Father-in-Law Refuses to Accept His Daughter-in-Law “Did you pick her up from nursery? Can’t you find a proper woman?” Vasily Victor stared at his daughter-in-law with contempt. “What can she do? What does she even know? What is she good for at all?” ‘And yet, she’ll be the one to look after him,’ thought Andrew, and said, “Dad, she’ll never replace Mum, but she’s my wife! I’m asking for just a bit of respect!” “So, how’s the stew?” Vicky asked. “Gail’s is better! Richer! But we’ll eat this, no sense in wasting food!” Vasily Victor replied. “Are you making fun of me?” Vicky protested. “It’s missing something,” Andrew said, pulling a face. “Not sure what exactly, but it’s just not quite there.” “Of all people, I never expected that from you, dear husband!” Vicky whipped off her headscarf. “If you like Gail’s cooking so much, let her cook for you! I’m done cooking in this kitchen!” “And what about eating?” sniggered her father-in-law. “Oh, I can eat at the café, Vasily Victor! Maybe Gail will even serve me there! That’s what I pay her for, after all!” Vicky snapped. “Right then!” Vasily Victor banged his fist on the table. “Lady of the manor! You’re as much an outsider here as she is! And remember: I’ll throw you out before I throw her out!” “Dad!” Andrew cried. “Can’t you be civil? She is my wife!” “Then why does she act like —” Vasily Victor sneered. “If she doesn’t like it, she knows where the door is: straight back to her parents’ little flat by the factory!” “That’s rich coming from you!” Vicky shook her head. “But when I was running after you like a child, you were kinder!” “You used to manage without the airs and graces too!” Vasily Victor grinned. “Dad, don’t be so hard on Vicky,” said Nick, the younger son. “She really is trying! Gail’s ten years older and has three divorces behind her!” “Of course Gail can get anything she wants with her cooking—but Vicky, she’s not like that!” “Enough of your speeches!” The head of the family banged the table again. “Keep it up, and you’ll both be out!” “Mum left you a flat on the edge of town, didn’t she? That’s where you’ll end up!” “Andy, are you just going to sit there?” Nick nudged his brother. “What? Gail really does cook a better stew,” Andrew replied. “You only care about your belly!” Nick turned away. “She should mind her own!” said Andrew, digging into the stew. The roast was coming up next, another of Gail’s specialties. “Thank you, Nick!” Vicky said quietly. “At least there’s one real man left in the house.” Nick blushed as red as the beetroot soup and reached for his spoon. “Yes, let’s finish up,” Vasily Victor nodded. “Cold, it’ll be even worse!” Vicky almost snapped, “Fine, choke on it!” but restrained herself. She stood up and left the room with dignity. “Got bold lately, hasn’t she?” Vasily Victor pointed after her. “She used to be a decent girl! See how money changes people! Careful, Andy, she’ll turn you into a proper man—just a wallet with ears, and she’ll have you running errands for her!” “That won’t happen!” Andrew bristled. “I’ll take care of her myself!” He raised his fist. “Oh, don’t make me laugh,” Vasily Victor waved him off. “That’s no way to treat a woman,” Nick grumbled. “Did I ask for your opinion?” Andrew snapped back. “You’re twenty-five and have done nothing with your life! Always chasing money from either me or Dad!” “I’ve got a start-up,” Nick mumbled, looking down. “We’ll be making a profit soon!” “This millennium, or will we wait for the next?” Vasily Victor chuckled. “Don’t take it to heart!” Conversations like these went on for hours. Ever since the lady of the house left them three years ago, the head of the family grew ever more difficult. His favourite pastime had become tormenting someone. But then Gail, who had been mentioned repeatedly, came into the dining room: “Vasily Victor, we have to go for your treatment! You know the routine!” “I know, darling Gail,” he said, rising from the table. “Lead me to good health and happiness, my lovely!” Andrew stiffened and blushed. “Andrew Victor,” Gail turned to the eldest son, “I’ll pop in later! We need to deal with your ingrown toenail—or else, a trip to hospital!” Andrew’s face returned to normal, even showing a blissful smile. “Of course, Gail!” Only Nick watched with thinly concealed disgust. “You shouldn’t be so harsh on her,” Nick said after father and Gail had left. “She’s actually good. And Dad’s only just started to get better.” “Look, you moralist, mind your own business!” Andrew snorted. “You’ve nothing, and still you try to lecture others!” That was all Nick needed as an excuse to escape. Within five minutes, in the farthest guest room: “Vicky, darling! Let’s run away from these people!” “And where would we even go? How would we live?” “I’ll earn for us!” “Then earn—first…” “Can you really bear living like this?” “Do I have a choice?” * Every family has a binding force. When it disappears, the family crumbles. Piece by piece, until nothing remains. For them, that glue was Anna Ivanova. She was a wonderful wife, a loving mum, and a fabulous homemaker. She was simply the best—and by her early fifties, she was exhausted. One night, she went to bed and never woke up. Her departure revealed just how much they had all depended on her. Neither sons nor husband managed on their own. They drifted, lost in grief, after the funeral. Yes, everyone