When Maya’s inheritance came through, her future mother-in-law saw dollar signs
When Maya’s inheritance came through, her future mother-in-law saw dollar signs—and handed her a list of extravagant gifts she “owed” to join the family. But Maya had a lesson of her own to teach. As betrayal unraveled and love disintegrated, she gave them one final, unforgettable gift.
I thought my relationship with Brandon was everything.
Until his mother revealed who she really was.
We had been together for three years, and when he proposed, I said yes without a second thought. Our life was simple but full: a cozy apartment, quiet evenings with our cat, Milo, and dreams of a future we were building brick by brick.
Then my grandmother passed away.
It gutted me.
She had practically raised me. She was strong, kind, wise—the woman I aspired to become. Her passing left a hole in me I couldn’t begin to fill.
But she kept her promise. “Maya, my girl,” she used to say, “I’ll always take care of you—even when I’m gone.”
And she did.
She left me $500,000.
I wasn’t prepared for it. I wasn’t even thinking about money. But when Brandon’s mom, Tricia, found out?
Suddenly, she was full of ideas. None of them involved me.
It started a week after Brandon told his family about the inheritance.
We were having Sunday dinner at his parents’ place. Tricia pulled me aside, her voice syrupy-sweet and her smile perfectly rehearsed.
“I know you’re grieving, sweetheart,” she said, handing me an envelope. “But life goes on. And I think it’s time we talked about your role in the family now that you’re marrying Brandon.”
I thought it might be a letter of support. Maybe a sentimental family recipe. Anything but... what I found inside.
It was a list.
A demand list.
Gifts I was expected to buy as Brandon’s fiancée to be “fully accepted” into their family.
I scanned the page, stomach twisting.
A $10,000 Cartier bracelet “to show my love and gratitude” to Tricia.
A brand-new car for Brandon’s younger sister, Chloe.
A $20,000 “family loan” for a kitchen remodel.
A Rolex for Brandon’s dad.
A luxury family vacation for ten. First-class, of course.
A recurring $2,000 monthly contribution “to support the family’s well-being.”
My cheeks burned. I looked back up at Tricia, thinking this had to be a joke.
“You’re joking... right?” I asked, barely able to smile.
Her smile didn’t falter.
“Oh no, darling. This is what’s expected. You’re joining our family now. It’s a blessing—for all of us.”
Then she delivered the line that sealed her fate:
“If you really love my son, you’ll do this.”
I didn’t yell. I didn’t argue.
I smiled.
“Of course,” I said, saccharine. “Family takes care of family. I’d be honored.”
Her eyes sparkled with greed.
“I knew you’d understand.”
That night, back in our apartment, I sat across from Brandon. The envelope lay between us like a live grenade. Milo purred on the rug. I was numb.
“I said yes,” I told him. “I agreed to everything on her list.”
He looked at me, puzzled. “That’s... good?”
“Is it?”
He shrugged. “You know how my mom is. It’s just a gesture.”
I stared at him.
“That’s what she called it too. A gesture that happens to cost more than a hundred grand.”
Brandon rubbed the back of his neck. “My parents are just under a lot of stress. They’re not trying to hurt you.”
I flinched.
“They’re not struggling, Brandon. Your mother didn’t ask for help—she saw an opportunity and handed me an invoice.”
He had no words. Just silence.
“If they had treated me like family, I would’ve wanted to help. But this? This was manipulation.”
He sighed, clearly wishing I’d just let it go.
“You’re right,” I said quietly. “I’m overthinking it.”
He relaxed. “Exactly.”
I nodded. “I’m going to bed. Don’t forget to feed Milo.”
What I didn’t say was: I have a better gesture in mind.
The following Sunday, I returned to Tricia’s house—with gifts.
She was giddy, her hands clasped like a kid on Christmas morning. One by one, I handed them out.
To her? A Cartier box—inside, a plastic bracelet from the dollar store.
To Chloe? A toy car, complete with cartoon flames on the side.
Brandon’s dad got a knockoff Rolex that ticked louder than a wall clock.
For the family vacation? A brochure for a local budget bus tour.
And... (continue reading in the 1st comment)
