Natasha always felt blessed to have Marlene, her mother-in-law, treat her like a cherished daughter. But when Marlene’s odd behavior started surfacing, Natasha grew increasingly worried. The revelation of the truth left her in utter disbelief.
It began like any other weekend with tea and cake at the in-laws’ place. Ever since marrying Jake, Marlene had embraced Natasha with open arms.
My MIL Asked Me to Help Cover Her Debt – I Was Horrified When I Found Out What She Was Hiding
Marlene fondly called Natasha the daughter she never had, and her heartfelt speech at their wedding had everyone in tears.
Realizing the rarity of a loving mother-in-law relationship, Natasha knew she was fortunate, especially when compared to her sister’s constant clashes with her own mother-in-law.
Her sister’s household was a battlefield of bickering and disagreements, with her brother-in-law as the unwilling peacemaker.
My MIL Asked Me to Help Cover Her Debt – I Was Horrified When I Found Out What She Was Hiding
But Natasha had Marlene, who showered her with love, taught her to cook Jake’s favorite dishes, and shared secret family recipes.
Everything was perfect and harmonious.
My MIL Asked Me to Help Cover Her Debt – I Was Horrified When I Found Out What She Was Hiding
Then Marlene’s behavior started to shift. The once vibrant woman who loved family gatherings now preferred to be alone.
“I just want to stay home, Natasha,” she said during a planned nail salon outing.
“That’s okay,” Natasha replied, concerned by Marlene’s unusual reservation. “But are you alright?”
Marlene smiled faintly, her eyes veiled with unease, and watched Natasha choose her nail color in silence.
My MIL Asked Me to Help Cover Her Debt – I Was Horrified When I Found Out What She Was Hiding
Typically, Marlene would ask about work gossip or inquire about Natasha’s sister’s pregnancy efforts. But today, something was off.
“I’m fine, sweetheart,” Marlene assured, though her demeanor suggested otherwise.
“And your health?” Natasha pressed, genuinely worried.
My MIL Asked Me to Help Cover Her Debt – I Was Horrified When I Found Out What She Was Hiding
“Perfectly fine,” Marlene replied, rummaging through her handbag.
Still, Natasha sensed something was deeply wrong.
At their next family dinner, hosted by Marlene and her husband Frank, Marlene was conspicuously absent.
“I’ve cooked everything,” she informed Natasha upon arrival. “But I’m extremely tired. You may reheat the dishes just before dinner.”
My MIL Asked Me to Help Cover Her Debt – I Was Horrified When I Found Out What She Was Hiding
“Where are you going?” Natasha asked as Marlene prepared tea.
“I’m going to lie down. I need to finish my book club write-up first. We read Jane Eyre; it took me back to my youth.”
My MIL Asked Me to Help Cover Her Debt – I Was Horrified When I Found Out What She Was Hiding
With that, Marlene left.
During dinner, Natasha offered to take a plate to Marlene.
“No, don’t,” Frank interjected. “She’ll eat later. She has been eating late nowadays.”
My MIL Asked Me to Help Cover Her Debt – I Was Horrified When I Found Out What She Was Hiding
This puzzled Natasha since Marlene always preferred early meals.
“I’ll check on Mom after dinner,” Jake said, pouring Natasha a glass of wine. “You relax and eat.”
As they departed that evening, Marlene remained upstairs. When Natasha went to say goodbye, she found her bundled up in bed.
Which brings us to this afternoon.
My MIL Asked Me to Help Cover Her Debt – I Was Horrified When I Found Out What She Was Hiding
Natasha was icing a cake when Marlene entered, inhaling the aroma of blooming azaleas.
“Oh, I love that smell,” she sighed, trembling as she sat at the table.
My MIL Asked Me to Help Cover Her Debt – I Was Horrified When I Found Out What She Was Hiding
“Would you like some tea?” Natasha asked, setting the kettle on.
Marlene nodded, her use of Natasha’s full name – something she rarely did – catching Natasha off guard.
Pretending not to notice, Natasha brewed the tea, hoping Marlene would open up.
And Marlene did, with a revelation that floored Natasha.
