He Gave Mom a Fake Card, I Gave Him Divorce Papers novel
After my mom retired, she worried that my job would keep me too busy, so she often came over to help cook and clean.
To make things easier for her, I asked my husband, Declan Blackwood, to get her an elevator access card.
He agreed right away, saying, Dont worry, honey. Whatever concerns Mom are my responsibility too. Ill handle it!
But later, I noticed she was still climbing the stairs every single time, arriving at my door out of breath.
When I asked why she wasnt using the card, she wiped the sweat from her forehead and said, Sweetie, the card Declan gave me doesnt work very well. I tried it several times, but the light never turns on.
I turned around and questioned Declan, but he simply slipped an arm around my shoulder and replied, Oh, property management told me the systems been acting up. A bunch of neighbors already complained! But dont worry, honey. I already pushed them to fix it. Mom just has to wait a few more days.
However, that night, I overheard my mother-in-law speaking in a low voice. Declan, tell me the truth. Did you really make a card for her mother?
That card has door access, she continued. If her poor relatives got their hands on it and came upstairs to steal things, what then?
I heard Declan let out a short, mocking laugh. Mom, relax. I gave her a fake one. Even if she swipes it for a hundred years, the elevator wont move. How could I dare give her a real one? Who knows who shed lend it to?
My mother-in-law let out a satisfied chuckle. Oh, my son really is smart. Quick on his feet.
I stood in the entryway, feeling every drop of blood in my body rush backward.
So, theyd been treating my mom like a thief this whole time.
And they seemed to forget that the deed to this apartment only had my name on it.
Quickly, I turned around and dialed the real estate agent. Hello, help me list a property for sale.
When I hung up, the two of them were still chatting away.
Declan sounded even more proud than before as he said, Besides, isnt it normal for her mom to help out with cooking and cleaning? Shes retired anyway. Might as well move around and keep her joints active. An elevator card? For what? Climbing a few stairs wont kill her
My mother-in-law chimed in right away. Exactly! Climbing stairs is good exercise. Back in our day, we went through much worse. She thinks shes that precious?
I stood by the doorway, feeling the cold spread through my chest. Every word they said cut into me like a knife.
How could they speak with such confidence? Did they forget that when Declans business failed, it was my mom who secretly gave him the bank card containing her life savings? Did they forget that the last time my mother-in-law was hospitalized, it was my mom who ran around taking care of everythingcooking soup, bringing meals, staying overnight until her eyes were red from exhaustion?
My mom treated them like family. She gave without asking for anything in return. But behind her back, they treated her like a cheap, disposable maid.
Just then, I heard my mom call from the kitchen.
Declan, Ruby, dinners ready! And dear in-law, the soups done. Come have a hot bowl!
Her voice hit me like boiling water splashed on a fresh wound.
I took a deep breath and forced my eyes shut for a moment.
No. I wasnt going to let this go. They were going to pay everything back with interest.
After fixing my expression, I walked into the living room.
On the dining table were four dishes and a soup, all steamingeverything my mom had spent her whole afternoon preparing.
My mother-in-law had already made herself comfortable in the main seat. She picked at the stir-fried vegetables closest to her, and her face instantly twisted. Oh, look at all this oil. How am I supposed to eat this? People with high blood pressure and high cholesterol cant touch this stuff!
Ruby's POV
My mom paused halfway through serving the rice. Her smile stiffened.
My mother-in-law lifted her eyelids, grabbed a piece of braised pork, and chewed twice before grimacing.
This meat is so tough. Completely overcooked. Its like chewing on wood. No offense, in-law, but your cooking really needs improvement. Our Declan has a sensitive stomach. He cant handle food like this.
Watching her pick apart every dish on the table, I remembered what she and Declan had said earlier in the bedroom, and I felt my temper flare in an instant.
I set my bowl down on the table with a sharp, crisp sound and said, If you want to eat, then eat. If you dont, then dont touch it. No one begged you to. If you think its too oily, theres water over there. Go rinse it yourself. And if you think the meat is too tough, then buy your own tomorrow and cook it the way you like.
My mother-in-law clearly didnt expect me to fire back. She froze for a moment before turning to Declan, who was still silently shoveling food into his mouth.
Declan! Look at your wife! Is that how she talks to me? Cant I even say a word now? Im doing this for your own good! she complained.
Declan quickly looked up, putting on his usual peacemaker face. He tugged lightly at my arm and reasoned, Ruby, just stop. Mom means well.
Seeing his fake concern made my stomach twist.
Means well? What she had was not kindness. It was deep-rooted contempt dressed up as concern.
I ignored his attempt to smooth things over and looked straight at him. Declan, when exactly is the property management office going to fix the elevator card situation? My mom cant keep climbing eight floors forever. What did they say today?
