Claire’s prospective mother-in-law sees nothing but cash signs when her inheritance finally comes through, and she provides Claire with a list of lavish items that she feels the family is entitled to receive. Claire, on the other hand, has a lesson of her own to impart. When allegiances are broken and love is unraveling, she presents them with one last gift, and it is a present that they will never forget.
Formerly, I was under the impression that my connection with Nathan was flawless.
Until his mother revealed to me with absolute certainty who she was.
For the last three years, Nathan and I had been in a relationship. As soon as he made the proposal, I felt like the luckiest woman in the world. In the comfort of our apartment, we lived a peaceful and contented existence. During our time together, we had a cat called Willow, a habit of ordering takeout late at night, and lofty goals for the future.
After that, my grandmother’s death occurred.
This was a terrible event.
To a large extent, she had brought me up. Throughout my childhood, Mom served as my rock, my guide, and my closest companion. I felt as if I had lost a piece of myself when I lost her.
She shared with me something that I will never forget before she passed away.
She spoke to me with her palm softly resting on mine and murmured, “Claire, my love.” The only one of my grandkids who has ever stood out from the others is you. More robust. A wiser person. The moment you were born, I was able to recognize myself in you all along. Always know that I will look out for you. After I have left this world.”
That is exactly what she did.
I was given a fortune of $500,000 by her.
I had not anticipated receiving even a single penny. My affection for her was not based on that. Having that much of money seemed like a blessing as well as a responsibility. Even more than that, I had no idea what to do with it. My grief had not yet subsided.
Whereas, when Carol, Nathan’s mother, discovered the truth?
Simply put, it was as if a switch was flicked.
Nothing remained the same.
At some point during the Sunday supper, Nathan had made a passing reference to the inheritance. It was merely a casual remark that he made; he did not want to hurt anybody. The instant the words left his lips, however, Carol’s eyes lit up with excitement.
In addition, she presented me with a letter that caused my blood to become ice cold a week later.
Once again, we were having supper, and Carol was behaving in an exceptionally pleasant manner, her voice honeyed and deceptive.
After we had finished our dessert, she pulled me aside and said, “I know it’s been difficult, losing your grandmother.” However, do you agree that it is time to go on to the next step? “Claire, the world continues to turn.”
She gave me an envelope that had been sealed.
With a grin on my face, I assumed that it was perhaps a handwritten message or something affecting. Perhaps even a little, personal remembrance.
Rather than that, it was a list.
A comprehensive and listed list of the “gifts” that I was supposed to deliver to her family, or rather, that I owe them. Should I want to be “accepted,” I would.
My eyes blinked as I read each sentence in turn.
Carol received a Cartier bracelet worth $10,000. There is a gesture of our appreciation for the fact that you have joined our family.
Madison, Nathan’s younger sister, will be getting a brand new automobile. “Because members of the family are there for one another.”
For Carol and her husband, Roger, a fund of twenty thousand dollars to renovate their kitchen. “The time has come for the house to reflect the kind of family that we are like.”
For Roger, a Rolex watch.
This is a luxurious holiday for 10 people, complete with first-class airfare.
A payment to the family in the amount of $2,000 every month, as a demonstration of my “commitment.”
My stomach began to churn.
When I got back to the dinner table, I chuckled in a manner that was both quiet and disbelieving. Coffee was being served by Carol. Cookie trays were distributed by Madison. As if nothing was amiss, Nathan poured wine into the glass.
While I was thinking to myself, I said to Carol, “You’re joking.” “Shall we say that this is a joke? ”
The arrogant smirk that she had been wearing never left her lips as she cocked her head.
“Oh, honey, I’m sorry. It’s common practice. You are about to become a member of a family that looks out for each other. It’s a blessing that you have the chance to do this.”
You’re lucky?
This lady was behaving as if I had just won the jackpot, despite the fact that my grandma had just passed away.
After then, she said the words that would become her destiny.
“You will do this if you truly love my son,” the mother said.
I did not leave in a rage. It was not me who raised my voice.
I cracked a grin.
I gave a little nod.
I behaved as if everything was all in order.
Oh, Carol,” I whispered in a tender tone. “I have no problem understanding. You have a point. As a family, we watch out for one another. It is everything going to be taken care of by me. Perhaps even gold cufflinks will be included in the package for Nathan.
The expression on her face changed.
She came over to me and patted my hand, saying, “I knew you were the one.” I’ll send you a text message with the link to the bracelet.
On that particular evening, when we were back at our flat, I sat opposite Nathan. As if it were a loaded weapon, the envelope was sitting on the coffee table in the middle of us. By the window, Willow slept peacefully by herself.
I responded by saying, “Yes, I did.”
Clearly, he was perplexed. To what end? ”
I referred to it as “your mother’s list.”
It was a blink. “Oh, yes. That’s all fine, isn’t it? ”
I was waiting for the sarcasm, for the joke, and I was staring at him just then.
