Mom, You’ve Had Your Fun at Our Cottage – Now It’s Time to Head Back Home,” Said the Daughter-in-Law as She Showed Her Mother-in-Law the Door

“Darling, you’ve had your fun at our cottage, now off you pop back home,” the daughter-in-law shooed her mother-in-law from the property.

Emily still couldnt quite believe it. Had they really finally bought their own cottage? Theyd dreamed of it for ten long years, but life kept throwing obstacles in their pathmortgages, the childrens schooling, another financial crisis. But now, after checking their savings, theyd decided: it was now or never.

Her husband, James, worked at an insurance firmnothing extraordinarywhile Emily was a paediatric physiotherapist. She earned decently, but a country home had always felt out of reach. Fate, however, had other plans. Within months, both her grandmother and Jamess passed away, leaving behind small flats in quiet market towns.

After long discussions, the couple agreed to sell both properties, pool the money, and make their dream a reality.

The perfect plot came quickly. Few sellers bothered in winter, preferring to wait for the summer rush. But James was adamant.

“Well talk ourselves out of it later, find a million excuses, and stay cottage-less forever,” he grumbled.

Emily couldnt agree more. Everything had fallen into place!

The land was idealelectricity, gas, utilities already connected. All they needed was to build a modest summer home.

When spring arrived, James took leave and, with his mate Nigel, got to work. They laboured tirelessly, and within a month, the young family was celebrating their new home.

There wasnt much space to sleepjust air mattresses on the floor and thick blankets brought from the city. But the essentials were there: a stove and running water. The rest could wait.

“Heres to you, James!” Nigel raised his glass.

The men downed their drinks, piled grilled meat onto their plates, smothered it in onions and ketchup, and dug in.

“Whod have thought itd happen so fast?” Emily marvelled. “At Christmas, I barely dared dream of a cottage, and nowhere we are!” She gestured proudly at the little house.

Though dusk settled, they lingered outside, enjoying their makeshift picnic under the open sky.

“Hello, love, how are things?” came Margarets syrupy voice over the phone.

And when she sounded this sweet, trouble was always brewing.

“Brilliant, Mum!” James answered cheerfully.

“Oh, I know. The grandchildren mentioned youve bought a cottage?”

“Thats right! Not just any cottagea proper country retreat!”

“Goodness, listen to you!” Margaret laughed theatrically, then her tone dulled. “Well, good for you…”

“Mum, how are you?” James asked belatedly.

“Oh, whats there to say at my age? The doctors reckon I need peace, quiet, no stress. Maybe then my health will improve… But where to find such a place? Spas cost a fortune, far beyond my means,” she sighed pointedly.

“Mum, come stay with us!” James offered eagerly.

“Oh, dont be silly! As if youve nothing better to do! And Emily wont like it…”

“Mum, stop it. Just come, alright?”

“Fine, darling, if you insist. Ill bake your favouritemy lemon drizzle cake.”

When James told Emily about his mothers impending visit, she was less than thrilled.

“So, we get a cottage, and suddenly her doctor prescribes fresh country air?” she asked drily.

“Apparently.”

“Not suspicious at all, is it?”

“No, shes got high blood pressure.”

“James, youre missing the point. Shes not coming to recuperateshes coming to inspect our new place!”

“Dont be daft. Shell stay a week, then go home.”

“Have you forgotten her last visit?”

James had, but Emily hadnt. Margaret had done everything to sabotage their marriagespreading gossip, stirring arguments, hinting their eldest son “wasnt cut from their cloth.” Petty antics toooversalting soup, swapping sugar for salt. Emily had sent her packing on the first train back.

She had no doubt Margaret would stir up trouble again. But she wouldnt drive a wedge between James and his mother. Maybe, just maybe, this time would be different?

“Oh, how lovely it is here! A proper little paradise! The air, the trees, this adorable house… Emily, you must have picked it! Such a clever girl. Hold onto her, Jamesa wife like this is rare!”

“New approach, Margaret? Whats brought this on?” Emily arched a brow.

“Youve always been my favourite. My sons a bit of a fool, but his wifes golden. Weve had our differences, but let bygones be bygones.”

“So Im a fool now?” James chuckled.

“Yes, but my favourite fool,” Margaret smiled. “Now, whats for dinner?”

“Barbecue every night here!” Emily grinned. “Hope thats alright? We just cant get enough of cooking outdoors.”

“Delightful. Last time I had barbecue was in Brighton. James was still in school. Can you imagine how long ago that was?”

“Right, James, fire up the grill. Ill fetch the meat.”

“Mind if I join? Id love another look at the house.”

“Of course!” Emily nodded.

This time, Margaret seemed differentwarm, joking, especially kind to Emily. Maybe time had softened her. Perhaps past clashes had made her rethink. Why would she sabotage their marriage now? Theyd been together for years, had grown children, and now this cottage. And Emily was a good wifepractical, loyal, hardworking, an excellent cook.

While James and his mother fetched plates, his phone buzzed, face-up on the table. Emilys gaze caught the message before she could look away.

*When will you be back in town? Have you told her about us? Im waiting. Love you.*

The phone slipped from her fingers, landing softly in the grass. Her mind reeled.

*How do I tell the children? Split the house? Who is she? And how could James do this?*

“Plates are here!” James set them down.

“I need a moment,” Emily muttered, unable to face him. She rushed inside, splashing cold water on her face.

“Whats wrong?” Margaret barely dodged as Emily nearly collided with her, sending a ketchup bottle clattering.

Emily scrubbed her face, tears mixing with the water. After a minute, she stilled, drying her cheeks with a towel.

“James is seeing someone.”

“Oh, love, come here.” Margaret pulled her into a hug.

Emily stiffenedMargaret didnt seem surprised.

“You knew?”

“I suspected. But I hoped hed come to his senses. Youve been together since university, have children, this cottage. Like I saida fool.”

Emily sobbed. If hed told his mother, it was serious. Their marriage was over.

“Listen. Calm down, wipe your tears. You dont want a scene, do you?”

Emily shook her head, dabbing her face.

“Well figure it out. I wont let him walk away that easily.”

The words steadied her slightly.

The next morning, James left for town”to fetch warmer clothes,” he said, citing a cold snap forecast.

But Emily knew the real reason. As agreed, she played along.

Once his car vanished around the bend, Margaret joined her on the porch and laid out her plan.

“You need a man.”

“What?!”

“Not seriously. Just enough to make James jealous. Sometimes love fades, wives become predictable, and husbands stray. If he sees youre still desirable, he might snap out of it.”

Absurd as it sounded, there was logic in it.

“Who did you have in mind?”

“What about Nigel? Hes single. Helped build this place.”

“Call him. Barbecue, drinks, a short dress. Let James come back to find his spot taken!” Margaret smirked.

To Emilys surprise, Nigel agreed, though theyd barely spoken before. When he arrived, he frowned.

“Wheres James?”

“Back by evening. Im hopeless at grillingneed a mans touch,” Emily demurred.

Margaret watched through the window.

“More wine?” Nigel reached for the bottle.

“Please, but go easyIm a lightweight,” Emily flirted.

“Youre stunning, Em,” Nigel passed her a plate of fruit. “Wish I had a woman like you. Dont tell James I said that.”

Emily flushed. She hadnt expected this. What if he made a move? James would be back soon. But why should she care now?

Her thoughts tangled. She took another sip just as tyres crunched on gravel.

James braked sharply, nearly hitting the fence.

“Whats going on here?!” he roared, storming out.

“James! Youre back early?” Emily feigned surprise.

“Mum called saying you had a