Became the Housemaid
When Alvina announced her wedding plans, her son and daughter-in-law were shocked and didn’t know how to react.
“Are you sure you want such a big change at your age?” asked Kate, glancing at her husband.
“Mum, why such a drastic decision?” Ruslan fretted. “I get it—you’ve been on your own for years and devoted most of your life to raising me, but marrying now seems foolish.”
“You’re young, that’s why you see it that way,” Alvina replied calmly. “I’m sixty-three years old and no one knows how much time is left. I have every right to spend what remains with someone I love.”
“Maybe don’t rush into marriage,” Ruslan tried to reason. “You’ve only known this George for a couple of months and you’re ready to change everything.”
“At our age, there’s no reason to delay,” Alvina argued. “And what’s there to know? He’s two years older, lives with his daughter and her family in a three-bedroom flat, gets a good pension, and owns a cottage.”
“Where are you going to live?” Ruslan was puzzled. “We share a place, but there’s no way to fit another person here.”
“Don’t worry, George isn’t after our space. I’ll move in with him,” Alvina explained. “It’s a bigger flat, I get along with his daughter, and everyone’s grown up, so there shouldn’t be conflicts.”
Ruslan was anxious but Kate persuaded him to accept his mum’s decision.
“Maybe we’re just being selfish?” she reasoned. “Sure, it’s convenient having your mum help us with Kira. But she has a right to her own life. If the chance is there, it’s not for us to stand in the way.”
“If they just lived together, that’d be one thing—but why get married?” Ruslan didn’t understand. “I can’t believe I might see Mum in a white dress with wedding games.”
“They’re old-fashioned; maybe it’s the way they feel safe and confident,” Kate tried to explain.
So Alvina married George, whom she’d met by chance on the street, and soon moved in with him. At first, everything was fine; his family accepted her, George was kind, and Alvina believed she’d finally earned her chance to be happy and simply enjoy each day. But soon new realities emerged.
“Could you make a casserole for dinner?” asked Inna. “I’d cook it myself, but work’s been crazy. You have more free time.”
Alvina took the hint and soon was in charge of all the cooking, along with shopping, cleaning, laundry—even trips to the cottage.
“Now that we’re married, the cottage belongs to both of us,” said George. “My daughter and son-in-law never have time to go and the granddaughter’s still small—we’ll handle it together.”
Alvina didn’t mind; being part of a large, close family built on mutual help felt good. Her first husband had been lazy and sly, and left when Ruslan turned ten—twenty years passed without a word. But now everything felt right. The chores weren’t a burden, and the tiredness never led to irritation.
“Mum, what kind of gardener are you?” Ruslan voiced his concern. “After those trips, I bet your blood pressure goes haywire. Is it worth it?”
“Of course! I enjoy it too,” insisted the retiree. “George and I will grow plenty to share with everyone.”
But Ruslan had doubts. In all the months, no one invited them over to meet the family—not even once. Ruslan and Kate had invited George, but he never found the time or energy, so they stopped suggesting it. They came to accept that the new relatives weren’t eager for a close relationship, and just hoped Mum was happy.
At first, all was well, and Alvina even enjoyed the busy days. But the demands grew. George, arriving at the cottage, would immediately complain about his back or heart, and his caring wife would settle him down, then tackle the branches, rake leaves, and haul rubbish herself.
“Borscht again?” George’s son-in-law, Anthony, grimaced. “We had it yesterday. I was hoping for something different.”
“I didn’t have time for anything else, and couldn’t get to the shops,” Alvina apologised. “I spent all day washing curtains and rehanging them, got tired and dizzy, so I lay down for a bit.”
“I get it, but I still don’t like borscht,” said the son-in-law, pushing away his bowl.
“Tomorrow Alvina will make us a feast,” George interjected.
Sure enough, next day, Alvina spent hours in the kitchen; dinner disappeared in half an hour. She cleaned up, then did it all again the next day. But now the daughter and son-in-law complained about everything, and George backed them up and blamed her.
