When Mel has surgery scheduled, she has no choice but to follow a strict diet in preparation. But one day, her mother-in-law shows up, ready to cook up a storm and disrespect Mel’s new regime. Soon, tempers flare…
My husband, Dave, and I have always had a solid relationship. Sure, like most couples, there are ups and downs, but we handle them pretty well in general.
A smiling couple | Source: Midjourney
Except when it comes to his mom, Margaret.
Margaret has a knack for inserting herself into our lives, often under the pretense of being helpful. She’ll just drop by unannounced, often claiming to be worried about how I’m taking care of her son.
“Mel, it’s just my mom’s way of showing her love,” Dave would say, dismissing it all. “She’s always been so dramatic, and that’s just one of those things.”
A smiling older woman | Source: Midjourney
But to me, it just felt invasive.
Recently, things took quite a turn for the worse. I have a chronic condition that requires surgery on my spine. As a result, my doctor has put me on a strict pre-surgery diet.
“It’s not going to be great, Mel,” he told me when I went for my last check-up. “But it’s necessary, I promise you. We need you to cut down on your body weight so that after the surgery, the stress on your spine will be less.”
A woman sitting at a doctor’s office | Source: Midjourney
I understood the assignment, and I was committed to my health.
“Look, honey,” I told Dave when I went home after my appointment. “You don’t have to change your diet at all. I’ll still get you everything you want to eat, and cook what you want, too. But there’s a bunch of food that I have to avoid.”
A couple standing in a kitchen | Source: Midjourney
“No,” my husband reassured me. “I’ll do it with you. Just put the list of forbidden items on the fridge, and I’ll know what to avoid.”
I had to admit, I was surprised by Dave. This man loved his fried food. The greasier the better when it came to my husband’s diet. But this change was good for both of us, and I loved that he was being supportive.
Notes on a fridge | Source: Midjourney
So, we began diligently avoiding sugar, limiting carbs, and eating lots of greens and lean proteins. It was quite a lifestyle change, because now I had to be strict about everything I put into my mouth. But I knew that it was going to be worth it in the end.
But then, Margaret turned up like a storm about the disrupt our peace.
Last weekend, as I was reading in our home office, Margaret showed up with bags full of groceries.
A person holding a grocery bag | Source: Midjourney
Without even asking, she started preparing Dave’s favorite meal: fried chicken, mashed potatoes drenched in butter, and a decadent chocolate cake.
“Do you need any help?” I asked her when I realized that she was about to cook up a storm.
“No, darling,” she said. “You go and relax; I’m fine here.”
An older woman cooking | Source: Midjourney
So, I let her take over the kitchen. The aroma filled the house, and I felt my stomach rumble. But I knew that I couldn’t eat any of it. On one hand, I felt that Margaret was being inappropriate, but on the other hand, I was glad that Dave was getting some good food that he enjoyed.
When dinner was ready, I politely declined.
A plate of fried chicken | Source: Midjourney
“I’m really sorry, Margaret,” I began while taking out my salad greens and leftover grilled chicken from the fridge.
“What are you doing?” she asked, looking at the food that I laid out on the counter, ready to make myself dinner.
“There’s more than enough food, Mel. You don’t need to make more,” she huffed.
A woman looking into a fridge | Source: Midjourney
“I’m just making my dinner,” I said slowly. “As incredible as your meal smells and looks, I can’t eat any of it. I’m on a strict diet for my surgery. I cannot afford to have any slip-ups.”
Instead of understanding the situation like any rational person, my mother-in-law’s face twisted in displeasure.
An angry older woman | Source: Midjourney
“Oh, come on, Mel,” she said. “I worked really hard on this meal. Just a little won’t hurt.”
“I appreciate it, and I’m so grateful that you’re here and that you cooked this meal for Dave, but I just cannot risk it. This surgery is too important,” I insisted.
Cue the meltdown.
A close-up of an expressionless woman | Source: Midjourney
She started muttering under her breath about how ungrateful I was, making a big show of serving Dave a heaping plate of food. I felt a knot form in my stomach, not from hunger, but from the tension.
Then, she turned to Dave.
“Isn’t it a shame? I go through all this trouble, and she can’t even try a bite of it.”
A plate of food | Source: Midjourney
I looked at my husband, expecting him to defend me. Instead, he shrugged and put a forkful of mashed potato into his mouth.
“Maybe just have a small bite, honey,” he said with his mouth full. “Just be polite. Have a piece of chicken and some mash.”
