— Mum, we’re having fun at cottage, so you can go, — daughter‑in‑law evicts mother‑in‑law from gardenShe stormed off, vowing never to return to the cramped plot again, while the garden’s wilted roses whispered their quiet protest.

Emma still couldnt wrap her head around what was happening. Could it really be true that they finally had their own country cottage? For ten long years theyd been dreaming about it, but life kept throwing up roadblocks the mortgage, the kids and their school stuff, the next economic wobble And then, one morning, they checked their bank statements and thought, Now or never, love.

Alex Turner worked for an insurance firm nothing glamorous and Emma was a childmassage therapist. She earned a decent wage, but a countryside house was still out of reach. Then fate took a strange turn: almost at the same time both their grandmothers passed away. Each left them a flat in a provincial town one in Sheffield, the other in York.

After endless chats they decided to sell both flats, pool the cash and finally chase the dream buying a plot of land.

A buyer showed up fast. In winter hardly anyone wants to lose a property; most people sit tight until spring garden season. But Alex was adamant.

Later well change our minds, find a million excuses and end up with nothing, he grumbled.

Emma was totally on board. Everything was falling into place.

The plot turned out to be perfect. Electricity, gas, all the utilities were already on site. All they needed was a modest summer cabin.

They agreed that as soon as the weather warmed up Alex would take some leave and, with his mate Nick, start building.

The two of them worked like a welloiled machine, no lazy weekends, no unnecessary breaks. In a month the young couple was celebrating their housewarming.

Sleeping arrangements were a bit rough inflatable mattresses on the floor and cozy blankets brought from the city but the house had a working stove and running water. The rest could be sorted later.

Cheers, Alex, congratulations! Nick raised his glass.

The men tipped the plates, grabbed a chunk of kebab, slathered it in onion and ketchup, and tuckered in.

Who wouldve thought everything would happen so quickly! Emma beamed. I never imagined having a cottage when we were sitting around the New Years table, and now look here it is! She pointed at the tiny building.

Even though dusk was settling, the gang lingered on the lawn, keeping their impromptu picnic alive.

Hello, love, how are you both doing? asked Helen, Alexs mother, in her soft, honeyed voice over the phone.

If she sounded that sweet on the line, you knew she was plotting something.

Mum, its brilliant! Alex replied brightly.

Yeah, I heard the grandkids say you bought a cottage?

Exactly! Not just a cottage, a proper country retreat! Alex bragged.

Oh, youll say that, Helen laughed, but her tone suddenly turned a shade colder. Well, good for you both

Mom, how are you? Alex asked, a hint of concern.

Oh, you know, at my age doctors say I need peace, quiet, no stress. Then maybe my body will finally settle down but where do you find a place like that? The health resorts are pricey, I cant afford them, she sighed dramatically.

Come over, Mum, stay with us! Alex urged.

Oh, dear! As if youd have anything to do without me! And Emma would never agree Helen tried to back away.

Please, Mum. Just come, thats all.

Fine, Alex, Ill pop over if youre insistent. Ill bake your favourite banana loaf, straight from my kitchen.

When Alex told Emma his mum was about to arrive, Emma barely hid a sigh.

So we finally have a cottage, and the doctors suddenly say she needs a nature break? she said with a dry grin.

Exactly, Alex shrugged.

Nothing odd about that, right?

Nope, its just her blood pressure.

Alex, you dont get it. Shes not coming for health, shes coming to check out the new place with fresh eyes!

Enough. Shell look, stay a week, and be back home.

Did you forget what happened on her last visit?

Alex had truly forgotten, but Emma remembered all too well. Helen had tried to wreck their marriage that time spreading rumors, stirring up arguments, even sneaking soda into Emmas sugar bowl. Emma had snapped and sent her mother home on the first flight out.

Emma was sure Helen would try the same tricks again, but she didnt want to turn Alex against his Mum. Maybe, just maybe, this time things would go smoother.

Oh, look at this spot! Its like a little slice of heaven fresh air, trees, a cute cabin Helen cooed, admiring the land. Im guessing Emma planned all this! Shes such a clever one! Alex, youre lucky to have her.

Whats changed, Mum? Why the sudden enthusiasm? Emma asked.

Youve always been my favourite. Alex can be a bit of a clown, but youre a golden daughterinlaw. Weve had our bumps, but we got through them. Whos counting the past?

So Im a clown then? Alex laughed.

Sure, but youre my favourite, Helen smiled. Anyway, whats for dinner?

Barbecue every night, love! Emma replied with a grin. Hope you dont mind we love cooking outdoors.

Cant wait. The last time I had a proper grill I was still at school. Can you imagine?

Alex, take the grill. Ill fetch the meat from the fridge.

