**Diary Entry**
In a quiet town near Brighton, where the sea breeze carries the scent of salt and freedom, my life at 58 is clouded by the disappointment of people I once considered family. My name is Margaret Wilson, wife of Edward Wilson and mother to our only son, Daniel. At his engagement to Emily, her parents promised the world: “Your son will live like a king—we’ll support you in every way.” But their words were hollow, and their help became a cruel joke. Now I stand torn: stay silent for Daniel’s sake or fight for what’s right.
**A Son We Lived For**
Daniel was our pride. We raised him in the countryside, in a modest cottage where every penny mattered. He grew bright and hardworking, graduated from university, and now works as an engineer in London. At 30, he met Emily, a city girl, and fell in love. We were happy for him, though her family seemed different—sophisticated, ambitious. At the engagement, her parents, Richard and Susan Thompson, boasted about their flat, connections, and opportunities. “Daniel’s lucky to move into such a grand place—don’t worry, we’ll help,” they said. We believed them.
Emily seemed sweet—polite, well-educated. We thought she’d be a good wife. The wedding was lavish; Edward and I spent our savings, even borrowed money to keep up appearances. The Thompsons promised, “We’ll contribute too, support the newlyweds.” But after the wedding, their “help” became a nightmare that shattered our trust.
**The Lie Unraveled**
Daniel and Emily moved into her parents’ flat—the so-called “grand home.” We imagined spacious rooms, comfort. Instead, it was an old three-bedroom flat shared with the Thompsons, their younger daughter, her husband, their child… and now Daniel and Emily. Seven people crammed together, one bathroom, one kitchen. Daniel sleeps in a tiny room with Emily, their belongings piled in corners. Grand home? It’s a cramped mess, no place for a young couple.
The Thompsons didn’t just break their promises—they used Daniel. Richard demands he fixes their car, drives them to their holiday cottage, helps with repairs. Susan makes Daniel and Emily cover most of the bills, though they can barely afford it. “You live here—be grateful,” they say. Our kind-hearted son stays quiet to avoid conflict, but I see the exhaustion in his eyes.
Worse is their attitude toward us. When we visit, the Thompsons look down on us. “You’re from the countryside—you wouldn’t understand city life,” Susan once remarked. They mock our accents, our clothes, even the homemade jam we bring. Their younger daughter, Lucy, calls us “country bumpkins.” I held my tongue for Daniel’s sake, but their cruelty cuts deep.
**A Mother’s Pain**
Daniel has changed. He’s quiet, worn down. He admits Emily argues with him over her parents but begs us not to interfere. “Mum, I’ll handle it,” he says, but I see him drowning. They want to rent their own place, but the Thompsons pressure them: “Where will you go? You’ve got nothing.” Edward and I would help financially, but our savings went to the wedding, and our pensions barely cover our needs. I feel powerless watching my son being used.
I tried speaking to Emily. “Your parents promised support but only make life harder,” I said. She nodded but replied, “That’s just how they are—I can’t change them.” Her weakness disappointed me. I thought she’d stand by Daniel, but she lets her parents control them. Edward fumes: “Margaret, we should’ve seen through their lies.” But how could we have known?
**What Now?**
I don’t know how to help Daniel. Confront the Thompsons? They’d never listen—they think we’re beneath them. Urge Daniel to leave? He loves Emily and avoids conflict. Or stay silent to preserve his marriage? But every day he spends in that house breaks my heart. My friends advise, “Bring him home—let them start fresh.” But he’s a grown man. I can’t decide for him.
At 58, I want Daniel happy—in his own home, with a wife who stands by him. Instead, the Thompsons lured him into a trap with empty promises, and their mockery humiliates us all. I feel cheated, but my fear is for Daniel. How do I protect him without losing him? How do I hold the Thompsons accountable?
**A Plea for Justice**
This is my cry for honesty. The Thompsons may not have meant harm, but their lies and arrogance are ruining my son’s life. Daniel may love Emily, but his silence makes him a prisoner to her family. I want him in a world where he’s respected, where his home is a sanctuary, not a cage. This fight won’t be easy, but I’ll find a way to shield him.
I’m Margaret Wilson, and I won’t let the Thompsons turn my son’s life into their game. Even if it means telling them the truth to their faces.
**Lesson:** Promises are worthless without integrity. Sometimes, love means standing up—even when it’s hard.
