You’re just convenient. Until you’re needed—they forget.
Edward pulled up outside his mother-in-law’s old high-rise to pick up his wife after yet another “little spat.” He adjusted his collar and headed for the entrance when, just steps from the door, he spotted someone at the ground-floor window. His chest tightened.
“Mum? What are you doing here?” he asked, startled to see his own mother.
“Quiet,” whispered Margaret Stevens. “Come here.”
“What’s going on?” Edward frowned.
“Just listen,” she said, nodding toward the cracked-open window.
From inside his mother-in-law’s flat came loud, unfiltered voices—his wife, Emily, and her mum.
“Mum, you should’ve seen their faces! Especially that one—all weepy-eyed. ‘It’s my fault, I didn’t protect my grandchild!'” Emily burst into laughter. “Right on schedule. And Eddie? Bless him—runs to the rescue like a loyal pup. Even drove me to hospital. Knew he’d never propose unless I squeezed him with that ‘pregnancy’ scare.”
“Emily… that’s low,” her mother muttered weakly.
“Don’t be daft. The flat’s what matters—three bedrooms, city centre, remember? I’ve already nudged him about moving in together since the ‘baby’s’ on the way. Once we’re in, we’ll gently shuffle the old folks out. Eddie’s the type who won’t slam doors. Just needs a soft push—my way.”
Edward stood frozen, his chest hollow. Every word carved deeper. His mother clutched his hand.
“You heard?” she whispered.
He nodded, face ashen.
“Let’s go.”
They marched upstairs. Edward jabbed the doorbell. Emily answered, still glowing from her triumph.
“Darling! You’re early—” Her smile faltered at his expression.
“Save it. I’ll bring your things myself tomorrow,” he said flatly. “And I’m filing for divorce.”
“What? Have you lost it? Why?”
“Because I heard everything. The ‘pregnancy.’ The flat. How ‘convenient’ I am. Thanks for showing your true colours so quickly.”
Emily gaped, wordless.
Margaret only shook her head. “And here I blamed myself—thought I’d failed to welcome you. Turns out a mother’s heart always knows. Just didn’t want to see it.”
They left. Edward didn’t look back. The weight in his chest lifted at last. He walked in silence, his mother’s grip on his hand speaking louder than words ever could.
