girl?” Ksusha arched an eyebrow. “Isn’t she twelve years old? Hardly a baby. And what’s the danger? That her mother doesn’t let her hang about after ten at night, or dares to threaten to take her phone away if she skips homework? Honestly, your ex should be sainted for not resorting to the belt!” “You don’t know anything,” Zak said through gritted teeth. “Nina has shown me bruises, let me read messages full of threats and abuse! I won’t let her mother ruin her life!” “You mean, you’re doing it yourself by giving in to her every whim.” Ksusha quietly rose, leaving her soup almost untouched. She’d lost her appetite, and the sight of her irritated husband gave her a headache. People warned her—don’t rush into marriage! Live together a while, test your feelings… But she was too clever for advice. Had to beat her girlfriends down the aisle… Why had her friends opposed the hasty wedding? Simple—Zak was on his second marriage, fifteen years older, with a rather grown-up daughter he doted on. Three small issues on their own, but put together… almost a recipe for disaster. Frankly, the first two didn’t faze her—in fact, she liked that her husband was older and experienced. She knew first-hand that the divorce was mutual and Zak’s ex, Alla, bore no grudges. But the third reason… Nina. Spoilt and unruly, she’d spent most of her life with her gran while her parents worked hard for her future. Their divorce didn’t bother her—after all, she knew Dad would always be there, even if he remarried. But Mum’s new marriage… that was a problem. Her stepdad was strict and Mum, now home more often with a new job, backed up her husband completely. Early curfews, homework, tutors—Nina fell behind in most subjects… It all drove the girl mad. She began to concoct stories, winding her father up for sympathy. Yes, Nina wanted to live with her father, well aware that his work would leave her mostly to her own devices. Ksusha didn’t even figure in her plans; she had no intention of listening to a stepmother only nine years her senior. For the sake of “freedom,” she’d go to any lengths… ********************** “Nina’s arriving tonight. Get her room ready and please don’t upset her—she’s already been through a lot,” Zak informed his wife, picking out a tie for his new suit. “If I’d known Ala would turn on our daughter over a man… But what’s the point in talking now? There’s no turning back time.” “So you haven’t changed your mind? You really want her living with us?” Ksusha had hoped till the last minute that her husband would fail. “And who’s going to look after her? You don’t get home before eight, at best.” “You can,” Zak shrugged. “She’s not a baby. She’s very independent.” “I’ve got exams coming up, and you said yourself I need to focus on uni,” Ksusha retorted. “Nina will need to keep quiet and not distract me. Hopefully she knows how to wash dishes and mop floors, because for the next two weeks, that’s her new responsibility.” “She’s not a cleaner…” “Neither am I,” Ksusha cut in. “But if she lives with us, she can help around the house. It’s about time you discussed the house rules with your daughter.” ********************** “Dad, are you just going to let her boss me around? I can’t even go out with my friends—your wife’s given me all the chores while she sits in front of the telly.” Ksusha, overhearing, gave a crooked smile. Yeah, as if you could force that girl to lift a finger! Pigs might fly first. “I’ll talk to Ksusha, I promise. But you need to try and get along. Nina, I know it’s tough, but I physically can’t keep an eye on you. Try to find common ground with Ksusha, show her what a good girl you can be.” “Fine, I’ll try,” Nina sighed, realising Dad wouldn’t budge. “By the way, is it true you bought her a car?” “Well, yes. Why?” “Oh, nothing! It’s just you said you couldn’t afford to send me abroad for the holidays, and I’ve always dreamt of that!” “You couldn’t go alone anyway—you’re twelve, for heaven’s sake, and I work. We’ll go in the summer, all together.” “I don’t want the whole family! You don’t love me at all, do you?” Nina’s voice trembled with a sob. “Why did you even take me from Mum? Your wife can’t stand me, you’re always busy…” Ksusha tuned out. One way or another, Nina would get her way—and not just over a holiday. The clever girl aimed to oust another rival for Dad’s money. And, it seemed, she’d succeed. Ksusha was tired of her husband’s reproaches, and finally decided—one more row and she’d file for divorce. Before she left, she’d wipe the smile off Nina’s face by announcing that even after a divorce, Zak would still be expected to pay up—in child support. ********************** Ksusha was right—the evening kicked off with nothing but complaints. She calmly listened, then announced she was filing for divorce. “I want a peaceful life, not constant mud-slinging. And yes, I warned you—letting your daughter call the shots is a huge mistake,” Ksusha added, catching the victorious glint in Nina’s eyes and hurrying to bring her down a peg. “And don’t celebrate too soon. Who knows how long your happiness will last? I could give your father an ultimatum—if he wants to see our child,” she patted her belly, “he’ll have to send you back to your mother. Or something like that.” While Nina struggled for words and Zak tried to process, Ksusha grabbed her pre-packed suitcase and left. She wasn’t really pregnant, it was just a trick to make the spiteful girl sweat. And to teach a lesson to a man who clearly knew nothing about children…

Thats not up for discussion, Charles declared, setting aside his spoon and not touching a morsel of his

La vida

The Winter of 1987: When Londoners Stood in Endless Queues Before Dawn, Not for the Weather but for a Chance at Milk and Meat — The Quiet Kindness Shared Between Strangers Outside the Corner Shop

The winter of 1987 is one of those winters people remember not for how cold it got, but for how long

