My MIL demeanded a divorc, claiming I married for money, said, “You’re too very poor to be my DIL.”

Alimony and Liberation

When Bruce handed me the divorce papers, he mentioned they were just a facade to appease his mother. Alexis: “Okay,” I said, processing the information.

I promptly filed the papers and signed a lease for a new apartment. I moved out as soon as I could.

A month later, to my surprise, Doris called, despite thinking I had severed ties for good. Curiosity got the better of me, and I answered. Alexis: “What do you want now? Aren’t you happy to be rid of me?” I asked, my voice tinged with sarcasm.

Doris: “You’re still the same. Just listen to me,” Doris replied, her tone unchanged.

As she spoke of Bruce, she revealed that since I had left, she had visited Bruce’s apartment multiple times to help with chores. She found him idly lounging in his room each time, with no indication of going to work or being ill.

Suppressing a laugh, I nonchalantly replied. Alexis: “Well, Bruce is like that because he has no intention of working again”.

Doris, seemingly oblivious to her role in the situation, shockingly asked. Doris: “Alexis, can you do something about it?”.

Alexis: “Why should I? You didn’t want me in your family and wanted nothing to do with me,” I retorted.

It was so typical of her to ask for help only when it suited her, after having mistreated me for so long. The irony of the situation was not lost on me, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of vindication.

I realized the full extent of her self-inflicted predicament. Doris then questioned me, seemingly trying to pin the blame on me. Doris: “I was wondering if you said something to Bruce before you left”.

It was astonishing how she was attempting to cast me as the villain, seemingly oblivious to the real issues with her son. Alexis: “Really, Doris,” I replied, incredulous at her insinuation.

“You think I married Bruce just for a luxurious life? Why would the divorce hurt if that were true?”. She eyed me suspiciously, as if I had married Bruce solely for his wealth.

Alexis: “Are you kidding me? I was the one supporting Bruce financially throughout our marriage”. “It was me providing for him. Because of Bruce, I couldn’t even afford to live extravagantly,” I continued.

The thought crossed my mind: Should I consider asking for alimony? Doris was taken aback by my statement. Doris: “How dare you make up something like that, Alexis. You just forgot to ask for alimony, didn’t you?”.

“Bruce has a higher income and position than you. Don’t be so unreasonable. If you want money, Bruce can pay whatever you want, after all, he is a high-level employee at a major company,” she retorted, her argument as preposterous as ever.

Perhaps Bruce had yet told her the truth. I didn’t want to seem like I was merely gossiping, but I saw an opportunity to set the record straight. Alexis: “Your proud son is a full-time house husband. He quit his job a long time ago,” I revealed.

Doris: “You’re lying!” Doris shouted, her voice so loud I thought it might damage my eardrums.

I pulled the phone away from my ear and suggested. Alexis: “Why don’t you check with his company? You’ll find out who’s telling the truth”.

Doris went silent for a moment. Then her tone, noticeably softer, she stammered. Doris: “Well, what if that’s true? How are we going to manage? I can’t support my son on just my pension, and no one will want to marry him if he’s unemployed. What are we going to do?”.

I couldn’t help but grin at her sudden change of heart. Alexis: “What shall we do?” I echoed her words, amusement in my voice.

After a pause, she mumbled something to someone beside her. Then, with a completely altered tone, she pleaded. Doris: “Hey, Alexis, will you please come back home?”.

Her sudden shift puzzled me, but I replied firmly. Alexis: “No, we’re already divorced. I wouldn’t come back to your family if heaven and earth turned upside down”.

The finality in my voice marked the end of that chapter as I moved on from the convoluted ties that had bound me. As I was speaking to Doris, a commotion erupted in the background.

Someone was shouting; it sounded like Bruce. His voice cut through. Bruce: “I told you I’d come for you when things settled down”.

Doris quickly responded. Doris: “Yes, you could remarry my son if you wanted”.

Alexis: “What are you talking about?” I asked, baffled and firm. “No way, I wouldn’t do it for the world. Don’t joke about this. Thanks, but seriously, no”.

I made it clear to Doris that I had no interest in rekindling anything with her son or entangling myself in any more toxic dynamics. I was done with someone who was overly devoted to his mother.

Doris retorted. Doris: “I did what you asked, so please stop changing your mind”.

But the tension was palpable, even just through the phone. Doris: “There’s a bit of verbal sparring here. It’s not like you should take my words so seriously. You’ve been quite dismissive, haven’t you?”.

She continued, her tone revealing her surprise at my firm rejection. Doris: “I didn’t think you’d go through with divorcing my son”.

In response to Doris’s string of excuses, I replied. Alexis: “Well, I was just tolerating the situation”.

“Besides, Bruce packed up my things and essentially kicked me out without my consent,” I vented my frustration, listing all that she had orchestrated against me. Doris: “You see, that was just a prank,” she claimed nonchalantly.

Alexis: “A prank? It’s worse than that,” I said, utterly exasperated.

There was nothing more to be said. Glancing at my watch, I noted it was nearly 2:00 p.m..

My lunch break had been squandered on this fruitless conversation. Alexis: “Ah, Doris, are you done now?” I asked, eager to wrap up.

Doris: “What, Alexis? What did you say?” she replied, her voice sickeningly sweet.

Did Doris think that a sweet tone would soften my response? Knowing I would not meet her expectations, I said firmly. Alexis: “I’m going to hang up now. I have another meeting in a few minutes and need to review some documents”.

As I began to disconnect the call, Doris persisted. Doris: “Wait, Alexis. Hey, Alexis, say something!” I could hear her shouting as I hung up.

I was leaving the chaos and the unwelcome entreaties behind me. I was ready to move forward, free from the turmoil that had entangled me for too long.

During the chaos of our phone call, Doris also took the opportunity to berate Bruce. She chided him for mishandling the situation and pointing out the consequences of his actions.

It became evident that Doris was quick to blame everyone else for her troubles. Completely drained by her behavior, I ended the call and decided to block her number for good.

Afterward, Bruce tried repeatedly to reach me. Seeing a clear path forward, I consulted my lawyer to seek alimony.

Faced with the prospect of legal action, Bruce’s family, likely anxious about the ramifications, agreed to settle the alimony in a lump sum payment. It seemed my former in-laws had to advance the money, which left Russell and Doris consistently agitated with Bruce.

They urged him daily to find a job and work, which only added to his frustrations. Ultimately, Bruce moved back into his parents’ house because he could no longer afford his apartment rent.

He blamed his parents for his situation, which was now straining their finances, including their pension and retirement savings. Like mother, like son, they continued to blame each other for their predicaments and refused to reflect on their contributions to the mess.

They were even considering applying for welfare, a move I hoped would make them realize that their selfish behavior couldn’t continue indefinitely. On a brighter note for me, the business proposal I made during my trip was accepted, leading to a significant contract.

This achievement resulted in another promotion, a higher salary, and a more affluent lifestyle. Now enjoying the freedom of a rich bachelor’s existence, I was relieved to be free from the torment of in-laws and financial dependence on family members.

Reflecting on the past, if I ever consider marriage again, I will undoubtedly conduct a thorough background check to avoid any mama’s boys or troublesome in-laws.