My MIL Asked Me to Help Cover Her Debt – I Was Horrified When I Found Out What She Was Hiding
“I need to tell you something important,” Marlene began hesitantly. “Frank’s in deep trouble. He’s been gambling and now owes a lot of money. It would devastate him if he knew I told you.”
Marlene’s eyes, once warm, now brimmed with desperation.
“But Frank doesn’t frequent casinos,” Natasha interjected, knowing his occasional bets were his version of gambling.
My MIL Asked Me to Help Cover Her Debt – I Was Horrified When I Found Out What She Was Hiding
“Online gambling,” Marlene revealed. “He’s always on the computer now.”
Marlene gripped the tea cup, lamenting how their debts escalated despite her thriftiness, casting a dark shadow over their lives.
“I’m too old for this,” she sighed, defeated.
My MIL Asked Me to Help Cover Her Debt – I Was Horrified When I Found Out What She Was Hiding
Natasha’s heart ached for her. She gazed out the window, contemplating how to help without exacerbating the situation.
She knew she couldn’t let Marlene leave without assistance. Even if Jake remained unaware, he would eventually understand.
Reaching into the dish towel drawer, Natasha retrieved their savings for a new car.
But just as she was about to hand it over, Jake burst in.
My MIL Asked Me to Help Cover Her Debt – I Was Horrified When I Found Out What She Was Hiding
One look at the envelope darkened his expression.
“Really?” he admonished Marlene. “You involved Natasha in this?”
“Don’t give her anything!” Jake snapped, grabbing the envelope.
Marlene’s face crumpled in distress.
“Jake, how could you?” she murmured.
“Tell her the truth,” Jake demanded.
My MIL Asked Me to Help Cover Her Debt – I Was Horrified When I Found Out What She Was Hiding
Tears welled in Marlene’s eyes.
“I’m sorry, honey,” Jake said to Natasha. “There’s no gambling debt. Mom was scammed by someone online. I discovered it during our last family dinner.”
Jake recounted the event – Marlene’s laptop, a message from the scammer, and his promise to her.
My MIL Asked Me to Help Cover Her Debt – I Was Horrified When I Found Out What She Was Hiding
Marlene broke down, sobbing.
“I felt so alone,” she confessed through tears. “Frank is distant; our romance is dead. This man pretended to care. I thought he needed help. I didn’t mean for this.”
“Why, Mom? Why not come to us? Or even Natasha, your closest confidante?” Jake questioned gently.
“I was ashamed,” Marlene admitted, looking down. “I couldn’t face your disappointment.”
Conflicted, Jake held his head, torn between protecting his father and supporting his mother.
Jake continued, revealing Marlene’s interaction with the scammer and his advice to her.
My MIL Asked Me to Help Cover Her Debt – I Was Horrified When I Found Out What She Was Hiding
“That’s when I informed Mom it was a scam. He was exploiting her,” Jake said.
Realizing the severity, they decided to include Frank in the conversation.
Frank’s face was etched with shock and pain.
“Marlene, how did this happen?” he asked softly. “Was I so neglectful?”
My MIL Asked Me to Help Cover Her Debt – I Was Horrified When I Found Out What She Was Hiding
Marlene wept, apologizing.
“I never wanted to hurt you,” she said, reaching for his hand, but he pulled away.
As a family, they resolved to get Marlene therapy to address her isolation and vulnerability to scams.
My MIL Asked Me to Help Cover Her Debt – I Was Horrified When I Found Out What She Was Hiding
Over time, Frank joined her sessions, committed to mending their marriage.
Jake, meanwhile, struggled with his feelings of betrayal.
Natasha hoped he would forgive Marlene soon.
My MIL Asked Me to Help Cover Her Debt – I Was Horrified When I Found Out What She Was Hiding
What would you do?
If you enjoyed this story, here’s another for you |
When Emilia’s daughter, Ruby, was three weeks old, her in-laws showed up uninvited, revealing a shocking truth about the baby’s name.
Read the full story here.
This story is inspired by real events but fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details are altered for privacy. Any resemblance to actual persons or events is coincidental and not intended by the author.
The author and publisher make no claims to event accuracy or character portrayal and are not liable for misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is.” Any opinions are those of the characters and do not reflect the author’s or publisher’s views.