Mother-in-law's Massage Chair Leads to Divorce

Ever since Luna was diagnosed with heart disease and high blood pressure, she had claimed to feel unwell whenever we argue. Eric, unable to confront his frail and dependent mother, had gotten into the habit of siding with her, leaving me feeling increasingly pushed aside.

So, as soon as Eric heard his mom complain about not feeling well, he immediately caved and rushed to get her some medicine. Watching this, I decided I'd had enough. I packed my things, grabbed Joyce, and checked into a hotel. Eric was too wrapped up in taking care of his mom to even notice I was gone.

After spending the night at the hotel, I took Joyce back to my parents' place the next morning and told them I wanted a divorce. My mom urged me to think it over and not make a snap decision out of anger. She and my dad always thought Eric was a decent guy, with the real issue being Luna. I was somewhat swayed by their arguments and decided to have a serious talk with Eric.

To my surprise, while I was out shopping, I ran into Eric's dad, Adam Johnson. He spotted me and looked more lively than I remembered. I wasn't thrilled to see Adam, especially since his affair and divorce from Luna had led to Eric bringing her into our home. Honestly, neither Luna nor Adam was on my list of favorites.

I tried to avoid him, but he came over. It would have been rude not to acknowledge him, given his age.

Adam greeted me, "Amanda, you're back. Did Eric and Joyce come with you?”

I replied, "No, it's just Joyce and me.”

Adam pulled out a bank card and said, "Amanda, this is for Joyce. It's a birthday gift I've been meaning to give her, but I never had the chance.”

I declined, "No, thanks. Joyce doesn't need it.”

Adam seemed to get my reluctance and explained, "I know you might be holding a grudge because of my divorce from Eric's mom. I didn't have a choice. I've been working away from home and sending half my earnings back. When Eric's mom had her surgery, I discovered $40,000 from our savings had been used to support her brother. After decades of marriage, I just couldn't continue and decided to divorce. I wanted a better life for my later years.”

Adam's explanation hit me hard. So Luna's divorce wasn't because of Adam's affair but because he found out she was using their savings for her brother. That's why Luna didn't fight for the assets. I'd thought she was just devastated and indifferent, but the truth was more complicated. Eric had lied to me.

In the end, I didn't take the card. Adam, seeing I was adamant, let it go and asked me to wait while he went to get some toys for Joyce. This time, I accepted the gesture.

I told my parents the real reason behind Adam and Luna's divorce. This time, even my parents supported my decision to divorce. Initially, Luna seemed to be the problem, but knowing Eric was aware of the true reason for his parents' split and chose to deceive me—trying to use my sympathy to accept Luna—was unforgivable.

The issues with Luna really started during my pregnancy.

When Eric and I first got married, things with his mom, Luna, were pretty smooth. Every time I came home, she warmly took my hand and said, "Amanda, just focus on preparing for the baby. Once you have Joyce, I'll take care of her.”

At that time, we had just bought a house and weren't quite ready for a baby, so to avoid worrying her, I said we weren't planning for one just yet. Although Luna was disappointed, she didn't say much and even told others that she respected our decision. Back then, I thought Luna was really great.

I remembered my married friends warning me about tricky mother-in-law relationships, but at that time I cheerfully said, "My mother-in-law is wonderful. Even though we're not ready for a baby now, she's been nothing but supportive.”

But when I actually had the baby, Luna turned out to be completely different from what I had imagined.