Valerie Johnson had been working since she was sixteen and started a family at twenty-nine. Her son, Victor, she tried not to spoil excessively but also not to restrict too much, striking a balanced approach to raising her child.
Valerie’s husband met a tragic fate; at fifty-five, he suffered a stroke and lived only one more year. At that time, Victor was twenty-three and managed to support his mother through this difficult period. But a young man’s life couldn’t remain stagnant forever. He needed to find a future wife, secure a job, and think about buying an apartment…
Of course, Valerie understood that her son couldn’t grieve indefinitely, so she was mentally prepared for the day Victor would bring home his fiancée. And so it happened—a year later, he decided to introduce his mother to his girlfriend, Olivia. To be fair, enough time had passed since his father’s death for Victor to shift from grief to romance, but Valerie could tell at first glance that Olivia was not right for him.
Victor was well-mannered and patient, while Olivia was demanding and capricious. During their introduction, Valerie noticed how the young woman disdainfully eyed the old stove where the meal was being prepared, the dripping faucet they could never afford to fix, and other imperfections in their modest little apartment. Nevertheless, Valerie tried not to show that anything was amiss with Olivia, and Victor was so smitten that he overlooked his girlfriend’s flaws.
Olivia quickly grew tired of the older woman’s company and bid farewell to her boyfriend’s mother rather carelessly, announcing that she had to go for a manicure.
— Well then, off you go, — Valerie said with a shrug. — Come back anytime, I’d be happy to see you.
— Yes, yes, of course, — Olivia glanced at Victor. — Are you coming?
— To your nail appointment? — Victor chuckled, but Olivia didn’t appreciate the joke. — No, I’ll stay with Mom a bit longer.
— Suit yourself. Goodbye, — Olivia said in a saccharine tone, forcing a fake smile. Valerie nodded and closed the door behind her.
— Phew, — Valerie couldn’t help but let out a sigh of relief. — Victor, please don’t tell me this is your future wife.
— What’s wrong with her? — the young man asked.
— What’s wrong? She’s completely… insincere, — Valerie shrugged and headed back to the kitchen. — She’ll stay with you only as long as it’s convenient for her. Or for some other reason. She doesn’t love you!…
— Mom, what are you talking about? — Victor brushed it off. — She’s just in a bad mood today, but she tried to make a good impression on you.
— Oh, I saw all her efforts, — Valerie looked out the window: Olivia was just getting into a taxi. — No, Victor, this girl isn’t for you.
— Yeah, — Victor sighed. — I figured it would go like this.
— What do you mean? — Valerie didn’t understand.
Her son approached her, sat down beside her, and gently patted her hand.
— Mom, I get it. Dad’s gone, and for you, it’s like the end of your life. I understand you want me to be the support he was. And I’m not trying to shirk that responsibility! I’m ready to help you always, with whatever I can. But I need to build my own family too, you know? Olivia’s a great girl, and I’m sure you’ll find common ground with her in time. For now, please don’t judge her so superficially.
Valerie was momentarily speechless. Of course, she hadn’t forgotten her husband, but she was wise enough to know her son wouldn’t stay by her side forever. Victor needed to build his own family, but not with her, not with this girl—how could he not see it?
It stung to hear accusations of bias from her son, but she also felt sorry for Victor, who might marry a manipulative woman.
— Victor, dear, I understand. But you think carefully before proposing to Olivia. Observe her—do you really suit each other?
— Of course we do! — Victor exclaimed. — I didn’t expect you to be so hostile toward her. Honestly, Mom, I don’t feel like discussing Olivia with you anymore, so I think I’ll head home.
— Alright, — Valerie sighed. She didn’t want to escalate things to an argument, and her intuition told her that’s exactly what would happen if her son stayed longer. — But please think about what I said. I’ll consider your words, and you consider mine, deal?
— Deal, — Victor muttered.
A couple of months passed since Valerie met Olivia. Victor called his mother less frequently, and when he did, it was about practical matters—whether she needed groceries or if her health was okay. He stubbornly avoided talking about his relationship with Olivia, and eventually, Valerie gave up. She knew exactly how this would end and was already bracing herself for Victor marrying Olivia.
