Mary’s journey with her husband Ed was fraught with challenges, most notably the constant strain of dealing with his mother, Scarlett. From unkind remarks on her wedding day to persistent criticisms, Scarlett seemed determined to make Mary’s life a test of patience. But then, the unexpected happened, leaving Mary with no choice but to reevaluate her stance.
Mary and Ed were headed to Scarlett’s place, a drive often filled with silence and unspoken fears. Mary hoped for the moment they would leave, as Scarlett held no fondness for her.
On their wedding day, Scarlett had shown up in a veil. Thankfully, it wasn’t a full bridal gown, but her message was clear. To Scarlett, Ed was her prized possession, regardless of him being a grown man. And so, Mary braced herself as they arrived, readying for Scarlett’s usual barrage of jabs.
Mary tried to keep her smile polite as they were greeted by Scarlett. “Oh, my baby! You’re finally here!” Scarlett gushed, throwing her arms around Ed.
Once Ed peeled away from the embrace, Scarlett’s attention turned. “Mary, I see you’ve gained a bit since last time,” she commented slyly. Mary suppressed a sigh, wearing her best smile. “Nice to see you too, Scarlett.”
Scarlett’s dry remarks filled dinner—condemning Mary’s cooking, her job, her choice in clothes—all while looking to Ed for validation. Mary gripped her fork, her patience running thin, until Scarlett made a particularly cutting remark.
Pushing boundaries further, Scarlett eyed Mary and declared, “Isn’t it time for grandchildren? Unless Mary can’t, you know, due to… issues?”
The words stung deeply. They had been trying for a baby, but nothing yet. Mary’s frustration boiled over. “How dare you meddle like this?” Mary snapped, her voice shaking. “Maybe Ed’s the problem!”
Scarlett shot back, dismissively. “That’s nonsense! My son’s perfect. But you, who knows?”
Mary flared up. “Witch!” she yelled, turning to Ed, desperate for support. “Are you going to let her talk to me like this?”
Ed was unmoved, stuck on his phone. “Sort it out yourselves.”
“Try herbal teas. My neighbor swears by them,” Scarlett whispered conspiratorially.
Mary clenched with nausea, “Why don’t you?” Mary spat, excusing herself to the restroom.
After her dash to the restroom, a drained Mary told Ed she wished to leave. “Alright,” he muttered, barely attentive.
Feigning concern, Scarlett asked, “Are you feeling unwell?”
“Probably your doing,” Mary mumbled, too tired to argue.
On the way back home, Mary wanted clarity. “Could you stop at a pharmacy?” she requested softly. She urgently bought a pregnancy test, needing to know.
In the solitude of her bathroom, she waited for the result. Astonishingly, two lines revealed themselves; hope and disbelief collided. Elated, she found Ed, “We’re having a baby!”
Ed gazed at the test, unexcited. “That’s…nice,” he uttered without conviction, leaving Mary’s hopes unmet.
Time passed, the joy overshadowed by Ed’s growing distance. On the morning of their first prenatal visit, Mary noticed his mood—distant, absorbed elsewhere.
As he showered, his phone buzzed. Later, curiosity tinged with doubt led her to see his messages. It unlocked with a familiar code—his birth date.
What she found was devastating—a picture of half-dressed woman with a flirtatious message. The conversation threads told tales of Ed’s deceit and false narratives of success.
Shaken, she saved the messages, fortified by truth to stand against Ed’s betrayal.
Confronting Ed was inevitable. Her fury undeniable as she showed his phone. “What’re these messages? You’re cheating!”
Ed’s retort lacked remorse. “How do I know the baby’s mine?” he sneered.
Stunned, Mary countered. “We’ve tried so long; you’re turning this on me?”
Dismissively, he declared, “I’m filing for divorce. We’re done.”
“That woman will leave when she knows of your lies,” Mary warned.
Smirking, Ed plotted, “You’ll lose everything, even mom’s money.”
“This is my father’s house!” Mary cried.
“Yet, our name’s both written.”
Shattered, Mary turned—their marriage and her security crumbled in an instant.
Driven to desperation, she approached Scarlett, laying out Ed’s truth—the betrayal, financial deceit, and threat to take everything from her.
Expecting dismissal, she was surprised by Scarlett’s listening ear. A flicker of realization, Scarlett spoke, “He’s drained me too. Lied about it for you both.”
Mary’s verification quelled doubts. “He never tried solving this with doctors. He swiped large sums… maybe from you as well.”
Scarlett trembled with anger and regret. “We need to safeguard your child.”
Hearing Scarlett’s resolve, Mary felt a budding alliance. “He can’t deny now. Screenshots are proof.”
“Secure a DNA sample until birth. We’ll have the truth,” Scarlett assured, offering Ed’s toothbrush.
Mary mused at Scarlett’s shift. “You’ve never helped me before. Why now?” she asked.
Softly, Scarlett admitted, “I was blind. I needed to stop him. His father was much the same…now, I won’t let history repeat.
Bolstered by Scarlett’s unexpected support, Mary took the next steps with newfound strength.
Mary confronted Ed, armed with evidence. “Your mom knows everything. This stops now,” she firmly presented.
Cornered, Ed had little choice. He signed divorce papers, relinquished the house, and was cornered into owing child support.
Scarlett delivered the final blow herself. Meeting Ed’s other woman, she unveiled his mendacity, deflating any facade he’d built.
At home, Mary and Scarlett had tea, scarcely disturbed by Ed’s enraged outcries after confronting his consequence.
His pleas were met with firm resistance. “You lied. We stood up against it,” Scarlett explained, teaching Ed a long overdue lesson.
Police soon intervened, curbing Ed’s threats. Inside, Mary and Scarlett, two unlikely allies, gently sipped their tea—united by the bonds forged through shared hardship.
If this story moved you, share it with others. Perhaps it will inspire someone to stand up for themselves and fight against injustice.
