I’m Getting Married—to Your Ex-Husband. You Don’t Mind, Do You? David Has Already Given Me an Engagement Ring,” She Said, as Their Colleague Handed Her the Same Ring David Once Gave to Victoria.

Why have you decided to get a divorce? asked her mother-in-law, as if it was something she was entitled to know. Charlotte had no intention of living with her husbands parents to begin with. It was James who talked her into it. He said that his mother simply wasnt ready to let her son leave home. Her son who, at thirty-four, ought to know better. Still, Charlotte felt sorry for him.

We just see life differently, thats all. It happens. Were not the first, we wont be the last, she said, though what she really wanted to say was far less polite.

The real reason? Her mother-in-law called James every single day on video just to check if Charlotte was managing everything properly. On days she couldnt visit in person. Even at the wedding, when she toasted the newlyweds, she said, Im very pleased my darling son has finally married. Of course, I always thought he might find someone a bit more suitable, but there we are. Never mind, Charlotte.

Perhaps thats when Charlotte should have left. James mother had long dreamed of Charlotte walking away from her son and did everything in her power to make it happen. Yet James never once tried to defend his wife. The day they drove past his mothers house and Charlotte was refused entry, James only sat in silence. His mother said she needed to talk to her son alone. Charlotte was made to wait outside for a full hour.

Why didnt she leave sooner? She couldnt say. But now, she had at last made up her mind. Dont start with that different opinions nonsense, her mother-in-law insisted. Thats things out of movies. Come now, tell mewhat exactly dont you care for about my son? I admit, youre not the daughter-in-law Id hoped for James. Now, after things have turned out like this, I cant just let you go without a word. Tell me what it is.

Charlotte smiled slyly. She didnt need anyones permission. Shed come to this house for James sake. There was only one reason for divorce. James mother. Im going, she said, steady and cool.

I wont allow it, her mother-in-law retorted.

Well, I dont care. You mean nothing to me, Charlotte replied evenly.

Hand me back half the price of the ring, the older woman shouted suddenly.

Excuse me?

You heard. I want half the value of the ring back. The one my son bought for you.

Charlotte laughed. Is that all? Because thats the one thing in his life hes managed to buy? You can have it. I dont want it.

And so they parted ways. Charlotte wondered afterwards how shed ever agreed to marry someone like James. After all, his mother had revealed her true self even before the wedding. How did Charlotte agree? Who knows.

Im getting married, too, one of Charlottes colleagues announced at work one day.

Oh really? To whom? she asked, playing along.

Dont be cross

Dont tell me, Charlotte saidbut she already knew.

To James. Your ex.

Youre joking! You knew exactly how things ended for us.

Yes, I knew, but its different for everyone, isnt it? James is so caring. And his mother helps us all. Sometimes a bit much, but it doesnt matter.

It does to me. Im just grateful to be free, Charlotte said.

Oh, and heres the ring James gave me. Look.

Charlotte knew before she looked. The very same ring James had given her. No surprise, they hadnt bothered to buy a new one. Not at all.

And inside, the words inscribed: Always together. Charlotte rather wished she could scrub that inscription off herself.