When my mother-in-law discovered I was earning $4,000 each month, she insisted on bringing my three brothers- in-law from the countryside to live with us and compelled me to serve them.
When my mother-in-law learned I earned $4,000 monthly, she invited my three brothers-in-law to live in our Austin apartment, expecting me to serve them. Our home became chaotic, with dishes piling up and constant demands. Daniel, my husband, didn’t intervene. Exhausted, I packed my bags and left a note: “I married you, not your family.” I returned to my hometown in Nebraska.
In Lincoln, I found peace, reconnected with friends, and started financial planning for a local startup. A week later, Daniel arrived, admitting his brothers had wrecked the apartment and pawned his tools. He’d failed to protect me but begged for a chance. I demanded proof of change.
Back in Austin, without me, the household collapsed. The brothers fought, and the landlord issued warnings. Daniel finally confronted his mother and evicted his brothers, declaring, “Mary is my wife, not your servant.” He called me, resolute: “They’re gone. I won’t lose you.”
When I returned, the apartment was clean, and Daniel had cooked dinner. His effort showed his commitment. His brothers left, his mother’s visits dwindled, and we rebuilt our marriage with boundaries. My departure, with just a suitcase and self-respect, restored my independence and strengthened our partnership.