“I’m not a young girl anymore—I get tired, and I don’t see why I should do everything myself,” Alvina protested.
“You’re my wife. It’s your job to keep order in this house,” George reminded her.
“But being your wife should give me rights, not just chores,” she replied in tears.
She’d calm down, get back to work, and try to keep the peace. But once, she’d had enough. Inna and her husband were off to visit friends and wanted to leave their daughter with Alvina.
“Let the little one stay with Grandpa or go with you, because today I’m visiting my own granddaughter,” Alvina said.
“Why should we arrange everything to suit you?” snapped Inna.
“You shouldn’t—and I owe you nothing,” Alvina answered. “My granddaughter’s birthday is today, as I told you on Tuesday. Not only did everyone ignore that, but you also want to keep me at home.”
“That’s just not on,” George fumed. “Inna had plans, and your granddaughter is too young—she’ll be fine if you wish her happy birthday tomorrow.”
“She’ll be fine if we all go now to my children, or you look after your granddaughter until I get back,” Alvina said firmly.
“I knew nothing good would come of this marriage,” Inna sniped. “She cooks badly, doesn’t keep things tidy, and only thinks of herself.”
“After all I’ve done here over these months, you think that too?” Alvina asked her husband. “Tell me honestly, were you looking for a wife—or a housemaid to indulge everyone’s whims?”
“You’re making me out to be the villain here,” George huffed. “Don’t start a row for nothing.”
“I asked a simple question and deserve an answer,” she pressed.
“If you’re going to talk like that, do as you wish, but in my house, that attitude won’t do,” George said grandly.
“In that case, I quit,” said Alvina, packing her things.
“Will you take your wayward grandma back?” she lugged her bag and a birthday present. “Got married and came back—don’t ask, just tell me: is there room for me?”
“Of course!” cried her son and daughter-in-law. “Your room’s waiting. We’re so glad you’re home.”
“Glad just like that?” she needed reassurance.
“Why else would we be glad for family?” Kate said.
Now Alvina knew for sure—she wasn’t anyone’s servant. Yes, she helped out at home and looked after her granddaughter, but her son and daughter-in-law never took advantage or made outrageous demands. Here, she was simply a mum, grandma, mother-in-law, and family member—not a housemaid. Alvina returned for good, filed for divorce herself, and tried not to think back on what she’d been through. Became a Maid When Dorothy decided she was going to get married, her son Oliver and his wife Emily were
I got married six months ago, and since then theres been something I cant shake off. Our wedding reception
The pensioner spoke, her voice trembling with memories as the grey London drizzle blurred the window.
My mother-in-laws birthday falls on the 1st of January. So, as is tradition, we went to visit her, and
Weve sold you the house. We have the right to stay a week longer, said the owners. Back in 1975, we left
I got married six months ago, and since then theres been something I cant shake off. Our wedding reception
My mother-in-laws birthday is on 1st January. We went to visit her, and suddenly she asked, Victoria
When I Stepped Off the Bus, I Saw My Mother Sitting on the Pavement Begging – My Husband and I Were Stunned, No One Knew About This
I’m 43, and my mother is 67. We live in the same city, though on opposite sides. Like many elderly people, my mum needs constant care, but she refuses to move in with me for one reason: she has four cats and three dogs in her flat. She also feeds every stray in the neighbourhood. Every penny I give her for food or medication is spent on animals.
I always bring her all she needs because I know she won’t spend any money on herself. Recently, after leaving a friend’s house, my husband and I decided to leave the car behind and take the bus home. Imagine my shock when I got off and saw my mum sitting on the pavement, begging for money. I was at a loss for words. My husband was just as stunned. He knew I was taking money out of our family budget for my mum.
Naturally, he wondered what the money was really being spent on. Turns out my mum was collecting money for her cats and dogs – for pet food and vaccinations.