had their work—but the crushing sense of emptiness was destroying them. “I’ve sold the business, put the money in my account, don’t want anything else,” said Vasily Victor. “Dad, what are you talking about?” Andrew was shocked. “That company was your everything!” “I’ve got no soul left!” his father replied. “Meant to leave the firm to you boys, but you started your own, and as for your brother—who knows what he does? Turns out, none of you want my company!” “But what will you do?” Andrew asked. “Nothing! I’ll just lie around! There’s enough money for me till the end. When I’m gone, you and Nick can split the rest. By the way, where is your brother?” “How would I know?” Andrew shrugged. “His start-up, I guess.” “Bah, whatever,” said Vasily Victor. “None of this matters anymore…” Andrew and Nick watched with sorrow as their father faded. “He needs a carer,” Nick said. “He could do himself harm!” “You going to pay for it?” Andrew smirked. “He’s got money…” Nick murmured. “Try talking him into it first! He’ll send you and the carer packing!” “I can’t look after him, I’ve got my start-up!” Nick replied. “Maybe you should move back with us?” “I’m thinking about it,” Andrew admitted. “But I was going to get married, and now Mum’s gone…I don’t know. Maybe that was a sign I shouldn’t…” “What do you mean?” Nick asked. “The girl I’m with, Vicky—she’s a nurse, good round the house, but a bit dull…you know…” “You think she could be like Mum?” “For now, we’d settle for anyone who keeps up appearances,” Andrew sighed. “No one can ever replace Mum!” Nothing was resolved, but much changed after that. Andrew moved home with his new young wife: “This is our home now,” he told Vicky. “Do you understand why I put off proposing and why we never really had a wedding?” “Yes, I do,” she replied quietly. “I don’t even know how to ask, but we never had any staff. We just had Mum…” “It’s all right,” Vicky smiled. “I won’t need to go to work anymore.” “You’ll have access to the account—whatever you need!” Andrew promised. The new lady of the house received a mixed welcome. Nick was friendly and offered to help if he was around. But their new father-in-law… “Did you find her in a playgroup? Lost interest in real women, have you? What does she do? What does she know?” Vasily Victor eyed Vicky with contempt. “What’s she good for anyway?” ‘And yet, she’s the one who’ll be looking after him,’ Andrew thought, and said, “Dad, she’ll never replace Mum, but she is my wife! Please, respect her!” “Can’t promise anything,” Vasily Victor grumbled. “We’ll see what she’s worth.” If Vicky had known what the next two years would bring, she’d never have crossed the threshold. Day-to-day chores were no problem—the house had every gadget. But her main troubles stemmed from her father-in-law, who always found reasons to gripe that Vicky should learn something useful! She put up with it for two years. Even Andrew’s gentle words no longer comforted her. Then one day, she gathered all the men in the house and announced, “Like it or not, I’m hiring household help—and she’ll answer only to me! What she says, goes for me!” “If she’s as hopeless as you, maybe it’s easier to kick both of you out!” Vasily Victor complained. But Andrew and Nick supported her—knowing how hard life with their father had been for her. Gail’s arrival was no cause for celebration. She barely glanced at them before getting to work. Unbeknownst to the men, though, Vicky and Gail had another agreement: Gail would charm Vasily Victor with all her womanly wiles. At fifty-seven, Vasily Victor still had some spark left; Gail was thirty-seven. If they all left their morals aside, it could work out perfectly. “That old wretch must mellow out! Or else, Gail’s not earning that salary for nothing!” Everything worked—almost too well. Gail paid plenty of attention, not just to Vasily Victor, but also Andrew, who was her own age. Did Vicky notice? Of course. But she was powerless: Andrew cut off her access to the family money—put her on a strict limit. Most of it ended up in Gail’s pocket. Vicky found solace in Nick, Andrew’s younger brother—her secret admirer from day one. They would’ve run off together, but had nowhere to go, nor the means. Escaping to nothing was too frightening. So, in the far guest bedroom, they comforted each other as best they could. * “Oh, how I hate them!” Vicky cried, pressed to Nick’s chest. “It’s awful, but I completely agree! They’re horrid! Sometimes, I’m ashamed they’re my family!” Nick replied. “Let’s just tell them everything and walk out? Let them fight amongst themselves!” “Let’s!” Nick agreed. “Anyway, I landed a big order today! My start-up finally took off! We won’t be penniless after all!” They ran away as if from pursuit, though the main drama was back at the house. When Vasily Victor put it all together, clutching his chest: “My eldest nicked my woman, my youngest nicked his wife! What a family! And that Gail—I’m amazed she didn’t seduce Nick too!” Shouts, flying crockery, smashed furniture, accusations from every side—no one was safe. The family that Anna Ivanova had tended so lovingly was ruined. Because she alone was the anchor, the one who knew how to keep her men in line. Without her, they all crumbled, giving in to their basest instincts—seeking only the simplest comforts, never learning to think for themselves.

