I held my breath and buried my body against the chilly hardwood floor under the big mahogany bed, trying not to giggle. I hadn’t changed out of the white bridal dress since the ceremony, and it billowed over me like a cloud. The veil became stuck in the box springs above my head. I thought of my new husband arriving into the room and how Marcus would have a heart attack if he saw me like this, like a little angel coming out from beneath the bed. He’d look around every corner and shout out worriedly until I yelled, “Surprise!”” And we laughed till we cried, just like we used to.
Marcus was not the same back then. Fun and cheerful, with bright eyes and a chuckle that made everyone else laugh. He used to come to my window at midnight with an acoustic guitar and sing the blues until the neighbors yelled and said they would call the police. I’d jump out in my pajamas and fuzzy bunny slippers, and we’d race away, laughing like adolescents, even though we were both over thirty.
The door creaked open, but instead of the sound of my husband’s footfall, I heard the sound of my mother-in-law’s heels. Veronica walked into the room with the same air of control she always had, as if this were her land, where she was the queen.
“Yes, Denise, I’m home now,” she said into her phone, then sat down right on the edge of the bed where I was hiding. The springs creaked, making me press myself even more into the floor. “Not a chance. The girl was quite obedient. I’d say too much. Marcus thinks she’s almost an orphan. Her dad works as a low-level engineer at a facility and is barely making ends meet. I went to her house in person. The house is a hovel located in a broken-down building in Decatur. What a shame. But now my Marcus has an advantage.
I felt a chill in my blood. Calm? Are you an orphan? Yes, my dad was an engineer, but not just any engineer. He was the head of design at Kinetic Designs LLC, a company in the military business. He was a humble man who never bragged about his job. My late aunt Clara had a flat in that old building. My dad retained it since it meant a lot to him because he grew up there. In reality, we lived in a big three-bedroom condo in Atlanta’s wealthy Buckhead district. I didn’t feel the need to show any of that off to my prospective mother-in-law.
Veronica got out of bed, walked around the room, and stopped in front of the mirror. “Don’t worry, Denise.” Be patient. I put up with my late husband for thirty years until he died. And now the house, the land, and the money are all mine. He believed I was a rustic bumpkin who could only make soup. Let this one think it too. That’s even better. Okay, sweetheart, you can go now. I’ll contact you tomorrow to tell you how the first night went for the lovebirds. “That is, if they even find each other.” She let out a nasty little giggle before leaving the room.
I stayed still for a long time because I was scared to move. Then I slid out slowly, sat on the floor, and held my knees. The dress was dusty and the veil was torn, but none of it mattered. What mattered most was making a choice. In the middle of the night, my first instinct was to take my belongings and escape right away in my wedding dress. But something new woke up in me: a cold, iron will.
“No, sweethearts, you messed with the wrong one,” I whispered as I got up.
My cell phone was in my wedding purse. I promptly opened the app for recording voice. I was able to start recording when I heard my mother-in-law’s footsteps, which was good because I wanted to catch Marcus’s reaction to my joke. Now I had a trick up my sleeve. But one wasn’t enough. I needed the complete deck.
I quickly changed into pants and a sweater, put the dress away in the closet, and sat down at my computer. Marcus wouldn’t be back for a while, so I planned to make good use of the time.
The first person I called was my dad, Cameron. Even though it was late, he answered right away. “Why aren’t you sleeping, Princess?” It’s your wedding night, and you’re calling me,” he remarked with a mix of love and concern.
“Daddy, we need to have a serious chat. Do you remember saying that you would put your part of the business in my name?”
There was a short pause. “Abigail, what happened? Did that stupid person do something to you?”
“Daddy, nothing has happened yet, but I need a promise. Can you come to the notary first thing in the morning?”
“Of course, little child. We’ll also put your aunt Clara’s condo in your name.” I’m ready with the paperwork.”
“Thanks, Dad.” Later, I’ll explain everything.
“Not needed. I knew Marcus was an opportunist as soon as I met him. And what about his mother? Don’t worry about it. But you didn’t listen to me. You loved him.
“No, Daddy.” I wasn’t.
My next call was to Celia, my lawyer and close friend. “Sorry to call you so late, Celia.” I need to talk to someone. If I bought a condo before I got married and it’s in my name, does my spouse have any rights to it?”
“What’s going on, Abigail? Are you already thinking of getting a divorce? Today was the wedding.
“Just answer, Celia.”
“If you bought it before the wedding and it’s only in your name, it’s your property.” He could only claim something if he could show that he put money into repairs or upgrades. What do you want to know?”
“Tomorrow I’ll explain. Could you come by my house around ten?”
“Of course, girl.” Stay still.
