The Day I Delivered My Mother-in-Law Back to My Cheating Husband and His Mistress—With Words That Left Them Speechless

The Day I Returned My Mother-in-Law to My Cheating Husband and His LoverWith Words That Left Them Speechless

James and I had been married for seven years. From the very day we said I do, Id accepted living with his mother, Mrs. Margareta woman whod suffered a stroke, was partially paralysed, and needed round-the-clock care for every meal, every nap. At first, I thought it would be simple: she was my mother-in-law, I was her daughter-in-law, and looking after her was just part of the deal.

But I never imagined the weight of that responsibility would drag on so long and the hardest part? It came from the one person who shouldve shared it with me: my husband, James.

James worked all day and spent his evenings glued to his phone. Hed often say, Youre better at looking after Mum than I am. If I try, shell just suffer more. I never held it against him.

I thought that was just life: the wife keeps the home, the husband brings home the bacon. Then I discovered James wasnt just at work he had someone else.

One day, I stumbled across a text: Coming over tonight. Being with you is a thousand times better than being at home. I didnt scream. I didnt cry. I didnt make a scene.

I just whispered, And what about your motherthe one youve neglected all these years? James said nothing. The next day, he left. I knew exactly where hed gone.

I looked at Mrs. Margaretthe woman whod once criticised every bite I ate, every nap I took, who said I wasnt worthy of being her daughter-in-lawand a lump formed in my throat. I wanted to walk away. But then I reminded myself: dignity is something you never let slip.

A week later, I called James. Are you free? Im bringing your mother over for you to look after.

I packed her medication, medical notes, and an old care log into a tote bag. That evening, I helped her into her wheelchair and said gently, Mum, Im taking you to stay with James for a few days. Its boring being in the same place all the time. She nodded, her eyes shining like a childs.

At the tiny flat, I rang the bell. James opened the door, and behind him stood the other woman, in a silk nightgown and lipstick red enough to stop traffic. I wheeled Mrs. Margaret into the living room, arranged her blankets and pillows, and set the medication bag on the table.

The flat reeked of perfume but felt cold and silent. James stammered, What what are you doing?

I smiled sweetly. Remember? Mum is yours. Im just the daughter-in-law. Seven years of care thats enough. The woman behind him turned pale, a spoonful of yoghurt hovering halfway to her mouth.

I stepped back calmly, as if finishing a long-planned task. Heres her medical history, prescriptions, nappies, pads, and cream for her bedsores. Ive noted all the dosages in the logbook.

I set the book down and turned to leave. Jamess voice rose. Youre just abandoning my mother? Thats cruel!

I stopped, not turning back, and replied with steady calm. You neglected her for seven years whats that, if not cruelty? I cared for her like my own familynot for you, but because shes a mother. Now Im leaving, not for revenge, but because Ive done my part as a decent human being.

I looked at the other woman and met her eyes, smiling faintly. If you love him, love all of him. This comes with the package.

Then I placed the house deeds on the table. The house is in my name only. Im taking nothing. He only took his clothes. But if you ever need money to care for Mum, Ill still contribute.

I bent down and stroked my mother-in-laws hair one last time. Mum, behave yourself here. If you get sad, Ill come visit.

Mrs. Margaret smiled, her voice trembling. Yes come see me when youre back home.

I walked out, closing the door behind me. The room fell silent, thick with perfume and massage oil. That night, I slept peacefully, dreamless. The next morning, I woke early, took my son out for breakfast, and embraced a fresh startno tears, no bitterness.