Her intuition didn’t fail her. One day, Victor called and asked if he could stop by. Valerie was delighted, as her son’s visits had become rare. But the reason for his visit didn’t exactly thrill her. Victor announced right at the doorstep that he and Olivia had applied for a marriage license.
— Wow… — was all Valerie could manage. — So soon?
— Why wait? — Victor asked cheerfully. He was in high spirits. He pulled a small box from his coat’s inner pocket. — Look, these are our rings.
— Beautiful, — Valerie nodded, examining the wedding bands. — Have you thought this through carefully?
— Mom, you’re starting again? — Victor’s face darkened.
— No, son, I’m just curious. You haven’t told me anything about your relationship.
— Yeah, my bad, — Victor said thoughtfully. — Things have been going so well, but I was afraid you’d start judging me again.
— I wasn’t judging you!… I just had doubts. But you’re the master of your own fate. If you love Olivia, then of course, get married, — Valerie said, swallowing her pride. Victor beamed.
— You really mean that? — he asked with a smile. Valerie nodded. — Thank goodness!… I was worried you’d be against the wedding, — her son hugged her. — Thank you…
— I just want you to be happy, son, — Valerie replied, embracing him.
He wouldn’t have listened to her anyway, even if she’d been vehemently against the marriage. She would’ve only ruined her relationship with her son, and that was all. The scale of the wedding stunned Valerie. Where did Victor, a modest factory worker, get that kind of money? Sure, she contributed what she could from her savings, but it wasn’t nearly enough for such an event. Olivia’s relatives and friends numbered over fifty, barely fitting in the restaurant, with alcohol, decorations… The wedding must have cost at least $7,000. Where did Victor get that kind of money?
Valerie didn’t want to spoil her son’s celebration, so she didn’t press him with questions, but it stuck in her mind. A few days after the wedding, the newlyweds were preparing for their honeymoon. Valerie asked Victor to stop by before they left. He seemed to be in an almost unhealthy state of euphoria, or so it seemed to her.
— So, son, how’s married life? — she asked.
— It’s great, — Victor smiled. — We’ve decided to move to a bigger apartment. We’ll rent a two-bedroom for now, and later I’ll take out a mortgage.
— In your name? — Valerie asked instinctively.
— Of course, — Victor shrugged. — Why put a loan on Olivia? We’ll need renovations, furniture—that’s when we’ll figure things out. I probably won’t get approved for another loan with a mortgage, but she might.
— Olivia’s idea, I presume? — Valerie clicked her tongue.
— Yeah. So what?
— Nothing. A very wise decision on her part, — Valerie replied. Victor smiled.
— Yeah, she’s smart!
— By the way, son, how much did your wedding cost? Everything was so beautiful, the restaurant dishes were exquisite, like a fairytale.
— Not too expensive. Olivia’s friend organizes events, so she got us discounts everywhere. It came out to about $8,000, — Valerie barely suppressed a gasp of shock.
— Yeah, for such an event, that’s actually a steal, — she managed to say. — But I’m still curious, where did you find that kind of money?
— We took out a loan for the wedding, — Victor said with a carefree grin. That was too much for Valerie.
— A loan? For a wedding?! Want to guess whose name it’s under? Victor, where’s your common sense?! Can’t you see Olivia’s just using you!…
— Mom! Nobody’s using me. I was the one who insisted on paying the loan myself, precisely so Olivia could stay debt-free to take out a loan for our apartment renovations!… And yes, we’re using some of that money for our honeymoon too! Don’t you get that the days when you got married at the courthouse and invited five or six relatives are long gone? Mom, everyone does it this way now, and I don’t want our wedding to be any less! — Valerie sighed heavily, and Victor headed to the hallway to get dressed. — I can’t believe you invited me over just to lecture me about my decisions!… Mom, I’m an adult, stop scolding me!
— I wasn’t scolding you, Victor, — Valerie said quietly. — You’re right, you’re an adult, and it’s too late for me to reprimand you.
— Great. Then maybe stop doing it? — Victor threw on his coat and turned the door lock. — I’m going home. I need to pack. I’ll call when we’re back.
— Bye, son, — Valerie said sadly.
— Bye, Mom, — Victor replied curtly and slammed the door behind him.