The door banged shut. Marcus had come back. “Where are you, Abby, baby girl? He stated in a distressed voice, “I drove halfway across the city to find you,” but I could clearly hear the lie behind it.
I walked down the steps and tried to look calm. “Hello, my love.” I changed my clothing and cleaned up a bit.
Marcus hugged and kissed me, and I had to fight so hard not to pull away. “Why are you so cold? Are you cold?”
“I’m just tired.” Let’s get some sleep. “Tomorrow is going to be a long day.”
“Heavy?” For two weeks, we’re on vacation.
“Yes, but the unit is brand new. We need to make it organized. Your mother was here looking for you, by the way.
“Mom? What for?” Marcus’s voice got tighter.
“I don’t know.” I was taking a shower. I heard the door just now. “She might have left a present.”
They went to bed, and Marcus fell asleep immediately. I, on the other hand, lay there with my eyes open and thought about what I would do. I had two weeks off to get everything in order. During that period, I had to obtain evidence, secure my property, and teach those thieves a lesson they would never forget. And I knew just what to do.
Marcus kissed me good morning the next day. “Good morning, Mrs. Harrison,” he hummed.
I almost told him that my passport says Miller, but I stopped myself. “Good morning. Would you want some coffee?”
“Of course, I would also like an omelet if it’s not too much trouble.” Your mom says you’re a talented cook.
I almost laughed out loud. That same mother informed her acquaintance yesterday that her daughter-in-law couldn’t cook. “Of course, sweetheart.” Take a shower now. “I’ll make breakfast.”
I turned on my phone’s recorder and buried it among the spice jars while Marcus was in the shower humming a pop song. I then pulled a package of pancakes that had already been made out of the freezer. I put them in the microwave to warm them up and served them with jam and whipped cream. I chose not to prepare the omelet since I didn’t want to. He could be pleased with what he got.
“Wow, pancakes!” Did you make those so early?” Marcus stepped out of the bathroom in a robe and dried his hair.
“Yes, especially for you,” I said with a smile.
He sat down at the table, took a bite, and made a face. “These guys are strange.” A tiny bit rubbery.
“It’s a new recipe.” “Low-fat,” I said calmly as I served the coffee.
“Oh. Hey, I was just thinking, what if you put me on the condo paperwork? This way, I can handle the HOA issues or any necessary repairs.
I took a sip of coffee and made the pause last longer on purpose. “And why would you need that?” I can handle it all. “Or do you have concerns about my ability to handle it?”
“No, of course not.” But… I’m the man. I am responsible for managing the residence.
“Of course, dear. Later, we’ll discuss it.” I have plans with a friend today.”
“Which friend?”” His voice became suspicious.
You know her, Celia. We’ve been meaning to get together for a long time.
“Oh, her. That’s okay, but don’t be late. Dinner is arriving for Mom.” Make something tasty.”
I smiled. “Of course, love. What does your mom like?”
“She eats everything, but it takes some work.” “First impressions are important.”
If Marcus had only known how his mother had already made him feel, he might have choked on his pancake. But I just nodded. “Will do.”
I checked my phone as soon as Marcus left. He said he was going to see his friends, but I was sure he was going to tell his mother how the plan was going. The recording was great and clear, especially the portion where he said he led the household.
Celia got there around ten. “Okay, tell me what dumpster fire we need to put out,” she asked.
I played the tape from the night before. Celia listened, and her eyes got bigger. “Oh my God, Abby. This is clearly a scam. “We can take them to court.”
“We can, but I would rather not suit right away. I want them to learn a lesson that will last forever.
“Whoa, the lioness has finally come out. I always told you that you were too kind. Let’s look at what we have. We have one tape featuring the mother-in-law and another featuring Marcus. You own the condo, but he paid for it and has the receipts.
“Hold on a second. He officially put up the cash. But it was really mine. Do you remember the trust fund my dad made for me? I offered Marcus that money, apparently for something we both wanted, but he took it out in cash, as if it were his, and dramatically delivered it to the seller right in front of his mother. I believed he just wanted to impress her.
“What about the transfer from your account to Marcus’s?”
“Of course.” The bank took care of everything.
“Great. Celia put papers on the table and said, “That’s our smoking gun.” “Okay, pay attention. First, move all of your money to accounts that Marcus doesn’t know about. Second, make your stake in your father’s business official. Third, get more proof. And most importantly, don’t show anything. “Be the cute wife until everything is ready.”
There was a knock at the door. My dad had come with the notary. Dr. Miller, an older guy with gray hair and a sharp suit, put the papers on the table. “So, we make the donation of forty-nine percent of the shares in Miller Engineering and the transfer of the property at Republic Avenue 245 official, right?””
I nodded.