Instead, he just shrugged his shoulders.
The way she is, you are aware. Instead of being anything else, it’s more of a gesture.
“A sign of respect? ” I said once again.
Similarly, that is what she referred to it as.
I opened the package, took out the list, and waved it in his direction when I had done so.
“This is equivalent to more than one hundred thousand dollars’ worth of ‘gestures.’ Nathan, that is not a gesture. It is an act of extortion.
In a manner that was obviously unpleasant, he stroked the back of his neck. “Listen, it’s just something… you have this money all of a sudden. I am aware that my parents have been going through a difficult period.
I had a terrible feeling.
“Nathan, they are not having any difficulty. They just would want more. Since I am now in a position to contribute, they see me as a financial institution.
Still, he did not speak.
“I would not have hesitated to assist you if your family had treated me as if I were a member of their own family. But what about this? It is a business transaction.”
As he stared up at the ceiling, he let out a sigh. You’re giving it too much thought. Simply put, my mother is a traditionalist.
My head slowly nodded. “You are absolutely correct. “I’m dwelling on it too much.”
He grinned, feeling relieved.
I got to my feet.
“I’m going to end my day. Please replenish Willow’s dish of food; she is now hungry.
But I had already begun making plans. For the reason that I would offer Carol some “gestures” if she requested them.
next that, on the next Sunday, I made my way to Carol’s residence with gift bags.
As if it were Christmas morning, she radiated happiness.
Claire, she exclaimed, “This is such a generous gesture on your part.”
I made sure to give out each thing with care.
There is a Cartier box for Carol.
It was a plastic toy bracelet from the dollar shop that she discovered when she opened it, which caused her to gasp.
The Matchbox toy vehicle was given to Madison.
“In order to match your energy,” I added in a nice tone.
A counterfeit Rolex that ticked noisily and didn’t even give the right time was what Roger received.
What about the vacation? A travel leaflet offering a trip that travels on a cheap bus.
And the loan of twenty thousand dollars? A “bank loan” card as used in Monopoly.
Carol’s grin stopped appearing.
This is what it is? As she growled, she was enraged.
I ruffled my eyelashes with my fingers.
It dawned on me that we were going to be giving symbolic presents. You know, actions that demonstrate how much I care about you.”
“I don’t find this funny,” she spat forth.
I drew closer to you. Neither is the practice of coercing another person into purchasing your adoration. Hello, Carol! I’ve been with Nathan for a total of three years. And you continue to see me as a complete stranger who carries a checkbook.
In the end, Nathan, who had remained quiet during the whole conversation, spoke out.
“Claire, you need to hurry up. You are behaving in an exaggerated manner.”
My voice was icy as I turned to face him.
“Not at all, Nathan. When someone is being emotionally blackmailed, I am behaving precisely like one should when they are in that situation.
There was a pause. Then I struck the ultimate blow on the opponent.
“And, just so you know, by the way? Is it the engagement? It is not working. We are finished.”
It was so quiet that you could have heard a pin drop.
Suddenly, Nathan’s jaw gaped open. What is this? ” ”
I carefully removed my ring and set it down on the table in front of me.
Find someone else to provide financial support for your family.
After that, I left the room.
When we got back to our flat, I began to load his belongings into boxes. His pair of shoes, his wardrobe, and his gaming system. Every single thing. I kept Willow at my side, curled up into a ball of calmness, and I left his toothbrush on the counter.
Nathan arrived home some hours later.
In the entryway, he came to a complete and utter halt.
“What… all of this is going on? His gaze darted between the boxes as he posed the question.
My tone was cool as I continued, “Your things.”
Is it true that you are going to throw me out? ”
I looked directly into his eyes. It is true.
He took a step of closer. The phrase “Let’s talk about this”
Nathan, we have already done that. Moreover, when I expressed to you how wounded I was, you chose to disregard it.
He made another attempt. “She allowed herself to get taken away. On the other hand, this does not imply that we should abandon all that we have constructed.
I smiled, but it was a little, sour grin. “We did not construct this all by ourselves. I was the only one who made the investment.
His body jerked.
“Please, Claire, do not act in this manner.”
On the other hand, it was finished.
He received the last package from me.
Your mother is able to accommodate you. My decision is to retain the flat. Moreover, Willow”
In no way did he argue.
As he called. I sent a text. I pleaded with you.
What was his last message?
My mother got carried away, but we are able to move on from this situation. You have my love.
I did not provide a response.
On the internet, Carol made an attempt to smear my name anywhere she could. Indicted that I was a gold digger. Nathan was accused of being exploited by me.
But it was irrelevant in the end.
Through the utilization of my inheritance, I was able to purchase a modest but lovely home that had a garden, a library nook, and sunshine in every nook and cranny. As opposed to being manipulated, a house that is full with love and memories.
Furthermore, not a single member of that family has ever set foot inside at any point in time.
I consider it to be the most successful investment I’ve ever purchased.