For the first time since her husband’s funeral, Valerie cried from resentment toward the world. Olivia and Victor’s relationship progressed quickly. Olivia was eager to try her hand at motherhood, but she noticed her husband was deeply troubled. Sitting at a restaurant with an open terrace, Olivia glanced alternately at the sea and Victor, slowly sipping her chilled white wine. Victor, meanwhile, glumly toyed with a sweating glass of beer.
— Don’t you like our vacation? — she asked.
— What? No, it’s wonderful, — Victor forced a smile.
— You seem like your mind’s elsewhere, — Olivia set her glass down and took her husband’s hand. — Tell me what’s going on.
— Everything’s fine, honestly, — Victor tried to dodge, but Olivia gave him a stern look, demanding the truth, not excuses. He sighed heavily. — I had a fight with Mom before we left. I can’t get that stupid argument out of my head.
— Your mother again? — Olivia raised an eyebrow. — What did she say this time?
— Olivia, it’s our family business…
— I’m your family too. Or am I not?
— You are, — Victor nodded.
— So? — Olivia looked at him expectantly.
— We were talking about the wedding, — Victor sighed. — At first, she said how great everything was. Then she asked about the cost. I lied, lowballed the expenses. She was still upset but held back… Then I stupidly mentioned the loan, and she lost it.
— Oh, honey, — Olivia sighed. — Your mother’s old-school. Back in her day, taking out loans for weddings was unthinkable. Nowadays, it’s perfectly normal.
— I told her the same thing.
— And you were absolutely right, — Olivia supported her husband. — Don’t dwell on your mother. She’s upset that you got married so soon after your father’s death. If it were any other girl, she’d react the same way.
— Yeah, I think so too, — Victor admitted. He looked at Olivia, smiled, and kissed her. — You’re so wise.
— I know, — Olivia smirked. — Victor, isn’t it time we started thinking about starting a family? Maybe if Valerie has a grandchild, she’ll realize she was wrong about me and stop blaming you for rushing into marriage.
— You’re ready already? — Victor blinked in surprise.
— Of course, — Olivia smiled. — I’ve always dreamed of a big family. I told you that.
— Yeah, but… — Victor hesitated. He was realistic: they didn’t own a home yet—how could they think about kids? — Maybe we should wait a bit?
— I knew your mother would turn you against me… — Tears welled up in Olivia’s eyes. She quickly wiped them away and stared out at the sea.
— Olivia, nobody’s turned me against you, — Victor stood up and hugged his wife. — I just thought we might be rushing into kids since we haven’t bought an apartment yet.
— And how long are we supposed to wait? — Olivia sniffled. Victor was touched by his wife’s tenderness.
It was rare to find a woman who so genuinely wanted a child, at least that’s what Victor believed. In the 21st century, most women were focused on careers, cars, and apartments, not family. He felt so lucky with Olivia. He smiled and kissed the top of her head.
— Not long at all. I’m due for a promotion, and we can pay off the wedding loan within a year. Then we’ll get a mortgage, buy an apartment, and have kids. How’s that plan?
— Perfect, — Olivia smiled.
As planned, a month after returning from their vacation, Victor got the long-awaited promotion. His salary nearly doubled, physical labor decreased significantly, though paperwork piled up—but he didn’t complain. He was thrilled with how things were turning out.
Valerie was slowly starting to accept Olivia, which also made Victor happy. He hoped his life was finally on track. But in truth, Valerie’s feelings toward Olivia hadn’t changed much. Perhaps Olivia loved her husband a little, as she hadn’t divorced him or taken a lover yet. But Valerie was certain Olivia had some ulterior motive, that she saw some benefit in her relationship with Victor.
Valerie suspected it was about the apartment. Olivia didn’t want the burden of a mortgage herself, so she latched onto Victor. Valerie couldn’t explain this to her blissfully smitten son, but she hoped he’d at least have the sense to put the apartment in his name.
Victor paid off the wedding loan, with some help from Valerie. Almost immediately, he applied for a mortgage. The new loan was approved, and the couple moved into their first owned apartment. A couple of months later, Olivia was overjoyed: her pregnancy test showed two lines. Victor couldn’t wait to share the happy news with his mother, especially since she’d become more accepting of Olivia.
While Olivia celebrated her pregnancy with friends, sipping juice, Victor visited his mother. Hearing the news of her soon-to-be grandchild, Valerie smiled and hugged her son.
