Your mother, thats your problem! he snapped, but she had had enough.
Sophie buttoned her sons coat, clenching her teeth to keep the fury at bay. Yet another day loomed in which she would face the ordeal she dreaded mosta visit to her motherinlaw. From the start, their bond had been a constant battle.
Monique Leblanc had never accepted Sophie as her sons wife. No matter what Sophie did, Monique always found a flaw, always a criticism to hurl.
Again, Sophie? Marc sighed, noticing her stern expression. You dont want to go, do you?
Sophie let out a bitter laugh.
Are you really asking me that, Marc? You know exactly why I dont want to go!
Her eyes flared with anger.
Shell nag me, belittle me, put me down! Shell claim Im raising our son wrong! And she doesnt care that I work, run the house, cook, clean, and pay every bill! Im the one holding this family together!
But youre home all day, Marc replied, shrugging.
Sophies gaze darkened.
Oh really? You think I just sit around doing nothing? Or that money falls from the sky?
I work too, he growled. Its not my fault I dont get paid more.
The truth was that Sophie, an independent designer, earned three times what Marc made. She was the familys breadwinner.
Cant you go alone? she asked, hoping for a way out.
Sophie, its Mothers Day! You cant ignore my mother!
She sighed, resumed dressing her son, and two hours later they arrived at Moniques house.
In the living room, Marcs niece Juliette was already seated. Sophie had long noticed Moniques preference for Juliette, treating her like royalty while almost ignoring her own grandson. It wasnt a surpriseJuliette had lost her parents five years earlier, and Monique had raised her as her own.
Around them, Moniques sisters laughed loudly, clinking wine glasses.
Suddenly, Monique dropped a bombshell.
Ive made a decision, she announced solemnly. Ill bequeath my apartment to Juliette. You, Marc, already have a home.
Marc didnt flinch; he merely nodded.
A few days later everything was settled. The apartment now belonged to Juliette, on the condition she could move in only after Moniques death.
But fate had other plans.
A sudden stroke left Monique paralyzed, unable to care for herself.
We have to move in with Mom, Marc declared firmly. She cant stay alone.
A cold wave ran through Sophie. She knew what that meant.
She would have to feed, clothe, bathe her all while working and looking after their son.
She said nothing.
Weeks passed, and Sophie reached her limit.
One evening she finally exploded.
Marc, the apartment belongs to Juliette. Shouldnt she be caring for Mom?
Juliette is at university, Sophie, and she has a boyfriend. You expect her to bring him here?
Sophie let out a dry, chilling laugh.
I cant take this any longer!
He crossed his arms.
Oh, I see. Youre already exhausted?
Her hands trembled with rage.
Im suffocating! Everything rests on me! YOU, your mother, our child, my job I CANT HANDLE THIS ANYMORE!
But you work from home, he murmured smugly.
Sophies stare cut sharper than broken glass.
And what? You think I dont actually work?
Her heart pounded wildly.
You know what? From now on, its YOUR turn to look after your mother!
It may be my mother, but shes also your motherinlaw! Thats your role! You want me to wash her, maybe?
A deathly silence fell.
Then Sophie said, her voice calm and icy:
I owe you nothing.
Marc chuckled.
In that case, hire a caregiver!
Oh? Youll pay for it?
Why should I be the one to pay?
Then there wont be a caregiver.
He crossed his arms again.
You can use your mothers pension. Or your salary?
Marcs features hardened.
And why do I even have a wife?
That was the breaking point.
Something inside Sophie shattered completely. Everything became blindingly clear.
Marc had been using her for years.
And Juliette? She hadnt even bothered to visit her grandmother.
That night Sophie didnt sleep. By morning she knew what she had to do.
As soon as Marc left the house, she packed, took her son, and left.
She sent a single message, then blocked his number:
I will no longer bear this burden alone.
That same evening Marc stormed back.
Either you come back, or Ill file for divorce!
Sophie smiled softly.
Go ahead. I was just about to.
For the first time, Marc seemed lost.
She wasnt waiting for apologies. Her decision was final.
A month later their divorce was finalized. Marc never apologized.
And Sophie?
She never regretted leaving.
Six months later
Sophie received the news: Monique had died.
And Juliette?
She threw Marc out without a hint of remorse.
Only then did he understand.
He had lost everything.