Mind if I come over? Id love another look at the place.

Please do! Emma nodded.

This time Helen seemed genuinely cheerful, joking and chatting warmly with Emma. Emma thought maybe time had softened her. After all, why ruin a marriage that had lasted so long? Emma was a good daughterinlaw practical, loyal, hardworking, and a cracking cook.

While Alex and Helen were fetching plates, the phone rang and lay faceup on the kitchen table. Emmas eyes caught a message and she couldnt look away.

*When are you back in town? Did you tell her about us? Im waiting for news. Kisses.*

Emma dropped the phone; it thudded softly onto the grass. Her mind spun.

*How do I tell the kids? What about the flat? Who is this woman? And how could Alex do this?*

Just then Alex set the dishes down.

Ive got to step out for a minute, Emma said, needing a splash of cold water and a breather.

She rushed to the sink, splashing water on her face.

Whats wrong? Helen barely managed to grab a falling ketchup bottle.

Emma was sobbing, mixing tears with water, then wiped her face with a towel.

Alex has someone else, she whispered.

Come here, love, Helen said, pulling Emma into a hug.

Emma felt Helen wasnt surprised at all.

Why didnt you say anything?

I knew, but I hoped hed sort it out. You two have been together since university, you have kids, a cottage Im just being honest, you know.

Emma broke down again. If Alex had told his mother, it meant things were serious and maybe beyond repair.

Listen to me. Calm down, wipe your eyes. You dont want a scene, do you?

Emma nodded, dabbing at her cheeks.

Well figure it out later. Were not just handing him over to some other woman.

Those words gave Emma a little relief.

The next morning Alex packed for the city just grabbing some warm clothes, he said, after hearing a forecast for a cold snap.

Emma knew the real reason, but kept her cool as theyd agreed.

When the car disappeared around the bend, Helen slipped onto the porch beside Emma and laid out her plan.

You need a man.

What?!

Not necessarily a serious one. Just enough to make Alex jealous. Sometimes a wife becomes familiar, and the husband looks elsewhere. If he sees youre still desirable, maybe hell snap back to you.

Emma laughed at the absurdity, but there was a thread of sense in Helens words.

Who do you have in mind?

Maybe Charlie? Hes single, helped us with the building.

Give him a call, invite him over. Barbecue, drinks, a little dress. Let Alex see his spot is taken! Helen grinned mischievously.

Surprisingly, Charlie agreed, even though hed barely spoken to Emma before. He arrived and asked immediately:

Wheres Alex?

Hell be back this evening. Im not great at grilling, need a mans hands, Emma said shyly.

Helen watched from the kitchen window.

More wine? Charlie reached for a bottle.

Please, just keep the snacks coming or Ill get tipsy, Emma flirted back.

Looking lovely, Emma, Charlie said, handing her a plate of fruit. Its a shame I dont have a lady of my own. Dont tell Alex, its just thoughts out loud.

Emma blushed. She hadnt expected that turn. What if he made a move? Alex would be back soon enough. What did she even care now?

She took another sip when the roar of an approaching car cut through the garden.

Alex slammed the brakes, barely missing his own garden fence.

Whats going on here while I was away? he shouted, tumbling out of the car.

Alex, why are you back so early? Emma asked, startled.

My mum called and said a fan had shown up at the cottage after I left. Turns out its your best mate Charlie!

Whats it to you? Deal with your admirer. Im about to be a free woman.

An admirer? Alex frowned.

The one you were chasing to the city today! I saw your message.

I saw the same text, thought it was a misdial. I dont have anyone, Alex tried to calm down, but the whole thing was a mess.

Emma finally snapped, glancing at the window. Helen hastily pulled the curtains.

Mum! Get out of here now!

Oh, I was just joking! Helen burst out laughing, wiping tears with a handkerchief. You should have seen your faces!

Do you think its funny to mess with a family? Emma snapped.

Alright, Ill go, well sort this later, Charlie said, but no one seemed to listen to him anymore.

You set all this up? And the message?

Yes, that was me. I carry two phones, you know, Helen admitted, unashamed.

Mum, this isnt a joke. I almost lost my wife and my best friend, Alex said, dead serious.

But Im not losing anything! Im just entertaining myself now that Im retired. Nothing to worry about.

Enjoy your games, but not here. Alex will take your things and drop you off at the station tomorrow morning, Emma declared firmly.

She grabbed Helen by the elbow and led her toward the gate.

Youre kicking me out? Helen finally realized what was happening.

Look, Im not a guest any more. Go, Emma said, nononsense.

Where will I sleep?

In the car. Its not winter yet, you wont freeze.

The next morning Alex drove Helen to the train station and watched her board the carriage. They sat in silence the whole way.