“And this other document,” my father said, “is a power of attorney that lets you handle the other fifty-one percent in case I become temporarily unable to do so. “Just in case.”
My dad pulled me aside while the paperwork was being signed. “Now, are you going to tell me what’s going on?””
I let him listen to the recording. He listened in silence, and his expression became more severe. He finally said between clenched teeth, “The devils.” “I know you can do this on your own.” You’re just like your mother: strong and determined. You would make her proud. But I’m right here if you need anything.
By the time the sun went down, all the papers were ready. The money had been moved to new accounts, and I had a fantastic strategy in place. All that was left to do was carry it out.
I went to the store to get what I needed for dinner. Does Veronica eat everything? I thought it was perfect. She’ll eat anything. I got chicken gizzards for the broth, rice, and margarine instead of butter. I also bought a can of expired corned beef, which I was quite happy about. She claims I can’t cook? We will see.
I got to work when I came back to the condo. To make the soup spicy, I added many bay leaves and peppercorns. I cooked the rice too long, and it looked like glue. I combined the canned meat with boiling potatoes and mayonnaise to make something that looked somewhat like tuna salad. The last treasure was a cake with ladyfingers and a filling of sugar and margarine. I said, “A work of art,” and I was pleased.
Marcus got there at seven, and Veronica showed up there at seven-thirty, wearing a new pantsuit, her hair perfect, and smelling excellent. She said, “Abby, darling,” and blew a kiss in the air. “And what’s for dinner? I haven’t eaten anything all day. You know, the food plan.
I started to prepare the table with a look of innocence on my face. The broth arrived first. Veronica took a drink and then coughed right away. “What is this?””
“Spices. The recipe is from my grandma. “She was from the country,” I said without a care.
“Ah, the country.” Okay.
The ice cream came next. The mother-in-law glanced at the grayish lump on her plate with disgust.
“It’s rice that’s been cooked too long.” Very helpful for your stomach.
“No, thank you. “I’m on a diet,” she said, and she didn’t even touch the tuna salad since she said she was allergic to mayonnaise. And when I proudly brought out the cake, Veronica got up from the table. “You know, I’m not feeling well today. It must be the stress from yesterday. “Marcus, take me to the car.”
I went to the window as soon as they departed. From there, I could see Veronica waving her arms around angrily and telling her son off while he tried to explain himself. Finally, she got in her car and drove off.
Marcus came back with a frown. “Hey, Abby? What was that?“
“What thing?”“
“That meal. You did that on purpose to spoil it.
“Why would you say that?” “I worked so hard.”
“My mom says they don’t even serve that kind of food in basic training.”
“Excuse me? I didn’t know your mom was so fragile. You said she ate everything.
“Everything, but not trash!””
“How can you speak to me this way, Marcus! I cooked all day!” A tear fell from my eye. My college drama classes weren’t a waste of time.
Marcus relaxed right away. “I’m sorry, dear. I went too far. My mom is just used to a particular level of quality.
“I get it now. I won’t make dinner for your mom again.” She can bring her food if mine isn’t good enough.”
“Don’t be like that.” Tomorrow, I’ll take you out to eat.
I said, “We’ll see,” and then I went to our room.
The next few days went by in a peculiar way. Marcus whined about little things, asked for a record of the money spent, and hinted that they should register his half of the property. I acted like a hurt but obedient wife while gathering proof. My phone, which was always recording, became my best friend. One night, I found a diamond. In the living room, Marcus and his friend Malik were sipping beers.
“Think about it, Malik. My old lady made a scheme to get Abby’s condo. Isn’t that amazing?”
“Is the girl rich or something?””
“Not really, she’s simply okay. But I paid for the condo, and it’s in her name. In about a year, I’ll be free as a bird, divorced, and living in the same place.
“What if she decides to take you to court?”
“Where do I sue you? Her dad is a working stiff who doesn’t have two dimes to rub together for lawyers. In two days, my mom and I will confront her aggressively.
I grinned as I sat in the next room. You say you’re working stiff? We’ll see about that, my dear.
I decided I had enough proof a week later. It was time to do something.
I called my mother-in-law first. “Hey Veronica, it’s Abby.” I wanted to say please excuse that supper. Can you come over tomorrow? “I’m going to make something special.”
“Oh, Abby? I don’t know.
“Please. I want to make our relationship better.” You’re like a second mom to me.”
That last sentence seemed to make Veronica feel positive. “Okay, then.” I’ll be there. But I want you to know that I’m quite picky about eating.
“Of course.” I’ll do my best.
After that, I called Celia. “Are you ready for the big day tomorrow?”
“More than ready.” I have all the paperwork and a small present for your mother-in-law.
“What present?””
