After the Split-up, I Spurned His Third Try1

My future mother-in-law was always trying to control me.

At our engagement party, she pressured me to sign a contract guaranteeing I'd have a son.

My dad and I flipped the table.

I snapped, "Who's giving birth to a son? Who's guaranteeing it? Well, guess what? This wedding is off!"

After the breakup, I won 30 million dollars in the lottery, and our house was up for redevelopment.

Turned out, that dumping my ex could bring me good luck.

*****

The day before the engagement party, Erasmo Page told me his parents wanted to meet with me alone, and he specifically said I didn't need to bring my parents.

I was a bit puzzled, but I still went.

"Madeline, eat more celery. It's good for your health," said Erasmo's mother, Emma Page.

She picked up a piece of celery in my plate.

I frowned because she didn't use the serving kitchenware, and it seemed like she was trying to make a point.

I thought about it. Since she was an elder, it wouldn't be good to embarrass her.

I said, "Emma, I'll eat the celery, but it doesn't look like it's doing much.

"Erasmo, you should have more of it."

I ignored Emma's sour expression and piled a bunch of celery into Erasmo's plate.

Emma grabbed my hand.

She said earnestly, "Erasmo has never done housework. Madeline, you'll have to work hard from now on."

I smiled slightly.

I said, "Emma, no one is born knowing how to do housework. Don't worry, Erasmo is smart. He'll learn quickly."

Seeing that I wasn't playing along, she was furious.

I realized then that she was trying to test me. No wonder she didn't want my parents there. She wanted to see how much I would put up with.

I loved Erasmo, so as long as he treated me well, it would be fine.

Thus, I turned a blind eye to her odd behavior.

But just when things seemed to settle down, she started up again.

Emma gave me a shrimp, telling me to eat more.

Erasmo knew I was allergic to seafood, and he had told his parents.

So, she was doing this on purpose.

When I hesitated to pick up the shrimp, Erasmo nudged me.

He whispered, "My mom gave it to you, just eat it. Why are you being so difficult?"

I said, "Sorry, I'm allergic to seafood. I can't eat it."

Emma stared at me like I'd committed some terrible crime.

Erasmo furrowed his brow.

He whispered angrily, "It's just an allergy. Eat it already. Everyone's watching."