A flicker of panic flashed across his face, but he slipped back into his innocent act immediately. He then wrapped his arm around my shoulders and cooed, Honey, why bring this up again? Well, I asked after work today. The manager said the systems still being tested. A ton of residents complained lately. They said we just need to wait at most a week. Definitely fixed by then.
A week? I brushed his hand off and let out a cold laugh. My mom comes here three or four times a week, and we live on the eighth floor. Thats sixteen flights of stairs each visit. Her knee still hurts from her old injury. How exactly is she supposed to wait?
My mother-in-law jumped in, her tone full of sarcasm. Whats wrong with climbing stairs? Its good exercise! Our generation went through so much worse. Im sure your mom isnt that delicate.
Despite that, I ignored her and kept my eyes on Declan. Then, suddenly, I shifted the conversation. Since the property management office cant solve this anytime soon, lets do this instead. Your moms elevator card works perfectly, doesnt it? And she doesnt come often. So, why dont we let my mom use your moms card for now? And when your mom wants to visit, well climbing stairs once in a while is good exercise too, right?
The entire dining room went dead silent.
My mother-in-laws eyes flew wide open. Absolutely not! Why should my card go to her? Im supposed to climb stairs just to see my own son? Ruby, what are you trying to say?
Declans expression darkened. Clearly, he hadnt expected me to turn the tables.
Before he could speak, my mother-in-law slammed her hand onto the table and shot to her feet, pointing straight at my face. No! Absolutely not! Let me tell you, Ruby. Dont even think about it! My card is mine! No one touches it!
Declan rushed to hold her back while shooting me warning looks. Ruby, what nonsense are you talking about? How can we use Moms card? Property rules say one card per person. You cant just give it away!
Watching the two of them panic like they were protecting a national treasure, I felt the last sliver of hope inside me burn out completely.
Ruby's POV
My mom watched from the side. Terrified the argument would get worse, she quickly put down her chopsticks and hurried over to grab my arm. Ruby, thats enough. Just forget it. I can climb the stairs. Its fine, really. Just think of it as exercise.
Seeing her force a smile and humble herself like that, while the two people across from us looked at her with nothing but suspicion and disdain, filled me with a wave of sorrow so strong it nearly drowned me.
I gently patted her hand, telling her silently not to worry.
Then I lifted my head, letting my eyes sweep over Declan and his mother.
My mother-in-law shifted uncomfortably under my stare. She tried to act tough, but her voice trembled. W-what are you looking at? Theres nothing to discuss here!
I pulled the corner of my mouth into a cold smile and slowly stood up. Fine. Nothing to discuss, then. Declan, remember what you and your mom said today.
Without another glance at them, I took my moms hand and said softly, Come on, Mom. Lets go. No need to eat this meal.
Behind us, my mother-in-law immediately erupted into angry shouting, and Declan started muttering useless attempts to calm her down.
But I ignored all of it. I guided my mom straight to the entryway.
In that moment, everything became clear. This home was rotten from the foundation.
I crouched down and quickly pulled our shoes from the cabinet.
Mom looked at me anxiously, her voice small and uncertain. Ruby, dont do this. I'm really okay. Dont make trouble because of me.
I looked up and cut her off, firm and steady. Mom, Im staying with you tonight. Were going back to your place.
She had her own warm, tidy little apartment shed lived in for most of her life.
After retiring, she shouldve been enjoying her peace there, not being treated like this, not being talked down to.
Id tried persuading her many times before.
But every time, she would sigh, pat the back of my hand, and say, Ruby, I'm not asking for anything. Youre married now. Im just afraid youll be mistreated. I can handle the hard work. As long as youre okay, thats enough for me.
Thinking about that now felt like being stabbed in the heart.
All her kindness, all her sacrifices, and what she received in return wasnt gratitude but a deeper contempt.
Mom. I held her hand tightly and looked directly into her eyes. Starting today, you wont suffer because of me again. This house is not worth it.
Just then, Declan rushed over and grabbed my wrist hard. Ruby! Are you done yet? My mom just made a couple of comments! Was that really worth making such a scene? Shes still an elder. Cant you show some respect?
Respect? I yanked my arm free from his grip. Respect goes both ways. When you and your mom were acting like my mother was some kind of thief behind our backs, were you thinking about respect then?
His eyes flickered violently, and he shrank back as if someone had struck him. II dont know what youre talking about. Who treated your mom like alike a thief?
I stepped closer, cutting him off. Declan, how long are you planning to keep pretending? Do I need to spell it out? That elevator card, you had someone make a fake one on purpose, didnt you?
Color drained from his face instantly. His eyes darted around, not daring to meet mine or my mothers.
Suddenly, my mother-in-law shoved herself forward and barked, Ruby! What right do you have to accuse my son of that? Do you have any proof? You people are poor, so youre afraid others will look down on you. Thats why youre stirring up trouble here!
Oh? So, youre bold enough to do it, but not bold enough to admit it? Should I go to the property management office right now and test the card in front of you? Or maybe we should call the police and see what they think about forging a security access card? I challenged.