Author John SmithReading 10 minViews 7Published by January 11, 2026

Did you bring her home straight from school, then? Are grown women no longer to your fancy? Arthur Evans peered at his daughter-in-law with thinly veiled contempt. What can she do? What does she know? Whats she even good for?

Andrew knew the real reason she was here she would have to look after Arthur now. He replied quietly, Dad, shell never replace Mum, but shes my wife. A bit of respect, at least!

So, hows the stew? Emily, his wife, asked with trepidation.

Margarets was better! Arthur retorted. Far richer! Still, I suppose well eat this; waste not, want not!

Are you mocking me? said Emily, her patience fraying.

Theres something missing, Andrew sighed, Not sure what, but its just not quite right.

From you, darling husband, I expected better, Emily snapped off her headscarf. If youre so fond of Margarets cooking, let her do it all! Im done with the kitchen!

And what will you eat? Arthur chuckled.

I can pay for my own meal at the café, Mr. Evans! Emily spat. Margaret will serve me there, for all Im paying her!

Arthur banged the table. Oh, madam! You and she are both outsiders here! Watch out or itll be you I send packing, not her!

Dad! Andrew interrupted. Could we have a bit of civility? Shes my wife, after all.

Then why does she behave like Arthur snorted. She ought to drop that haughty attitude. Or shell be off back to that poky flat of hers overlooking the old steelworks.

Emily shook her head in disbelief. Yet when I fussed over you like a child, you were much friendlier!

You werent full of yourself then! Arthur smirked.

Dad, please, said Colin, the younger son. Emilys really trying. Margarets ten years older! Shes more experienced and been through three divorces. Of course she knows how to charm you with her stew. Emilys not like that.

