Lucas and Emily were taken aback when their mother-in-law, Catherine, returned ten years later. But Emily saw a chance for Catherine to establish a relationship with their daughter, Allison. But as soon as they recognized Catherine’s presence was harmful, things rapidly got worse.
I was aware that marrying Emily would cut her apart from her family. They had not imagined me to be who I was. I had neither a noteworthy family history nor a noteworthy financial situation.
Emily responded, “Lucas, I don’t mind.” “This time, they’re wrong; they always think they know better.”
Following our marriage, Emily’s parents disappeared from her life, only communicating with her by email on birthdays and Christmas cards with their images.
Since they were Emily’s parents, I used to worry if their absence had an impact on Emily.
One day, she said to me, “It doesn’t.” “They made the decision to go; I didn’t push them away.”
After a decade, Emily and I were doing well. Both of our jobs were flourishing, and we were financially secure. Allison, our daughter of nine years, was also with us.
Allison was dependent on us and our close friends because Emily’s parents were away and my folks were living overseas.
Prior till lately.
Suddenly, Catherine appeared at our door with a basket of fruit and champagne.
I opened the door for her, and she said, “Emily.” “I’ve come back!”
My wife was listening to her mother while she proceeded to cut vegetables for supper, and her expression showed confusion.
Catherine declared, “I’ve left your father.” “I saw that he stopped me from being with you. I should not have paid attention.
I started preparing dinner and left Emily to speak with her mother. I knew Emily wouldn’t send her mother away, in spite of all she’d said over the years. She didn’t realize how much she missed her.
Emily’s mother and her were having a nice conversation hours later. Although Catherine looked genuinely excited to see Allison, I couldn’t shake a nagging sensation.
Emily spoke to Catherine, “Mom.” “Ali is totally comfortable with you. Could you maybe take her out for ice cream, spend more time with her, and occasionally watch her kids?
Catherine gave a startling response.
“Yes, but keep in mind that my time is valuable,” she snarkily said.
Catherine was scheduled to watch babies a few days later.
“You two can enjoy a romantic evening together,” she remarked as she settled into our living room.
We drove away, glad that Allison had found her grandmother.
Over the following few weeks, this occurred multiple times. Allison had grown more quiet, I observed. She always shook her head and said nothing when we inquired about her time with granny.
For someone who was always lively and quickly enthusiastic, Allison, this was completely out of character.
Then, when gathering clothes in Allison’s room, Emily discovered a crumpled piece of paper.
After going on a hike with friends, Catherine had been keeping an eye on Allison, and we had just returned.
“Lucas!” Emily growled.
When I hurried upstairs, I saw Emily looking at a painting and going into Allison’s box, which contained our daughter’s allowance.
Emily showed me the drawing and remarked, “This can’t be true.”
The sketch by Allison, which showed Catherine removing her pocket money, showed that the box was almost empty, with only a few dollars remaining.
“Do you believe she stole it?” Eyes wide, Emily questioned. “What other things would Ali buy with her money?”
I answered, “There’s only one way to find out.”
Catherine was getting ready to depart, her purse slung over her shoulder as we ran downstairs.
“Show me your purse,” I said.
“How could you?” Catherine cried out, turning to Emily for consolation.
Emily urged Catherine to do it.
Catherine reluctantly took out her handbag to show Allison’s pocket money.
“I can elucidate,” she stated.
“You ought to,” Emily said in a chilly tone.
“I required payment. On the first night, I told you that, but you ignored me. Catherine said, “I stole the money from Allison because I thought you left it with her for me.
Emily was in complete shock.
“You robbed a youngster of their money voluntarily? Your own grandchildren?” Emily spat out.
Did you know that Allison won’t discuss you? She never brings up your joint activities. Did you instruct her to be silent? Emily applied pressure.
With a sigh, Catherine turned to face the ceiling.
Indeed. She admitted, “I told her not to say anything.”
“Go now,” I commanded. “Don’t ever return.”
Catherine cast a frantic glance toward Emily, but Emily averted her gaze.
Lucas, you heard,” Emily remarked.
We then gave Allison confidence to tell us the truth about what had actually transpired. She related to us how the first night she babysat, Catherine found her box and stole her money.
Allison muttered, “She told me not to say anything.”
After this tragedy, Emily and I made the decision to take our daughter to therapy in order to secure her mental health.
After a few weeks, Allison had returned to her happy self. We assured her that she wouldn’t see Catherine ever again.
How would you have responded in the situation?