The doorbell rang. Standing at the door were the husband’s parents.…
Emily didn’t believe a word. She remembered how Jake reacted when she walked in yesterday. He didn’t even pause.
“What, you’re gonna play the proud card?” Jake’s voice turned cold. “You thought about our parents? They’re drowning in debt to give you a decent wedding. You wanna call it off? It’s just a couple days away.”
“Everything’s paid for. You do you, but I’m going to that reception with my friends.”
“You’re such a jerk,” Emily snapped.
Emily barely got through her own wedding, hiding her true feelings. Jake, meanwhile, partied hard with his family and friends. She couldn’t wait to get home.
She made up the couch to sleep on, but just as she was about to lie down, the doorbell rang. Jake’s parents stood at the door.
“We’re here for the money,” Jake’s mom announced.
“What money?”
“The money we gave you for the wedding. You got all those gifts, so pay us back.”
Ignoring Emily, the woman walked into the living room, where Jake appeared with a stack of cash already prepared.
“I gathered everything we got. Should be enough.” He handed it to his mom.
“How could you?” Emily said, nearly in tears. “My parents chipped in for the wedding too.”
“So what?” Jake’s mom sneered. “Our relatives gave most of the gifts. What could your broke family contribute? A toaster?”
The three of them laughed. After a brief chat with their son, Jake’s parents headed for the door.
“Oh, by the way, sweetie,” his mom turned back. “Go to the county office tomorrow and register Jake. He’s your husband now and has a right to live here.”
After they left, Jake approached Emily.
“Come on, babe, don’t be like that. Time to do your wifely duties.”
Emily noticed he was drunk—when did he even have time to drink? She grabbed the toaster and hissed, “Come near me, and I’ll smash your head in.”
Sensing he couldn’t handle her in his state, Jake backed off.
Locking the door and propping a chair against it, Emily tried to get some sleep.
“Miss, I’m sorry to intrude. Are you okay?”..