— Congratulations! — She kissed Victor on the cheek.
— You should congratulate Olivia too, — Victor smiled.
— Yes, of course, Olivia too. She didn’t come along, so… Oh, never mind!… So, future dad, shall we toast to this? — Valerie chuckled.
— Let’s do it, — her son agreed. They drank wine and talked about the future.
To Valerie, all the pieces were forming an unpleasant picture. She decided not to say anything to her son to avoid another fight, but she couldn’t hold it in any longer. She needed to share her thoughts with someone. So, after Victor left, she called her close friend.
— Hello? — came Grace’s voice on the line.
— Hey, Grace, how’s life treating you? — Valerie greeted her old friend.
— Oh, Val, we’re not getting any younger, — Grace laughed. — Everything’s fine. My daughter’s finally getting married, made up her mind.
— A wedding’s always nice, — Valerie nodded. — Is the guy good?
— He’s great, — Grace was confident in her daughter’s choice, unlike Valerie.
— Uh-huh, well, things aren’t so great on my end.
— Your favorite Olivia up to something? — Grace immediately tuned in for the latest gossip.
— Grace, you know this stays between us, — Valerie cautioned, hearing the excitement in her friend’s voice.
— Alright, alright, — Grace sighed. — Spill it.
— So, they’ve moved into a new apartment, bought with a mortgage. Of course, my sensible son put the loan in his name but listed Olivia as the owner. Sometimes I wonder how I raised such a naive boy. But that’s not all. Olivia’s pregnant. And I think after her maternity leave, she’ll push for a divorce, demand a property split, and alimony, — Valerie blurted out in one breath.
— Val… — Grace said skeptically. — Are you sure you’re not making this up? She seems like a decent girl. So what if she wants to live off her husband? We’re all a bit guilty of that.
— I’d love to believe that, Grace, but I see how she looks at Victor. Like he’s a wallet. She doesn’t love him, I’m telling you.
— Okay, she doesn’t love him. And that’s why they’re having a kid?
— Oh, Grace, — Valerie sighed. — I don’t know why she’s going to such lengths, honestly. Maybe she just loves kids.
— A scheming person like that can’t just love kids, Val. You know that. Why don’t you finally reconsider your attitude toward her? She’s going to be the mother of your grandchildren.
— I don’t know, — Valerie said, pursing her lips in frustration. She’d hoped her friend would back her up, not side with her daughter-in-law. Apparently, she was wrong. — Alright, I’ll try. Maybe you’re right, and I’m just overthinking it.
— That’s the spirit. Give it a shot. Now, listen to what I’ve got to tell you about Mrs. Simmons…
Valerie listened to her friend’s enthusiastic story about how Veronica Simmons, somehow, got perfectly white, straight teeth in her sixties and even found a suitor who paid for the dental work. The conversation made Valerie uneasy. She wasn’t a grandmother yet, but she already felt like an old lady gossiping about her friends’ dentures…
Soon, Olivia gave birth to a son. Valerie genuinely rejoiced at her grandson’s arrival. Over those nine months, she’d tried to heed her friend’s advice and rethink her view of Olivia. Moreover, Olivia turned out to be a very attentive mother, spending all her time with the baby. Valerie even felt ashamed of how she’d initially judged her. Now she did her best to help with her grandson’s upbringing, though she didn’t have much time, as she was still working.
Years passed, and little Andrew turned three. Olivia returned to work, while Valerie developed arthritis and significantly cut back on her job. She still helped Victor with the mortgage payments, spoiled Andrew with toys, and babysat when the young parents asked.
A year later, Valerie’s joints ached every morning, and she had to be admitted for planned hospital treatment. That’s when she decided enough was enough. She’d helped her son as much as she could. Olivia was working now and could contribute to the loan payments, and it was time for Valerie to retire. She shared this with Victor and Olivia when they visited after her hospital discharge.
— You’re right, Mom, it’s high time you lived for yourself, — Victor supported her decision.
— Well, I don’t know… Will you have enough to live on? — Olivia asked doubtfully.
— Others manage somehow, — Valerie shrugged.
— That’s hardly living, — Olivia persisted. — What about your medications?
— Olivia, I’ll cover Mom’s medications. What kind of silly questions are these? — Victor said, surprised.
— Victor, we have a mortgage, — Olivia said seriously.