At that, Declans face burned red in anger.
Yeah, its a fake card! So what? Why should I get your mom a real one? Who knows if shell lend it to her poor relatives? And if something goes missing, whos responsible? You? Declan suddenly snapped.
Even though I had already suspected the truth, hearing him admit it so bluntly felt like a knife twisting into my chest.
Declan! I raised my hand, ready to slap him.
What? Did I say anything wrong? He countered and grabbed my wrist.
As if hed finally found the perfect punching bag, he began naggingevery word crueler than the last. Your mom is just a retired factory worker. Her whole family is either involved in farming in the countryside or working odd jobs in the city. Is there even one decent person among them? And Im wrong for being cautious? Ruby, let me tell you something. This house is our home, not a free hotel for your family!
Ruby's POV
Enough! My voice rang out sharper than I expected. I shoved him backward and stepped protectively in front of my trembling mother. Listen carefully, Declan. First, my mom owes you nothing. Youre the ones who owe her. Second, you said this house belongs to the two of us?
I paused, letting each word hit where it hurt most. It seems you forgot something. The deed, since day one, has only one name on it. This apartment is my premarital property. My mother spent her life savings to buy it for me. It has nothing to do with you or your mother.
Declans eyes flew wide open. His mouth hung uselessly, and no sound came out.
His mother looked even worse, like someone had grabbed her by the throat; disbelief and panic twisted across her face.
My voice unwavering, I continued, Since you dont want to be a family with us, fine. You have three days. Pack your things and move out of my home.
I then opened the door without hesitation and helped my mom outside.
Only when we were finally back in her apartment did the tension that had held me together all evening begin to loosen.
I barely slept that night.
Mom, on the other hand, dozed lightly for a couple of hours. But by dawn, she was already sitting on the edge of the bed, looking at me with nothing but worry and exhaustion in her eyes.
I held her hand tightly, trying to reassure her without saying a word.
Then my phone rang with Declans name flashing across the screen.
As soon as I answered, his impatient voice came immediately. Hello? Ruby, are you still throwing a tantrum? Why isnt your mom here to cook? Im going to be late for work. Theres nothing in the fridge. Are you planning to starve me?
His tone was so matter-of-fact, so entitled, as if everything was back to normal, as if last night never happened, as if my mother waking up at dawn to cook for him was a natural, unchangeable routine.
I almost laughed from pure disbelief.
So, in his eyes, everything last night was just a minor mood swing?
And he still expected my mother to show up and serve him like some personal maid?
My voice turned icy as I replied, Declan, did you lose your memory, or do you really think I was joking last night?
He paused for a second before his voice sharpened with annoyance. Are you done yet, Ruby? It was just a small issue! Are you really going to hold a grudge over that? My mom said a few things, okay, fine. And I admitted the elevator card was fake, didnt I? What more do you want? Tell your mom to come over and cook, Im starving!
Listen carefully, Declan, I said slowly, every word cold and deliberate. First, my mother is not your familys maid. She has no obligation to cook for you. Second, I dont joke. I said you have three days to move out. Yesterday was day one. That means you only have two days left. Once the time is up, if you and your mother are still there, youll deal with the consequences.
Ruby! You, bitch
Declan finally realized I wasnt bluffing. His voice jumped from irritation to full-blown panic.
Yet I hung up on him without hesitation and immediately dragged his number into my blocklist.
For the next two days, I stayed with my mom, calming her emotions while also working nonstop with real estate agents.
On the afternoon of the third day, I received a call from Wesley Knight, the young agent who was helping me sell the apartment. His voice sounded cautious as he said, Mrs. Blackwood, we have a bit of a problem. We brought clients to view the apartment today, but your husband and an older woman blocked the door. They were very agitated. They kept shouting that the house isnt for sale, and anyone who tries to view it should get lost.
My eyes turned cold.
Of course. They chose the most shameless and unreasonable method of resistance.
Im sorry, Mr. Knight. This mustve caused you trouble. I forced my anger down and kept my voice steady. Everyone inside that apartment, including my husband, is staying there without my permission. Their presence is illegal. Ill handle this immediately.
The moment I ended the call, I grabbed my coat and keys with no hesitation.
It was time to clear out the parasites who had taken over my home.
Standing in front of the familiar security door, I took a long breath and unlocked it with my own key.
As soon as the door swung open, a mix of takeout containers and unfamiliar perfume hit me in the face.
At the entrance, a pair of glittery high heels, which were definitely not mine, were tossed carelessly on the floor.
The coffee table was buried under empty snack bags, instant noodle cups, and half-open takeout boxes with grease dried on the surface.
But the worst part was that there was a young woman I had never seen before who was lounging on my sofa, wearing my silk nightgown, one leg crossed over the other as she watched TV like she owned the place.
She looked barely twenty, with full makeup on, relaxed and completely at ease.
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