**The Mystery of the Promised Gift**
In the grand dining room of a restaurant in the heart of London, the wedding of Emily and James was a joyful affair, filled with laughter and music. Guests celebrated as the newlyweds shone at the centre of attention. 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 toward the newlyweds, she whispered, My real gift will come after the wedding.
What do you mean? Emily asked, confused, glancing at her husband.
No idea, James replied with a chuckle. But Emily had no clue what game her mother-in-law was playing.
Long 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!
Theres no rush, Emily replied uncomfortably.
Mum, were just happy youre here, James said, trying to soothe her.
I wouldnt show up to my sons wedding empty-handed, Margaret declared firmly. But dont mention this to the rest of the family.
Fine, James agreed, though Emily doubted her mother-in-law would keep her word. She knew Margaret wasnt well off, but the wedding had been paid for by the couple themselves. Emilys parents, despite their modest means, had saved up fifteen thousand pounds for the newlyweds. On the day, Margaret brought only roses, overshadowed by toasts and dancing. Yet she shone in her speech, lingering over long-winded wishes for happiness, like a star demanding applause.
Youve no idea what Ive planned, Margaret murmured at the end of the night, her eyes glittering with mystery. Its a surprise thatll leave you speechless but not just yet.
Its fine, dont worry, James said, squeezing his wifes hand.
I am curious, Emily admitted, hiding her unease. Do you know something I dont?
I swear I dont, James shrugged. But the gift doesnt matter. Whats important is were together.
Emily nodded, but curiosity gnawed at her. She tried to pry hints from Margaret, who only answered with cryptic smiles: If I tell you, itll ruin the surprise. Just wait!
Months passed, and the gift never came. What had once been a joke became a thorn in Emilys side. Eight months after the wedding, she finally brought it up.
All you care about is money! Margaret snapped, voice trembling with feigned offence. You never ask how I am, if I need help!
If you need something, just say, Emily replied, startled by the outburst.
Margaret fell silent, playing the victim before later complaining to James about his wifes disrespect.
Leave my mum alone, James pleaded. She made a scenethats enough.
I only asked out of curiosity. Shes the one who built this whole thing up! Emily defended herself.
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 she realises shes getting nothing, she wont even look at me!
Thats not true, James argued.
Then explain her behaviour! Margaret pressed.
Since that conversation, she acts like Ive got the plague. She wont even visit!
When Emily heard, she sighed. Your mothers never happy. First, my interest annoyed hernow my distance does. Tomorrow shell complain I breathed wrong!
She thinks we only want things from her, James admitted sheepishly.
Right, Emily shot back. Meanwhile, my parents bring something every timefresh eggs from their garden, homemade cakeswhile she shows up empty-handed and still takes leftovers!
Are you calling my mother a freeloader? 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 tension remained. Margaret, as if stoking the fire, criticised Emily endlessly. To others, though, she spun a different tale: I do everything for themgive lavish gifts, even considered handing down my great-grandmothers ring! And this is the thanks I get! Moved listeners believed her flawless performance.
On their anniversary, Margaret revived her promise. Prepare for an unforgettable surprise! she announced when invited to a quiet dinner.
Dont trouble yourself, Emily tried to say.
Ill decide what I do, Margaret replied with a sharp smile.
James, hearing of it, scowled. Why do you always challenge my mother? If she wants to give something, let her!
Exactly, Emily retorted. Her wedding gift still hasnt arrived. We dont need another.
They agreedfor peaceto drop it. At the celebration, Emilys parents brought hand-embroidered napkins and linen bedsheets. Friends gifted crystal glasses. Margaret arrived with an oversized card, delivering a speech so long it lasted twenty minutes. Naturally, she considered this contribution enough.
If you mention gifts again, well argue, James warned on the way home.
Wasnt planning to, Emily lied.
But the silence didnt last. The next month, Margaret demanded an expensive smartphone for her birthday.
Are we really giving in? Emily asked.
She needs it, and we can afford it, James reasoned.
Right, Emily said dryly. But remember, my mums birthday is next month. Gifts should be fair.
James calculated the cost, resigned. 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 pettiness.
**Life Lesson:** Some promises are never meant to be kepttheyre just tools to control and provoke. The sooner you stop waiting, the freer you become.