“Wait and see.” It will be a big deal.
That night, I told Marcus that his mom had said yes to the offer. “Really? Mom’s arriving after dinner?”
“I got her to believe me. I told her that I want us to get along.
“Excellent.” That’s the appropriate way to think. “Mom loves it when you respect her.”
“I’ve seen. Hey, Marcus, what are your thoughts on inviting a couple more people? Consider inviting some of your friends.
“Why?””
“To make it more exciting.” I enjoyed dinner with my family.
After a week, I decided I had enough proof. It was time to do something.
I called my mother-in-law first. “Hey Veronica, it’s Abby.” I wanted to say please excuse that supper. Can you come over tomorrow? “I’m going to make something special.”
“Oh, Abby? I don’t know.
“Please. I want to make our relationship better.” You’re like a second mom to me.”
That last sentence seemed to make Veronica feel positive. “Okay, then.” I’ll be there. But I want you to know that I’m quite picky about eating.
“Of course.” I’ll do my best.
After that, I called Celia. “Are you ready for the big day tomorrow?”
“More than ready.” I have all the paperwork and a small present for your mother-in-law.
“What present?””
“Wait and see.” It will be a big deal.
That night, I told Marcus that his mom had said yes to the offer. “Really? Mom’s arriving after dinner?”
“I got her to believe me. I told her that I want us to get along.
“Excellent.” That’s the appropriate way to think. “Mom loves it when you respect her.”
“I’ve seen. Hey, Marcus, what are your thoughts on inviting a couple more people? Consider inviting some of your friends.
“Why?””
“To make it more exciting.” We enjoyed dinner with the family.
Veronica turned pale. Marcus got up. “Abby? What is that? Where did you find that?”
“Oh, my dear husband, I was hiding under the bed.” I tried to play a trick on you, but it looks like you got the last laugh.
“That… that’s a setup!”” Veronica yelled. “It’s not real!””
“Really? Is this false, too? I played the tape of Marcus talking to Malik. Talia glanced at her husband with hatred. “And that’s not all.”
The doorbell rang. Celia came in with a folder in her hand. “Good evening. My name is Celia Brooks, and I’m a lawyer. “Veronica, this document is for you.” She gave her an envelope.
Veronica grasped it with shaking hands. “What is this?“
“A complaint of a crime.” I looked into it a little bit. It turns out that the death of your late husband wasn’t as natural as it seemed. A healthy man dies of a heart attack just one month after his wife puts all of their money in her name. And by the way, there wasn’t an autopsy. You wanted to be cremated. But I have the testimony of a nurse who observed you putting something into your husband’s IV.
It was a total bluff. But Veronica didn’t know that. She got much paler and fell into her chair. “That’s not true! I didn’t do anything!”
Marcus couldn’t move. “Mom, is what she says about Dad true?”
I walked over to my spouse. “Marcus, here are the papers: the transfer from my account to yours, the money you used to buy the condo—my money. And here’s my father’s tax return. He works as the head engineer for a defense company and makes a lot of money. These are the documents for our genuine condo in downtown Atlanta, not the crap your mom went to look at in the suburbs. And you know what else? I could contact the cops right now and tell them that both of you are committing fraud. But I won’t.”
“Why?” “Why?” Marcus asked in a quiet voice.
“Because I’m not like you. I’m going to give you one chance. Veronica is going to stand up right now. She will depart and never come back into my life. If I ever see or hear anything about you again, I will tell the police right away. This is not only about the condo scam.
Veronica got up, but she was wobbly. Marcus responded, “Go, Mom,” in a voice that showed he had given up. “Just go.” The mother-in-law slammed the door behind her as she left.
The guests were shocked. Talia was the first to respond. “Malik, we’re going too. And we’re going to talk about your role in all of the events at home. They left. Amare said a strange goodbye and then left.
Marcus, Celia, and I were the only ones left.
“Abby, I—” Marcus said.
“Don’t say anything. Just get your things and leave.” We’ll file for divorce tomorrow.”
“But couldn’t we strive to make it better?”
“Fix what, Marcus? That you turned against me? Could it be that you and your mother were plotting to defraud me? Do you believe that I am a country bumpkin? No, dear. You don’t fix that.
He left, and I finally let myself cry. Celia hugged me and said, “You’re amazing, girl.” A real warrior.
“You know, Celia, I loved him.” I had faith in him.
“I know.” But it’s better to know the truth now than to wait years.
The divorce was short and not very loud. Marcus didn’t say anything, perhaps because he was afraid of a controversy. Veronica was gone. People reported she had moved to Savannah to live with a sister. I stayed in my condo to heal and start over. I discovered a strength I never thought I possessed in that new beginning.