— So what? We’ll go on vacation once a year instead of twice, like most people.
— Oh, sure, let’s deprive our son of sunshine! — Olivia threw up her hands.
— Oh, young people, please don’t argue in front of a sick woman, — Valerie tried to mediate.
All her suspicions about Olivia came flooding back with renewed intensity.
— Exactly, a sick woman, — Victor frowned. — Remind me, Olivia, what’s wrong with our son that he needs to spend nearly three months at the beach with you?
— Nothing yet, — Olivia emphasized. — Have you heard of rickets and other delights?
— Olivia, I’m paying for Mom’s medications, and that’s final. If needed, I’ll buy her groceries too. She’s my mother, and I owe her everything.
— And you owe nothing to your family! You explain to Andrew why we won’t go to the warm sea this winter!… — Olivia began to raise her voice.
— Don’t you think Andrew will be in preschool this winter, and he doesn’t need to leave for the beach? — Victor stood his ground.
— Now you’re arguing with me about our son’s upbringing and health?
— Olivia, just admit you want to be on a warm beach in the middle of winter and you’re using Andrew as an excuse. You flew to Tunisia when he was two months old, two months, Olivia!… But you needed a beach vacation.
— What’s wrong with wanting to spend time with my son?
— You want to spend time on vacation. I’m telling you again, going on one trip a year won’t harm our son’s health, — Victor repeated wearily.
— I know better! — Olivia shouted. — God, you’re such a selfish jerk!… You don’t care about your family at all!…
— I’m selfish?! — Victor’s patience snapped. — You want me to not help my mother with a single cent while taking you on an extra trip south! You think I’m still that naive? I see perfectly well that you only needed a kid for yourself. You probably never even loved me. But congratulations, now you can manipulate me easily because I love my son. And the two of us will manage just fine on vacation this winter.
— My son isn’t going anywhere without me, — Olivia paled.
— He’s my son too.
— Just try, and I’ll file for divorce and say you took my child!…
— Perfect, — Victor clenched his jaw.
He’d long suspected Olivia wasn’t as loving as she’d seemed at the start. She’d gotten what she wanted: tied Victor to her, acquired an apartment at his expense. — I feel sorry for Andrew, having such a shameless mother.
— Enough, — Valerie, who’d been listening to all this, slammed her hands on the table. — I thought from the beginning you weren’t right for my son, Olivia, forgive me. But I genuinely love you for my grandson. And I love Andrew dearly. Please, since you’ve started a family, don’t destroy it. Whether you love my son or not, I hope you love yours. Don’t deprive him of his father.
— Valerie, you raised a terrible person. And I won’t let him influence my son!… Especially after this conversation. Turns out, you’ve been counting every penny spent on your wife and child, Victor. I didn’t expect that. I’m definitely filing for divorce. You can live with your mother until you die, — Olivia spat venomously.
— Think it over, — Valerie shook her head. — Anger will pass, but you won’t get back a husband and a good father.
— What kind of good father is he?! He begrudged his child a month of summer!… — Olivia exclaimed.
She already knew her manipulations had been exposed, and it was her own fault—she’d been too hot-headed. From the day she met Victor, Olivia decided he was simple enough to provide for her forever. She wouldn’t stop working, keeping a safety net, but she didn’t need to try too hard either. Better to focus on family, kids—especially since a child could be a great tool to control a man. And Olivia wasn’t wrong in her calculations. Life was wonderful until her mother-in-law decided to retire.
Olivia knew this day would come but didn’t expect it so soon. Nor did she anticipate Victor catching on to her true intentions. Pretending to be in love was getting harder, and she started slipping, making harsh and sharp comments about Victor, which fueled his suspicions. A chaotic flood of memories raced through Olivia’s mind as she tried to salvage things using Andrew.
— Let the court decide who’s the bad parent, — Victor replied coldly.
The divorce went relatively smoothly. The judge ruled that Victor could see his son anytime, despite Olivia’s demand to limit it to weekends. Andrew was to live with his mother, as children are typically closer to their mothers.
Victor left the apartment to his ex-wife and child; the mortgage was nearly paid off, and he didn’t demand money or property from Olivia—it wouldn’t have been manly, of course. He continued to provide for his son’s needs but had no desire to see his ex-wife again.
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