— Gail raves about your home, “I’m keen to see what you splurged on,” she says with a smug smile, declares Mrs. Lawrence.

Gillian is raving about your house; I want to see what youve splashed so much cash on, Eleanor Whitaker says, her smile a touch haughty.

For four long years Olivia and Victor labour over the construction of a twostorey country home. Every spare moment goes into renovation, and at last, after years of hard work, the family moves in.

Olivia, Victor, and their three children settle into the new house, dreaming of a happy family life. Everything would be perfect if their motherinlaw didnt reappear, still convinced the whole project was a foolish waste of money.

No sooner has the family moved than relatives announce theyll drop by to see the house. In the two months since the move, everyone except Victors motherEleanor Whitakerhas already visited.

Relatives and acquaintances cant stop raving about the home, and the news reaches Eleanor, too.

Victor and Olivia have built a fairytale house! praises Eleanors own sister, Margaret. Have you seen it?

Not yet; thats not the point, Eleanor replies in a deliberately detached tone.

That evening, unable to contain herself, she texts Victor, asking for photographs.

Gillian is raving about your house; I want to see what youve spent so much on, Eleanor writes, her smile again tinged with superiority.

Victor, without a second thought, sends his mother a few pictures. As soon as she receives them, Eleanors displeasure erupts.

Curious that no one has invited me over. Everyone else has been here, but I havent

Maybe because you thought we were playing at building rather than actually doing it? Victor reminds his mother.

Oh, youve brought that up again! Those who dwell on the past lose their sight, Eleanor says, forcing a nervous smile.

And those who forget get nothing, Victor replies sharply.

Wanting to steer the conversation back to the house, Eleanor demands,

Send me the address by text; Ill come over, she orders.

Victor complies, and the next day Eleanor arrives.

Olivia, who hadnt heard that her motherinlaw had called and insisted on visiting, is taken aback by the sudden arrival.

Victor, why didnt I know? she asks, eyes wide.

I didnt expect her to turn up so quickly, he replies, shrugging, as surprised as she is that Eleanor didnt linger longer before coming.

Eleanor brings treats for the grandchildren and, on the way, picks up three chocolate bars from the shopsomething Olivia cant help noticing. Yet her behaviour doesnt astonish Olivia; Eleanor has never been keen on spending time with the children anyway.

The motherinlaw inspects the house inside and out with a scrutinising eye, her expression clearly showing she isnt thrilled with what she sees. Victor cant immediately pinpoint what has irked her. He realises a little later, when shes invited to the table and downs two glasses of champagne.

Why must I live in a flat like a beggar while this lady resides in a grand house like a queen? Eleanor asks, her tone flat.

Whats wrong with the flat? Remember we sold your old onebedroom flat, added a bit, and bought a twobedroom. I also transfer about £210 a month to you. From where do you think Im a beggar? Victor snaps, feeling unjustly attacked.

Do you think Im ungrateful? Im grateful! But I also want to live in a house! Eleanor insists.

Mum, we all wanted to build our dream home, and weve done it. What does this have to do with you? Victor asks.

What do you mean what does this have to do with me? I gave birth to you, raised you. Dont I deserve this comfort? Why wont you invite me? she retorts, stubbornly refusing to back down.

Olivia, watching the exchange, notes anxiously,

Victor, your explanations are useless. Shes just jealous of our happiness and our home. All she cares about is feeling superior

Victor glances at his wife, recognising the validity of her point, yet still feels guilt toward his mother.

Its hard to hear that, Mum, honestly. But we built this house for ourselves. You have a nice twobedroom flat where youre comfortable

Comfortable? Then let my wife stay there, good luck, and Ill rule this place! Eleanor snaps.

Eleanors behaviour defies any reasonable frame. Her words irritate Olivia, sparking resentment:

See how Eleanor pretends to thank us? Shes constantly demanding, taking offence, criticising, and belittling my role in the family

Instead of answering, the motherinlaw lets out a loud huff, rolls her eyes, and reaches for another glass of champagne.

Determined to have a serious talk, Victor drags her onto the terrace.

Mum, Ill be honest: your constant pressure and dissatisfaction wear me down. Youre not a kindly grandmother, and your temperament makes any conversation with you unbearable. Olivia suffers, and the kids try to avoid you, so theres no talk of living together or handing the house over.

Am I a bad granny? Maybe you just cant see your own mother? she snaps back.

Listen carefully, Mum. My house is a symbol of our familys joy, and I wont let you tear it down!

Why should I be the one to tear it down? Thats your wifes idea, isnt it? Ive realised my feelings mean nothing to anyone here! Everyones innocent except me! Eleanor says, her face twisted with open hostility, biting her lip. I hear you, dont worry! she adds, sobbing loudly as she summons a taxi.

Half an hour later, the furious, wounded woman drives away from the twostorey house without bidding anyone goodbye.

From then on, her relationship with Victor grows tense. She refuses to forgive him for putting his familys interests above hers.

A month later, she unexpectedly calls Victor, igniting a huge scene. She reveals she had planned to sell her twobedroom flat and use the proceeds to buy a house. She even found buyers, but when the sale reaches the final stage, it turns out Victor is the legal owner of the flat.

Youve duped me! You sold the old flat and transferred it to yourself! Eleanor erupts. Youve left me with nothing!

Maybe because I poured a lot of money into buying that twobedroom flat? Do you think I had the right to do that? Victor retorts.

Everythings been taken! Everything! she spits, slamming the phone down.

She never contacts him again, and every attempt Victor makes to reach her is deliberately ignored.