Enough lectures! Arthur gave the table another thump. Keep talking and youll be out! Doesnt your mothers little flat on the edge of town sound nice right now?

Andrew, why are you silent? Colin nudged his brother.

What? Margarets stew really is better.

You only care about your belly! Colin replied, turning away. And at your wifes expense!

She shouldnt meddle! Andrew dug into his stew, eager to finish. Roast was for second course, Margarets specialty.

Thanks, Colin, Emily smiled wearily. At least one man in this house.

Colin blushed the colour of beetroot and focused on his own plate.

We must eat up, Arthur nodded. Itll be revolting cold!

Emily wanted to spit out a sharp retort, but held herself together. With dignity, she left the dining room.

Shes gotten awfully bold, Arthur grumbled after her. Was a decent girl once! Look what money does to people! You watch, Andrew, shell have you whipped before long.

No, she wont! Andrew bristled, clenching his fist. I make the decisions.

Oh, dont be ridiculous, Arthur waved him off.

You shouldnt treat women like this, Colin muttered.

Didnt ask for your opinion! Andrew snapped. Sort your own life first! Twenty-five and got nowhere! Still running after Dad and me for cash.

I have a startup, Colin mumbled, eyes to the table. Well be making a profit soon.

This year, or next millennium? Arthur chortled. Oh, dont take it so hard!

These sorts of arguments had become endless. Since the matriarch had died three years earlier, Arthur had grown more cantankerous provoking everyone at any chance.

Just then, Margaret herself entered the dining room. Mr Evans, time for your exercises! You know the schedule.

I know, Margaret, Arthur grunted, rising from the table. Lead on, my dear, towards health and happiness!

Andrew stiffened with embarrassment.

Ill come see you after, Mr Andrew, Margaret said pointedly. Well need to look at that ingrown toenail! Otherwise, youll be off to the hospital.

Andrews face lit up with a foolish grin. Of course, Margaret!

Colin watched, his contempt barely disguised.

Youre too hard on her, Colin said after father left with Margaret. Shes decent. Besides, Dads only just started taking care of himself again.

Look, you moralist, mind your own business! Andrew snorted. You have nothing, and yet you still lecture me. Get somewhere in life before you tell me what to do!

Colin didnt need more excuse and fled the dining room. Soon in the far guest room, he found Emily.

Emily, love, lets just leave these people behind!

And go where? How would we live?

Ill earn!

First, lets see you do it

Can you really put up with all this any longer?

What choice do I have?

***

Every family has a force that holds it together. When that force fades, families begin to crumble. For the Evans, it had been Mary Evans.

She had been a wonderful wife, a caring mother, a marvellous homemaker. But by fifty-two, she seemed to have spent every ounce of herself. One evening, she went to bed and quietly slipped away in her sleep.

Suddenly, the family was lost. Neither the sons nor their father could manage much. After the funeral, they fell into a fog.

They still had jobs to go to, tasks to complete. But the aching emptiness gnawed at all of them, silently pulling the family apart.

Ive sold the company, Arthur announced. The moneys in the bank. I cant be bothered with anything else.

Dad, what? You poured your heart into that business, Andrew said in disbelief.

Ive no heart left! Arthur retorted. Thought Id pass it to you or Colin; you built your own thing, and your brother, God knows what hes up to! None of you want my business!

What will you do, then? Andrew frowned.

Nothing at all! Ill just lie down and rest, Arthur insisted. Theres enough in the bank for my lifetime and whats left, you and Colin can split. Speaking of which wheres your brother now?

How should I know? Andrew shrugged. Always off with this so-called startup.

Anyway, I no longer care, Arthur said, waving him away.

Andrew and Colin watched painfully as their fathers spark faded altogether.

We ought to hire a carer for him, Colin mused. He could do something dreadful

Fancy paying for one? Andrew smirked.

