“You should be grateful I allowed my son to marry you. It is time you repaid what you owe.” The words struck harder than a slap.
Audrey Hayes stood motionless in the kitchen of her mother-in-law’s apartment in Westbridge, holding a damp dish towel. She had spent four hours cleaning the stove, counters, and shelves she never used. Across the room, Lenora Hayes turned another page of her magazine without looking up.
Audrey worked as a nurse at a public clinic in Westbridge’s Harbor District. Her salary was modest, but she loved the work. After both parents were gone, she grew accustomed to living alone.
Then she met Grant Hayes, a civil engineer who came to her clinic after injuring his knee. Six months later, during an evening walk beside Lake Maren, Grant proposed. Everything shifted after he introduced her to Lenora. His mother studied Audrey from head to toe.
“Where are you from?”
“A town called Briar Glen,” Audrey answered politely. “I’ve lived in Westbridge for five years.”
Lenora gave a faint smile. “So you came to the city hoping to marry someone successful.”
Grant lowered his eyes, while Audrey remained polite. Their wedding was simple: a ceremony at Westbridge Civic Hall, dinner with close friends, and a modest apartment on Willowmere Avenue. For weeks, life seemed peaceful.
Then Lenora began calling daily. Every Saturday, she arrived uninvited, criticized Audrey’s cooking, and checked the furniture for dust. “Grant, tell your wife to clean the bathroom properly next time.” Grant rarely defended her.
One afternoon in July, Lenora introduced a new rule. “Audrey will give me $300 each month.”
Audrey stared at her. “For what?”
Lenora answered immediately. “I spent my life raising Grant. Now you benefit from the man I created. The least you can do is repay me.”
Audrey looked at Grant, waiting.
“Mom, perhaps that isn’t necessary,” Grant murmured.
Lenora’s eyes filled with tears. “I understand. Since you married, your mother means nothing.”
Grant surrendered at once. “Fine. We’ll pay.”
Later, he told Audrey the money should come from her paycheck. “You need to understand family responsibility.” Audrey paid anyway. July. August. September. October. November.
She also prepared every family meal, cleaned Lenora’s apartment each weekend, and took unpaid leave to care for her when she became unwell. Then December arrived. Audrey received a $600 holiday bonus.
She planned to replace her worn winter boots, which leaked whenever it snowed. That evening, Lenora called. “For my birthday, I want a gold necklace. It costs $450. You’re buying it.”
Audrey turned to Grant. “I truly need new boots.”
He did not look up from his phone. “Wait until your next paycheck. It’s my mother’s birthday.”
So Audrey purchased the necklace. That evening, she cooked for twelve relatives. After the meal, Lenora distributed small wrapped presents to everyone at the table. Everyone except Audrey.
“Is there one for me?” Audrey asked quietly.
Lenora gave a dismissive smile. “You are not a guest. You are the daughter-in-law. Daughters-in-law don’t receive gifts. They are here to help.”
Silence followed. Grant stared at his plate. Audrey looked at the gold necklace around Lenora’s neck.
Then she rose, crossed the room, and reached for the clasp. Lenora’s smile disappeared. Audrey removed the necklace, placed it inside its velvet box, and picked up her coat.
No one tried to stop her. But three days later, while packing her things, Audrey discovered a forgotten folder filled with receipts.
The first receipt carried Lenora’s name. The second carried Grant’s. And the final page revealed that the money Audrey had been paying was never meant for Lenora at all.
(The hidden truth behind the payments is about to explode! Click “Next Page” to continue reading…)