I couldn’t believe it. He was the person who didn’t mind changing up his diet and his routine because he wanted to support me. What was this? What was this change of behavior?
A man eating at the table | Source: Midjourney
“Dave, you know I can’t. It’s not just about being polite. It’s about my health. You know I only have a few weeks to get ready.”
Margaret’s eyes narrowed as she picked up a plate for herself.
“It’s just one meal, Melissa. I don’t see what the big deal is. Is that really how you speak to my son? And you’re making me feel like my food isn’t good enough for you.”
A close-up of an older woman | Source: Midjourney
“That’s not it at all, Margaret,” I said, trying to keep my voice calm. “I’m sure the food is delicious as always, but I need to be strict here. I cannot afford any setbacks. This is my spine we’re talking about!”
“Oh, please,” she scoffed. “You’re just being overly dramatic. People have been eating real food like this for centuries without all these modern health scares.”
I could feel the heat rise in my blood. My anger was building, and so was my disappointment.
A close-up of an angry woman | Source: Midjourney
But before things could escalate further, the doorbell rang.
It was George, my father-in-law, dropping by to pick up some tools. He walked into the kitchen just as Margaret was going on about how I was “too good” for her cooking.
George surveyed the scene quickly and then looked directly at Margaret.
A smiling older man | Source: Midjourney
“Margaret, you know she’s on a diet for her surgery. This isn’t about politeness or niceties. It’s about Mel’s health. She has been trying to sort out her spine issues for years now, Marg, you know this,” he said. “You need to respect that.”
Margaret opened her mouth to argue, but George didn’t give her a chance.
“If you can’t respect their boundaries, maybe you should stop coming over unannounced.”
An older woman holding her head | Source: Midjourney
I was stunned.
George had never intervened in these situations before, and to see him take such a strong stance was both surprising and incredibly comforting.
Margaret stormed out of the dining room, clearly upset, but George stayed behind.
An upset woman storming out | Source: Midjourney
“Oh, gosh,” my husband muttered, putting his piece of chicken down as he pushed his chair back to run after his mother.
George turned to me with a kind smile.
“You did the right thing. Don’t worry about Margaret; she’ll come around,” he said. “Your health is so important.”
A smiling older man | Source: Midjourney
Dave came running back in, looking thoroughly chastened.
“I’m sorry,” he said. “I shouldn’t have said anything or tried to force you to eat any of this. I just didn’t want to upset Mom, but I realize now that I should have supported you.”
George nodded approvingly.
A man sitting at a table and holding his head | Source: Midjourney
“You’re right, Dave. This is your family, and you need to prioritize your wife’s well-being.”
“Please, you two carry on eating,” I said, returning to the kitchen. “I’m going to make some salad.”
A salad with grilled chicken on a counter | Source: Midjourney
While I was in the kitchen, I saw Margaret sitting on the bench outside. I could have gone to her, but I hated the way she had spoken to me.
Later, after the three of us had eaten, George took Margaret home.
An older woman outside | Source: Midjourney
As we got into bed, Dave apologized to me again and promised to be more supportive in the future.
It felt good to clear the air, but I couldn’t shake the feeling of unease. Before they left, Margaret had just walked past us, not even saying goodbye.
Anyway, I still had bigger things to worry about. My surgery was more important.
A couple sitting in bed together | Source: Midjourney
I Caught My Husband with His Affair Partner at the Airport and Decided to Follow Them to Paris — Story of the Day
My world was shattered in an airport terminal when I discovered my husband with another woman. But a chance encounter with a handsome and charming airline pilot led me on a whirlwind romance to Paris. And yet, my heart wasn’t sure if something like that could last.
Brian and I were at a crossroads in our marriage, though I hadn’t fully realized it. But I was still hopeful for us, so clutching my ticket to Paris, I navigated the crowded local international airport, trying to stifle the nerves churning within me.
I planned to surprise Brian on his business trip to France, so we could reignite our romance in the city of love. However, I saw his silhouette at the airport and quickly realized he had a young woman on his arm, and they were intimately linked.
My heart sank as I realized his deceit. “Brian!” I exclaimed, shocked.
He turned, his face cycling from surprise to detachment. He let go of the strange woman and walked over to me. “Ava, why are you here?” he asked, frowning.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Youtube/LOVEBUSTER
“I wanted to surprise you, to spend time together in Paris,” I said, my voice trembling as my romantic fantasy shattered.
