Emily adored her husband. She considered herself incredibly lucky to have him. Oliver was a caring and loving man, always striving to do his best for her.
But with his family, Emily had far less luck. People often say theres a black sheep in every family. In Olivers case, it was the oppositehe seemed the only sensible one, while the rest were downright peculiar.
Her father-in-law, for instance, never missed a chance to remark on her figure, suggesting shed put on weight and might be hiding a baby bump. Yet Emily was in perfect shape, not having gained an ounce since meeting Olivers parents. It didnt seem to bother Nigel. The comment was his default greetingeven if shed lost a stone, hed still say it.
He also had a knack for awkward jokes that left Emily cringing, not to mention his habit of strolling around shirtless. As for her mother-in-law, Margaret, she loved lecturing everyonewhether she knew what she was talking about or not. She schooled Emily on fashion, hairstyles, and lipstick shades. When Emily and Oliver moved into their flat, Margaret critiqued everything, poking her nose into every corner, convinced she knew better.
Then there was Olivers younger sister, Nataliea carefree woman with two children by different fathers, none of whom shed ever seriously dated. She dragged her kids everywhere, expecting the world to accommodate her. Public transport seats, queue priority, special treatmentshe demanded it all.
Though she received child support and benefits while living off her parents, Natalie had an insatiable hunger for freebies. She hoarded things she didnt needpiles of unused nappies, outgrown clothes, discarded toysclaiming she was building her “business” by reselling them.
Her children were unruly and cheeky, hardly surprising given their upbringing. When visiting, theyd raid the cupboards for treats, swipe belongings without asking, and leave chaos in their wake. Natalie never corrected them.
Emily shuddered remembering their housewarming party. Natalie had gifted a tea setclearly scavengedand afterward, the sweets were gone, a new vase lay shattered, and chocolate stains (or so she hoped) smeared the curtains.
So when her birthday approached, Emily decided not to invite Olivers family. Otherwise, the day would be ruined. Nigels comments, Margarets lectures, Natalies scavenging, and the kids havocno, thank you.
She felt guilty but hoped Oliver would understand.
“Oliver, Id like to celebrate my birthday at homejust my parents and a few friends.”
“Fine by me. We did decorate the flat beautifully,” he smiled.
“Yes, exactly. It looks like a magazine spread now. But”
“But what?”
“Please dont be upset. I dont want to invite your parents.”
Oliver sighed and nodded.
“Im sorry, but they make things so hard. I just want to relax on my birthday, not walk on eggshells.”
“I get it. Theyre a lot.”
“Youre not angry?”
“Not at all. Its your dayyour rules.”
Emily marveled again at how wonderful he was. Sometimes she wondered if he was adopted.
She hadnt told his family, even asking Oliver to keep quiet. But they found out anyway. Margaret called Emilys mum about work and let it slip.
“So this is how your daughter treats us!” Margaret screeched. “Were not good enough, is that it?”
“Mum,” Oliver tried to soothe her, “Emily just wanted a small gathering. If it were a big do, youd be invited.”
“Fine. Tell your wife were deeply hurt!”
Margaret hung up, leaving Oliver exasperated. He understood Emily completely. Truthfully, hed always been embarrassed by his family.
He chose not to tell Emily until after the party.
On her twenty-sixth birthday, Oliver gave her flowers and a spa vouchershed been exhausted from work, wedding plans, and renovating their flat.
Guests arrived that afternoon. Emily had outdone herselfdelicious food, a flawless outfit, perfect hair. She was glowing, ready for a perfect day.
Then the doorbell rang.
“That must be the cake!” Emily said, hurrying to answer.
But her smile vanished. Uninvited guests stood therethe whole lot.
“Happy birthday, Emily!” Margaret said stiffly, thrusting a rose at her. “May we come in?”
Emily had no choice but to step aside.
Chaos erupted instantly. Natalies kids kicked off their shoes and bolted for the table. Nigel chuckled, “That dress is the wrong size, love. Go up a sizeyour curves are on full display!”
“Did you forget to put us on the list?” Margaret sniffed. “I see youve made an effort for others, but not for family. Honestly, Emilythese floors are filthy!”
She bit her tongue, knowing the grubby footprints were from the children.
The kids shrieked, grabbed food with their hands, and rummaged for sweets. The younger one wailed when no cake appeared.
“You couldve bought a cake! Look how upset Alfie is!” Natalie scolded. “Ooh, is that perfume? Let me try ityou can give me yours after.”
Emily stayed silent. Oliver watched, jaw tightening, as his family commandeered the table, demanded plates, and dissed the food.
But when Natalie pocketed an envelope of cash from the sideboardbirthday giftsOliver snapped.
“Put that back!”
“What? I was just adding to it!”
“I saw you!”
“Vincent, dont make a scene,” Margaret chided. “Remind your wife its rude to exclude family.”
“And remind her about proper dress sizes,” Nigel added with a smirk.
“ENOUGH!” Oliver slammed the table. “Mum, Dad, Natalieleave. Now.”
“What? How dare you!”
“How dare you show up uninvited! How dare you insult Emily! How dare your kids behave like wild animals, Natalie! Until you learn manners, youre not welcome here!”
A row erupted, but eventually, they left.
Emilys birthday was ruined, though her friends tried to salvage it.
Still, there was a silver lining: shed never been surer of Oliver. A man whod defend her, even against his own family. No matter what, she knew hed always stand by her. That was the greatest gift of all.