He has the money Colin faltered.

Convince him to accept the help first, Andrew pointed out. Hed kick both of us, and the carer, out!

I cant be here all the time; my startup needs me! Colin said. Maybe you ought to move in?

Im thinking about it, Andrew admitted. Maybe I shouldnt have pushed for a wedding after Mum diedmaybe it was a sign to wait.

What are you saying? Colin asked, puzzled.

I mean, Emilys a nurse. Shes practical, competent but Im bored with her. Well, anyway

Do you reckon she could step into Mums shoes? Colin replied.

We need someone But no one could replace Mum, Andrew sighed.

Nothing seemed resolved, but afterwards, much changed.

Andrew returned home with his wife, Emily.

This is our home, now, he told her. You see why I hesitated for so long about proposing and why there wasnt much of a wedding?

I do, Emily replied, quietly.

I dont even know how to ask, but Weve never had staff. Just Mum he trailed off.

Its alright, Emily smiled. I wont need my old job now.

Of course! Andrew nodded eagerly. Youve access to our account buy what you think is best.

Emilys arrival met mixed reactions. Colin welcomed her, offering support, but Arthur Did you pick her up straight from school? What can she do or even know? he scoffed.

Shes my wife, never hoping to replace Mum, but she deserves respect, Andrew retorted.

Well see what shes made of, Arthur muttered.

Had Emily known what was ahead, shed never have stepped foot in the house.

Day-to-day chores werent trouble every convenience awaited her. But Arthur proved the greatest challenge.

Did he torment her on purpose or not? No one could tell, but his ceaseless criticisms stung.

She endured for two years. Eventually, not even Andrews persuasion could calm her. She summoned the men of the house.

Youll have to put up with it, but Im getting help in this house, and Ive found just the right person. She reports to me, no one else. So, what she says goes on my behalf.

If shes as hopeless as you, Ill toss you both out! Arthur huffed.

Andrew and Colin, thankfully, supported her; they saw too well how Arthur treated her.

Margarets arrival was no grand celebration. She eyed the household shrewdly, then got stuck in.

A key fact, though, remained hidden from the men: Emily and Margaret had agreed Margaret would use all her feminine wiles to charm Arthur.

He was, after all, fifty-seven still a man with plenty of spark. Margaret was just thirty-seven; under the circumstances, it seemed almost sensible to overlook propriety.

Emilys only request to Margaret was to soften Arthurs temper; otherwise, she wasnt earning her generous wage.

Margaret more than succeeded doting on Arthur, but not forgetting Andrew, who was her own age.

Did Emily notice? Of course. She could do nothing Andrew limited her access to money; most went to Margaret.

Emily found comfort in Colins affection. Hed admired her since the day they met. They would have run away together if theyd had the means; but leaving without security was too frightening.

So in the distant guest room, they consoled each other as best they could.

***

Oh, if you knew how much I hated them! Emily whispered, clinging to Colin.

Theyre appalling, Colin agreed, Its shameful theyre my family.

Lets just tell all and walk away, Emily suggested. Let them battle it out.

Lets! Colin grinned. Besides, my startup just landed a big client! We wont be left strapped for cash!

Emily and Colin fled like fugitives, while chaos erupted back at home.

Arthur, clutching at his chest, pieced together the truth. My eldest steals my companion, the youngest takes his brothers wife! Fantastic family! And then Margaret how she didnt go after Colin, I dont know!

There was shouting, crockery smashed, chairs overturned, accusations flung from every direction. The family that Mary Evans had so cherished lay in ruins.

All because she alone had held them together, knowing how to manage her boisterous men. Without her, each slid into selfishness and pettiness, never learning to put heart or head before appetite or pride.

In the end, they were left alone with their grievances, taught by hard experience that family is not just about being under one roof, but about care, respect, and learning to value the hand that keeps the bonds strong. When that hand is gone, one must learn to look after each other or watch everything fall apart.