La vida

Poor Innocent Lamb “Hello, Mum and Dad!” Dasha breezed into the house one weekend. “I’m getting married! Romka proposed, and I said yes right away.” “Goodness, Dasha, our little girl is all grown up!” Lidia exclaimed, glancing at her husband. Stepan sat there, looking solemn and silent, clearly digesting his daughter’s news. “Of course, Mum, what did you expect? I finished college, got a job in the city, and Romka’s working too. We just decided it was time to get married.” Dasha’s parents knew Romka, the city lad who lived with his mother, Maya, in a nearby town. He was polite, calm—an ideal son-in-law, as far as they were concerned. Lidia and Stepan took wedding plans into their own hands—after all, they had their farm in the countryside, and although Romas had saved a little, Stepan insisted, “You save those pennies for a flat, son. We’ll pay for the wedding, and maybe your mum will chip in too.” Romka’s mum, Maya, refused right away: “I haven’t got any money. Raised my son on my own, lived off just my wage. Maybe I can get a little present, that’s all.” Lidia didn’t judge her co-mother-in-law, but she felt uneasy about Maya from the start. The wedding was quiet and simple, celebrated at a modest café in the city. Soon after, Dasha and Romka bought a flat on a mortgage, with Dasha’s parents covering the down payment; Maya couldn’t help, claiming debts galore. Now settled in their own place, Dasha and Romka soon welcomed a baby girl, Masha. Lidia and Stepan sent gifts from every pension, brought milk and vegetables from the farm, and delivered hearty country produce to help their daughter’s new family. Sometimes, Lidia would call up Maya and suggest, “Let’s chip in together for a nice present for the granddaughter—kids need so much these days!” But Maya always had the same teary answer: “Oh, Lida, I have no money—just scraping by here on my own.” For Dasha’s birthday, her parents hauled carrots, meat, and potatoes from the village. Maya gave a measly ten pounds, but Lidia and Stepan added fifty to the pot. Lidia never begrudged anything, but couldn’t shake her resentment that Maya didn’t pull her weight. “Stepan, why are we always bending over backwards for our children, while your precious co-mother does nothing but cry and play helpless? Everyone’s struggling these days, but you have to work, not just moan! Look at her—she’s always well-dressed, manicured, neat as a pin. She claims she’s broke, but somehow finds money for all her beauty treatments.” Stepan surprised her: “Well, good for her, that she takes care of herself. That’s why she looks so good for her age.” The remark made Lidia furious. “Of course she has time! No farm work, no animals, no garden like we have. I’m running myself ragged while she sits pretty in town. Maybe I’ll start spending my days in beauty salons and leave you with the chores!” Stepan never argued, knowing his wife’s character after so many years. Life went on as usual: Lidia juggled the farm, Stepan worked as a driver, and Maya went on looking glamorous. When little Masha turned three and fell ill in nursery, it was agreed: Maya would babysit her granddaughter. “I’m retired anyway—why not?” Maya accepted. At last, Lidia felt some satisfaction. “Thank goodness, she’s doing something for the family.” But soon, Stepan started making more frequent trips to the town centre. “Lid, pack up some sour cream, eggs, potatoes. I’ll bring them to Dasha—need to pick up some bits for work, and I’ll check on Masha too.” Lidia packed the food gladly. “It’s so expensive in the city; at least we can help.” Stepan’s trips got longer and more frequent. At first Lidia thought nothing of it, but then suspicion grew. “Dear God, is my Stepan sweet on Maya? Something’s not right…” She decided to test him. Next time he was packing up for town, Lidia announced, “I’ll come with you, Stepan. Miss my granddaughter, and I need to do some shopping.” He looked rattled, but could only nod. On the drive, his mood soured. When they arrived, Maya answered the door in a loosely tied dressing gown, made up and smiling—until she saw both of them. Her smile vanished. “Oh—come in,” she mumbled, tightening her robe. They played with Masha, exchanged gifts, then when Masha drifted off, Maya offered tea and Lidia watched the glances flying between Stepan and Maya. “So that’s how it is,” thought Lidia. “Right in front of me—they aren’t even hiding it anymore.” When Stepan went out for a cigarette, Lidia seized her chance. “Listen, Maya—stop playing the poor, innocent lamb. I see what you’re doing with Stepan. If you want a husband, find your own. But leave mine alone! If you don’t stop, I’ll come babysit Masha myself and you’ll be out. Stop the flirting—have some shame!” Maya flushed bright red; she’d never guessed the “simple” country wife would catch on so fast. As they left, Lidia added, “Don’t ever mistake me for a silly country bumpkin.” On the way home, Lidia told Stepan exactly how things would be: “You’re not going to the city alone anymore. If I have to, I’ll look after Masha myself. You’ll be left here with the livestock and vegetables. Don’t test me—I mean it.” That evening, Dasha called in uproar: “Mum, why did you upset Maya? She’s been a huge help with Masha, and now you’re jealous of Dad visiting! He’s just seeing his granddaughter.” Lidia seethed. “Dasha, you’re too young to understand, but think about how you’d feel if your husband spent hours at your friend’s flat behind your back. Maya’s old enough to know better. Stop befriending a woman who entertains another woman’s husband so brazenly. And remember, your father and I do everything for you—and most of that is thanks to me. If your mother-in-law won’t help with Masha, I’ll come myself.” “Oh Mum, I’m sorry—I only heard her side; she twisted it all, made out it was your fault.” “No surprise there—I told her straight. She thought I wouldn’t catch on? She nearly fainted at the table.” After that, Stepan kept Lidia in the loop about any trip to the city—often taking her along, unprompted. And together, they found time for themselves, for Masha, and even for Lidia’s own self-care. “A man’s less likely to stray if he’s busy and appreciates his wife,” Lidia mused. “And I deserve to look after myself too—why should Maya have all the fun?” Thank you for reading, subscribing, and your support. Wishing you all the best!

Poor Little Lamb Saturday morning, Rosie burst into the house with that fierce energy she always had.