It all sounds tragic, but what would you think if you saw your own mother like this? What would your family, friends, and neighbours think? Of course, they would believe I was a worthless daughter who had abandoned her mother. Now I’ve taken to searching the streets for her. I know she hasn’t stopped – she just hides better from me now, even ignoring my desperate pleas. When I stepped off the double-decker bus that evening, I was absolutely floored; there, sitting on the
What about the flat? You promised! Youre ruining my life! My husband and I were absolutely overjoyed
I Gave My Surname to Her Children—Now I’m Legally Obligated to Support Them While She Lives Happily Ever After with Their Biological Father
Let Me Tell You How I Went from “The Fun Guy” to Official ATM for Two Kids Who Only Text for Movie Money but Ignore Me at Christmas
It All Started Three Years Ago When I Met Marianne—An Amazing Divorced Woman with Two Kids (Aged 8 and 10). Smitten, I Spoiled Them Every Weekend, Believing the “They Love You So Much!” Routine
One Evening, Over a Glass of Wine, She Sadly Confided That Her Ex, the Kids’ Biological Father, Never Gave Them His Surname—Never Officially Recognised Them as His
In a Brilliant (Sarcastic) Move, I Offered to Adopt Them. “They’re Like My Own Anyway,” I Said—Thinking I Was a Hero
We Went Through the Legal Hoops—Lawyers, Courts, Deeds—and the Kids Became Sebastian and Camilla Rodgers, WITH MY SURNAME. We Even Held a ‘Family Ceremony’ with Cake
Six Months Later—Just Six—Marianne Announced: “Mike’s Back. The Kids’ Real Dad Wants His Family.” She Decided to Give Him Another Chance “for the Sake of the Kids”
I’d Already Adopted Them. Lawyers Confirmed: I Was Their Dad Now. With All Legal Obligations—Child Support, School, Healthcare—Even If I Was No Longer with Their Mum
So Here I Am—Paying Maintenance for Marianne, Who Lives Happily Ever After with Mike in MY Flat (Because “the Kids Need Stability”). Paid for By Me. I Moved Out, Of Course
Mike, the Absent Dad for Years, Now Plays Park Football Hero While I Get Monthly Emails from the Solicitor: “Child Support Paid: £XXX”—Complete with a Sad Emoji
Last Month, Sebastian Asked for Money for Trainers. “Can’t Mike Buy Them?” I Asked. “He Said You’re My Legal Dad—He’s Just Dad at Heart.”
How Convenient. I’m the Budget Dad—He’s the Hero Dad
Adoption’s Basically Irreversible. The Courts See Me as the Villain for Wanting Out. My Friends Have Stopped Pitying Me—“Mate, At What Point Did You Think This Was Smart?” All I Can Say: I Was in Love
Now, Every Time I See a Couple with Kids That Aren’t Theirs, I Want to Shout, “NEVER SIGN ANYTHING! BE THE FUN UNCLE, THE BOYFRIEND, WHATEVER—JUST DON’T SIGN!”
My Mum Simply Said, “Love Made You a Fool,” and Hugged Me (Which Somehow Hurt Even More)
Yesterday Brought Another “Unexpected School Expense: £XXX.” As If School Isn’t Predictable Every Year
Meanwhile, Marianne Posts Happy Family Photos—The Kids, WITH MY SURNAME, Next to the Man Who Abandoned Them
The Icing on the Cake? Camilla (10, Yes—She Has Instagram) Lists In Her Bio: “Daughter of Marianne and Mike ❤️”—My Name Nowhere
I’m Just The Anonymous Sponsor of Their Lives
So Here I Am—Single, £500 Shorter Each Month, Two “Kids” Who Only Message for Money, and the Harsh Realisation That Love Made Me Do the Stupidest Thing of My Life
The Only Silver Lining: When Someone Asks If I Have Kids, I Can Say “Yes” and Tell This Story at Dinner—Everybody Laughs. Except Me—I’m Laughing Inside
So, Have You Ever Signed Something “For Love” That Cost You Dearly… Or Am I the Only Genius Who Gave Away a Surname and Bank Account in One Bargain Package? I gave my surname to her children. Now Im legally obliged to support them while she lives happily ever
