The Day I Returned My Mother-in-Law to My Cheating Husband and His MistressWith Words That Left Them Speechless
Henry and I had been married for seven years. From the very day we tied the knot, I agreed to live with his mother, Mrs. Editha woman whod suffered a stroke, was partially paralysed, and needed round-the-clock care for every meal and nap. At first, I thought it would be simple: she was my mother-in-law, I was her daughter-in-law, and looking after her was just part of the deal.
But I never imagined the weight of that responsibility would drag on so long and the hardest part? It came from the one person who shouldve shared it with me: my husband, Henry.
Henry worked all day, and by evening, he was glued to his phone. Hed often say, You take better care of Mum than I ever could. If I tried, shed just suffer. I never held it against him.
I assumed that was just life: the wife keeps the home, the husband brings in the bacon. Then I discovered Henry wasnt just at work he had someone else.
One day, I stumbled on a text: Coming over tonight. Being with you beats being at home a thousand times over. I didnt scream, didnt cry, didnt make a scene.
I just whispered, And what about your motherthe one youve neglected all these years? Henry said nothing. The next day, he left. I knew exactly where hed gone.
I looked at Mrs. Ediththe woman whod once criticised every bite I ate, every nap I took, who insisted I wasnt good enough for her sonand my throat tightened. I wanted to walk away. But then I reminded myself: dignity matters.
A week later, I called Henry. Free tonight? Im bringing your mother over for you to look after.
I packed her medications, medical records, and an old care log into a tote bag. That evening, I helped her into her wheelchair and said gently, Mum, were going to Henrys for a few days. A change of scenery will do you good. She nodded, her eyes bright like a childs.
At the tiny flat, I rang the bell. Henry opened the door, and behind him stood the other woman, in a silk nightgown and deep red lipstick. I wheeled Mrs. Edith into the living room, arranged her blankets and pillows, and set the bag of meds on the table.
The flat reeked of perfume but felt cold and silent. Henry stammered, What what are you doing?
I smiled sweetly. Remember? Mum is *yours*. Im just the daughter-in-law. Seven years of care is enough. The woman behind him went pale, a spoonful of yogurt hovering mid-air.
I stepped back calmly, as if ticking off a long-planned task. Her medical history, prescriptions, diapers, pads, and ulcer cream are all here. Ive noted the dosages in the logbook.
I set the book down and turned to leave. Henrys voice rose. Youre abandoning my mother? Thats heartless!
I paused, not turning around, and replied with quiet steel:
You neglected her for seven years whats *that*, if not heartless? I cared for her like familynot for you, but because shes a mother. Now Im leaving, not for revenge, but because Ive done my part as a decent human.
I glanced at the other woman, meeting her eyes with a faint smile. If you love him, love all of him. This comes with the package.
Then I placed the house deeds on the table. The house is in my name only. Im taking nothing. He only took his clothes. But if you ever need money for Mums care, Ill still contribute.
I bent down and stroked Mrs. Ediths hair one last time. Be good, Mum. If youre lonely, Ill visit.
Mrs. Edith smiled, her voice shaky. Yes come see me when youre home again.
I left, shutting the door behind me. The room fell silent, thick with perfume and massage oil. That night, I slept peacefully, dreamless. The next morning, I woke early, took my son out for breakfast, and hugged a fresh startno tears, no bitterness.