Brian pulled me farther away from the others with his pursed lips in annoyance. “This isn’t a good time, Ava. It’s a business trip,” he dismissed, snatching and tearing up my ticket. “And before you get any ideas, she’s just a colleague. Go home.”
Tears welled in my eyes. “I thought we were trying to fix things,” I murmured, heartbroken.
“This was a mistake. Leave,” Brian said coldly, walking away, grabbing the woman’s hand, and leaving me crushed. I sank to the floor, sobbing heavily as I leaned on my suitcase. That’s where Jack found me.
“Are you okay?” he asked, his tone imbued with genuine concern. I looked up into the kindest eyes I had ever seen and noticed his pilot uniform, which made him so handsome.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Youtube/LOVEBUSTER
After telling him what I had gone through, Jack offered me a first-class seat to Paris, no strings attached.
“Why would you help me?” I asked, touched but shocked.
“Everyone deserves a fresh start,” he replied, smiling warmly.
Grinning back slightly, I accepted, hoping Paris might help mend my shattered heart.
***
For illustration purposes only | Source: Youtube/LOVEBUSTER
In the comfort of my first-class seat, I felt a sense of peace, which distanced me from my recent situation. The luxury was perfect for my shattered heart. Yet, the tranquility was short-lived because my Brian appeared out of seemingly nowhere, his face contorted with indignation.
“What are you doing here?” he sneered.
I mentioned Jack’s invitation, only to be met with Brian’s scorn. I saw my husband get angrier and more red-faced as he kept talking, but Jack appeared out of nowhere and intervened, his authority undisputed.
He firmly told Brian, “She’s here at my invitation,” and directed him back to economy class. I thanked him, relieved that someone had stood up for me.
“You’re welcome. Enjoy the flight, and remember, you deserve to be treated with respect, here and everywhere else,” he said, smiling as usual, and retired back to the cockpit.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Youtube/LOVEBUSTER
Just as I was settling back against my seat, ready to sleep the entire flight, Brian showed up in my face. His breath smelled of cheap vodka, but his words were even more surprising.
“You think you’ve won, don’t you? Enjoying your little victory lap up here? Well, listen closely. The first thing I’ll do when we land in Paris is cut off all your credit cards. Let’s see how far you get without a penny to your name,” he threatened.
Was this truly my husband?
Before I could succumb to the fear his threats inspired, a hostess interrupted and asked him to return to his seat. A few minutes later, Jack was back at my side, and he proposed something I couldn’t refuse.
“I’ll ensure you’re not alone in Paris. You can stay in my hotel suite, all expenses covered,” he offered with his bright, beautiful eyes.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Youtube/LOVEBUSTER
“But why would you do this for me?” I asked in disbelief. Of course, I was grateful, but the world wasn’t kind, and this man had treated me better in the last hour than my husband had during our entire relationship.
“It’s the right thing to do,” Jack replied. “Besides, I have a feeling that Paris might just be the beginning of a new chapter for you, one filled with hope and healing. Let me be part of that journey, even just as a friend offering support.”
Finally smiling back, I accepted his generosity and felt a spark of hope.
***
In Paris, the vibrant streets became my healing ground. Jack, acting as my unexpected guardian, guided me through the city, each day mending my heart a little more. As we explored this wonderful place, from the serene Seine to the bustling Montmartre, I shared my innermost thoughts with him, feeling an unexpected bond forming.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Youtube/LOVEBUSTER
One evening, under the Eiffel Tower’s glow, I realized my feelings for Jack had evolved into something deeper. This change was both exciting and daunting, especially because I had just met him. Perhaps, it was this city. Maybe it wasn’t real, but it felt genuine.
And the magic of this place wasn’t over. An unexpected turn came one crisp morning when I received an email that would once again alter the course of my journey.
On a flight of fancy, before I had decided to chase my husband on his “business trip” to Paris, I had applied for a job advertised on LinkedIn at a prestigious fashion house.
This opportunity promised a stable, independent life in this new city. But there was uncertainty, too. Accepting the position meant anchoring myself to Paris, to a life that was still foreign and new.
It also posed a question that tugged at my heart — what would this mean for my budding relationship with Jack? Conflicted, I discussed the job with him during a rain-soaked walk.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Youtube/LOVEBUSTER
“I’m so proud of you,” Jack said when I finished explaining, his voice warm and encouraging. “This is an incredible opportunity. You’ve come so far, and you deserve every bit of success and happiness that comes your way.”
