Emily has always had issues with Denise, her mother-in-law. But when her birthday rolls around and her husband, Evan, has to go away on a business trip, Emily is left to entertain herself. Denise, on the other hand, takes matters into her own hands and gives her daughter-in-law a horrible birthday gift…
I know we all have problematic mother-in-law stories, but, my goodness.
I’ve been dealing with Denise for well over five years now. My husband, Evan, and I come from very different backgrounds, which were the first ingredients for a disaster.
Evan grew up in an affluent suburb, while I was raised by a single mom in a rough neighborhood where clothing was stolen straight off the line.
And to make it even worse for Denise? I’m a mixed-race woman, which Denise always looked down on.
“You definitely get your hair from your mother, then,” she would say to annoy me.
Despite Evan’s love and constant defense of me, Denise never missed a chance to remind him that he could’ve done better.
“I’ll bet you a spa day, Emily,” Evan told me one day as we were driving to his mother’s house for dinner.
“She’s going to mention something about an ex-girlfriend or about me having done better.”
“You’re on,” I said.
Naturally, he was correct because not even fifteen minutes into the dinner, Denise was talking about an ex.
“Evan! Did you know that Laila has moved back home? She’s living with her parents for a little while because her apartment is being renovated.
You should meet her for coffee.”
We always laughed it off, but then Denise crossed a line that changed everything.
A few weeks ago was my 29th birthday, and unfortunately, my husband was scheduled for a week-long business trip. I wasn’t upset about it because Evan always spoiled me with gifts and surprises, so it wasn’t a big deal that we would have to reschedule my birthday plans.
“I will make it up to you when I’m back, Emily,” he said as he packed his clothes into a suitcase. “I promise you, my love.”
“Relax,” I laughed, helping him fold his ties.
“I know, Evan. You just go and focus on work.”
Now, Denise knew this and seemed unusually interested in my plans for that weekend.
“So, Emily, what will you be up to? I know that Evan will be away,” she said on the phone.
“I have plans with my mother and some friends,” I said politely.
“But I’ll be home that evening.”
The story doesn’t end here — it continues on the next page.
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