The ‘Dog’ I Saved is an Alpha: Saved his life became his slave

Sparkle 

I sat on the toilet, staring at yet another negative pregnancy test as tears trickled down my face. Though I was disheartened, I couldn't even have a moment to myself; I couldn’t even be sad in peace because Julia, my mother-in-law, stood on the opposite end of my bathroom door, hurling out the most hurtful words ever at me.

“I bet it’s negative again, right? It’s negative as always. Your womb is just as useless as yourself! How hard is it to conceive and give me my grandchildren? Damien should have never married you. You’re not good at anything, not even bearing children!” She’s always like this, always insulting me as if it takes one person to make a baby. Every time she does this, it hurts more than the last. I'm at my wits' end and ready to do anything to silence her voice forever.

I got up and stormed out of the bathroom. Enough is enough! This woman hasn’t spared me with her words and actions ever since I married her only son. I told Damien it was a bad idea to allow her to move in with us, but no, he wouldn’t listen. He never listens to me! It’s been like this for the past 4 years of marriage. I can’t take it anymore. She's stolen everything from me: my happiness, my peace, and my privacy.

I charged at her with tears welling up in my eyes and fire burning in my heart, “Guess what, Julia, it takes two to make a baby, and your son is the one shooting blanks. Guess your son isn’t a man after all,” I know I shouldn't have said that, but I was fed up.

Her face went red with fury, having heard me decimate her son with my words. Nobody likes the taste of their own medicine, yet they will happily serve it to their victims.

“How dare you talk about my son like that? Would you have married him if he weren’t a man?”

“I married him because I was a fool in love. If you think I’m lying, ask him yourself. Go and ask him why we don’t have kids.” I challenged her, hoping that she wouldn't do it.

She left my room, and that’s when I had the time to sit on my bed and weep. I didn’t plan on letting out Damien’s biggest secret, but his mother had pushed me way too far; I couldn’t hold back anymore. What makes it so painful is that Damien never jumped to my defense anytime she started these petty quarrels. He would ignore the two of us like we didn’t exist, and when I asked why, he would say that he didn’t want to get involved in ‘women’s issues.’ I never understood his nonchalance when it came to issues concerning his mother and her ill-treatment towards me.

I wiped my tears and checked the time, ‘6 AM’, this meant that Damien was back from his night shift and in an hour, mine would be starting.

I hurried to the kitchen to make breakfast, but found Damien already in the kitchen holding some packs of food.

“I brought you some breakfast.” He said with a warm smile and sat down. His smile soon dissolved when he noticed my tear-stained face. “Is everything alright?” he asked with concern before his face dropped, “Another negative test result?”

“Yes, but that’s not even the problem; your mother is making life unbearable for me. Are your sisters going through the same in their matrimonial homes? Why does it have to be me? What have I done to deserve this?”

“Chill… what happened?”

I couldn’t even speak fast enough before my mother-in-law came flying in like a kite ready to run her mouth.

“Damien, is it true that you’re shooting blanks?” 

My mouth dropped open. I didn’t think she would confront him in that manner; I thought revealing that secret would shut her up instead. Damien didn’t want anyone to know about this, and now he will think that I betrayed him. I wish I hadn't spoken when his mom verbally abused me, but I couldn't hold it anymore.

His face went pale like he had seen a ghost. He looked up at me, and I could see the disappointment and hurt looming in his eyes. How do I get him to understand that I am truly sorry and that his mother pushed me too far? How do I get him to take my side this time?

“I can explain, your mom pushed me to say this, I didn’t plan to let it out.” I began to ramble.

“So it’s true,” Julia exclaimed and started wailing so loudly. “Oh, where did we go wrong? Why is my only son shooting blanks? Oh heavens, who have I offended?” she dramatically started to weep, and I could now see why Damien didn't want her to know about it.

“I trusted you, you were supposed to be my wife!” He exclaimed.

“And I am! You just never protected me from your mom. She called my womb useless. Do you know how painful that is?” I yelled back.

“I only said that because she said you’re not man enough to get her pregnant.” She defended herself.

“That’s a lie,” I shrieked, “Julia, you’re a liar and a witch.” Before I could control my rage, I pushed her.

I could swear that it wasn’t even that hard a push, but this woman, being as dramatic as she’s always been, fell on the floor and rolled up and down. Damien rushed to her side and picked her up,

“Mom, are you okay?” He queried 

“She wants to kill me,” she muttered. They both looked up at me, and I just knew it was over for me.

“It’s not enough that you betrayed my trust; now you want to kill the only person who will never betray me in this life!” He accused me while I stood mute, struggling to find the right words to say. Damien used to be a great boyfriend, then he became my husband, and in most cases, he was great, but ever since his mother moved in, I don’t recognize the man I married anymore. He’s sweet until his mother walks into the scene, then he’s another person altogether.

I wanted to face the two of them, but I couldn’t risk being late for work, so I left in the middle of the chaos.

As I drove to work, my phone wouldn’t stop beeping, and I guessed it was Damien; he’s mad that I pushed his mom, but I’m not even sorry. That woman deserves worse than that.

The moment I pulled up in the parking lot of the veterinary clinic where I worked, I whipped out my phone to read his messages.

“You’re a monster. I never thought you could lay your hands on a poor old woman and insult her son. I don’t think this marriage serves any purpose anymore. I do not wish to be tied to such a heartless woman like you. No wonder you couldn’t get pregnant.” I read the message in awe. I couldn’t believe what I was reading. Did Damien type this rubbish? Was he seriously going to end a four-year marriage because of this?