Equal Marriage Turmoil: The Elder Sister-in-Law's Counterattack

Mila spoke softly, “Janet, it’s not that I’m targeting you. It’s just that when we got married, Mom agreed that you’d move out.”

Our family had come from a small town, and it was only after my brother and I worked hard in the city that the whole family relocated. There was no traditional marriage process for my brother and Mila, but that didn’t concern our mom.

“I know, I did move out, but I’m divorced now, so it shouldn’t be an issue for you.”

Mila chuckled, “Well, it seems you’re only half-informed. A married daughter shouldn’t stay long at her parents’ house, or the neighbors will gossip.”

So that’s why she’s waiting for me to leave? Is she resentful that Timmy is living here on Mom’s dime?

Before I could respond, Mila continued, “I don’t mind you staying here, especially since you help take care of Mom. But the neighbors might think Brian and I are neglectful by sending you to look after her! We can’t bear that reputation!

“As for the question of who has a claim to Mom’s house, we had already agreed that she would support one child, meaning that everything she has – including her house – would ultimately belong to Lily. Mom is supposed to prioritize Lily. Since you’re living here and Mom is helping take care of Timmy, the neighbors might say she isn’t being fair, especially since Lily isn’t getting the care she deserves. You should consider how this affects Mom!”

The table fell silent after Mila’s words. Mom didn’t say a thing, and Lily looked smugly at me while Timmy sat silently, no longer crying.

My brother muttered, “Even if that’s the case, do we really need to say it out loud?”

Although Mila was smiling as she tried to advise me, her intentions were clear: she wanted me to move out. Who cares what the neighbors think? I refused to give her the satisfaction.

“I understand what you’re implying. However, I contributed to buying this house, so I’ll stay as long as I want. As for who it belongs to later, you can’t touch the part I paid for!”

Mila’s smile faltered. I felt a rush of satisfaction but then heard her say, “What you think doesn’t really matter; it’s up to Mom to decide. If you want to stay, that’s fine by us, but Brian and I don’t live here, so we’re not worried about what anyone else thinks.”

I rolled my eyes internally. Mila knew she was in the wrong and was just using Mom as a shield.

Mom had been silent throughout, lost in thought while I was being bullied.

After dinner, my brother and Mila sat on the couch watching TV while the kids played in another room. I cleared the table, feeling like a housekeeper, but if I didn’t do it, Mom would have to. Remembering Mila’s earlier expression when she was caught off guard lifted my spirits.

Mom started bustling around again, slicing up the fruit I had bought yesterday and serving it to Mila. Watching her so eager made me angry. It was sad to see a woman so biased towards sons, blind to her own daughter’s worth, and it seemed the daughter-in-law was a thankless one.

“Mila, you see, Brian is our family’s only son. Can we negotiate something?”

Sure enough, Mom was still fixated on her grandson! It must have been tough for her to keep quiet this long.

Mila pretended to be clueless. “Mom, what do you mean? What’s there to negotiate? I’ve already agreed to let Janet stay here.”

Her response didn’t match the question; did I need her permission to live here? I couldn’t be bothered to engage.

“No, that’s not what I meant. I meant, since we only have Brian, and Lily is a girl, can we not use your family name for the second child?”

She finally said it. I felt relieved for her but also sensed that this was about to get interesting. I cleaned the kitchen quietly while eavesdropping on their conversation.