“But what about us?” I asked.
Jack reached out and took both my hands in his. “What we have is special, and I won’t pretend that this doesn’t complicate things. But I also know that love isn’t about holding each other back. It’s about supporting each other’s dreams, even when it’s hard.”
Tears glistened in my eyes as the truth of his words sank in. Here was a man who truly wanted what was best for me, who understood the importance of finding my own way.
“You have a chance to start anew, to build a life that’s entirely your own,” Jack continued, squeezing my hand. “No matter what you decide, I’ll be here for you. We’ll figure out the rest together.”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Youtube/LOVEBUSTER
As we kissed under the twinkling lights and tumbling rain, the sounds of the city around us, I felt a profound sense of gratitude. Paris had offered me a chance at redemption, and in Jack, I had found not just a lover but a true partner.
***
While we prepared to leave, Jack offered me a choice: return with him to New York or stay in Paris for the job. He would try to make it work, either way. Touched by his support, I realized what I truly wanted.
“I’ve found strength and love here, Jack, but you have changed everything for me,” I shared. “I want to give us a chance.”
So, during our last walk along the Seine, we decided to return to New York together, committed to each other.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Youtube/LOVEBUSTER
***
However, the reality of our situation set in once we landed at JFK. I met him at baggage claim, and as we walked outside, Jack expressed his concerns about the practicalities of our relationship given his career and lifestyle.
“My job is not just a job to me. Flying, exploring new cities — it’s a part of who I am. I’m away a lot, and I worry about what that means for us,” he said carefully.
“I love you and while I’m scared, I believe we can navigate this together,” I assured him.
“It might not work,” Jack continued, the words hanging heavy between us. “Let’s take a few days to think about this. To think about us. I want you to be sure.”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Youtube/LOVEBUSTER
I nodded, swallowing thickly and feeling like our Parisian love bubble was bursting.
Then, Jack handed me a voucher for a hotel stay in New York. “I don’t want you to feel unsupported,” he said. “Take your time to decide what you want, especially about Brian. I’ll be in touch.”
“I swear I want to make this work, Jack,” I said, desperately.
“I still think we both should take some time. Traveling can muddle your brain, especially about love,” he admitted, and we said goodbye with just a small peck.
I remained alone at the terminal long after Jack left. While I was contemplating my future, Brian’s mocking voice interrupted my solitude. “How’s life after your escapade with the pilot?” he taunted, with his mistress by his side.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Youtube/LOVEBUSTER
“Go away, Brian,” I said, grabbing my bag and starting to roll away.
“Wait, dear wife. How’s life treating you after your little affair with the pilot? Didn’t take long for that to fall apart, did it? Are you all alone here, waiting for me to rescue you?” my husband asked, mocking me.
“Wife?” the woman at his side finally asked.
“Nina, not now,” Brian said dismissively.
Watching her face, I realized she had no idea Brian was married. Suddenly, her hand moved and a sharp sound echoed through the terminal — the unmistakable crack of a slap. Nina had struck him.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Youtube/LOVEBUSTER
“You lied to me!” she exclaimed. Brian, stunned, had no defense. Then, she turned to me full of apologies.
I gave her an understanding nod. “It’s not your fault,” I said, crossing my arms as I stared at my husband.
With a firm stance, Nina declared to Brian, “We’re done,” and walked away.
I faced my husband, wanting to laugh, but noting that I didn’t feel an ounce of love for him anymore. “Goodbye, Brian,” I said and walked away from him, just like Nina.
It was liberating.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Youtube/LOVEBUSTER
***
The vibrancy of New York mirrored my own transformation. I had evolved from my sad, lonely marriage. Reflecting on my journey with Jack, I realized our shared experiences had ignited a deep desire for adventure and growth.
Therefore, I decided to become an air hostess, blending my newfound independence with my love for Jack and the skies. With his support, I navigated the application process and training, and our relationship matured into a fantastic partnership.
At last, I was assigned to my first flight, coincidentally on one of Jack’s routes. Dressed in my air hostess uniform, I met his proud gaze as I walked down the airplane aisle.
His embrace and the kiss we shared were filled with the promise of the brightest future together.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Youtube/LOVEBUSTER
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If you enjoyed this story, you might like this one about a stewardess who banned an Arab man from boarding a plane, unaware he was the airline’s new owner.
This piece is inspired by stories from the everyday lives of our readers and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone’s life.
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