The Mystery of the Promised Gift
In the spacious dining room of a restaurant in the heart of London, the wedding of Emily and James was a joyous affair filled with laughter and music. Guests celebrated as the newlyweds basked in the spotlight, glowing with happiness. When it came time for gifts, Emilys parents went first, handing over an envelope stuffed with pounds. Next came Jamess mother, Margaret, with a bouquet of roses. Leaning in, she whispered to the couple, My real gift will come after the wedding. What do you mean? Emily asked, confused, glancing at her husband. No idea, James replied, chuckling. But Emily couldnt have guessed the game her mother-in-law was playing.
Even before the ceremony, Margaret had dropped mysterious hints. I dont want to give you just any little thing, shed say. On the wedding day, expect nothingbut afterward, prepare for something grand! No rush, Emily replied, uneasy. Mum, were just happy youre here, James soothed. I wont show up empty-handed to my sons wedding, Margaret declared firmly. But dont mention this to the whole family. Deal, James agreed, though Emily doubted her mother-in-law would keep her word. She knew Margaret wasnt well off, and the wedding had been paid for by the couple themselves, without asking for help. Emilys parents, despite their modest means, had scraped together fifteen thousand pounds for the newlyweds. On the day, Margaret brought only the roses, overshadowed by toasts and dancing. Yet she shone in her speech, lingering over lengthy wishes for happiness, like a star demanding applause.
Youve no idea what Ive planned, Margaret murmured at the end of the night, her eyes twinkling with mystery. Itll be a surprise that leaves you speechless but not just yet. Its fine, dont worry, James said, squeezing his wifes hand. Im actually curious now, Emily admitted, masking her discomfort. Do you know something I dont? Swear I dont, James shrugged. But the gift doesnt matter. What counts is us being together. Emily nodded, though curiosity gnawed at her. She tried prying clues from Margaret, who only replied with cryptic smiles: If I tell you, itll spoil the surprise. Just wait!
Months passed, and the gift never arrived. What had once been a joke became a thorn in Emilys side. Eight months after the wedding, she broached the subject. Oh, all you care about is money! Margaret snapped, her voice trembling with feigned hurt. You never ask how I am, if I need help! If you need anything, just say, Emily replied, startled by the outburst. But Margaret fell silent, playing the victim and later complaining to James about his wifes lack of respect. Leave my mum alone, James pleaded. She made a scene, enough already. I only asked out of curiosityshe built up all this expectation! Emily argued.
From then on, Emily avoided Margaret, speaking only when necessarywhich only made things worse. When she thought Id give her expensive things, she was all smiles, Margaret lamented to James. Now shes realised shes getting nothing, she wont even look at me! Thats not true, James defended. Then explain her behaviour! Margaret insisted. Since that talk, its like Ive got the plague. She wont even visit! When Emily heard, she sighed. Your mums never happy. First, my interest annoyed her; now, my distance does. Tomorrow shell complain I breathed wrong! She thinks we only want things from her, James said, ashamed. Right, Emily countered. Meanwhile, my parents always bring somethinghomegrown fruit, cakeswhile she turns up empty-handed and still takes leftovers! Are you calling my mum selfish? James snapped. Show some respect. Shes the only mother Ive got. Fine, Emily cut in. But if she wants respect, she should lead by example.
The topic became taboo, but the clashes continued. Margaret, as if stirring the pot, criticised Emily over everything. To others, though, she spun a different tale: I do everything for that couple, give them expensive gifts, even considered handing down my great-grandmothers ring! And this is the thanks I get! Listeners, moved, believed her spotless version.
On their anniversary, Margaret revived the promise. Get ready for an unforgettable surprise! she announced when invited to a quiet dinner. No need, Emily tried to temper. Ill decide, thank you, Margaret replied with a sharp smile. James, hearing of it, grew irritated. Why must you always challenge my mum? If she wants to give something, let her! Exactly, Emily shot back. Her wedding gift still hasnt arrivedwe dont need another.
They agreed, finally, to avoid more fights. At the party, Emilys parents brought a hand-embroidered tablecloth and linen sheets. Friends gifted crystal glasses. Margaret arrived with an oversized card, delivering a rambling speech that dragged on for twenty minutes. She deemed this, of course, contribution enough. Mention gifts again, and well row, James warned on the way home. Wasnt planning to, Emily lied.
But the peace didnt last. The next month, Margaret demanded a pricey mobile for her birthday. Are we really giving in? Emily asked. She needs it, and we can afford it, James reasoned. Sure, Emily said flatly. Just remember my mums birthday is next month. Gifts should be equal. James resigned himself to the cost. In the end, Margaret got a basic model and flew into a rage. She blamed Emily for manipulating James, vowing revenge for her daughter-in-laws petty ways.
